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Sofitel Barú Cartagena is a hotel destination wedding venue in Bolívar, Colombia, hosting 350 at dinner and 400 at the ceremony, where a wedding for 80 guests costs about US$36,000 (our estimate), reached from Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG), 25–35 minutes. Best months: January, February, March, December.

Sofitel Barú Cartagena

BolívarColombia

Escape to the pristine private beaches of Isla Barú, home to one of the most exclusive luxury hotels in Cartagena.

Guests
350 at dinner400 at the ceremony
Rooms
187 rooms
Cost
About US$36,000for 80 guestsAisle estimate
Ceremony
Outdoor ceremonies
Season
Best weather Dec–MarAisle estimate
Getting there
CTGabout 35 min by carAisle estimate

About the venue

Escape to the pristine private beaches of Isla Barú, home to one of the most exclusive luxury hotels in Cartagena.

From the moment you arrive at Sofitel Barú Cartagena Beach Resort, you are immersed in a refined Cartagena beach resort experience shaped by Caribbean beauty and French elegance.

Recognized as a premier 5-star hotel in Cartagena and a leading hotel in Barú Island, the resort blends vibrant tropical surroundings with timeless sophistication, creating an exceptional beachfront escape defined by serenity and style.

Sofitel Barú Cartagena accommodates wedding parties of 30 to 150 guests across its ceremony and reception spaces.

  • Direct access to private beach along Cartagena Bay with unobstructed water views for ceremonies
  • 4.8/5 Google rating reflecting verified guest satisfaction across 500+ reviews
  • Located at Km 7 Sector, approximately 20 minutes from Cartagena's historic Old City via car
  • Pool deck and beachfront lawn accommodate up to 150 guests for cocktails and receptions

Short answers

How much does a wedding at Sofitel Barú Cartagena cost?
Aisle estimates about US$36,000 for 80 guests. Hire, fees, food and drink. Rooms are extra.
Aisle estimate
How many guests does Sofitel Barú Cartagena hold?
Sofitel Barú Cartagena holds 350 at dinner and 400 at the ceremony.
Venue website
Can guests stay at Sofitel Barú Cartagena?
Yes. 187 rooms.
Venue website
When is the best time for a wedding at Sofitel Barú Cartagena?
Best weather: December – March.
Aisle estimate
How do guests get to Sofitel Barú Cartagena?
Fly into Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG), about 35 min by car.
Aisle estimate

Ask about your month

Tell the venue your year and month, your guest count and your budget. They reply with the dates they have free and what a wedding with them costs.

Year

Month

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Capacity, rooms and facilities

Last updated

Capacity

Seated dinner
350 guests
Standing reception
430 guests
Ceremony, seated
400 guests

Staying over

Rooms
187 rooms

House rules

Pets
Yes
Children
Yes

Best weather to marry

Aisle estimate
  1. January: best
  2. February: best
  3. March: best
  4. April: out of season
  5. May: out of season
  6. June: out of season
  7. July: out of season
  8. August: out of season
  9. September: out of season
  10. October: out of season
  11. November: out of season
  12. December: best
Best weatherFairWeather does not tell you whether a date is free.

Getting there

Nearby venues on a map
Nearest airport
CTG, 35 min by carAisle estimate
Parking
Yes
Step-free access
Yes
Guest transport
Yes
Phone
(605) 6411690
Answered by the venue in local hours.

Reviews of Sofitel Barú Cartagena

“The rooms are stunning. The staff is exceptional. They are so attentive and kind. Mario and Claudia were so nice to my family. They took care of us and were always so pleasant and smiling. They made our vacation a 10/10!”

Sanya Rambally ConklinRead the whole review on Google

4.8out of 5, from 1,746 Google reviews

Questions about the venue

Where a number is our estimate, we say so.

Can we have the ceremony on the beach?
Yes. The resort's private beach section is available for ceremonies with ocean backdrops. Setups typically use the lawn area adjacent to sand for ease of access and guest comfort.
What's included in the accommodation rate?
Room rates typically include breakfast, internet, and pool/beach access. Wedding packages vary, contact the events team directly for package specifics and F&B minimums.
How far is the venue from Cartagena's attractions?
The Old City and main tourist areas are roughly 20 minutes away by car. The resort's location offers quieter beach setting while keeping cultural sites accessible for guest excursions.
What's the weather like during wedding season?
December through March offers dry season (75–82°F). May through November sees increased humidity and rain; July and August remain popular despite occasional afternoon showers.
Can the venue accommodate dietary restrictions?
The Sofitel's culinary team handles vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy requests. Provide details during catering meetings for execution across multiple service days.

A sample wedding weekend

See the day-by-day outline

Use this as a starting point and adapt it to your bookings and guests.

Friday (Arrival Day) · day 01
  • 2:00 PM–6:00 PMGuest check-in; welcome cocktail on pool deck with ocean views
Saturday (Wedding Day) · day 02
  • 4:00 PMGuest arrival and seating; prelude music begins
  • 5:00 PMCeremony on beachfront lawn or private beach section
  • 6:00 PM–7:00 PMCocktail hour poolside with passed appetizers and bar service
  • 7:00 PM–11:00 PMSeated dinner reception in ocean-view ballroom or terrace; dancing and entertainment
Sunday (Departure Day) · day 03
  • 10:00 AMCasual brunch; guest checkout

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Aisle also works inside Claude and ChatGPT. Ask either one for venues in Colombia by guest count and budget. Find venues in Claude · Find venues in ChatGPT

Sources and booking notes

Confirm your dates, guest numbers, room arrangements and inclusions with the venue before booking. An enquiry does not reserve a date. Figures labelled Aisle estimate are modelled from regional rates and public sources; they are not venue quotes.

Venue wedding information

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Sources for individual venue facts

  • Seated dinner: 350 guests

    “Accommodate: 400 ceremony, 430 cocktail, 350 seated”
    Read the source for seated dinner

  • Standing reception: 430 guests

    “Accommodate: 400 ceremony, 430 cocktail, 350 seated”
    Read the source for standing reception

  • Ceremony, seated: 400 guests

    “Accommodate: 400 ceremony, 430 cocktail, 350 seated”
    Read the source for ceremony, seated

  • Rooms: 187 rooms

    “Debuting in 2021, the modern, eco-conscious hotel offers 187 rooms — including 22 suites and a presidential suite — with incredible views of the Caribbean Sea.”
    Read the source for rooms

  • Outdoor ceremony: Yes

    “Imagine saying your vows with the turquoise Caribbean Sea as your backdrop, white sand beneath your feet, and lush tropical gardens all around.”
    Read the source for outdoor ceremony

  • In-house catering: Yes

    “Foodies rejoice because their culinary team can whip up anything from traditional Colombian dishes to international favorites, all made with top-notch ingredients.”
    Read the source for in-house catering

  • Bar on site: Yes

    “Culinary options, helmed by French chef Patrice Guaus, include three restaurants and seven bars (three are poolside).”
    Read the source for bar on site

  • Pets: Yes

    “Pet friendly”
    Read the source for pets

  • Children: Yes

    “Sofitel Barú Cartagena gives parents well-deserved me time with the complimentary Kid’s Villa.”
    Read the source for children

  • Parking: Yes

    “50 Parking spaces”
    Read the source for parking

  • Step-free access: Yes

    “Wheelchair accessible”
    Read the source for step-free access

  • Guest transport: Yes

    “We offer shared and private transportation options.”
    Read the source for guest transport

  • Event spaces: Ballroom

    “The resort features a variety of stunning venues, including the La Pérgola rooftop with 360-degree views of the Caribbean Sea, the expansive Calablanca Beach with its white sands and turquoise waters, and the elegant Kalamarí Ballroom accommodating up to 270 guests.”
    Read the source for event spaces

  • Reception indoors: Yes

    “Kalamari Salon: This versatile ballroom features cutting-edge technologies and it’s 900 square meters can be divided and transformed to accommodate various-sized events.”
    Read the source for reception indoors

  • Reception outdoors: Yes

    “During our stay, we had the most enchanting meal on the beach and it will forever live rent-free in my head.”
    Read the source for reception outdoors

  • Swimming pool: Yes

    “Each of these sanctuaries comes with a balcony facing the water, but you also can opt to relax in the four pools throughout the resort.”
    Read the source for swimming pool

  • Sea view: Yes

    “All rooms have sea views, but for the most glorious oceanscapes, book one of the 23 suites on the top floors in towers four to 10.”
    Read the source for sea view

  • Beach on foot: Yes

    “Just 40 minutes by boat from Cartagena, Sofitel Barú Cartagena Beach Resort feels like an escape, as it sits on the white sands of the island of Baru.”
    Read the source for beach on foot

  • Gardens: Yes

    “Imagine saying your vows with the turquoise Caribbean Sea as your backdrop, white sand beneath your feet, and lush tropical gardens all around.”
    Read the source for gardens

  • Historic building: No

    “Debuting in 2021, the modern, eco-conscious hotel offers 187 rooms — including 22 suites and a presidential suite — with incredible views of the Caribbean Sea.”
    Read the source for historic building

  • Coordinator on the day: Yes

    “Planning a wedding can be stressful, but the dedicated team at Sofitel Barú Calablanca makes it a breeze.”
    Read the source for coordinator on the day
About US$36,000for 80 guestsAisle estimate

Could this be your venue?

Ask about prices and free dates for the month you have in mind. You do not need a fixed date.