Getting Married at La Casona, San Miguel de Allende: GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

La Casona is a magnificent boutique hotel and event venue located right in the heart of San Miguel de Allende’s historic center. Renowned for its exquisite colonial architecture, lush indoor courtyards, elegant salons, and a charming rooftop terrace with iconic city views, it offers an intimate yet grand setting for couples dreaming of a truly authentic and sophisticated destination wedding. This venue provides a perfect blend of historical ambiance, privacy, and natural beauty, making it a top choice for a stylish celebration with a central San Miguel feel.

As a luxury boutique hotel that hosts events, La Casona offers the rental of its beautiful property for a specified period, providing the framework – ceremony and reception areas, getting-ready rooms, and often basic infrastructure like restrooms and dedicated kitchen space for caterers. It serves as a magnificent backdrop. Couples have the flexibility to bring in their own team of vendors, from caterers and florists to musicians and decorators, allowing for a highly personalized and customizable wedding experience. While La Casona provides the stunning location and potentially some on-site services, the full event coordination, specialized staffing (beyond basic venue support), comprehensive rentals (tables, chairs, linens, etc., unless explicitly packaged), and all culinary aspects for larger events are often managed separately through chosen suppliers and a wedding planner.

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?

 

La Casona is an exceptional venue for couples seeking an intimate, centrally located, and historically charming setting for a medium-sized destination wedding in San Miguel de Allende. If you dream of a wedding with exquisite colonial details, the convenience of a downtown location, and the ability to bring together your own bespoke team of vendors, this boutique hotel venue is an excellent choice. It’s ideal for couples who desire a classic Mexican aesthetic, beautiful architectural backdrops, and the vibrant energy of San Miguel just steps away for their guests.

The venue’s key highlights include its stunning colonial architecture, multiple charming courtyards, elegant indoor salons, and a coveted rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Parroquia. Perfect for a romantic, sophisticated, and authentic San Miguel wedding experience.

 

How Does a Wedding at La Casona Work?

 

Planning a wedding at La Casona typically involves:

Booking the Venue: Securing your desired date by signing a contract and paying a rental fee for the exclusive or partial use of the property for a specific duration (often a dedicated event space or a full buyout). The venue provides the physical space and potentially some on-site amenities.

Hiring an External Wedding Planner (Essential): Crucial for ensuring a seamless event. Your planner is responsible for designing, budgeting, sourcing, hiring, and managing *all* other vendors and logistics that are not specifically included in the venue rental (catering, specialized rentals, decor, music, timeline, guest communication, etc.).

Selecting and Contracting Caterer: Food and beverage are typically handled by an external caterer from a preferred list or one approved by the venue, or by the venue’s in-house kitchen for smaller events. This involves separate menu planning, tasting, and contracting.

Vendor Coordination: Your planner coordinates access, setup, and teardown for all vendors working at the venue. The central location means specific rules regarding access times and noise curfews will apply.

Renting Equipment: Tables, chairs, linens, tableware, lighting, staging, dance floors, lounge furniture, etc., are often rented separately through your planner and rental companies, especially for larger or highly customized events.

Guest Accommodation: La Casona offers on-site guest rooms, allowing for a convenient stay for the wedding party or close family. Additional guests will arrange their own accommodation nearby in San Miguel de Allende.

The process gives you flexibility and control over your vendor team and design but requires comprehensive planning support to bring all the pieces together at the venue.

 

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 La Casona’s courtyards and 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 venue’s elegant indoor salons or covered courtyards.

 

The Basics of Wedding Planning (Boutique Hotel & Event Venue Model)

 

La Casona operates as a Luxury Boutique Hotel and Event Venue, with wedding arrangements typically structured as follows:

Guest Stay Options: La Casona offers beautiful on-site guest rooms. Couples can arrange a room block for close family/friends, while other guests find accommodation elsewhere in the walkable historic center.

Wedding Planning Structure:

Venue Rental Fee: A fee is paid for exclusive or partial use of the property’s event spaces for a set period. This fee covers the space itself and basic facilities, potentially including some existing hotel furniture.

External Vendor Model: For major events, you often contract *most* key services separately – specialized catering (if not fully in-house), extensive rentals (custom tables, chairs, elaborate linens, etc.), decor, music, photography, etc.

Catering: May be provided by La Casona’s in-house kitchen for smaller, more intimate events, or require an external caterer from their approved list for larger, more complex functions. This is a separate per-person cost.

Planning: A full-service external wedding planner is essential to manage the complexity of coordinating multiple vendors and the specific logistics of a central, historic venue. The venue manager focuses on hotel operations and property adherence.

Additional Costs: Venue rental fee, catering (per person), all external vendors (planner, decor, music, photo/video, rentals *beyond basic venue inclusions*), guest travel & accommodation (for those off-site), airport transfers, optional hosted events, legal/religious fees, personal items, tips, permits if needed.

This model offers immense flexibility and customization within a stunning central location but requires a strong planning team to execute.

 

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

 

Cost allocation generally follows traditional wedding standards for a venue rental model within a hotel setting:

  • The couple typically pays for:
    • Venue Rental Fee.
    • Catering costs (per person).
    • External Planner fees (Essential).
    • Contracts for all external vendors (photo, video, music, decor, rentals, officiant, etc.).
    • Optional hosted events (welcome party, brunch) at La Casona or nearby.
    • Their own travel and accommodation, and potentially a room block for select guests at La Casona.
    • Legal/religious fees.
    • Personal items.
  • Guests typically pay for:
    • Their flights to Guanajuato International Airport (BJX) or Querétaro International Airport (QRO).
    • Their accommodation booking (unless part of a hosted room block).
    • Local transportation in San Miguel for non-wedding events (though much is walkable from La Casona).
    • Any F&B not included in hosted events.
    • Optional extras (tours, shopping, dining in San Miguel).
    • Wedding gifts.

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations (Central Boutique Hotel)

 

La Casona offers a charming capacity primarily across its beautiful courtyards and elegant indoor spaces:

Event Capacity: Comfortably hosts intimate to medium-sized weddings (e.g., 50 – 150 guests), utilizing its main courtyard, elegant salons, and rooftop terrace.

Event Locations: Multiple beautiful and versatile options include:

Main Courtyard: Ideal for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or intimate reception dinners, surrounded by colonial architecture.

Rooftop Terrace: Perfect for breathtaking sunset ceremonies, cocktail hours, or small receptions with iconic views of the Parroquia.

Elegant Salons: Beautiful indoor spaces suitable for reception dinners, dancing, or as a weather backup.

Layout Flexibility: The venue allows for a beautiful flow between different areas for ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing, offering distinct experiences throughout the event within its historical charm.

Accommodations: La Casona is a boutique hotel and offers luxurious on-site guest rooms. Couples can book a room block for their closest family and wedding party, ensuring convenience. Other guests will find numerous hotels and rental homes (casas) within easy walking distance in the historic center.

 

Ceremony and Reception Logistics (Central Historic Venue Coordination)

 

Logistics at a central historic venue like La Casona require careful external planning:

Venue Navigation: While contained, planning the flow and guest movement between distinct courtyards, salons, and the rooftop requires clear signage and coordination. Your planner will map this out.

Vendor Access: Requires detailed coordination with the venue manager for load-in/load-out times, access points for various vendors (catering, rentals, decor), designated setup areas, and adherence to venue rules, which can be strict due to the central location and historical nature. This is managed by your external planner.

Setup: Planning for setup across courtyards, salons, and a rooftop is complex. Requires detailed coordination for power distribution, lighting design, and rental placement (tables, chairs, stages, bars, dance floor) tailored to your specific layout and guest count. Everything beyond the venue’s existing fixtures must be brought in by vendors.

Guest Transportation: Many guests will be staying within walking distance in the historic center, making transportation on the wedding day less complex than for out-of-center venues. However, arranging airport transfers from BJX/QRO (1.5-2 hours) is still guest’s responsibility to arrange or can be facilitated by your planner.

Location: Located in the heart of the historic center, offering unparalleled convenience for guests to explore San Miguel on foot, but with limited on-site parking.

 

What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?

 

Inclusions for a boutique hotel venue like La Casona are typically limited to the space itself for event purposes, with more elements being external:

  • Grants exclusive or partial use of the property’s designated event spaces (courtyards, salons, rooftop) for the contracted time period.
  • Includes access to basic facilities like restrooms and potentially getting-ready rooms.
  • May include basic power and water access points.
  • Includes a basic on-site venue representative for property-related matters (access, rules, security).
  • Often includes a required venue cleaning fee.
  • May have restrictions on guest count or type of event.
  • If you book a room block, this is a separate hotel contract.

Common exclusions (which you must source and pay for separately): All Food & Beverage (catering, staff, bar, *unless using in-house catering*), *all* specialized rentals (custom tables, chairs, elaborate linens, tableware, glassware, specialized lighting, sound systems, staging, dance floor), all decor & florals, all entertainment (music, performers), all event-specific staffing beyond basic venue security/access, full event planning & coordination, guest accommodation (beyond any booked room block), guest transportation to/from venue (if needed), legal/religious fees, permits (if required for extensive setups or late hours).

Obtain a detailed venue rental contract outlining the exact inclusions, permitted use of spaces, time limits, rules (noise, vendor access), and required cleaning/security fees.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies (Elegant Salons or Covered Courtyards)

 

La Casona typically offers designated alternative spaces for weather contingencies:

Elegant Indoor Salons/Covered Courtyards: The venue has beautiful indoor salons and possibly covered sections of its courtyards that can serve as elegant alternatives for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or receptions.

Rooftop Coverage: For the rooftop, temporary covering solutions (at an additional cost) might be an option, but the primary backup is usually moving indoors.

Planner Coordination: Your external planner will be responsible for the logistics of executing the backup plan, coordinating with all vendors (rentals, decor, etc.) for the necessary setup changes.

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

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

 

Payment terms involve multiple contracts typical of a venue rental within a hotel:

Venue Rental: An initial deposit (often 50% or more) is required to secure the date, with the final balance due closer to the event date (e.g., 30-90 days prior).

Catering: Deposits and phased payments are separate from the venue fee, based on the caterer’s (or in-house F&B) contract terms. Final payment is typically based on the final guest count.

Other Vendors: Each vendor (planner, rentals, music, etc.) will have their own deposit and payment schedule as per their individual contracts.

Cancellation Policy: Venue 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: Venue Manager vs. External Planner

 

Understanding the crucial support system for a boutique hotel wedding:

La Casona Venue/Hotel Manager: Your primary contact for all things *related to the physical property and hotel operations* – access to the venue, understanding venue rules (noise, vendor access), ensuring basic facilities (restrooms, existing furniture) are functional, and overseeing any in-house F&B. They do *not* typically manage your wedding timeline, coordinate external vendors, oversee setup/teardown (beyond basic access), or handle full guest logistics beyond their hotel stay.

External Wedding Planner (Highly Recommended/Essential): Provides personalized, comprehensive planning for the *entire wedding experience*. This is vital for a complex event, even in a hotel. Manages overall design vision, budget, sources, hires, and coordinates *all* vendors (catering, rentals, florists, musicians, photographer, videographer, transportation, etc.), creates detailed timelines for the full wedding weekend (including off-site events), coordinates guest communication (travel tips, room block details), manages logistics of bringing everything into the venue, oversees setup and teardown, handles crisis management, and acts as your advocate and on-site manager for all aspects, bridging the gap between the venue’s basic offering and a fully executed event.

 

Dietary and Menu Restrictions (External/In-House Catering Options)

 

Handled by your chosen catering provider (can be in-house or external):

Catering Provider: La Casona may offer in-house catering for events, or require you to work with an external caterer from their preferred list, especially for larger or more custom menus. Clarify this early.

Menu Customization: Offers high flexibility, whether with an in-house team or an external one. You work directly with your chosen caterer to design a bespoke menu tailored to your preferences, style, and budget. Tasting sessions are part of the catering process.

Dietary Needs: Your chosen caterer will handle all dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies, etc.) as communicated by you and your planner. Discuss all needs in detail during menu planning.

 

Music and Entertainment Restrictions (Central Location & Neighbor Policies)

 

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

Style: Welcoming to a wide range of entertainment, from traditional mariachi bands and strolling musicians for cocktails to live bands and professional DJs.

Curfews/Noise: As a central property with residential neighbors, there are strict noise curfews for amplified outdoor music (e.g., 9-10 PM). Music must typically transition to a more enclosed or indoor space (like an elegant salon) for later hours, with volume carefully managed to respect property limits and neighbors. Discuss specific timing restrictions with the venue and your planner very carefully.

Vendor Policies: Standard venue 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.

 

Parking and Guest Logistics (Walkability & Central Challenges)

 

Logistics for a central historic venue like La Casona emphasize walkability but present parking challenges:

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.

Accommodation: La Casona has rooms available. Many guests will stay within easy walking distance in the historic center.

Transport to Venue: For guests staying nearby, walking is the easiest option. For those further out, taxis or rideshares are common. Shuttle services may be needed for larger groups from specific points.

Parking: On-site parking at La Casona is extremely limited or non-existent due to its central location. Guests driving will need to use public parking lots (estacionamientos) nearby, which can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Encourage taxis/walkability.

City Exploration: The venue’s central location is a huge advantage, allowing guests to step out and immediately explore the historic center on foot throughout their stay.

 

Total Cost Breakdown (Venue Rental + External Vendors)

 

For an estimated wedding of 80 guests at La Casona:

Venue Rental Fee: $7,000 – $20,000+ USD (Depending on season, day, specific spaces used, and duration of rental/buyout).

Catering (Food & Beverage): $150 – $350+ USD per person ($12,000 – $28,000+ for 80), includes food, beverages, service staff, and basic catering rentals (plates, cutlery, glasses).

External Wedding Planner: $7,000 – $20,000+ (Essential for venue rental model).

Rentals (Tables, Chairs, Linens, Lighting, etc.): $6,000 – $25,000+ (Can vary significantly based on style and complexity).

Decor & Florals: $8,000 – $35,000+.

Music & Entertainment: $3,500 – $12,000+.

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

Contingency, Service Charges (Catering 15-20%+, Venue Staffing), Taxes (Venue & Vendors): $7,000 – $22,000+.

Total estimated *event* cost (paid by couple) typically ranges from $56,500 – $197,000+ USD for 80 guests, reflecting the venue rental, the need for full external vendor teams (especially catering and rentals), and comprehensive planning for a charming, customizable celebration in the heart of San Miguel.

 

Splurge vs. Save

Save: Book a mid-week or off-season date, choose a simpler per-person catering menu, opt for fewer elaborate rental items by focusing on essentials and the venue’s existing charm, use the venue’s natural colonial beauty for decor instead of extensive florals/installations, hire a local DJ or smaller musical group. Limit hosted events to just the main wedding day. Maximize walkability for guests, reducing transportation costs.

Splurge: Book out the entire boutique hotel for a multi-day wedding weekend (full buyout), select premium catering menus and open bar packages, invest in elaborate custom rentals, bespoke lighting designs, and extensive florals that enhance the colonial elegance, hire a renowned band or multiple musical acts (transitioning indoors for late-night), provide curated welcome bags for guests leveraging the central location, and host additional intimate events like a rehearsal dinner in a private salon or a farewell brunch on the rooftop terrace.

 

Venue & Catering Inclusions

 

Key components based on venue rental and separate catering contract (or in-house F&B):

Venue Rental Fee includes: Exclusive or partial use of the property’s event spaces (courtyards, salons, rooftop) for set hours, basic facilities (restrooms, getting ready rooms), basic venue representative. May include some basic power access and existing hotel furniture.

Catering Contract (External or In-House) includes: All Food & Beverage service (catering, bar, service staff) based on selected menu/package, often basic catering rentals (plates, cutlery, standard glassware) and kitchen equipment/staff.

Exclusions (must be sourced separately): All event planning & coordination, *all* specialized rentals (custom tables, chairs, elaborate linens, specialty glassware, tents/extensive coverings, specialized lighting, sound systems, staging, dance floor – *beyond what the caterer or hotel provides as standard*), all custom decor & florals, all entertainment (music, performers), specialized or upgraded services, guest accommodation (beyond any room block), guest transportation (airport, to/from venue if needed), legal/religious fees, permits (if needed).

Verify all details in your separate venue rental contract and catering contract(s), as well as contracts with other key vendors.

Activities for Other Days (Guests Staying in SMA)

 

Guests staying at La Casona or nearby in the historic center are perfectly positioned to enjoy San Miguel de Allende’s offerings by foot:

In San Miguel Centro (Walkable): 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. La Casona’s prime location allows for full immersion in the city’s charm.

Off-Site (Day Trips – Requires Transport): 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 can help coordinate group tours or provide recommendations.

 

Three Practical Tips for Brides

 

Hire an Experienced Planner Immediately: For a venue like La Casona, especially with a central location, an experienced San Miguel de Allende wedding planner is non-negotiable. They understand the intricacies of vendor access in the historic center, noise regulations, maximizing intimate spaces, and managing multiple contracts to bring your vision to life seamlessly. Hire them early in the process.

Embrace the Colonial Charm and Views: La Casona’s greatest assets are its rich colonial architecture, beautiful courtyards, and, critically, its rooftop views. Work with your planner and design team to leverage these elements. Think about intimate lighting, enhancing the existing historical details, and planning key moments (like cocktails or sunset photos) on the rooftop to fully utilize the breathtaking backdrop of San Miguel.

Plan for Guest Convenience (Beyond Transport): While walkability is a huge plus, consider that a central location means limited parking. Advise guests on comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets. For guests staying on-site, coordinate their experience seamlessly. For those off-site, clear directions for walking or taxi usage will be appreciated. Emphasize the ease of exploring the city from such a central base.

 

Two Bride Reviews

 

“Our wedding at La Casona was everything we dreamed of and more! The charm of the courtyards and the elegance of the salons provided such a romantic and intimate atmosphere. And the rooftop terrace with the Parroquia backdrop for our cocktail hour was absolutely unforgettable. Our planner worked magic to ensure every detail was perfect, and having some guests stay right there at the hotel was incredibly convenient. It felt like we had our own piece of San Miguel’s history for the weekend.” – Sofia R.

“We fell in love with La Casona’s authentic colonial beauty and its unbeatable central location. Our guests loved being able to walk out and explore the city before and after the wedding events. Despite being downtown, the venue felt so private and exclusive. We leveraged their beautiful existing decor and added subtle florals, making it truly our own. The noise curfew was managed perfectly by our planner, transitioning the party indoors for late-night dancing. A perfect blend of elegance and convenience!” – Isabella G.

 

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro

 

Photographing a wedding at La Casona is a joy for its exquisite details and central location. The intimate courtyards provide beautiful, soft, diffused light, perfect for emotional ceremonies and elegant portraits against colonial backdrops. The rooftop terrace offers unparalleled opportunities for dramatic sunset and nighttime shots with the iconic Parroquia as a star. My focus here is on capturing the intricate architectural details, the intimate moments within the charming spaces, and the vibrant energy that comes from being in the heart of San Miguel. Challenges include managing multiple lighting scenarios (from bright rooftop sun to intimate indoor lighting), navigating the smaller, more complex floor plan for equipment and guest flow, and adhering to strict central city noise and vendor access rules. La Casona is perfect for couples seeking elegant, intimate, and quintessentially San Miguel wedding photography that highlights the historical beauty and convenience of a downtown celebration.

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