Getting Married at Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Dreaming of a wedding where historic grandeur meets colonial charm in Mexico City? Welcome to Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica—a magnificent, meticulously preserved hacienda that offers a stunning blend of authentic Mexican heritage, sophisticated elegance, and impeccable service for your special day. With its expansive courtyards, majestic arches, and a tranquil, luxurious setting, Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica provides an unparalleled backdrop for your celebration. Whether you envision a grand ceremony in its historic chapel or a vibrant reception under the stars in a cobblestone courtyard, this exquisite venue promises a wedding experience as unforgettable as its timeless allure.

Renowned for its beautifully appointed spaces and a deeply authentic atmosphere, Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica seamlessly blends traditional Mexican architecture with modern luxury. Its exquisite event areas—from sprawling courtyards and elegant salons to a charming chapel—are designed to reflect your unique love story, all while showcasing the captivating beauty of Mexico’s rich history. Let the timeless splendor and exclusive charm of this venue set the stage for your dream wedding.

Planning your perfect wedding in Mexico City? Explore some of the best wedding photos in Mexico City in this stunning destination, showcasing breathtaking moments captured in paradise.

Index

Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?

 

Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica stands out for its magnificent historic setting, offering authentic colonial charm and rustic grandeur just outside the heart of Mexico City. The venue’s grand and versatile design, featuring expansive cobblestone courtyards, elegant salons, a charming on-site chapel, and lush gardens, creates a truly unique and distinguished environment perfect for grand celebrations steeped in heritage. Couples seeking a culturally rich yet luxurious hacienda wedding experience, within a historical landmark, will find Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica provides a picturesque and exclusive setting.

Recent guest surveys indicate that **couples increasingly prioritize unique, elegant settings and personalized guest experiences**. With its exquisite blend of historic elegance and traditional architectural design, and a focus on attentive service, Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica offers a truly distinctive backdrop for your wedding photos and a memorable escape for your guests.

 

How Does a Wedding at Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica Work?

 

Planning your wedding at Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica is designed to be a personalized and seamless process. Their dedicated on-site team or recommended local planners guide you through every step, ensuring your vision is brought to life with meticulous attention to detail. The venue offers flexible event spaces and bespoke wedding arrangements that can include everything from ceremony setup in the chapel or courtyard and delicious catering to professional coordination and vendor management.

This dedicated support means you can relax and savor the moments while the venue helps handle the logistics, allowing you to focus on celebrating your love in a beautiful, stress-free environment.

 

Best Months to Get Married

 

Mexico City enjoys a mild climate, but the best months for a wedding at Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica are typically from March to May and September to October. This period offers pleasant temperatures and lower chances of heavy afternoon rains, creating ideal conditions for outdoor ceremonies and receptions in the courtyards. The drier season also provides consistent, beautiful natural light for photography, enhancing the hacienda’s historic beauty.

Marrying during these months ensures optimal weather, while the summer months (June-August) can experience more frequent afternoon showers, and the winter (Nov-Feb) can be cooler, potentially offering cost savings but requiring stronger backup plans within the hacienda’s covered areas.

 

The Basics of Wedding Arrangements

 

Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica offers thoughtfully designed wedding arrangements tailored to various styles and sizes. These typically include:

  • Ceremony Setup: Options for intimate chapel ceremonies or grand courtyard settings, with refined colonial-inspired décor.
  • Reception Venues: Expansive cobblestone courtyards, elegant grand salons, or sophisticated covered pavilions within the historic complex.
  • Catering: Exquisite gourmet cuisine, emphasizing authentic high-end Mexican specialties and international dishes, with options for plated dinners, elaborate buffets, or live stations, provided by an acclaimed in-house culinary team or exclusive caterers familiar with the hacienda’s style.
  • Decor and Floral Arrangements: Collaboration with elite floral designers for luxurious, bespoke arrangements and sophisticated decor that complement the hacienda’s historic charm and your personal taste.
  • Entertainment: Assistance with coordinating music (local musicians, DJs, traditional mariachi, or bands) and other entertainment to create the perfect atmosphere, often leveraging the hacienda’s acoustics and grand spaces.

These arrangements serve as a foundation and can be customized extensively to perfectly align with your dream wedding.

 

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

 

In destination weddings at Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica, typically:

  • The couple covers the primary wedding costs, such as the venue rental or buyout, catering, and coordination services.
  • Guests are usually responsible for their own travel and accommodation, although the venue or local planners can suggest nearby upscale options in Northern Mexico City or those with easy access to the hacienda.
  • The couple might choose to host additional events, like a welcome dinner or farewell brunch, covering those costs for their guests.
  • Extra expenses for personalized decor, enhanced entertainment, or pre/post-wedding activities are typically the couple’s responsibility.
  • Gift registries or contributions towards travel/experiences are common, allowing guests to contribute in meaningful ways.

This structure allows the couple to tailor the main event while guests manage their personal travel arrangements.

 

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

 

Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica features versatile spaces suitable for medium to very large-sized weddings:

  • Main Event Spaces (e.g., Grand Courtyard, Central Patio): Ideal for large-scale weddings, accommodating 150-800+ guests, depending on the setup (seated dinner, cocktail reception).
  • Historic Chapel: Perfect for ceremonies up to 100-200 guests, offering an authentic and sacred setting.
  • Indoor Salons/Ballrooms: Several elegant salons available for smaller receptions, cocktail hours, or as part of a larger event, accommodating various guest counts.
  • Entire Property Buyout: The entire property can often be booked for exclusivity, perfect for a grand celebration, enhancing the private and distinguished experience.

The venue primarily focuses on event spaces and does not offer on-site accommodation. For guests, a wide array of luxury and boutique hotels are available in the surrounding Tlalnepantla de Baz area, as well as easily accessible neighborhoods within Mexico City, with preferential rates often arranged.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica’s team or your chosen planner expertly manages the flow of your day from saying “I do” to your final dance. A typical sequence might look like this:

Chapel Ceremony: Exchange vows in the historic on-site chapel, with its beautiful religious artistry and solemn ambiance, or opt for a civil ceremony in one of the grand courtyards.

Elegant Cocktail Hour: Guests enjoy signature cocktails and gourmet canapés in one of the picturesque courtyards or arcaded walkways, allowing them to admire the hacienda’s architecture.

Grand Reception: Move to the majestic central courtyard, a stunning garden area, or an opulent indoor salon for an exquisite seated dinner, heartfelt toasts, and a vibrant celebration under the stars or within historic walls.

Pro tip: Embrace the hacienda’s colonial grandeur. Consider a rich color palette, traditional Mexican details, elaborate floral arrangements that highlight the architecture, and dramatic lighting to create an enchanting atmosphere. Leverage the different courtyards for a multi-stage experience for your guests.

What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?

While specific inclusions vary, the core venue fee or buyout cost at Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica typically includes:

  • Exclusive Use of Property: Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica often offers exclusive use of designated event areas for weddings, ensuring complete privacy and use of its historic spaces for the allocated time.
  • Basic Setup: Provision of existing venue furniture (tables, chairs), setup for ceremony and reception spaces. Linens, additional furniture, and specific décor might be sourced externally or through their preferred vendors.
  • Staffing: On-site staff for setup, basic service during the event, and cleanup. Specialized staff like bartenders or full catering teams are often arranged through partner vendors or the in-house team.
  • Basic Sound System: A simple sound system may be available for background music or speeches; recommendations for professional AV rental can be provided for more extensive needs, especially given the expansive spaces.

Remember that premium furniture, extensive floral installations, specialized lighting (e.g., uplighting for architectural features), or upgraded sound/visual equipment are usually additional costs, coordinated with your planner or the venue.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

Mexico City can experience afternoon showers, particularly during the rainy season (May-October). Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica offers numerous spacious and elegant indoor salons and covered arcades/patios within its historic complex that serve as beautiful and seamless backup options for ceremonies or receptions if weather is inclement, ensuring your celebration remains magical while preserving the hacienda ambiance.

Pro tip: Discuss the backup options during your site visit or initial consultation. Understand where the alternative space is located and ensure it aligns with your vision, even if it’s just a contingency plan. The versatile design of Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica ensures that all indoor and covered spaces are equally beautiful and functional for your celebration.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Booking your wedding at Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica involves a standard payment structure:

Initial Deposit: A non-refundable deposit, often ranging from $7,000–$20,000+ USD (or a percentage of the total buyout), is required to reserve your date and the venue, reflecting its historic value and exclusivity.

Scheduled Payments: Further payments are typically scheduled at intervals (e.g., 6, 3, and 1 month prior) to cover estimated costs based on your arrangements and guest count.

Final Payment: The remaining balance is usually due approximately 30-45 days before the wedding date.

Cancellation policies are strict and vary depending on the timing of the cancellation relative to your wedding date. Review your contract carefully and consider wedding insurance to protect your investment against unforeseen circumstances.

On-Site Wedding Coordination and Planning Services

Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica offers dedicated on-site coordination for venue-related aspects or works closely with experienced local wedding planners to make your journey seamless. Their services, or those of a recommended planner, typically include:

Dedicated Contact/Planner: A main point of contact to guide you through decisions related to the venue, and to liaise with other vendors, specifically adept at working within a historic property.

Vendor Liaison: Assistance with selecting and coordinating trusted local vendors for photography, music, flowers, catering, and more, many of whom will have experience with the unique aspects of a hacienda wedding.

Timeline Creation & Management: Developing a detailed schedule for the wedding day and ensuring everything runs on time across the hacienda’s various spaces.

Rehearsal Coordination: Guiding your wedding party through the ceremony rehearsal at the venue, whether in the chapel or a courtyard.

Their expertise in executing beautiful, sophisticated events in this iconic Mexico City setting is invaluable for a stress-free planning experience.

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica boasts an exceptional in-house culinary team or works with a select group of preferred caterers capable of accommodating a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. They specialize in sophisticated authentic Mexican gourmet cuisine, often with international fusion options, using premium, locally-sourced ingredients, with flexibility for custom requests. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-specific meals can all be expertly prepared and served, ensuring the rich flavors of Mexico are celebrated.

Consultations with the executive chef or culinary team are usually included, allowing you to tailor the menu precisely. You can arrange unique culinary experiences like a high-end mole tasting bar, a refined antojito station with artisanal ingredients, a curated selection of Mexican wines, or premium tequila and mezcal pairings to add a unique local touch to your reception that perfectly complements the hacienda setting.

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica welcomes various entertainment options, from traditional mariachi bands, classical ensembles, and elegant jazz groups to lively DJs or large orchestras. While the hacienda provides ample space for celebration, as it is located in a residential area, the venue adheres to local regulations regarding noise levels, particularly for outdoor events.

Typically, outdoor amplified music may have a curfew, often around 10:00 or 11:00 p.m., with indoor celebrations allowed to continue later within the grand salons. The venue team will advise on transitioning to indoor ballrooms for extended celebrations, ensuring your party continues vibrantly while respecting local policies and the sophisticated, historic atmosphere.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Most guests will arrive via Mexico City International Airport (MEX), which is well-connected to the Tlalnepantla de Baz area (where Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica is located) via major highways. To facilitate guest transportation:

Airport Transfers: The venue or your planner can help arrange private car services or recommend reliable taxi/ride-sharing options from MEX. Private shuttles are highly recommended for guest convenience.

Local Transportation: Movement around Mexico City is easy via taxis, ride-sharing services (Uber/DiDi). For guests staying in nearby hotels in Tlalnepantla or northern Mexico City, the venue is often a short drive away. Consider arranging shuttle services for guests between their hotels and the hacienda, especially for the wedding day.

Parking: Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica offers ample on-site parking and valet services for guests, a significant advantage for a venue of this grandeur.

Providing guests with clear instructions on airport arrival, recommended transportation options, and local travel well in advance is highly recommended.

Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica

For an average wedding of about 100-150 guests at Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica, a rough estimate for your budget might be:

  • Venue Rental/Buyout Fee: $10,000–$30,000+ USD (often includes exclusive use of historic courtyards, salons, and grounds for the event duration).
  • Food and Beverage (per person): $130–$280+ USD per person. For 120 guests, budget $15,600–$33,600+.
  • Entertainment: $3,000–$12,000 USD (DJ, live band, classical musicians, traditional mariachi, or full orchestra).
  • Photography/Videography: $4,000–$10,000 USD (depends on hours, photographers, and deliverables, capturing the unique hacienda aesthetic).
  • Florals and Enhanced Decor: $4,000–$15,000 USD (leveraging venue’s grandeur but adding luxurious, colonial, or rustic-chic touches).
  • Taxes and Service Fees: Typically adds 16% VAT plus a 10-15% service charge on top of services. Budget at least 26% of total costs for this.

Total estimated costs could range from $35,000 to $85,000+ USD for a 120-guest wedding, highly dependent on specific buyout terms, menu selections, decor choices, and added luxuries. Prioritizing what matters most to you can help manage the budget effectively while embracing the hacienda’s unique charm.

*Please note: These are estimates. Always obtain a customized quote directly from Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica’s team or your wedding planner.*

Splurge vs. Save

To save costs, consider a weekday wedding, opting for seasonal flowers, or simplifying certain decor elements, letting the hacienda’s inherent historic beauty speak for itself. To splurge, consider a bespoke gourmet tasting menu with fine Mexican wine pairings, a grand orchestral performance or an authentic mariachi serenade throughout the night, an elaborate late-night traditional Mexican food station, or breathtaking floral installations and dramatic lighting that transform the courtyards into a truly magical space.

Wedding Arrangements and What’s Included

Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica often focuses on bespoke arrangements rather than fixed packages, allowing for a highly personalized experience. Common inclusions in a venue buyout or wedding arrangement might be:

  • Venue Rental/Buyout: Exclusive use of the property’s historic courtyards, salons, and designated event areas for a set period (e.g., 8-10 hours for the event).
  • Basic Ceremony Setup: Use of the beautiful on-site chapel or a grand courtyard, basic elegant seating, perhaps a simple, refined arch or gazebo decoration.
  • Minister/Officiant: Assistance with arranging services (symbolic or legal, with legal requiring separate paperwork/fees; the chapel is often suitable for religious ceremonies).
  • Cocktail Hour Setup: May include a designated area and basic setup for a welcome drink or cocktail hour within one of the charming patios, with catering providing bar service and appetizers.
  • Reception Catering Coordination: Working with the in-house culinary team or preferred exclusive caterers for a custom gourmet menu (plated, buffet, live stations), emphasizing Mexican flavors.
  • Bar Service Options: Coordination for open bar, consumption-based bar, or premium selections, often managed by the in-house team.
  • Wedding Cake: Sourced from a trusted local high-end baker, with various flavors and designs complementing the event’s style.
  • On-Site Contact/Manager: To assist with venue logistics and coordinate with your chosen wedding planner and vendors, ensuring smooth operation across the expansive hacienda grounds.

Pro tip: Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica excels at crafting seamless, high-end events rooted in tradition. Rely on their expertise to guide you through selecting the best options for a truly memorable and sophisticated celebration that honors Mexican heritage.

Activities for Other Days

Keep your guests entertained throughout their stay in Mexico City and the surrounding area, leveraging the hacienda’s location:

  • Organize group tours to Mexico City’s renowned museums (e.g., Anthropology Museum, Frida Kahlo House), historic centers (Zócalo, Xochimilco), or vibrant markets.
  • Arrange a private culinary tour, a Mezcal and Tequila tasting experience, or an immersive art walk in Colonia Roma or Condesa.
  • Host an elegant welcome dinner at a renowned Mexico City restaurant or a sophisticated brunch at Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica the day after, allowing guests more time to explore the venue.
  • Guests can explore the city’s parks (like Chapultepec), upscale shopping districts like Polanco, indulge in spa treatments, or attend a Lucha Libre show for a unique cultural experience.
  • Arrange adventurous excursions to nearby Teotihuacan pyramids for a sunrise hot air balloon ride, or explore the charming colonial town of Coyoacán.
  • Explore high-end boutiques, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife in Mexico City, all accessible from the hacienda.

Three Practical Tips for Brides

1) Embrace the Hacienda Charm: While the climate is generally mild, opt for formal attire that complements the venue’s historic sophistication. Consider comfortable, block-heeled shoes for navigating cobblestones or uneven surfaces in the courtyards. Embrace elegant updos and professional makeup that lasts through a lively celebration in this grand setting.

2) Cherish the Historic Ambiance: Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica offers stunning colonial architecture, arched walkways, and dramatic stone walls. Work with your photographer to capture the beauty of the venue’s natural light during the day, highlighting intricate details, and the enchanting illuminated courtyards at night for truly magical and timeless photos. Consider dramatic uplighting or string lights for your reception to enhance the sophisticated, rustic atmosphere.

3) Navigate with Ease & Enjoy: Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica is located outside the immediate city center, but is well-connected. Provide guests with clear transportation guidance (e.g., trusted car services, ride-sharing apps, or arranged shuttles) for navigating to and from the hacienda. Embrace the rich history and romantic ambiance of the hacienda, allowing yourself to fully immerse in every moment of your celebration, confident in its timeless beauty.

Two Bride Reviews

“Our wedding at Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica was an absolute dream. The historic courtyards and majestic architecture provided the most authentic and grand backdrop for our celebration in Mexico City. The catering was exquisite, featuring truly delicious Mexican flavors, and the entire team anticipated our every need. Our guests were captivated by the beauty and unique atmosphere of the hacienda. It truly felt like stepping into a romantic, timeless fairytale!” – Ana S.

“Choosing Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica for our wedding was the best decision we made. This venue is a true gem in Mexico City, offering breathtaking historic beauty and wonderfully versatile spaces. Every detail, from the ceremony in the charming chapel to the vibrant reception in the main courtyard, was executed flawlessly. Celebrating our love in such a luxurious and private historic setting made our day unforgettable. Highly recommend for a truly distinguished and authentic Mexico City wedding experience.” – Elena C.

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Photographer

Having photographed weddings across Mexico, Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica in Mexico City offers a magnificently grand and authentic setting for wedding photography. The meticulously preserved colonial architecture, expansive cobblestone courtyards, charming chapel, and dramatic stone walls provide a wealth of stunning backdrops for both grand and intimate moments. From classic portraits against ornate facades and arched walkways to romantic strolls through ancient pathways, the venue offers diverse photographic opportunities. The spaciousness allows for capturing the grandeur of your celebration while still providing pockets for candid, heartfelt interactions, rich with texture and history. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that blends timeless romance with authentic Mexican heritage, rustic grandeur with architectural grace, and a truly distinguished atmosphere, Ex Hacienda de Santa Mónica is an exceptional choice. It photographs with a rich, cinematic, and truly memorable feel, reflecting the unique spirit of your special day in a deeply historic context.

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