These are the photos from a Casa Dorada wedding on Medano Beach. The light in these frames is late afternoon, close to sunset. The hotel sits in downtown Cabo San Lucas, close enough to the marina that guests can walk to town. The beach in front of it is busy during the day, and the terraces sit above the sand.
The hotel's terraces look out at the ocean and El Arco. The backdrop is already there, and the ceremony does not need much added to it.
Getting ready at Casa Dorada
The room where the bride got ready had good window light, which is where the day starts. I photograph the dress, the shoes, and the small details while the room is still calm. Then we moved to the lobby corridor, a long covered walk with yellow walls and palms at the end. It is a quiet stretch of the hotel, away from the terrace.
The ceremony on the terrace
Casa Dorada has several spaces for a wedding, and this one used the terrace above the sand. The couple married under a wooden arch with the ocean behind them and El Arco to the side. The terrace was open to the water, and the ceremony stayed close to the beach without putting everyone on the sand.
After the vows, the group stayed on the terrace for the first photos while the light was still high. That is the part of the day when the schedule matters most. The sooner the group photo is done, the sooner the couple can leave with me for the portraits.
Their people
The group photo is the one frame that shows the size of the wedding. We lined everyone up on the terrace with El Arco behind them, and it took less than ten minutes. The groom and his groomsmen wore white shirts, blue trousers, and suspenders. The bridesmaids wore white dresses and carried bouquets with orange, pink, and green, which became the only strong color in the photos.
The portraits
We used the hotel itself for the portraits. The palms and the corridors give shade, and the yellow walls keep the background warm. All of it is within a short walk. The couple stayed on the property, which kept the portrait session short.
The reception
The reception tables were set under the palapa, with a marquee sign spelling LOVE on one of the tables. The light went warm behind the palapa while the tables were still empty, which is my favorite moment to photograph the setup. Once the guests arrived, the room changed completely.
Planning a Casa Dorada wedding
If you are planning a wedding at Casa Dorada, the ceremony time matters more than anything else on the schedule. Put the vows about ninety minutes before sunset. The terrace faces the water, and the light softens toward the end of the day, which gives you even light for the ceremony and warm light for the portraits.
Medano Beach is public and busy. The terrace and the corridors keep the background clean without leaving the hotel. If you want the sand in the photos, we can walk down after the group photo and keep the frames tight.
For more on the venue, see my Casa Dorada Los Cabos wedding venue guide. For the timing, read how to build a wedding day around golden hour. For the wider picture, see my destination wedding photography in Cabo and the guide to the best wedding venues in Cabo San Lucas.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Casa Dorada Los Cabos?
Casa Dorada sits on Medano Beach in downtown Cabo San Lucas. The marina, the restaurants, and the nightlife are a short walk away, and the beach is directly in front of the hotel.
Can you have a wedding on the beach at Casa Dorada?
Ceremonies usually take place on the terrace above the sand or on the beach itself. The terrace keeps the ocean and El Arco in view and gives guests a firm floor, which helps with older guests and heels.
What time should a Casa Dorada wedding ceremony start?
About ninety minutes before sunset. The terrace faces the water, so the light softens toward the end of the day. In summer the ceremony moves later, because a mid-afternoon start means heat and hard shadows.
Do you photograph weddings at Casa Dorada?
Yes. I have photographed weddings in Los Cabos since 2012, including Casa Dorada and the resorts around Medano Beach. I work in English and Spanish and coordinate with the venue and your planner.
Venue: Casa Dorada Los Cabos · Photography: Ana Badillo Photography.
I photograph weddings across Los Cabos and at many of its resorts. If you are marrying at Casa Dorada, tell me your date and guest count and I will help you build a timeline that protects the light. For the area, see the official Los Cabos tourism board.