Getting Married at Luna Escondida, San Miguel de Allende: GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Luna Escondida is an exclusive, luxurious private estate nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes just outside the vibrant historic center of San Miguel de Allende. Known for its sophisticated modern hacienda design, breathtaking panoramic views, exquisite courtyards, and a profound sense of tranquility and privacy, it offers an unparalleled canvas for couples dreaming of a luxurious, intimate, and distinctly San Miguel destination wedding, ideal for discerning couples seeking exclusivity and a multi-day experience. This estate provides a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, ultimate privacy, and unparalleled natural beauty, making it the premier choice for a bespoke luxury celebration.

As a private luxury estate, Luna Escondida offers exclusive rental of its exquisite property, providing not just the stunning framework of ceremony and reception areas, but also luxurious on-site accommodations for you and your closest guests. It serves as an extraordinary backdrop for a personalized, high-end celebration. While Luna Escondida maintains a curated list of preferred top-tier vendors to ensure the highest quality experience, couples work closely with their chosen wedding planner to orchestrate every detail, from bespoke catering and floral artistry to world-class entertainment, creating a truly unique and elevated wedding experience.

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?

 

Luna Escondida is an exceptional venue for couples seeking an intimate, exceptionally private, and sublimely beautiful setting for a luxury destination wedding in San Miguel de Allende. If you dream of a wedding with breathtaking panoramic views, meticulously designed courtyards, sophisticated architecture as a backdrop, and the ability to bring together your own bespoke team of top-tier vendors, this exclusive estate is an excellent choice. It’s ideal for couples who desire ultimate privacy, unparalleled flexibility in design, and a refined modern hacienda aesthetic with on-site luxury accommodations for an immersive multi-day celebration.

The venue’s key highlights include its breathtaking panoramic vistas, exquisitely landscaped gardens, versatile courtyards and terraces, a stunning infinity pool, and the ultimate privacy and intimacy offered by an exclusive estate rental with on-site luxury accommodations. Perfect for a romantic, elegant, and intimate luxury San Miguel wedding.

 

How Does a Wedding at Luna Escondida Work?

 

Planning a wedding at Luna Escondida typically involves:

Booking the Estate: Securing your desired date by signing a contract and paying an exclusive rental fee for the multi-day use of the entire property, including luxurious accommodations for core guests. The estate provides the physical space, exquisite amenities, and a dedicated on-site team.

Hiring an External Wedding Planner (Mandatory): Absolutely essential for an estate rental of this caliber. Your planner orchestrates the entire high-end experience, responsible for designing, budgeting, curating, hiring, and managing *all* top-tier vendors and intricate logistics not directly provided by the estate (bespoke catering, luxury rentals, high-end decor, custom entertainment, seamless transportation, detailed multi-day timelines, and personalized guest experiences).

Curated Vendor Selection (including Catering): Luna Escondida often works with a curated list of elite caterers and vendors to ensure a consistently high standard. Food and beverage are handled by an external caterer chosen from this list, involving highly personalized menu planning, private tastings, and separate contracting.

Vendor Coordination: Your planner coordinates access, setup, and teardown for all high-end vendors working at the estate. The estate may have specific rules (access times, noise curfews, use of facilities like the kitchen).

Luxury Rentals: While Luna Escondida provides exquisite foundational elements, specialized luxury rentals (bespoke tables, designer chairs, premium linens, custom lighting installations, advanced sound systems, elaborate staging, unique lounge furniture, etc.) are typically sourced and managed separately through your planner and high-end rental companies.

Guest Accommodation: A key differentiator for Luna Escondida is its luxurious on-site accommodations. The estate typically includes several suites and villas, providing an intimate setting for the bridal party and closest family, creating a cohesive multi-day experience. Additional guests arrange lodging in San Miguel de Allende.

This bespoke process offers unparalleled control over your design vision and vendor team, yet absolutely necessitates comprehensive, expert planning support to weave together every exquisite detail at the estate.

 

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 Luna Escondida’s beautiful gardens, terraces, and outdoor spaces. 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 estate’s indoor or covered areas.

 

The Basics of Wedding Planning (Luxury Estate Model)

 

Luna Escondida operates as an Exclusive Luxury Estate, with wedding arrangements typically structured as follows:

Guest Stay Options: Luna Escondida offers luxurious on-site accommodations, typically included in the multi-day rental for the couple and key guests, fostering an intimate, immersive experience. Additional guests arrange their lodging in San Miguel de Allende.

Wedding Planning Structure:

Estate Rental Fee: A premium fee is paid for exclusive, multi-day use of the entire estate, including all its luxurious amenities and on-site accommodations. This fee covers the unparalleled space, dedicated estate staff, and high-end foundational elements.

Curated External Vendor Model: While you contract key services separately, Luna Escondida often has a curated list of preferred, high-quality vendors (especially for catering) to ensure exceptional standards. This model still allows for high customization.

Catering: Handled by an external, elite caterer, usually from a list provided by the estate. This is a separate per-person cost.

Planning: A full-service external wedding planner is not just essential, but mandatory, to manage the intricate details of a luxury estate wedding and coordinate with top-tier vendors. The estate manager focuses only on the property itself.

Additional Costs: Estate rental fee, bespoke catering (per person), all external top-tier vendors (planner, high-end decor, custom music, luxury photo/video, specialized rentals *beyond basic estate inclusions*), guest travel & accommodation (for off-site guests), airport transfers, optional hosted events, legal/religious fees, personal items, tips, permits if needed.

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

 

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

 

Cost allocation generally follows traditional wedding standards for an exclusive estate rental model:

  • The couple typically pays for:
    • Estate Rental Fee (including on-site accommodations).
    • Bespoke Catering costs (per person).
    • External Planner fees (Mandatory).
    • Contracts for all elite external vendors (luxury photo, video, custom music, high-end decor, specialized rentals, officiant, etc.).
    • Guest transportation *to the venue* on the wedding day (if needed, e.g., for off-site guests).
    • Guest transportation to and from the airport (BJX/QRO) for on-site guests.
    • Optional hosted events (welcome party, brunch) at Luna Escondida or elsewhere.
    • Their own additional travel and accommodation expenses.
    • Legal/religious fees.
    • Personal items.
  • Guests typically pay for:
    • Their flights to Guanajuato International Airport (BJX) or Querétaro International Airport (QRO).
    • Their accommodation booking elsewhere in San Miguel (if not staying on-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 (Luxury Private Estate)

 

Luna Escondida offers generous capacity primarily across its beautiful outdoor spaces:

Event Capacity: Comfortably hosts exclusive, intimate to mid-sized weddings (e.g., 50 – 150 guests), emphasizing a bespoke, high-touch experience.

Event Locations: Multiple beautiful and versatile options include:

Exquisite Gardens & Infinity Pool Terraces: Ideal for stunning ceremonies with panoramic views, elegant cocktail hours, and breathtaking portrait sessions.

Courtyards & Vista Points: Perfect for intimate gatherings, pre-dinner receptions, or unique photo opportunities with architectural and natural backdrops.

Sophisticated Indoor Lounges & Covered Terraces: Elegant spaces suitable for reception dinners, dancing, or as a luxurious weather backup.

Layout Flexibility: The expansive property allows for a beautiful flow between different areas for ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing, offering distinct experiences throughout the event.

Accommodations: Luna Escondida is a luxury private estate that does offer exquisite on-site accommodation, typically including several elegant suites and villas for the wedding couple and their immediate family/bridal party (often around 8-12 rooms). This allows for a multi-day immersive experience. Additional guests will arrange their lodging in San Miguel de Allende, and transportation to the venue will be required for most.

 

Ceremony and Reception Logistics (Exclusive Estate Coordination)

 

Logistics at a private luxury estate like Luna Escondida require extensive external planning:

Venue Navigation: While spacious, planning the flow and guest movement between distinct outdoor and indoor areas requires clear signage and coordination. Your planner will meticulously map this out.

Vendor Access: Requires detailed coordination with the estate manager for load-in/load-out times, access points for various trucks (high-end catering, luxury rentals, intricate decor), designated setup areas, and adherence to estate rules for curated vendors. This is managed by your external planner.

Setup: Planning for elaborate setup across stunning outdoor spaces and sophisticated indoor areas is complex. Requires detailed coordination for robust power distribution, custom lighting design, tenting (if desired/needed), and precise rental placement (bespoke tables, designer chairs, specialized staging, premium bars, custom dance floor) tailored to your specific layout and guest count. Every high-end detail must be flawlessly brought in by your chosen vendors.

Guest Transportation: While a select few guests stay on-site, the majority are staying off-site. Planning and coordinating transportation for guests *to* Luna Escondida for the wedding (e.g., luxury shuttle buses from various points in town) and *back* to their accommodations at the end of the night is essential. Airport transfers from BJX/QRO (1.5-2 hours) are also guest’s responsibility to arrange or can be facilitated by your planner.

Location: Located in a privileged setting just outside the historic center, offering unparalleled panoramic views, ultimate privacy, and serene tranquility, but requiring transportation for guests coming from hotels/rentals within the central zone.

 

What’s Included in the Estate Rental Fee?

 

Inclusions for an exclusive estate rental like Luna Escondida are extensive, providing a truly bespoke experience:

  • Grants exclusive multi-day use of the entire luxury estate, including all its meticulously designed indoor and outdoor spaces (gardens, terraces, courtyards, infinity pool area).
  • Includes luxurious on-site accommodation for the bridal couple and a select number of guests (e.g., typically 8-12 people, depending on the number of suites).
  • Includes a dedicated on-site estate manager and staff (e.g., housekeeping, basic security) to ensure the property is impeccably maintained and facilitate vendor access.
  • Includes access to high-end foundational amenities (e.g., state-of-the-art kitchen for caterers, pristine restrooms, essential power/water access points).
  • Often includes a required deep cleaning fee and possibly a set number of security personnel.

Common exclusions (which you must source and pay for separately for a bespoke experience): All bespoke Food & Beverage (gourmet catering, premium bar service, dedicated service staff), *all* specialized luxury rentals (designer furniture, custom linens, elevated tableware, advanced lighting/sound systems, intricate staging, dance floor), all sophisticated decor & florals, all entertainment (renowned bands, DJs, cultural performers), comprehensive event planning & coordination, guest transportation (beyond initial airport transfers for on-site guests), legal/religious fees, permits (if required for unique setups or extended hours).

Given the bespoke nature, obtain a meticulously detailed estate rental contract outlining exact inclusions, multi-day access, specific use of each luxurious space, time limits for events, strict rules (noise, curated vendor access), and any required security deposits or fees. Your planner is key to navigating this.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies (Elegant Indoor Spaces or Tenting)

 

Luna Escondida typically offers designated alternative spaces for weather contingencies, maintaining an elegant ambiance:

Elegant Indoor Lounges/Covered Terraces: The estate likely has dedicated sophisticated indoor spaces or beautifully designed covered terraces that can serve as elegant alternatives for ceremonies or receptions.

Tenting Options: Due to the expansive outdoor areas, temporary tenting can be an option (at an additional cost) to cover garden ceremony areas, cocktail spaces, or reception dinner setups, providing both protection and a luxurious atmosphere.

Planner Coordination: Your external planner will be responsible for the seamless logistics of executing the backup plan, coordinating with all top-tier 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 estate manager.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

 

Payment terms involve multiple contracts typical of an exclusive estate rental model:

Estate Rental: An initial significant deposit (often 50% or more) is required to secure the multi-day date, with the final balance due closer to the event date (e.g., 60-120 days prior).

Catering: Deposits and phased payments are separate from the estate fee, based on the caterer’s bespoke contract terms. Final payment is typically based on the final guest count.

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

Cancellation Policy: Estate 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. Given the significant investment, comprehensive luxury wedding insurance covering cancellation and liability is absolutely essential.

 

Coordination: Estate Manager vs. External Planner

 

Understanding the crucial support system for an exclusive estate wedding:

Luna Escondida Estate Manager: Your primary contact for all things *related to the physical property and on-site guest experience* – access to the estate, understanding estate rules (noise, curated vendor access), ensuring all luxurious facilities (accommodations, restrooms, pool) are impeccably maintained, and being present during the event for property emergencies or ensuring smooth operations. They do *not* manage your overall wedding timeline, coordinate external vendors, oversee setup/teardown of decor, or handle guest logistics beyond ensuring on-site comfort.

External Wedding Planner (Mandatory & Integral): Provides personalized, comprehensive planning for the *entire high-end wedding experience*. This is vital for an estate rental. Manages overall design vision, meticulous budget, sources, hires, and coordinates *all* top-tier vendors (gourmet catering, luxury rentals, premier florists, renowned musicians, luxury photographer, videographer, bespoke transportation, etc.), creates detailed timelines for the full multi-day wedding weekend (including off-site events), coordinates personalized guest communication (travel tips, bespoke transportation options), manages intricate logistics of bringing everything into the estate, oversees flawless setup and teardown, handles crisis management, and acts as your advocate and on-site orchestrator for all aspects, bridging the gap between the estate’s exceptional offering and a perfectly executed, luxurious event.

 

Dietary and Menu Restrictions (Bespoke External Catering)

 

Handled by your chosen external caterer to meet gourmet standards:

Catering Provider: All food and beverage is exclusively provided by a high-end external caterer, typically from Luna Escondida’s curated preferred vendor list, whom you contract separately.

Menu Customization: Offers unparalleled flexibility. You work directly with your chosen elite caterer to design a bespoke gourmet menu tailored to your precise preferences, culinary style, and budget. Private, elaborate tasting sessions are an integral part of the catering process.

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

 

Music and Entertainment Restrictions (Estate & Neighbor Policies)

 

Entertainment policies are set by the estate and influenced by its exclusive location:

Style: Welcoming to a wide range of high-caliber entertainment, from traditional mariachi and local cultural ensembles to renowned live bands and professional DJs, utilizing the elegant indoor and outdoor spaces with seamless transitions.

Curfews/Noise: As a private, exclusive property that may have neighbors, there are likely strict noise curfews for amplified outdoor music (e.g., 10-11 PM). Music must typically transition to the dedicated indoor lounge or enclosed reception area for later hours, with volume carefully managed to respect property limits and neighbors, ensuring a luxurious yet considerate atmosphere. Discuss specific timing restrictions with the estate and your planner.

Vendor Policies: Standard estate requirements for professional external vendors (insurance, access protocols, setup/teardown times). Your planner will coordinate this meticulously. Ensure robust power needs for bands/DJs are met by your rental/AV vendor.

 

Parking and Guest Logistics (Seamless External Coordination Required)

 

Logistics for an exclusive estate located outside the main historic center require meticulous planning for guest movement:

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

Accommodation: While Luna Escondida offers exquisite on-site accommodation for select guests, the majority of your guests will stay off-site in San Miguel.

Transport to Venue: Essential to plan how guests will get from their various accommodations in town *to* Luna Escondida for the wedding events. This often involves arranging luxury shuttle services or providing clear instructions for high-end taxis/rideshares. Transport *back* to town at the end of the night is also crucial for guest convenience and safety.

Parking: Luna Escondida offers dedicated, secure parking on the property for guest and vendor vehicles, a significant advantage over venues directly in the crowded historic center. Confirm parking capacity and any rules with the estate manager.

City Exploration: While not walkable from the estate, guests staying in town will have easy access to explore the historic center via taxis or walking during non-wedding times.

 

Total Cost Breakdown (Luxury Estate Rental + Elite External Vendors)

 

For an estimated wedding of 100 guests at Luna Escondida:

Estate Rental Fee: $20,000 – $50,000+ USD (Depending on season, multi-day usage, and specific inclusions, often covering accommodation for select guests).

Catering (Food & Beverage): $200 – $450+ USD per person ($20,000 – $45,000+ for 100), includes gourmet food, premium beverages, dedicated service staff, and high-end catering rentals (plates, cutlery, glasses from caterer).

External Wedding Planner: $15,000 – $40,000+ (Mandatory for this level of service and coordination).

Luxury Rentals (Bespoke Furniture, Linens, Tents, Lighting, etc.): $15,000 – $50,000+ (Can vary significantly based on design complexity and premium selections).

Decor & Florals: $20,000 – $70,000+.

Music & Entertainment: $7,000 – $25,000+.

Photography/Videography (Luxury): $8,000 – $20,000+.

Guest Transportation (To/From Venue, potentially Airport assistance): $2,000 – $8,000+ (depending on group size and luxury service level).

Contingency, Service Charges (Catering 18-22%+, Estate Staffing), Taxes (Estate & Vendors): $15,000 – $40,000+.

Total estimated *event* cost (paid by couple) typically ranges from $122,000 – $348,000+ USD for 100 guests, reflecting the exclusive estate rental with accommodations, the need for full elite external vendor teams (especially bespoke catering and high-end rentals), and comprehensive planning for an unparalleled luxury celebration.

 

Splurge vs. Save

Save: Optimize the estate’s included amenities and natural beauty to minimize extensive additional rentals. Focus on a streamlined, yet elegant, multi-day itinerary. Select mid-tier options from the curated vendor list. Limit grand scale decor to key areas, allowing the estate’s inherent beauty to shine. Consider a gourmet buffet instead of plated.

Splurge: Elevate every aspect: host a multi-day celebration with bespoke events (e.g., an intimate rehearsal dinner by the infinity pool, a gourmet brunch). Invest in architectural lighting, custom-built installations, and an abundance of exotic florals. Bring in world-class entertainment and unique cultural performances, including a grand fireworks display. Curate a completely personalized, ultra-luxury experience that transforms the estate into your private dream, providing chauffeured transfers for all guests.

 

Estate Rental & Premium Catering Inclusions

 

Key components based on exclusive estate rental and separate catering contract:

Estate Rental Fee includes: Exclusive multi-day use of the entire luxury estate, including all its stunning indoor and outdoor event spaces, and on-site luxury accommodations for the bridal party/select guests. Includes dedicated estate staff (manager, house-keeping, security) for property maintenance and guest comfort.

Catering Contract includes: All bespoke Food & Beverage service (gourmet catering, premium bar, dedicated service staff) based on selected menu/package, often basic high-end catering rentals (plates, cutlery, standard glassware) and state-of-the-art kitchen equipment/staff.

Exclusions (must be sourced separately): All comprehensive event planning & coordination, *all* specialized luxury rentals (designer tables, chairs, bespoke linens, specialty glassware, tents, advanced lighting, custom staging, dance floor – *beyond what the caterer provides*), all sophisticated decor & florals, all entertainment (music, performers), specialized or upgraded services, guest accommodation (for those not on-site), guest transportation (airport, to/from venue), legal/religious fees, permits (if needed for extensive setups or late hours).

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

Activities for Other Days (Guests Staying in SMA)

 

Guests staying in San Miguel de Allende (those not accommodated on-site at Luna Escondida) are perfectly positioned to enjoy the town’s offerings:

In San Miguel Centro (Requires Transport): Guests will take taxis or arranged luxury transport from Luna Escondida’s location to the historic center 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, sample renowned restaurants, or take gourmet 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). Your planner can help coordinate bespoke group tours or provide recommendations.

 

Three Practical Tips for Brides

 

Hire an Experienced Planner Immediately: For an exclusive estate rental like Luna Escondida, an experienced San Miguel de Allende luxury wedding planner is not optional; they are mandatory. They possess the expertise to manage the intricate logistics of a high-end, multi-day celebration, coordinating top-tier vendors, designing a bespoke event from the ground up, and navigating local specifics with finesse. Hire them as your very first vendor.

Embrace the Views and Design: Luna Escondida’s greatest assets are its breathtaking panoramic views, exquisite architectural design, and intimate luxury. Work with your planner and design team to leverage these elements for your ceremony, intimate gatherings, and stunning photos. Plan for comfortable, luxurious seating, sophisticated lighting, and a seamless flow across the different areas to maximize the experience for your guests and highlight the estate’s beauty.

Plan Guest Transportation Meticulously: For guests staying off-site, coordinating seamless transportation to and from Luna Escondida is crucial for their convenience and safety, aligning with the luxury experience. Work with your planner to arrange luxury shuttle services, provide clear instructions for high-end taxis/rideshares, and communicate these options clearly to your guests well in advance of the wedding weekend.

 

Two Bride Reviews

 

“Luna Escondida truly exceeded our wildest dreams! The panoramic views from every corner of the estate were simply breathtaking, especially at sunset. Having our closest family and bridal party stay on-site made the entire wedding weekend feel so intimate and cohesive. Our planner, working with the estate’s incredible team, orchestrated every detail flawlessly, from the gourmet catering to the stunning floral installations. It was an unforgettable, private luxury escape that felt uniquely ours.” – Sofia L.

“We sought a venue that offered both refined elegance and a sense of exclusive privacy, and Luna Escondida delivered beyond expectation. The modern hacienda design, the infinity pool, and the meticulously landscaped grounds provided an exquisite canvas for our vision. We loved being able to host our welcome dinner, main event, and farewell brunch all within the same stunning property. Every detail was curated to perfection, creating an experience our guests are still raving about. It was the epitome of a luxury destination wedding.” – Isabella C.

 

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro

 

Photographing a wedding at Luna Escondida is an absolute dream for a luxury wedding photographer. The estate’s panoramic views provide unparalleled backdrops, from dramatic sunsets over the valley to the intricate details of its contemporary hacienda architecture. The interplay of natural light on the meticulously designed spaces, the infinity pool, and the sophisticated interiors offers endless creative possibilities for capturing truly iconic imagery. My focus here is on capturing the intimate grandeur of the celebration, utilizing the exquisite natural light on the terraces for romantic portraits, documenting the sophisticated energy of cocktail hour with its breathtaking vistas, and seamlessly transitioning to the refined indoor celebrations. Challenges at such an exclusive estate include orchestrating a flawless photographic timeline around multiple curated events (often over several days), optimizing for the unique lighting across varied, high-design spaces, and collaborating intimately with a highly experienced team of top-tier vendors under the precise direction of a luxury wedding planner. Luna Escondida is perfect for discerning couples seeking unparalleled, exquisite wedding photography that captures the refined romance, breathtaking beauty, and exclusive intimacy of a luxury San Miguel de Allende estate wedding.

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