Getting Married at Dos Casas, San Miguel de Allende: GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Dos Casas Hotel & Spa is an exquisite boutique hotel located in the heart of San Miguel de Allende’s historic center. Renowned for its sophisticated design blending colonial charm with contemporary elegance, it offers an intimate and luxurious setting for couples dreaming of a chic, gourmet, and deeply personalized destination wedding. With its iconic rooftop terrace, charming courtyards, and acclaimed restaurant, Origen, Dos Casas provides a unique backdrop for celebrations, perfect for smaller, discerning guest lists seeking an elevated experience. This venue excels in offering integrated luxury, allowing for seamless multi-day experiences with on-site accommodations and culinary excellence.

As a luxury boutique hotel, Dos Casas offers comprehensive wedding packages that often include the rental of event spaces, in-house gourmet catering, and the convenience of on-site luxury accommodations for the couple and their guests. It serves as an elegant and stylish base for your celebration. Couples can work closely with the hotel’s events team and often a preferred list of vendors to tailor every detail, from the bespoke menu to sophisticated decor, ensuring a cohesive and high-end experience. Dos Casas seamlessly integrates accommodation, dining, and event spaces, simplifying coordination while maintaining a high degree of personalization.

Capture the beauty of your SMA wedding in stunning photos. Check out the finest San Miguel de Allende wedding photos to help inspire your celebration.

Index

Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?

 

Dos Casas Hotel & Spa is an exceptional venue for couples seeking an intimate, luxurious, and highly curated experience for a destination wedding in the heart of San Miguel de Allende. If you dream of a wedding with sophisticated design, gourmet cuisine, and the convenience of on-site luxury accommodations for your closest guests, this boutique hotel is an excellent choice. It’s ideal for couples who desire an elegant, stylish, and deeply personalized celebration with a focus on refined details and culinary excellence, often for a smaller to mid-sized guest count.

The venue’s key highlights include its stunning rooftop terrace with panoramic city views, chic and intimate courtyards, award-winning restaurant (Origen), luxurious design aesthetic, and the convenience of integrated hotel services and guest rooms. Perfect for a chic, gourmet, and uniquely San Miguel wedding experience.

 

How Does a Wedding at Dos Casas Hotel & Spa Work?

 

Planning a wedding at Dos Casas Hotel & Spa typically involves:

Booking the Hotel & Wedding Package: Securing your desired date by signing a contract for event spaces, often with an in-house catering minimum spend, and potentially a room block for guest accommodations. The hotel provides the physical space, in-house catering, and integrated services.

Working with the Hotel Events Team: The hotel has an events manager or team who will be your primary contact for all hotel-related aspects – space allocation, in-house catering menus, basic hotel rentals (tables, chairs, linens they own), and coordination of hotel staff.

Hiring an External Wedding Planner (Recommended): While the hotel manages its services, an external planner is highly recommended to manage overall design, external vendors (florals, photography, music beyond hotel’s offering), guest communication, and multi-day event logistics if hosting events beyond the main celebration.

In-House Catering & Bar: Food and beverage are exclusively handled by the hotel’s acclaimed culinary team. This involves menu planning, tasting, and contracting directly with the hotel.

Vendor Coordination: The hotel events team works with your planner to coordinate access and setup for external vendors, adhering to hotel policies.

Guest Accommodation: Dos Casas offers luxury rooms on-site, making it convenient for the wedding party and some guests to stay where the celebration is. Room blocks can be arranged.

The process leverages the hotel’s integrated services for a sophisticated and seamless experience, with the option for external planning for a truly bespoke event.

 

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 Dos Casas’ beautiful rooftop terrace and courtyards. 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)

 

Dos Casas Hotel & Spa operates as a Luxury Boutique Hotel, with wedding arrangements typically structured as follows:

Guest Stay Options: Dos Casas offers beautiful on-site guest rooms. Couples often arrange a room block for their wedding party and closest guests. Other guests will stay at nearby hotels or rental homes.

Wedding Planning Structure:

Hotel Wedding Package/Minimum Spend: Couples typically commit to a minimum food and beverage spend, which includes venue use, in-house catering, and often basic setup (tables, chairs, linens).

In-House Catering Model: All food and beverage services are exclusively provided by the hotel’s acclaimed culinary team, led by Chef Paul Bentley. This is a per-person cost.

Planning: The hotel has an events manager to coordinate internal services. An external wedding planner is highly recommended to manage the overall design, external vendors, and detailed day-of coordination.

Additional Costs: Minimum F&B spend (per person), additional external vendors (full-service planner, decor, music beyond hotel’s basic AV, photo/video, specialized rentals), guest travel & accommodation (beyond the room block), airport transfers, optional hosted events, legal/religious fees, personal items, tips.

This model offers a high-quality, integrated experience with excellent culinary focus, ideal for a refined and seamless celebration.

 

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

 

Cost allocation generally follows traditional wedding standards for a luxury hotel model:

  • The couple typically pays for:
    • Hotel Wedding Package/Minimum F&B Spend.
    • External Planner fees (Highly Recommended).
    • Contracts for most external vendors (photo, video, decor, officiant, specialized rentals, larger music setups).
    • Guest transportation *to the venue* on the wedding day (if needed, e.g., for guests not staying at Dos Casas).
    • Optional hosted events (welcome party, brunch) at Dos Casas or elsewhere.
    • Their own travel.
    • Legal/religious fees.
    • Personal items.
    • A portion or all of a room block at Dos Casas, or just facilitates the booking for guests.
  • Guests typically pay for:
    • Their flights to Guanajuato International Airport (BJX) or Querétaro International Airport (QRO).
    • Their accommodation booking (unless part of the couple’s hosted room block).
    • Local transportation in San Miguel for non-wedding events (walkable from Dos Casas).
    • Any F&B not included in hosted events.
    • Optional extras (tours, shopping, dining in San Miguel).
    • Wedding gifts.
    • Their airport transfers from BJX/QRO (1.5-2 hours).

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations (Boutique Hotel & Spa)

 

Dos Casas Hotel & Spa offers an intimate and luxurious capacity:

Event Capacity: Comfortably hosts intimate to mid-sized weddings (e.g., 50 – 120 guests). Larger events may require full hotel buyout.

Event Locations: Multiple elegant and versatile options include:

Rooftop Terrace: Iconic for ceremonies and cocktail hours with stunning city views, especially at sunset.

Courtyards: Charming and intimate spaces perfect for smaller ceremonies, cocktail receptions, or elegant dinners.

Restaurant Origen: Can be adapted for reception dinners, offering a gourmet culinary experience.

Layout Flexibility: The hotel’s design allows for a sophisticated flow between different areas for ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing, creating distinct intimate moments throughout the event.

Accommodations: Dos Casas Hotel & Spa offers 20 exquisitely designed rooms and suites on-site. This is a significant advantage for couples wishing to have their wedding party and closest guests stay together at the venue, creating a truly immersive and convenient experience. Room blocks can be arranged, and for larger weddings, a full hotel buyout might be considered.

 

Ceremony and Reception Logistics (Central Hotel Coordination)

 

Logistics at a central hotel like Dos Casas are generally streamlined due to its integrated services:

Venue Navigation: The hotel’s various spaces (courtyards, rooftop, restaurant) are interconnected, allowing for a natural and elegant flow. The hotel events team and your planner will guide guest movement.

Vendor Access: Handled by the hotel events team in coordination with your planner. Given its central location, load-in/load-out for vendors may have specific time restrictions or designated points, which the hotel staff are accustomed to managing.

Setup: The hotel provides in-house catering, basic tables, chairs, and linens. Your planner and external decor/rental vendors will coordinate with the hotel for additional setup needs like specialized lighting, floral installations, or unique furniture. The hotel’s existing aesthetic means less extensive setup is often needed.

Guest Transportation: Many guests staying in the historic center will find Dos Casas easily walkable. For those staying further, taxis or rideshares are readily available. The hotel can assist with airport transfers from BJX/QRO (1.5-2 hours) for arriving guests. Shuttles are generally not required for local transport unless for a very large guest list or specific needs.

Location: Prime central location, offering guests easy access to explore San Miguel’s vibrant attractions on foot.

 

What’s Included in the Wedding Package/Venue Fee?

 

Inclusions for a hotel like Dos Casas are often more comprehensive than a venue-only rental:

  • Access to designated event spaces (rooftop, courtyards, restaurant areas) for the contracted time.
  • In-house gourmet Food & Beverage service (catering, bar, service staff) based on chosen menu/package.
  • Basic hotel rentals (tables, chairs, standard linens, standard glassware, flatware, china).
  • Access to getting-ready rooms for the couple.
  • On-site hotel events manager to coordinate internal hotel services.
  • Standard hotel AV equipment (basic sound system, microphone) may be included.
  • Cleaning fees.
  • Dedicated luxury accommodations on-site for the couple, and potentially a room block for guests.

Common exclusions (which you must source and pay for separately): External full-service wedding planner, specialized decor & florals beyond basic centerpieces, specialized lighting/sound systems beyond hotel standard, live entertainment (bands, DJs beyond basic background music), professional photography & videography, cakes, officiant, guest transportation (beyond airport assistance), legal/religious fees, permits (if required for extensive setups or late hours).

Obtain a detailed wedding package proposal and contract outlining the exact inclusions, minimum spends, permitted use of spaces, time limits, noise policies, and required fees.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies (Elegant Indoor Spaces)

 

Dos Casas Hotel & Spa typically offers elegant alternative spaces for weather contingencies:

Covered Courtyards/Restaurant Spaces: The hotel features beautifully designed, sometimes partially covered, courtyards or designated areas within the restaurant (Origen) that can serve as intimate and sophisticated alternatives for ceremonies, cocktails, or reception dinners in case of rain or inclement weather.

Planner & Hotel Coordination: Your external planner (if you have one) will work seamlessly with the hotel’s events team to execute the backup plan, coordinating with all vendors (decor, music, etc.) for the necessary setup changes. The hotel staff is adept at quick transitions.

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

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

 

Payment terms typically involve a single contract with the hotel for most services:

Hotel Wedding Package: An initial deposit (often 25-50% of estimated total) is required to secure the date and minimum F&B spend. Phased payments follow, with the final balance typically due closer to the event date (e.g., 30-60 days prior), based on final guest count and chosen services.

External Vendors: Each external vendor (planner, photography, music, etc.) will have their own deposit and payment schedule as per their individual contracts, separate from the hotel’s.

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 Events Manager vs. External Planner

 

Understanding the crucial support system for a luxury hotel wedding:

Dos Casas Hotel Events Manager: Your primary contact for all things *related to the hotel’s services* – space allocation, in-house catering (menu design, tastings), hotel’s basic rentals, room block management, and coordination of hotel staff (service, kitchen, front desk). They ensure the hotel’s operational excellence for your event. They do *not* typically manage your overall wedding design, source external vendors (florals, photography, specialized rentals), or manage guest logistics beyond hotel check-in/out.

External Wedding Planner (Highly Recommended/Essential for complex events): Provides personalized, comprehensive planning for the *entire wedding experience* beyond the hotel’s in-house offerings. This is vital for a truly bespoke event. Manages overall design vision, budget, sources, hires, and coordinates *all* external vendors, creates detailed timelines for the full wedding weekend (including off-site events), coordinates guest communication, manages logistics for bringing external elements into the hotel, oversees setup and teardown, handles crisis management, and acts as your advocate and on-site manager for all aspects, ensuring a seamless flow between hotel services and your unique vision.

 

Dietary and Menu Restrictions (In-House Gourmet Catering)

 

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

Catering Provider: All food and beverage is exclusively provided by Dos Casas’ in-house team, known for its gourmet restaurant, Origen, led by Chef Paul Bentley. This ensures a consistent high standard of culinary excellence.

Menu Customization: Offers high flexibility to design a bespoke menu reflective of modern Mexican and international cuisine. You work directly with the hotel’s culinary team to tailor selections, including tasting sessions.

Dietary Needs: The hotel’s kitchen 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 events and culinary team during menu planning.

 

Music and Entertainment Restrictions (Hotel & Neighbor Policies)

 

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

Style: Welcoming to a range of entertainment suitable for a boutique setting, from elegant string quartets and mariachi bands for ambiance to professional DJs or smaller live bands for dancing.

Curfews/Noise: As a luxury hotel in a residential-historic area, there are typically strict noise curfews for amplified outdoor music (e.g., 10-11 PM, especially on the rooftop). Music usually must transition to an enclosed or internal space for later hours, with volume carefully managed to respect hotel guests and neighbors. Discuss specific timing restrictions with the hotel events manager.

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 by your rental/AV vendor or the hotel’s in-house capabilities.

 

Parking and Guest Logistics (Central & Walkable)

 

Logistics for a hotel located in the historic center are primarily focused on walkability and convenience:

Airport Transfers: Guests arrange transport from BJX or QRO (approx. 1.5-2 hours) via private shuttles or taxis. The hotel concierge can assist with these arrangements for their guests.

Accommodation: Guests can stay on-site at Dos Casas Hotel & Spa in its luxury rooms or choose from numerous nearby hotels and rental homes.

Transport to Venue: For guests staying at Dos Casas, the venue is their accommodation. For other guests, the central location means most will walk or take short taxi/rideshare trips to the hotel. Large shuttle services are typically not required for local transport within the center.

Parking: Being in the historic center, on-site parking at Dos Casas is limited or non-existent, typical for boutique properties. Valet services or nearby parking garages (which guests would arrange/pay for) might be options. Most guests will rely on walking, taxis, or rideshares.

City Exploration: The hotel’s central location is perfect for guests to explore San Miguel’s iconic landmarks, art galleries, shops, and restaurants on foot during non-wedding times.

 

Total Cost Breakdown (Luxury Hotel & In-House Catering)

 

For an estimated wedding of 70 guests at Dos Casas Hotel & Spa (reflecting typical boutique hotel capacity):

Hotel Wedding Package (F&B Minimum): $15,000 – $40,000+ USD (Includes venue use, in-house catering, basic drinks, service staff, basic hotel rentals for 70 guests). This can be higher for a full hotel buyout.

External Wedding Planner: $6,000 – $20,000+ (Highly recommended for bespoke design and coordination).

External Rentals (Specialty furniture, advanced lighting, etc.): $3,000 – $10,000+ (Less extensive if hotel provides many items).

Decor & Florals: $8,000 – $30,000+.

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

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

Contingency, Service Charges (15-20% on F&B), Taxes (Hotel & Vendors): $7,000 – $20,000+.

Total estimated *event* cost (paid by couple) typically ranges from $48,000 – $147,000+ USD for 70 guests, reflecting the luxury hotel package, gourmet in-house catering, and the need for a curated team of external vendors for a refined and intimate celebration.

 

Splurge vs. Save

Save: Keep the guest list smaller to maximize intimacy, utilize the hotel’s existing decor and aesthetic to minimize external floral/rental needs, choose simpler in-house catering menus, opt for a local DJ or smaller musical group. Limit additional hosted events. Leverage the hotel’s included AV. Avoid a full hotel buyout unless essential.

Splurge: Book a full hotel buyout for ultimate privacy and multi-day exclusive use, upgrade to premium gourmet menus and top-shelf open bar packages, invest in elaborate custom florals, designer rentals, and sophisticated lighting design across all hotel spaces (courtyards, rooftop), hire a renowned live band or multiple musical acts. Provide luxury welcome amenities in guest rooms. Host a rehearsal dinner at Origen and a farewell brunch at the hotel.

 

Venue & Catering Inclusions

 

Key components based on hotel wedding package and in-house catering:

Hotel Wedding Package includes: Exclusive use of designated event spaces (rooftop, courtyards, restaurant areas) for set hours, in-house gourmet Food & Beverage service (catering, bar, service staff) based on selected menu/package, often basic hotel rentals (tables, chairs, standard linens, standard glassware, flatware, china), access to getting-ready rooms, on-site hotel events manager, basic AV.

Exclusions (must be sourced separately): Full event planning & coordination (beyond hotel’s internal services), *all* specialty rentals (unique furniture, advanced lighting, custom decor – beyond hotel’s standard inventory), all decor & florals (beyond basic centerpieces), all entertainment (professional bands, specialized DJs), cakes, professional photography & videography, guest accommodation (beyond a pre-arranged block), guest transportation (airport, local taxis), legal/religious fees, permits (if needed).

Verify all details in your hotel wedding package contract, as well as contracts with other key external vendors.

Activities for Other Days (Guests Staying in SMA)

 

Guests staying at Dos Casas or nearby in San Miguel de Allende are perfectly positioned to enjoy the town’s offerings:

In San Miguel Centro (Walkable): Dos Casas’ prime location allows guests to 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 (including the hotel’s own), sample renowned restaurants (Origen on-site!), or take cooking classes.

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). The hotel concierge can help coordinate group tours or provide recommendations.

 

Three Practical Tips for Brides

 

Embrace the Hotel’s Aesthetic: Dos Casas is already a masterpiece of design. Work with your planner and decor team to complement, rather than completely transform, its sophisticated aesthetic. Leverage its beautiful courtyards, unique art, and the stunning rooftop views as key design elements to enhance your wedding’s atmosphere.

Utilize the Rooftop Terrace for Sunset: The rooftop terrace is truly iconic for its panoramic views. Plan your ceremony or cocktail hour to coincide with sunset for breathtaking photos and an unforgettable experience for your guests. Discuss lighting plans for when the sun goes down to ensure the space remains magical.

Leverage In-House Culinary Excellence: Dos Casas is celebrated for its restaurant, Origen. Work closely with the hotel’s culinary team to craft a bespoke menu that showcases their talent and fits your preferences. A tasting session is a must to finalize your selections and ensure a memorable dining experience for your guests.

 

Two Bride Reviews

 

“Our wedding at Dos Casas was a dream come true! We wanted something intimate and incredibly stylish, and the hotel delivered perfectly. The rooftop ceremony with the city as our backdrop was just magical, and dinner at Origen was an absolute culinary highlight. Having our family stay in the beautiful rooms made the whole weekend feel so seamless and special. The hotel staff’s attention to detail was impeccable.” – Sofía P.

“From the moment we stepped into Dos Casas, we knew it was our venue. The blend of historic charm and modern design is simply stunning. We hosted our welcome party in one courtyard and the reception dinner in another, with dancing moving indoors later. The food was beyond incredible, and our guests couldn’t stop raving about their rooms. It was truly a luxury experience, perfectly executed.” – Andrea M.

 

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro

 

Photographing a wedding at Dos Casas Hotel & Spa is a joy for its abundant photographic opportunities. The hotel’s unique design offers endless backdrops, from the textural colonial walls of the courtyards to the sleek modern lines of its interiors. The rooftop terrace provides unparalleled views of San Miguel, especially at golden hour, creating truly iconic and romantic portraits. My approach here focuses on capturing the intimate moments and sophisticated details that define a Dos Casas wedding, utilizing the interplay of natural light and shadow within the courtyards, and showcasing the vibrant energy against the city skyline. Challenges include navigating the smaller, multi-level spaces efficiently and adapting to varied lighting conditions from sunlit courtyards to ambient evening restaurant settings. Dos Casas is ideal for couples seeking elegant, artful, and intimate wedding photography that reflects refined luxury and the quintessential charm of San Miguel de Allende.

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