The charm of an outdoor event, and its real challenge
Haciendas, gardens, and open lots are among the most sought-after spaces for weddings and social events in Jalisco — and also the ones that need the most infrastructure solved outside the venue itself. This guide covers what to plan before confirming the space.
The first problem: infrastructure that doesn't exist
Unlike an event hall, most haciendas and gardens don't have enough plumbing or electricity for your event's guest count. Before falling in love with the space, ask:
- How many fixed restrooms does the venue have, and for how many people are they sized?
- Is there electrical access near where the tent or social area will be set up?
- Does the terrain allow service vehicles through for installation and pickup?
The solution: units with self-contained systems
For spaces without fixed plumbing or electricity, the only way to offer a truly premium experience is with units that bring their own supply:
- Trailers with self-contained water and electrical systems, ideal for large attendance on open terrain
- Presidential toilets with luxury finishes, perfect for hacienda weddings where design matters as much as function
- VIP toilets to complement exclusive areas of the garden
To size the exact number for your guest count, use our toilets-per-person calculator — for a 150-guest wedding with an open bar over 6 hours, for example, that's 5-7 toilets.
Terrain: what's sometimes overlooked
A garden with grass or uneven ground can complicate installing heavier units. Share photos of the terrain and the exact installation spot with your provider before the event, to confirm delivery vehicle access.
Weather and season
In Jalisco, rainy season (June-September) is a real factor for outdoor events. If your date falls in those months, plan a contingency for sanitary unit access in case the ground is wet.
What permits do I need for an outdoor event in Guadalajara?
In most municipalities across Guadalajara's metro area (Guadalajara, Zapopan, Tlaquepaque, Tonalá, Tlajomulco), an outdoor event with more than a handful of guests typically requires:
- A land-use or special-event permit from the local municipal government, if the site isn't zoned for events
- A sound/live-music permit when there's amplification, especially past certain nighttime hours
- An alcohol sale or service permit, separate from the venue's own permit
- A Civil Protection (Protección Civil) notice for tents, staging, or temporary structures, and for high-attendance events
Each municipality has its own process and response times, so confirm directly with the local government at least 4-6 weeks ahead. Sanitary infrastructure (portable toilets) doesn't need a separate permit, but Civil Protection can ask for proof that expected attendance has adequate restroom coverage — another reason to have your unit count settled before filing for permits.
Organizing an event at a hacienda or garden in Jalisco?
At Luvory we have experience solving the sanitary infrastructure of outdoor events across Guadalajara's metro area and Tequila. Contact us at +52 33 3324 4946 or write to a.martinez@luvory.com.mx.