The Truth About Hotel Buyouts. Is it Right For Your Destination Wedding?
When it comes to destination weddings, the idea of a hotel buyout for your wedding is incredibly enticing. Who wouldn’t love having an entire resort property exclusively for you and your guests! But is a resort buyout right for your destination wedding? Let’s explore how to do a buyout and some of the FAQs, pros, and cons of hotel buyouts so you can decide if this option is right for you.
Newlyweds share a romantic kiss surrounded by friends holding sparklers, celebrating their joyous send-off.
As a destination wedding travel agent, I’m able to help couples navigate the complexities of resort buyouts, so I’ll share not only the perks but also the challenges—and some insider tips to make it all easier.
Can You Rent Out an Entire Hotel for a Wedding?
Yes, and it’s just as incredible as it sounds! A boutique hotel buyout for a wedding allows you to reserve the entire property for your group. This includes every room, event space, and amenity—ensuring a level of privacy and exclusivity you won’t get from a shared venue.
But here’s the kicker: not every resort offers buyouts. Why? Because most resorts require a minimum of three nights for a buyout, and this often breaks up their ability to fill the rest of the week. If the resort can’t fill those remaining nights, they risk losing revenue, which is why buyouts aren’t always a cheaper option. That’s something to keep in mind as you weigh your options.
The Pros of Resort Buyouts for Weddings
1. Unmatched Privacy and Exclusivity
A resort buyout means the entire property is yours. Every corner—from the pool to the beach to the dining spaces—belongs to you and your guests. This privacy makes for an intimate, personalized atmosphere where you can relax without sharing the space with other travelers.
2. Simplified Logistics
When your wedding, accommodations, and activities are all in one place, everything becomes more convenient. Your guests don’t need to worry about transportation, and you can plan a seamless multi-day celebration, from welcome parties to farewell brunches.
3. A Customizable Experience
Buyouts allow you to customize everything, from the music and decor to the schedule of events. Whether you want a laid-back beach vibe or an upscale black-tie affair, you’ll have the freedom to make the resort your own.
This means you have the flexibility to have a welcome reception at the chic restaurant that normally wouldn’t be available, then a special Tequila tasting at the sky bar the next day. Your own foam party in the signature pool with no other guests around to make it awkward! And your ceremony, cocktails, and reception all take place in the resort’s best locations, never having to share those moments with anyone but who’s been invited.
The Cons of Resort Buyouts
1. Stringent Contract Terms
Resort buyouts often come with strict contracts. You’ll likely need to commit to a three-night minimum stay and pay for every room, even if some aren’t filled. The reason? Those three nights can split up the resort’s week, making it harder for them to book the remaining nights. Resorts need to account for this “downtime” in their pricing, so you may find that rates for buyouts aren’t as discounted as you might expect.
2. Higher Costs for Weekends
Weekend buyouts often come with a premium price tag due to higher demand. Resorts are more likely to negotiate on rates if you’re willing to book midweek or during the off-season.
Pro Tip: For better deals, consider hosting your wedding midweek or during a less busy travel season. This flexibility can give you more negotiating power with the resort.
3. Complex Planning
Resort buyouts involve more than just booking a venue—you’re coordinating accommodations, meals, activities, and more for your entire guest list. It’s essentially hosting a multi-day event. That’s where a destination wedding travel agent (hi, that’s me!) can step in to handle the logistics and make the process manageable.
Pro Tips for Making the Most of a Resort Buyout
1. Time It Right: Midweek stays and off-season dates give you more leverage to negotiate better rates. Resorts are often eager to fill less popular time slots.
2. Plan a Pre-Wedding Visit: Seeing the property in person (or virtually!) can help you feel confident about your choice. I can help you schedule a site visit to meet the team, tour the space, and finalize details.
3. Work with the Right Experts: Partnering with a travel agent who specializes in destination weddings can take a huge load off your shoulders. From negotiating contracts to coordinating guest travel, I’ll help you focus on enjoying your big day.
FAQs About Resort Buyouts
Are resort buyouts just for large weddings?
Not at all! Boutique hotels with 20–50 rooms are perfect for intimate weddings.
What’s included in a buyout package?
Every resort is different, but buyouts usually include exclusive access to all rooms, event spaces, and amenities. I’ll help you clarify what’s included and customize any additional details.
How far in advance should I book?
At least 12 months, especially for popular destinations like Cabo. Resorts that offer buyouts tend to fill up quickly.
Is a Resort Buyout Right for You?
A resort buyout is a dream come true for couples who value privacy, exclusivity, and creating an immersive wedding experience for their guests. But as I mentioned earlier, it’s usually a bigger financial investment, but YES!…it’s absolutely worth it. If you’re intrigued by the idea of renting an entire hotel for your wedding, don’t miss Part 2, where I share why Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts is a must-see option for a boutique hotel buyout.
If you would like to look into what a resort buyout might look like for your destination wedding group or would like help with anything else related to planning your destination wedding, I have a couple of spots available this month for a complimentary destination wedding strategy session. Click Here to get started, and let’s make your destination wedding a dream come true!
