Getting Married at Casa Proserpina, San Miguel de Allende: GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Casa Proserpina Boutique Hotel is an exquisite gem nestled in the heart of San Miguel de Allende, offering an intimate and luxurious setting for a truly bespoke wedding experience. Known for its meticulously designed interiors, stunning rooftop views, charming courtyards, and personalized service, it provides a sophisticated and private backdrop for couples dreaming of an elegant, intimate, and distinctly San Miguel destination wedding. This venue offers a perfect blend of historic colonial charm, modern amenities, and on-site accommodations, making it an ideal choice for a memorable celebration with a curated guest list.

As a boutique hotel, Casa Proserpina provides not only the stunning event spaces but also an integrated hospitality experience. Its in-house culinary team, dedicated event staff, and luxurious guest rooms streamline the planning process for couples. While offering the flexibility to incorporate external specialists for decor or entertainment, the hotel’s comprehensive services ensure a seamless and high-quality experience from accommodations to dining. The focus here is on providing a cohesive, exclusive, and unforgettable celebration where every detail is infused with the charm and elegance of San Miguel de Allende.

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Index

Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?

 

Casa Proserpina Boutique Hotel is an ideal venue for couples seeking an intimate, luxurious, and beautifully designed setting for a sophisticated destination wedding in San Miguel de Allende. If you envision a celebration with elegant interiors, charming courtyards, breathtaking rooftop views, and the convenience of on-site accommodations for your closest guests, this boutique hotel is an exceptional choice. It’s perfect for those who desire a highly personalized experience, integrated culinary excellence, and a central location that allows guests to immerse themselves in the city’s charm. Ideal for a romantic, exclusive, and unforgettable San Miguel wedding for a select guest list.

The hotel’s key highlights include its charming colonial architecture, exquisitely decorated suites, versatile courtyard and elegant salons for events, a stunning rooftop terrace with panoramic city views, and a commitment to personalized, high-touch service. Perfect for an intimate, stylish, and centrally located San Miguel wedding.

 

How Does a Wedding at Casa Proserpina Boutique Hotel Work?

 

Planning a wedding at Casa Proserpina Boutique Hotel typically involves:

Booking the Hotel: Securing your desired date, often requiring a full hotel buyout for exclusive use of the property and its rooms for a specific duration (e.g., 2-3 nights). This ensures ultimate privacy and allows guests to stay on-site.

In-House Catering & Services: Food and beverage services, along with some basic rentals (tables, chairs, linens), are typically handled by the hotel’s in-house culinary team. This simplifies coordination and ensures quality. Menu planning and tastings are conducted directly with the hotel’s event manager.

Hiring an External Wedding Planner (Recommended): While the hotel provides excellent on-site coordination for their services, an external planner is still highly recommended to manage overall design, external vendors (florals, specific decor, entertainment, photography/videography), guest travel logistics, and the seamless flow of multi-day events.

Vendor Coordination: Your planner coordinates access, setup, and teardown for all external vendors working within the hotel, adhering to the hotel’s policies and guidelines.

Guest Accommodation: A significant advantage is the ability for a select number of guests (often immediate family or wedding party) to stay directly on-site in the hotel’s luxurious suites. For larger guest lists, additional accommodations in nearby hotels or rental homes will be needed.

The process combines the ease of integrated hotel services with the flexibility to customize aspects of your celebration, providing a cohesive and luxurious experience.

 

Best Months to Get Married

 

The prime season for weather in San Miguel de Allende is during the dry months, from late October/early November through April/early May, ensuring optimal conditions for utilizing Casa Proserpina’s charming courtyards and breathtaking rooftop terrace. The rainy season (May-September) often brings afternoon/evening showers, which requires careful planning for outdoor ceremonies/cocktails and a robust backup plan, utilizing the hotel’s elegant indoor or covered areas.

 

The Basics of Wedding Planning (Boutique Hotel Model)

 

Casa Proserpina Boutique Hotel operates as a Luxury Boutique Venue, with wedding arrangements typically structured as follows:

Guest Stay Options: The hotel offers a limited number of exquisite suites for on-site guest accommodation, often requiring a full buyout for exclusive wedding use. Additional guests can stay in nearby hotels within walking distance.

Wedding Planning Structure:

Hotel Buyout/Venue Fee: A fee is paid for exclusive use of the property for a set period (e.g., 2-3 nights), which often includes the use of event spaces and a block of rooms.

In-House Services: Catering, basic rentals (tables, chairs, linens, standard tableware), and service staff are typically provided by the hotel’s in-house team. This is a per-person cost.

External Vendor Model (Partial): You contract certain key services externally – primarily decor (florals, specialty rentals), music, photography, videography.

Planning: The hotel has an event coordinator who manages the hotel’s services. A full-service external wedding planner is still highly recommended to oversee the overall vision, budget, external vendors, and multi-day logistics.

Additional Costs: Hotel buyout/venue fee, catering (per person), external vendors (planner, decor, music, photo/video, specialty rentals), guest travel (flights), airport transfers, optional hosted events elsewhere, legal/religious fees, personal items, tips.

This model offers a high degree of luxury and convenience with integrated services, while allowing for personalized touches through select external vendors.

 

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

 

Cost allocation generally follows traditional wedding standards, with adjustments for the boutique hotel model:

  • The couple typically pays for:
    • Hotel Buyout/Venue Fee (often including room nights and event space).
    • In-house Catering costs (per person, including food, beverages, and basic rentals).
    • External Planner fees (Highly Recommended).
    • Contracts for external vendors (photo, video, music, decor, officiant, specialty rentals).
    • Guest transportation *to the venue* on the wedding day (if needed for guests not staying on-site).
    • Guest transportation to and from the airport (BJX/QRO) for themselves and potentially for a subset of guests.
    • Optional hosted events (welcome party, brunch) at Casa Proserpina or elsewhere.
    • Their own travel (flights) and potentially covering specific room nights for guests included in the buyout.
    • Legal/religious fees.
    • Personal items.
  • Guests typically pay for:
    • Their flights to Guanajuato International Airport (BJX) or Querétaro International Airport (QRO).
    • Their accommodation booking if not covered by the couple’s buyout, or if staying off-site.
    • Local transportation in San Miguel for non-wedding events.
    • Any F&B not included in hosted events.
    • Optional extras (tours, shopping, dining in San Miguel).
    • Wedding gifts.

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations (Intimate Boutique Hotel)

 

Casa Proserpina Boutique Hotel is designed for intimate and luxurious celebrations:

Event Capacity: Comfortably hosts intimate to medium-sized weddings (e.g., 40 – 80 guests), utilizing its courtyard, elegant salons, and rooftop terrace.

Event Locations: Multiple exquisite and versatile options include:

Central Courtyard: Ideal for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or intimate dinners under the stars.

Elegant Salons/Dining Areas: Beautifully appointed indoor spaces suitable for reception dinners, dancing, or as a sophisticated weather backup.

Rooftop Terrace: Perfect for sunset cocktails, small ceremonies, or post-dinner mingling with stunning panoramic views of San Miguel de Allende.

Layout Flexibility: The hotel’s design allows for a sophisticated flow between different areas, offering distinct experiences throughout the event within a compact, luxurious footprint.

Accommodations: Casa Proserpina Boutique Hotel offers a limited number of luxurious suites on-site (typically 5-10 rooms), providing exclusive accommodation for the wedding couple and their closest family/friends, often as part of a full hotel buyout. For larger guest lists, additional lodging must be arranged by guests in nearby hotels or rental homes, all within the walkable historic center.

 

Ceremony and Reception Logistics (Boutique Hotel Coordination)

 

Logistics within Casa Proserpina are often streamlined due to the hotel’s integrated services:

Venue Navigation: The hotel’s compact, multi-level design facilitates an easy flow for guests between the courtyard, indoor spaces, and rooftop. The hotel’s event team guides the natural progression of the event.

Vendor Access: The hotel’s event manager will coordinate load-in/load-out times, access points for external vendors (florists, musicians, photographers), and ensure adherence to hotel rules. This is managed collaboratively with your external planner.

Setup: The hotel’s in-house team handles basic setup for catering and dining. External vendors (decor, specialized lighting, sound) coordinate with the hotel and your planner for their specific installations. Planning for setup across charming, multi-level spaces maximizes their unique character.

Guest Transportation: Many guests, especially those staying on-site or in nearby central hotels, can walk to the hotel. For guests staying further out, providing clear instructions for taxis/rideshares or arranging a small shuttle service for pick-up/drop-off is advisable. Airport transfers from BJX/QRO (1.5-2 hours) are guest’s responsibility or can be facilitated by your planner.

Location: Centrally located within the historic center, offering unparalleled convenience for guests to explore San Miguel on foot.

 

What’s Included in the Hotel Package?

 

Inclusions for a boutique hotel wedding package like Casa Proserpina are typically more comprehensive than a simple venue rental:

  • Exclusive use of the property (courtyards, salons, rooftop terrace) for the contracted event time, often requiring a full hotel buyout for 2-3 nights.
  • Includes a block of luxurious guest rooms for on-site accommodation (number of rooms varies by hotel size and buyout terms).
  • Includes in-house Food & Beverage service, tailored to your chosen menu (catering, bar, professional service staff).
  • Often includes basic catering rentals (plates, cutlery, standard glassware, house tables and chairs, standard linens).
  • Access to private getting-ready rooms for the couple.
  • Dedicated on-site hotel event manager for coordination of hotel services.
  • Basic power access and ambient lighting.
  • Includes required hotel cleaning and security fees.

Common exclusions (which you might source and pay for separately): Full event planning & design (beyond the hotel’s services), specialty rentals (upgraded chairs, elaborate linens, unique tableware, dance floor), all decor & florals, all entertainment (bands, DJs, mariachi), specialized lighting or sound systems, guest transportation (beyond walkability), legal/religious fees, permits (if required for extensive setups).

Obtain a detailed hotel event contract outlining the exact inclusions, permitted use of spaces, time limits, rules (noise, vendor access), and any additional fees.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies (Elegant Indoor/Covered Spaces)

 

Casa Proserpina Boutique Hotel offers elegant and seamless alternatives for weather contingencies:

Elegant Salons/Covered Courtyard: The hotel has beautifully appointed indoor spaces (e.g., dining rooms, lounges) or the central courtyard which can be covered, serving as sophisticated and comfortable alternatives for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or receptions.

Rooftop Coverage: While the rooftop is stunning, it might have partial or temporary coverage options for light rain, but a full indoor transition is usually the primary backup for heavy rain.

Hotel Staff & Planner Coordination: The hotel’s event manager works closely with your external planner to execute the backup plan smoothly, ensuring all necessary setup changes are handled efficiently by the hotel staff and external vendors.

Ensure your contract confirms the designated backup space and discuss the logistics and timing with your planner and the hotel event manager.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

 

Payment terms typically involve a single master contract with the hotel for venue, F&B, and rooms:

Hotel Buyout/Package: An initial deposit (often 30-50%) is required to secure the date and hotel buyout, with phased payments leading up to the event. The final balance is usually due closer to the event date (e.g., 30-60 days prior), based on the final guest count and room night confirmations.

External Vendors: Each external vendor (planner, music, photo/video, specialty decor) will have their own deposit and payment schedule as per their individual contracts.

Cancellation Policy: Hotel contracts have strict cancellation clauses with escalating penalties, potentially losing deposits or more depending on the timing. Vendor contracts also have their own cancellation terms. Comprehensive wedding insurance covering cancellation and liability is essential.

 

Coordination: Hotel Event Manager vs. External Planner

 

Understanding the crucial support system for a boutique hotel wedding:

Casa Proserpina Hotel Event Manager: Your primary contact for all things *related to the hotel’s services and property* – managing the hotel buyout, coordinating F&B, setting up hotel-provided rentals, overseeing hotel staff, ensuring hotel facilities are functional, and being present during the event for hotel-specific operations. They oversee the hotel’s scope of work.

External Wedding Planner (Highly Recommended): Provides personalized, comprehensive planning for the *entire wedding experience* and vision. This is vital for a seamless, luxurious event. They manage overall design, budget, source, hire, and coordinate *all* external vendors (florists, specialized decor, musicians, photographer, videographer, guest transportation for non-hotel guests), create detailed timelines for the full wedding weekend (including off-site events), coordinate guest communication (travel tips, accommodation options), manage logistics of bringing external elements into the hotel, oversee setup and teardown, handle crisis management, and act as your advocate and on-site manager for all aspects, ensuring a cohesive and stress-free celebration that blends hotel services with your personalized elements.

 

Dietary and Menu Restrictions (In-House Catering)

 

Handled by the hotel’s expert in-house culinary team:

Catering Provider: All food and beverage is exclusively provided by Casa Proserpina Boutique Hotel’s in-house culinary team.

Menu Customization: Offers high flexibility within the hotel’s culinary capabilities. You work directly with the hotel’s chef and event manager to design a bespoke menu tailored to your preferences, style, and budget, often incorporating local Mexican flavors with gourmet touches. Tasting sessions are typically part of the hotel’s wedding package.

Dietary Needs: The hotel’s culinary team is well-equipped to handle all dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies, etc.) as communicated by you and your planner. Discuss all needs in detail with the hotel’s event manager during menu planning.

 

Music and Entertainment Restrictions (Hotel & Neighbor Policies)

 

Entertainment policies are set by the hotel and influenced by its central location and residential neighbors:

Style: Welcoming to a range of entertainment suitable for a sophisticated setting, from mariachi trios, classical musicians, and jazz ensembles to professional DJs. The intimate scale of the hotel often lends itself well to live music that enhances the ambiance without overwhelming the space.

Curfews/Noise: As a boutique hotel in a residential area, there are likely strict noise curfews for amplified outdoor music (e.g., 10-11 PM, especially on the rooftop). Music typically transitions to an indoor salon or dedicated space for later hours, with volume carefully managed to respect hotel guests and neighbors. Discuss specific timing restrictions with the hotel event manager and your planner.

Vendor Policies: Standard hotel requirements for professional external vendors (insurance, access protocols, setup/teardown times). Your planner will coordinate this. Ensure power needs for bands/DJs are met and communicate with the hotel regarding sound system requirements.

 

Parking and Guest Logistics (Central Location Convenience)

 

Logistics for a centrally located boutique hotel wedding offer significant convenience:

Airport Transfers: Guests arrange transport from BJX or QRO (approx. 1.5-2 hours) via private shuttles or taxis, or this can be facilitated by your planner or the hotel concierge.

Accommodation: A core group of guests stay on-site in the hotel’s suites. Additional guests stay in nearby hotels or rental homes, often within walking distance.

Transport to Venue: For guests staying outside the immediate walking radius, taxis or rideshares are readily available. The central location means minimal need for complex shuttle services unless preferred.

Parking: As a boutique hotel in the historic center, on-site parking is likely very limited or non-existent. Guests arriving by car typically use public parking garages or designated street parking nearby (which can be challenging). Most guests will arrive by foot, taxi, or rideshare.

City Exploration: The hotel’s central location is a major advantage. Guests staying on-site or nearby can easily walk to explore the iconic Parroquia, El Jardín, art galleries, artisan shops, rooftop bars, and renowned restaurants.

 

Total Cost Breakdown (Boutique Hotel Package + Select External Vendors)

 

For an estimated wedding of 70 guests at Casa Proserpina Boutique Hotel:

Hotel Buyout/Venue Package: $10,000 – $30,000+ USD (Often includes 2-3 nights of all rooms and use of event spaces, depending on season and specific inclusions).

In-House Catering (Food & Beverage): $150 – $350+ USD per person ($10,500 – $24,500+ for 70), includes food, beverages (open bar options), service staff, and basic hotel catering rentals (plates, cutlery, glasses, standard tables/chairs/linens).

External Wedding Planner: $6,000 – $20,000+ (Highly Recommended for overall vision and external vendor management).

Decor & Florals (Specialty): $8,000 – $25,000+.

Music & Entertainment: $3,000 – $12,000+.

Photography/Videography (Luxury): $6,000 – $15,000+.

Specialty Rentals (Beyond Hotel Inclusions): $1,500 – $8,000+ (e.g., custom lounge furniture, elaborate dance floor, unique tableware).

Contingency, Service Charges (Catering/Hotel 15-20%+, Staff), Taxes (Hotel & Vendors): $6,000 – $18,000+.

Total estimated *event* cost (paid by couple) typically ranges from $45,000 – $152,500+ USD for 70 guests, reflecting the luxury hotel buyout, integrated in-house catering, and high-quality external vendors for a curated, intimate celebration.

 

Splurge vs. Save

Save: Opt for a mid-week or off-season date for the hotel buyout, choose a simpler in-house catering menu, utilize the hotel’s existing beautiful decor and basic rentals without adding extensive external elements, hire local musicians (e.g., mariachi for an hour, local DJ), limit hosted events to just the main wedding day within the hotel. Maximize the natural beauty and charm of the hotel’s spaces.

Splurge: Extend the hotel buyout for a full multi-day experience (e.g., 3-4 nights with welcome party and farewell brunch on-site), select the most premium in-house catering menus and top-shelf open bar packages, invest in elaborate custom florals, specialty lighting, and unique lounge setups, book renowned bands or multiple musical acts for different parts of the evening, provide luxury transportation for all guests to/from the airport and any off-site events. Create truly bespoke design elements that perfectly complement the hotel’s aesthetic.

 

Hotel & Catering Inclusions

 

Key components based on a comprehensive boutique hotel wedding package:

Hotel Buyout/Package includes: Exclusive use of the entire hotel property (courtyards, salons, rooftop terrace, lobby areas) for set hours/days, a specified number of luxury guest rooms for 2-3 nights, access to private bridal/groom suites for getting ready, and a dedicated on-site hotel event manager.

In-House Catering includes: All Food & Beverage service (customizable menus for reception dinner, cocktail hour, open bar options), professional service staff (waiters, bartenders), and typically basic in-house rentals (house tables, chairs, standard linens, standard dinnerware, glassware, cutlery).

Exclusions (must be sourced separately): Full event planning & design (beyond the hotel’s operational coordination), specialty rentals (e.g., upgraded chairs, custom dance floor, elaborate charger plates, specialty lighting/sound systems), all decor & florals, all entertainment (bands, DJs, mariachi), professional photography/videography, guest transportation (beyond walkability), legal/religious fees, permits (if needed for unique setups or late hours).

Verify all details in your comprehensive hotel wedding package contract and contracts with other key external vendors.

Activities for Other Days (Guests Staying On-Site & Nearby)

 

Guests staying at Casa Proserpina Boutique Hotel or in nearby central accommodations are perfectly positioned to enjoy the town’s offerings:

Within Walking Distance: Guests can easily walk to the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, relax in El Jardín main square, browse world-class art galleries and artisan shops, explore vibrant markets (Ignacio Ramírez, Artesanías), enjoy sophisticated rooftop bars with stunning city views, sample renowned restaurants, or take cooking classes. The hotel concierge can assist with reservations and recommendations.

Hotel Amenities: Guests can enjoy the hotel’s luxurious amenities, such as a spa (if available), a courtyard pool, relaxing lounges, or simply enjoying the exquisite design and attentive service. The hotel can also host intimate welcome dinners or farewell brunches.

Off-Site (Day Trips): Visit nearby thermal hot springs (La Gruta, Escondido Place), explore local vineyards and wineries on the Ruta del Vino, visit the historic town of Dolores Hidalgo Cuna de la Independencia Nacional, explore the botanical garden (Charco del Ingenio). Your planner or the hotel concierge can help coordinate group tours or private transport.

 

Three Practical Tips for Brides

 

Embrace the Hotel’s Character: Casa Proserpina’s charm lies in its boutique size, exquisite design, and central location. Instead of trying to transform it into something it’s not, lean into its existing beauty. Select decor and a wedding vision that complements its colonial elegance, intimate courtyards, and stunning rooftop views for a truly authentic San Miguel experience.

Leverage In-House Excellence: Utilize the hotel’s in-house culinary team and event staff to their fullest. Their familiarity with the venue, commitment to quality, and integrated services can significantly streamline your planning, especially for food and beverage. Focus on communicating your vision clearly to them and trust their expertise.

Plan for Intimacy and Personalization: A boutique hotel wedding is inherently more intimate. This allows for a deeper level of personalization. Think about unique touches for your guests, from personalized welcome amenities in their rooms to curated activities leveraging the central location. Embrace the opportunity to create a truly exclusive and memorable experience for your closest friends and family.

 

Two Bride Reviews

 

“Our wedding at Casa Proserpina was beyond our wildest dreams. We loved having our bridal party and family all stay together right in the heart of San Miguel. The hotel’s staff were incredibly attentive, and the in-house catering was absolutely divine – our guests are still talking about the mole! The rooftop terrace provided the most magical sunset views for our ceremony. It felt like our own private, luxurious haven for the weekend.” – Sofia L.

“If you’re looking for an intimate and incredibly chic wedding in San Miguel, Casa Proserpina is it. Every detail, from the beautiful rooms to the charming courtyard, was perfect. Their event manager made the planning process so smooth, especially with the delicious food and drink. We brought in our own florist, and the combination was just stunning. Being able to walk out the door and be right in the middle of everything San Miguel has to offer was such a bonus for our guests.” – Isabel V.

 

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro

 

Photographing a wedding at Casa Proserpina Boutique Hotel is a joy for its refined elegance and concentrated beauty. My lens is drawn to the intricate architectural details, the play of light in the intimate courtyards, the vibrant colors of the decor against the historic backdrop, and the stunning panoramic views from the rooftop. My focus here is on capturing the luxurious intimacy of the celebration, emphasizing genuine emotions within these beautifully curated spaces. Challenges might include navigating smaller, multi-level spaces for equipment, and creatively utilizing the available light, especially on the rooftop during golden hour. However, the cohesive nature of a hotel event often means smoother transitions and excellent support from the in-house team. Casa Proserpina is perfect for couples seeking exquisite, intimate, and authentically San Miguel wedding photography that showcases a sophisticated and personal celebration.

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