Getting Married at Casa Xipe, Mexico City: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Dreaming of a wedding where historic charm meets vibrant artistic flair in Mexico City? Welcome to Casa Xipe—an enchanting venue that offers a stunning blend of colonial architecture, colorful design, and intimate spaces for your special day. With its secret gardens, intricate tile work, and a tranquil, bohemian setting, Casa Xipe provides an unparalleled backdrop for your celebration. Whether you envision a heartfelt ceremony in a sun-dappled courtyard or a lively reception under the stars, this exquisite venue promises a wedding experience as unforgettable as its unique ambiance.

Renowned for its beautifully preserved character and a deeply artistic atmosphere, Casa Xipe seamlessly blends traditional Mexican design with modern comforts. Its exquisite event areas—from romantic courtyards to charming indoor salons—are designed to reflect your unique love story, all while showcasing the captivating cultural richness of Mexico City. Let the authentic beauty 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?

 

Casa Xipe stands out for its charming historic setting in Mexico City, offering intimate courtyards and an exclusive, vibrant ambiance. The venue’s unique and characterful design, featuring colorful murals, artisanal details, and a welcoming, bohemian atmosphere, creates a romantic and artistic environment perfect for heartfelt celebrations. Couples seeking an intimate yet lively wedding experience, within a culturally rich urban sanctuary, will find Casa Xipe provides a picturesque and exclusive setting.

Recent guest surveys indicate that **couples increasingly prioritize unique, authentic settings and personalized guest experiences**. With its exquisite blend of traditional elegance and artistic flair, and a focus on attentive, bespoke service, Casa Xipe offers a truly distinctive backdrop for your wedding photos and a memorable escape for your guests.

 

How Does a Wedding at Casa Xipe Work?

 

Planning your wedding at Casa Xipe 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 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 Casa Xipe 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 in the courtyards and receptions. The drier season also provides consistent, beautiful natural light for photography.

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.

 

The Basics of Wedding Arrangements

 

Casa Xipe offers thoughtfully designed wedding arrangements tailored to various styles and sizes. These typically include:

  • Ceremony Setup: Options for intimate courtyard ceremonies or charming indoor settings, with authentic décor.
  • Reception Venues: Historic patios, vibrant terraces, or cozy indoor salons.
  • Catering: Authentic gourmet Mexican cuisine, emphasizing regional specialties and artisanal ingredients, with options for family-style dinners, themed buffets, or interactive food stations, provided by an acclaimed in-house culinary team or exclusive caterers.
  • Decor and Floral Arrangements: Collaboration with local artisans and florists for rustic, vibrant, and bespoke arrangements and eclectic decor that reflect the venue’s unique character and your personal taste.
  • Entertainment: Assistance with coordinating music (local mariachi, traditional folk bands, or contemporary DJs) and other entertainment to create the perfect atmosphere.

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 Casa Xipe, 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 charming boutique hotels or guesthouses in Mexico City.
  • 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

 

Casa Xipe features versatile spaces suitable for intimate to medium-sized weddings:

  • Main Event Space (e.g., Central Courtyard/Grand Salon): Ideal for intimate to medium-sized weddings, accommodating 50-150 guests, depending on the setup.
  • Secret Garden Ceremony Area: Perfect for ceremonies up to 150 guests, offering lush, private, and picturesque views.
  • Entire Property Buyout: The entire property can often be booked for exclusivity, perfect for a truly private and immersive celebration, enhancing the intimate and distinctive experience.

The venue primarily focuses on event spaces and does not offer on-site accommodation. For guests, a wide array of charming boutique hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb options are available in the surrounding vibrant neighborhoods of Mexico City, with preferential rates often arranged.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

Casa Xipe’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:

Courtyard Ceremony: Exchange vows amidst the vibrant charm of Casa Xipe’s main courtyard, with its colorful walls and lush greenery as your stunning backdrop, perhaps under a traditional floral arch.

Artisanal Cocktail Hour: Guests enjoy signature cocktails and creative canapés infused with local flavors on the intimate garden terraces, offering glimpses of historic architecture.

Vibrant Reception: Move to the charming indoor salons or covered patio for an authentic Mexican dinner, heartfelt toasts, and a lively celebration with music and dancing.

Pro tip: Embrace the venue’s artistic and authentic Mexican essence. Consider a vibrant and rustic theme, incorporate traditional textiles, local crafts, and abundant colorful flowers, and let the unique character of Casa Xipe be your magnificent backdrop.

What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?

While specific inclusions vary, the core venue fee or buyout cost at Casa Xipe typically includes:

  • Exclusive Use of Property: Casa Xipe typically offers exclusive use of designated event areas for weddings, ensuring complete privacy and use of charming 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.

Remember that premium furniture, elaborate floral installations, specialized lighting, 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). Casa Xipe offers charming and spacious indoor salons and covered patio areas that serve as beautiful and seamless backup options for ceremonies or receptions if weather is inclement, ensuring your celebration remains magical.

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 thoughtful design of Casa Xipe ensures that all indoor spaces are equally beautiful and functional for your celebration.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Booking your wedding at Casa Xipe involves a standard payment structure:

Initial Deposit: A non-refundable deposit, often ranging from $4,000–$10,000 USD (or a percentage of the total buyout), is required to reserve your date and the venue.

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

Casa Xipe 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.

Vendor Liaison: Assistance with selecting and coordinating trusted local vendors for photography, music, flowers, catering, and more.

Timeline Creation & Management: Developing a detailed schedule for the wedding day and ensuring everything runs on time.

Rehearsal Coordination: Guiding your wedding party through the ceremony rehearsal at the venue.

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

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

Casa Xipe boasts an exceptional in-house culinary team capable of accommodating a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. They specialize in authentic Mexican and modern fusion cuisine, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, with flexibility for custom requests. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-specific meals can all be expertly prepared and served.

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 traditional mole station, a vibrant taco bar with handmade tortillas, a curated selection of mezcals, or a unique dessert table featuring Mexican sweets to add a truly local touch to your reception.

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

Casa Xipe welcomes various entertainment options, from traditional mariachi bands and folk ensembles to contemporary DJs or live bands. As Casa Xipe is located in a vibrant neighborhood, 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. The venue team will advise on transitioning to indoor salons for extended celebrations, ensuring your party continues vibrantly while respecting local policies and the intimate atmosphere.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Most guests will arrive via Mexico City International Airport (MEX), which is well-connected to various vibrant neighborhoods via major avenues. 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.

Local Transportation: Movement around Mexico City is easy via taxis, ride-sharing services (Uber/DiDi), or public transportation (Metro/Metrobus) for exploring the city. For guests staying in nearby hotels, the venue is often a short walk or drive away.

Parking: Casa Xipe offers limited on-site parking and typically arranges valet services or recommends nearby public parking options for guests.

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 Casa Xipe

For an average wedding of about 80-120 guests at Casa Xipe, a rough estimate for your budget might be:

  • Venue Rental/Buyout Fee: $7,000–$20,000 USD (often includes exclusive use of main event areas and courtyards for the event duration).
  • Food and Beverage (per person): $100–$200+ USD per person. For 100 guests, budget $10,000–$24,000+.
  • Entertainment: $2,000–$7,000 USD (DJ, live band, traditional musicians like Mariachi or Son Jarocho).
  • Photography/Videography: $4,000–$10,000 USD (depends on hours, photographers, and deliverables).
  • Florals and Enhanced Decor: $2,500–$8,000 USD (leveraging venue’s natural beauty but adding bespoke, local 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 $25,000 to $60,000+ USD for a 100-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.

*Please note: These are estimates. Always obtain a customized quote directly from Casa Xipe’s team or your wedding planner.*

Splurge vs. Save

To save costs, consider a weekday wedding, opting for abundant seasonal flowers from local markets, or simplifying certain decor elements. Leveraging Casa Xipe’s inherent artistic charm can reduce the need for extensive additional decor. To splurge, consider a bespoke multi-course tasting menu with artisanal mezcal pairings, a grand folkloric dance performance, an elaborate late-night churro or esquite bar, or stunning lighting installations that highlight the historic architecture and courtyards.

Wedding Arrangements and What’s Included

Casa Xipe 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 or designated event areas for a set period (e.g., 8-10 hours for the event).
  • Basic Ceremony Setup: Use of existing beautiful spots on the property (courtyards, terraces), 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).
  • Cocktail Hour Setup: May include a designated area and basic setup for a welcome drink or cocktail hour, with catering providing bar service and appetizers.
  • Reception Catering Coordination: Working with the in-house culinary team or preferred exclusive caterers for a custom authentic menu (plated, buffet, live stations).
  • 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 artisanal baker, with various flavors and designs reflecting Mexican confectionery.
  • On-Site Contact/Manager: To assist with venue logistics and coordinate with your chosen wedding planner and vendors.

Pro tip: Casa Xipe excels at crafting seamless, authentic events. Rely on their expertise to guide you through selecting the best options for a truly memorable and culturally rich celebration.

Activities for Other Days

Keep your guests entertained throughout their stay in Mexico City and the surrounding area:

  • Organize group tours to Mexico City’s vibrant neighborhoods (e.g., Coyoacán, Roma, Condesa), artisan markets (e.g., Ciudadela), or historic centers (Zócalo, Xochimilco boat rides).
  • Arrange a private culinary walking tour, a Mezcal and Tequila tasting experience focusing on artisanal producers, or an immersive street art tour.
  • Host an intimate welcome dinner at a renowned Mexico City restaurant known for authentic cuisine or a casual brunch at Casa Xipe the day after.
  • Guests can explore the city’s unique museums (like Frida Kahlo House, Museo Soumaya), enjoy live music at a traditional *peña*, 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 San Ángel.
  • Explore independent boutiques, art galleries, and hidden cafes in the surrounding areas of Casa Xipe.

Three Practical Tips for Brides

1) Embrace Mexico City’s Charm: While the climate is generally mild, consider attire that complements the venue’s bohemian-chic sophistication. Opt for elegant yet relaxed hairstyles and professional makeup that lasts through the celebration. Comfortable yet stylish footwear is key for navigating the courtyards and dance floor!

2) Cherish the Ambiance: Casa Xipe offers stunning natural light and enchanting historic details. Work with your photographer to capture the beauty of the venue’s colorful walls, intricate tile work, and the intimate glow of evening lighting for truly magical photos. Consider highlighting architectural details with strategic uplighting for your reception to enhance the artistic atmosphere.

3) Navigate with Ease & Enjoy: Mexico City is vast. Provide guests with clear transportation guidance (e.g., trusted taxi services, ride-sharing apps) for navigating the city. Embrace the vibrant energy of the city and the serene elegance of Casa Xipe, allowing yourself to fully immerse in every moment of your celebration.

Two Bride Reviews

“Our wedding at Casa Xipe was an absolute dream come true. The historic courtyards and charming salons provided the perfect authentic backdrop for our celebration in Mexico City. The in-house catering was a true culinary journey through Mexican flavors, and the team made us feel completely at ease. Our guests were captivated by the venue’s unique character and the warm, impeccable service. It truly felt like a beautiful, personalized fiesta!” – Sofia G.

“Choosing Casa Xipe for our wedding was the best decision. The venue is a hidden gem in Mexico City, offering both breathtaking historic beauty and wonderfully intimate spaces. Every detail, from the vibrant floral arrangements to the delicious authentic menu, was executed flawlessly. Celebrating our love in such a charming and private setting, with the city’s rich culture just steps away, made our day unforgettable. Highly recommend for a truly unique and heartfelt Mexico City wedding.” – Mariana P.

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Photographer

Having photographed weddings across Mexico, Casa Xipe in Mexico City offers a uniquely charming and visually rich setting for wedding photography. The historic colonial architecture, vibrant color palettes, intimate courtyards, and artisanal details provide a wealth of stunning backdrops for both candid and artistic moments. From romantic portraits against ornate facades to joyful celebrations under strung lights in the patio, the venue offers diverse photographic opportunities. The intricate details allow for capturing the unique character of your celebration while still providing ample space for heartfelt interactions. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that blends authentic Mexican romance with artistic sophistication, historic beauty with vibrant local charm, and a truly intimate atmosphere, Casa Xipe is an exceptional choice. It photographs with a timeless, soulful, and truly memorable feel, reflecting the unique spirit of your special day.

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