Releasing the turtles as part of the wedding ritual.

Turtle weddings in Mexico? What tha??

That was my first reaction. So, what does that actually mean?

Try destination wedding meets ecotourism. In an elegant beachfront resort on the tip of the Baja California Peninsula.

You’ve heard of releasing doves during the ceremony? Well, two couples exchanged their vows at the Marquis Los Cabos this month, and joined by their wedding party and guests, released baby “olive ridley” sea turtles back into their ocean habitat.

This sweet ritual inside a ritual is one of the resort’s ecotourism initiatives, certified by the state-sponsored PROFEPA agency. The resort has been recognized as a sea turtle watch and rescue site, protecting five species of turtle eggs. The eggs are layed in June and hatch as early as October.

The olive ridley is named for the olive color of its heart-shaped shell and it returns every year to its birth site.

As part of their wedding promotional package, the Marquis invites couples wed at the resort to return on their anniversary for a complimentary three-night stay.

Wedding destination packages include accommodations in a casita with private pool, spa treatments, champagne, a wedding coordinator, and other delights. Room rates for groups start at $295.

The 237-suite resort is located at the tip of the Baja California peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, minutes from the village of San Jose del Cabo and rock ‘n’ roll destination, Cabo San Lucas.

Though it features a 15,000 square-foot spa and fitness center and the acclaimed Canto del Mar restaurant, the Marquis Los Cabos is not entirely about decadence. In the May/June issue this year, National Geographic Traveler recognized the resort as one of those who give back to their employees in terms of staff health care and education.

Maybe that’s why they call it, the “resort with a heart.” Or maybe it’s because they rescue those adorable little sea turtles.

The Marquis Los Cabos
(877) 238-9399

Photos courtesy of the Marquis Los Cabos