Puerto Rico’s lush rainforests, pristine beaches and vibrant culture have all of the makings of picture-perfect destination wedding. This tropical paradise offers an idyllic mix of natural beauty, history and an incredible array of venue options that can make your dream wedding day a reality. Exchange your vows surrounded by greenery, then dance the night away in a historic landmark — plus, you’ll have the ability to capture your first moments as newlyweds against breathtaking backdrops. Puerto Rico has all of it, and we will’t wait to share why it’s the last word destination on your special occasion. So, grab a coconut drink and let’s dive into the joy of planning your perfect destination wedding in Puerto Rico!
What to Know Before “I Do”
Let’s get the nitty gritty out of the way in which before you jump into wedding planning. Puerto Rico is an island positioned within the Caribbean Sea and it’s actually a commonwealth, offering a novel mix of vibrant local culture and U.S. influences. What truly sets Puerto Rico apart is its fascinating architectural style and wealthy history. You’ll be saying “I do” amidst a few of the oldest churches on U.S. soil. Discuss romance with a splash of old-world charm!
And here’s the nice news for destination weddings: Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, you and your wedding guests don’t need a passport to travel to paradise. Transportation across the island is straightforward with the key airport, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), positioned around 20 minutes from San Juan. Renting a automotive is really helpful for exploring different areas of the island. Remember to put this info in your wedding website so your guests have all the information they should make travel arrangements.
To make your vows official in Puerto Rico, you’ll need a handful of documents including a legitimate government-issued ID, birth certificates, medical clearance, a sworn affidavit that you just’re within the country to get married, and an IRS stamp from the local government office. Our advice is to work along with your wedding planner to assemble every thing that you must legally obtain a wedding license.
Setting a Budget
Top-of-the-line parts about getting married in beautiful Puerto Rico? You get some major bang on your buck relating to saying “I do” in a tropical paradise. Expect to spend around $15,000 to $30,000 for a marriage of around 50 to 100 guests.
When to Book Your Destination Wedding
On the subject of setting the right date on your dream celebration, there are a number of things to bear in mind. Be mindful of the busy tourist season, which generally falls between December and April when the island is dry and warm. If you need to avoid the crowds and get monetary savings in your destination wedding, consider picking a date through the shoulder season (May to November). But a word of caution: Be wary of hurricanes from June to November, because it could pour buckets in your well-laid plans. It’s also clever to keep away from major festivals that draw crowds, reminiscent of Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián in January and the Casals Festival in February, as venue and hotel prices may skyrocket.
Where to Have Your Destination Wedding Ceremony in Puerto Rico
From fairy tale-esque city streets to romantic distant beaches, Puerto Rico has every possible paradise scenario for you and your partner. Regardless of which locale you select, the island will embrace you with open arms and supply the right backdrop on your dream destination wedding.
San Juan
Puerto Rico’s vibrant capital city is ideal for couples in search of a mixture of history and metropolitan charm. Exchange vows amidst the colourful buildings and cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, with the impressive El Morro fortress as your backdrop. After the ceremony, explore the town’s full of life streets reminiscent of Calle de la Fortaleza where you possibly can savor delicious Puerto Rican cuisine and luxuriate in the romantic ocean views at spots like Playa El Escambron.
Isla Verde
When you’re dreaming of a waterfront wedding, Isla Verde Beach is the barefoot luxury alternative. Situated just minutes from Puerto Rico’s major airport, this stretch of sand is definitely three beaches — El Alambique, Pine Grove Beach and Balneario de Carolina. The pristine 3-mile shoreline renowned for its turquoise waters and opulent resorts. Dance the night away under swaying palm trees and create memories that can last a lifetime.
Vieques
For a very magical experience, consider Vieques, a secluded island paradise. Home to Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay on this planet, this destination will make your wedding night an otherworldly affair. Imagine saying “I do” under a cover of stars and later witnessing the water come alive with a mesmerizing blue glow.
Rincon
When you and your partner are surf enthusiasts or just love beach towns with a laid-back vibe, Rincon is your spot. This surfers’ haven offers scenic shores and a relaxed atmosphere. Select a sunset ceremony at Sandy Beach, followed by a beach bonfire with crashing waves serving as your soundtrack.
El Yunque National Forest
For nature lovers, El Yunque National Forest provides a lush and enchanting backdrop on your wedding — not to say it’s the one tropical rainforest within the national forest system. Exchange vows while surrounded by tropical flora and cascading waterfalls. Embrace the great thing about nature, and maybe even encounter the enduring coquí tree frogs singing their sweet serenade.
Ponce
When you crave a mix of culture and history, Ponce, Puerto Rico’s second-largest city, is a incredible option. Often known as the “Pearl of the South,” Ponce boasts stunning architecture, myriad museums and a captivating town square. Consider a ceremony on the historic Parque de Bombas, a vibrant red-and-black firehouse turned museum, for a novel and unforgettable celebration.
Top Puerto Rico Wedding Venues
Give yourselves (and your wedding guests) an unforgettable experience in luxury. The old-world charm of Puerto Rico goes further than simply the stunning coastlines. Historical mansions, seaside escapes and kooky haciendas await in your seek for the right destination wedding venue.
Old San Juan: Hotel El Convento
The historic Hotel El Convento in Old San Juan guarantees a fascinating experience behind a yellow Spanish Colonial facade. It’s the best setting on your special occasion in case you’re dreaming of timeless charm and elegance. Surrounding a lush and vibrant garden courtyard, 4 distinct venues offer features reminiscent of a 50-foot vaulted ceiling and stained glass windows. Packages with plated and buffet dinner (or brunch!) options and add-ons including sweet treats and a rehearsal dinner make wedding planning a breeze. Snap a number of photos after “I do” up on the breathtaking rooftop terrace, which offers views of San Juan Bay.
Dorado: Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Situated just a brief drive from San Juan, this luxury resort in the gorgeous town of Dorado is the picturesque beach wedding venue you’ve been waiting for. Imagine exchanging vows against the backdrop of the sparkling Caribbean Sea, then celebrating your wedding reception at one in all 4 distinct venues reminiscent of the Surf Room, which offers dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows that confide in a terrace. Or, if an elopement is within the cards, consider reserving the five-bedroom Su Casa hacienda so you possibly can retreat in luxury after a personal ceremony.
Isla Verde: San Juan Water Beach Club Hotel
Sun-seeking couples, this one’s for you. Tie the knot on the gorgeous beach, then retreat to the Kumo Rooftop on your wedding reception — everyone in your guest list will love the trendy surroundings and stunning ocean views. This 80-room boutique hotel has an intimate feel, whether you choose for a barefoot beach wedding or swanky nuptials on the terrace.
Vieques: HIX Island House
For couples in search of an eco-friendly and tranquil wedding venue, HIX Island House is an ideal alternative. This boutique hotel sits atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the encircling lush landscape and the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea. This tiny hotel sleeps about 40 individuals with an event space called La Casona offering plenty of out of doors spaces to say “I do,” like an attractive meadow and hotel pool. Our advice: Buy out the hotel to embrace the secluded vibe of a Caribbean Island getaway.
Rincon: Rincon Beach Resort
This beachfront resort overlooks Playa Almirante and offers quite a lot of venues on your wedding, including an infinity pool deck and grand ballroom. With 4 wedding packages to pick from for guest lists starting from 4 to 50 people, the boutique property makes it easy to plan a memorable oceanfront wedding within the Caribbean.
Río Grande: Hacienda Siesta Alegre
Although circuitously throughout the national forest, this nearby venue in Río Grande combines the tropical great thing about El Yunque rainforest with the charm of a country hacienda. Select from one in all the property’s stunning 4 venues, including a sublime garden, open-air courtyard, river embankment and rustic barn. Overlooking El Yunque, this majestic hotel will make you’re feeling such as you’ve just stepped right into a fairy tale.
Ponce: Castillo Serrallés
Immerse yourselves and your guests in complete luxury at Castillo Serrallés. This historic mansion has stunning architecture and plush gardens that can add a dream-like quality to any Puerto Rico destination wedding. The panoramic views of the town and the Caribbean Sea from the castle’s terrace add a touch of grandeur to your celebration and can create jaw-dropping wedding photos. Whether you select to have your ceremony on the expansive terrace or within the intimate setting of the Jardín Japonés, you and your partner will feel like royalty.
