Articles on some of the world's most romantic destinations by
professional photographer Eleanor S. Morris

Romantic Weddings at an Award-Winning Resort
by Eleanor S. Morris

Las Ventanas, at the tip of Baja California at Los Cabos, has garnered awards from AAA, Travel & Leisure, and Conde Nast Traveler, as one of the best resorts in all  of Latin America, let alone Mexico. So imagine having a magical wedding by the sea here on the wedding terrace above the blue Sea of Cortez.

As many as sixty guests can be accommodated, and ceremonies are usually performed by a local justice of the peace of a nondenominational minister, or other special arrangements can be made. (Click here for Mexico's marriage requirements.)

Festivities can begin with a Taste of Baja two nights before the wedding in the ornate La Cava wine room. Celebrating the happy couple, immediate family can gather to share regional delicacies such as empanadas filled with savory duck, Manchego cheese and papaya, or braised lamb shoulder and achiote, zucchini flower, Oxaxaca cheese and epazote. For flautas, the small crispy tortillas are filled with Yucatan pork, carne asada, or turkey mole, all amid some of the world's finest vintages.

The rehearsal dinner the night before the ceremony can be held under the stars of the Cabo night, at a beach barbeque, by the light of blazing bonfires. Sizzling grills, strolling musicians, perfect margaritas, make an evening of festive fun.

For the ceremony, guests are seated on the wedding terrace before a colorful sunset. Candles illuminate the scene as harpists and three guitarists play music. The bride walks down a latilla-screen covered aisle strewn with flower petals.

The reception following the ceremony can be held under the starry sky, with champagne and hors d'oeuvres served on the private dining rooms's inlaid terrace. Then, dinner indoors to the music of a classical trio, as diners are served sweetwater lobster and filet mignon. The wedding cake can be of sinfully rich Valhrona chocolate, and dancing takes place at the resort's recreated retro disco.

Las Ventanas is not only the place for international small but ultra-extravagant weddings, it's also popular for vow renewals as well.

The resort also has a spa offering a total spa experience, tapping the biological beauty of the local desert location. Using Baja's native plants, the spa offers treatments that encourage the body's innate ability to heal itself. Also available are therapies from different countries, such as thalassotherapy and pytotherapy.

If you're there in November, whale watching is an exciting option. Migrating whales travel down from the frigid north to spend a comfortable winter in warm Baja waters.

And you might like to watch the glass blowers at nearby Fabrica de Vidros glass factory. Not only are they interesting to watch, it's a perfect opportunity to purchase a set of fine hand-blown glassware for you new home.


For More Information

www.lasventanas.com