Cartagena Destination Wedding Budget: 10 Key Expenses You Need to Plan For

Planning a destination wedding in Cartagena, Colombia? Welcome to one of the most magical wedding destinations in the world: think vibrant colonial architecture, romantic cobblestone streets, and breathtaking Caribbean sunsets. From charming venues in the Walled City to luxurious beachfront settings, Cartagena offers a unique blend of history, beauty, and magic that will make your special day unforgettable. 

But paradise has a price tag, and getting clear on your Cartagena wedding budget early will make planning smoother, less stressful, and (hopefully) more joyful. Getting the real breakdown of the cost of a wedding in Cartagena will give you a clearer vision of what your wedding will look like in this magical city.

This guide breaks down what you should expect to spend in Cartagena, how much each category may cost, and what decisions can move the budget needle up or down. Whether you’re planning a $40K celebration or a luxe $150K weekend, use this as a helpful starting point to build your own budget spreadsheet.

Please note that all prices are in USD and may vary for various reasons.

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1. Venue and Rentals (25% of Budget)

Estimated Spend: $15,000 (on a $60K budget) to $37,500 (on a $150K budget)

When planning your Cartagena destination wedding, the biggest slice of your budget will likely go toward the wedding venue, and with good reason. This is where your vision comes to life. Whether you’re dreaming of a beachfront celebration or a charming colonial villa, the venue cost can vary significantly based on location, amenities, and accessibility.

Some venues offer basic inclusions like tables, chairs, and lighting, but many, especially those on the beach, require full-scale rentals and production setups. This often adds $7,000 to $10,500 or more to your bill.

Here are some of our recommended venue and rentals options with the associated costs:

Beachfront Options:

• Fénix Beach: $4,000 + $7,500 for rental and production
• Eteka Beach: $10,200 + $7,500 for rental and production
• Makani Beach Club: $33,700 + $7,500 for rental and production
• Sofitel Barú: $16,700 + $7,500 for rental and production

Colonial Villas:

• Casa Estrella (60 guests): $6,200 + $7,000 for rental and production
• Casa Botero: $11,000 + $7,000 for rental and production
• Casa Arzobispado: $5,500 + $7,000 for rental and production
• Casa Pestagua: $15,000 + $7,000 for rental and production
  

Luxury Hotels:

• Charleston Santa Teresa: $8,000 + $10,500 for rental and production
• Las Américas: $20,000 + $10,500 for rental and production
• Sofitel Santa Clara: $5,000 + $10,500 for rental and production
• Movich Hotel: $12,000 + $10,500 for rental and production
  

Historic/Special Venues:

• Casa 1537: $10,500 + $9,500 for rental and production
• Club de Pesca: $4,600 + $9,500 for rental and production
• Baluarte: $7,000 + $9,500 for rental and production
• Centro de Convenciones: $10,000 + $9,500 for rental and production

2. Catering, Cake, and Drinks (14% of budget)

Estimated Spend: $8,600 to $36,000

Food and drinks are a major part of any celebration, and in Cartagena, where weddings often go all night, they’re essential. Expect to dedicate about 24% of your total budget to catering, cake, and beverages to keep guests well-fed and energized.

• Catering Styles: Your catering choice sets the tone for the dining experience. A plated service offers a formal feel and typically costs $20,000 or more. Family-style service brings warmth and intimacy at around $17,500, while buffet options are more casual and average about $15,000.
• Cake & Desserts: While some venues may include a wedding cake or small dessert table, many couples choose to customize this. A traditional cake or dessert spread can range from $300 to $1,000, depending on size, complexity, and local vendor selection.
• Drinks & Late-Night Bites: Alcohol costs vary widely. Some venues charge per person ($35 to $90), while others allow BYOB with corkage fees. Don’t forget late-night snacks, local favorites like arepas or empanadas are a hit. They typically cost an additional $500 to $1,000.

If you’d like to find out more about the catering in Cartagena, check out our Cartagena restaurant recommendations.

3. Photography and Videography (6% of budget)

Estimated Spend: $3,500 to $15,000

Capturing your wedding day is one of the most meaningful investments you will make. Photos and videos are lasting keepsakes that let you relive every moment. Couples typically allocate around 10% of their total budget to photography and videography.

You may want to consider the following typical packages:

• Photo + Video (Full Coverage): $4,000 to $7,000
• Photo Only: $2,500 to $4,000
• Add-ons (Drone, Teasers, Extra Hours): $500 to $2,000

4. Floral Design and Decor (12% of Budget)

Estimated Spend: $7,000 to $15,500

Floral design and decor play a crucial role in setting the atmosphere for your Cartagena wedding. From lush bouquets and boutonnieres to stunning ceremony arches and reception centerpieces, flowers help bring your vision to life. But it’s not just about blooms, lighting, signage, tableware, and decorative elements like candles or non-floral accents also shape the overall aesthetic.

Couples typically allocate around 9% of their total budget to this category, combining both floral and non-floral decor..

You may want to consider the following decoration packages:

• Simple Charm: $7,500 (Minimal decor with basic florals and soft lighting, perfect for a cozy celebration)
• Classic Glow: $9,000 (Elegant florals, premium fabrics, and warm lighting for a balanced, timeless vibe):
• Grand Luxe: $11,000 (Extravagant florals, crystal accents, and bespoke designs for a luxurious experience)
  

Tip: Ask your florist to reuse ceremony florals for the reception to save on cost.

5. Music (5% of Budget)

Estimated Spend: $3,200 to $12,000

Music sets the tone for your Cartagena wedding, from romantic ceremony moments to a high-energy dance floor. Whether you prefer a salsa band, a DJ spinning reggaetón, or a classical harpist, allocating around 8% of your budget to music is typical.

• Live Band or DJ: Live entertainment creates an unforgettable vibe. A full band typically costs $3,000 to $6,000, depending on size and duration. While some couples go all out with both a DJ and a band, most choose one. DJs are a great option for all-night dancing and cost between $800 to $2,000.
• Ceremony Musicians: Live musicians like a string quartet, harpist, or solo guitarist elevate the ceremony and can also perform during cocktail hour. Expect to spend $300 to $1,200 depending on your selection.

6. Couple’s Attire and Beauty (8% of Budget)

Estimated Spend: $4,500 to $9,000

Your wedding look is a personal expression of your style, and in Cartagena’s tropical elegance, it deserves attention. On average, couples allocate about 6% of their total wedding budget to attire, beauty, and accessories. This includes the wedding dress or suit, shoes, and essential accessories like jewelry, cuff-links, or a veil, costing anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000+.

This budget portion is specific to the couple. If you plan to cover attire or beauty services for bridesmaids, groomsmen, or others, be sure to add extra, typically $300 to $600 per person. Many local packages include trials, day-of styling, and touch-ups to keep everyone photo-ready.

Don’t forget to budget for special wedding-day jewelry, like earrings, cuff-links, or a meaningful keepsake, usually $500 to $1,500. 

7. Wedding Planner  (9% of Budget)

Estimated Spend: $5,500 to $7,000

Hiring a wedding planner for your Cartagena destination wedding is a smart investment, especially if you’re planning from abroad. Local planners bring invaluable expertise: they know the best vendors, how to navigate city logistics, and can troubleshoot anything from weather changes to vendor delays. They’ll also handle the many moving parts on your wedding day, so you can focus on celebrating.

Couples typically allocate around 4% of their budget for planning services. Full-service planners, who manage everything from start to finish, range from $3,500 to $6,000. Partial coordination or day-of services generally cost between $1,500 and $3,000.

8. Entertainment (2% of Budget)

Estimated Spend: $1,000 to $3,000

Transportation is often overlooked, but it’s key to keeping your Cartagena destination wedding running smoothly, especially if you’re hosting at a beach venue or a villa outside the Walled City. Ensuring your guests arrive on time and safely can mean hiring buses or shuttles to run between hotels and the ceremony or reception site.

Many couples allocate around 2% of their budget for transport. Guest shuttles typically cost $500–$1,500 round trip, depending on distance and group size. You might also want to splurge on a stylish ride for yourselves, like a vintage car or a private shuttle, which can cost between $400–$700.

9. Welcome Event (6% of Budget)

Estimated Spend: $3,500 to $5,500

A welcome event is the perfect way to kick off your wedding celebrations and help guests settle into Cartagena. Whether it’s a sunset cocktail hour on a rooftop in the Walled City or a laid-back beach gathering on Tierra Bomba, this event sets the tone for the entire weekend.

Typical costs include venue rental, décor, drinks, light bites, and possibly entertainment. If you’re hosting 50–80 guests, expect to spend around $3,500 to $5,500, depending on the style and scale of the event. Don’t forget to include transportation if the welcome party is at a different location from where guests are staying.

10. Production (13% of Budget)

Estimated Spend: $8,000 to $10,500

Production is the behind-the-scenes magic that brings your Cartagena wedding to life. This includes lighting, sound, staging, generators (a must-have for beach or island venues), and any technical crew needed to run the show seamlessly.

Costs can vary based on the venue and your entertainment setup, but expect to invest a significant portion of your budget here if you’re planning a large-scale wedding or hosting events in more remote areas. A professionally produced wedding not only enhances the ambiance but ensures that everything runs smoothly from your first dance to the final song.

Additional Expenses to Consider in Your Cartagena Destination Wedding

Beyond the core wedding budget, Cartagena destination weddings often come with extra expenses that can add up quickly. It’s important to factor these in early so you’re not caught off guard later in the planning process.

Here are some common add-ons to consider:

• Rehearsal Dinner or Welcome Drinks: $1,000 to $6,000
• Catamaran Welcome Party: $3,500 to $9,000
• Guest Welcome Bags: $10 to $30 per bag
• Ceremony Officiant (Legal or Symbolic): $250 to $800
• After-Party Costs or Honeymoon Kickoff: $500 to $2,000
• Tips for Vendors: $500+ total
• Wedding Insurance: $200 to $600
• Marriage License/Legalization (if required): Varies depending on nationality and legal needs

These costs may seem small individually, but they can significantly impact your final spend. Be sure to identify what matters most to you and allocate funds accordingly.

Creating a Cartagena Wedding Budget That Works for You

Every wedding is unique, and your Cartagena wedding budget should reflect your priorities, preferences, and guest experience. Major factors that influence your budget include your guest count (hosting 30 vs. 120 people makes a huge difference), venue and vendor choices, the formality of the celebration, and whether you’re covering guest expenses like transportation or group activities.

Here’s a sample budget breakdown based on a $60,000 Cartagena destination wedding:

Need help planning or budgeting your Cartagena wedding? Reach out to our local planners or wedding specialists with Cartagena experience; they will help you maximize every dollar.