Apart from being the world’s leading rum producer, Puerto Rico is famous for its stunning scenery, friendly people, over 200 miles of white sand beaches, and amazing weather year-round. The island has everything you need to have a memorable Puerto Rico wedding.
However, if you’re new to this Caribbean state and have no idea how to plan a Puerto Rico wedding, we’ve got you covered. Find out more on the legal requirements, tips, and top venues to consider for your special day.
Table of Contents
Best Venues for Your Puerto Rico Destination Wedding
About Destination Weddings in Puerto Rico
Legal Requirements for Weddings in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Destination Wedding Planning Tips
Average Room Price: $400 to $1000
Drive Time to Airport: 15 minutes
Number of Rooms: 483
Weddings Per Day: 2
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: No
LGBTQ Friendly: Yes
Explore Venues and Packages →
The La Concha Renaissance Resort redefines luxury and elegance. The resort offers it all, whether you like white sandy Caribbean beaches or balmy tropical sunsets. The gorgeous resort is located in San Juan’s Condado District. Renowned for its modern design, breathtaking views, and exceptional service, La Concha Renaissance Resort is an ideal destination wedding venue.
You can hold the wedding at the Marena poolside with coastal views, the Grand Ballroom for an intimate ceremony, or at the beach, a fantastic place with a shell floating on ocean waves. You may also party with your guests at Atlantiko or the magnificent Salon Indigo.
The resort’s experienced and dedicated wedding planning team is committed to creating a personalized and flawless wedding experience. This contemporary luxury resort offers exceptional dining options as well as high-end accommodations. Your wedding guests will enjoy a comfortable and memorable stay, making their visit to Puerto Rico even more special.
In addition to the wedding festivities, La Concha Renaissance Resort offers a vibrant nightlife scene. Guests can enjoy live entertainment, dancing, and cocktails at the resort’s bars and lounges.
In your spare time, you can swim in one of three pools, try scuba diving or snorkeling, exercise in the state-of-the-art fitness facility, or relax with a massage at Condado Vanderbilt’s spa.
Average Room Price: $1000+
Drive Time to Airport: 60 minutes
Number of Rooms: 114
Weddings Per Day: 2
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: No
LGBTQ Friendly: Yes
Explore Venues and Packages →
Do you want a beautiful Caribbean location for your ideal wedding? Dorado Beach, a Ritz Carlton Reserve, is a must-see. Renowned for its pristine beaches, stunning terrains, and world-class comforts, Dorado Beach offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and top-notch hospitality, providing an exceptional wedding celebration.
You can exchange vows in the magnificent seaside ballroom, oceanfront terrace, or beach. The ballroom can hold up to 400 people. The resort offers a variety of lavish guest rooms, suites, and villas, ensuring that you and your loved ones feel the utmost comfort and luxury throughout your stay.
Dorado Beach boasts excellent facilities and exceptional service synonymous with the Ritz Carlton brand. Every aspect of your wedding experience will be perfectly crafted, from elegant accommodations to gourmet dining options.
Relax at the Spa Botanico, stretch in the fitness facility, or swim in the lovely pool. You and your guests may unwind by the beach and enjoy gorgeous sunsets before eating hand-crafted meals that satisfy your palate preferences.
Furthermore, Puerto Rico’s convenient location and accessibility make Dorado Beach an ideal choice for a destination wedding. The island is closer to major airports and offers direct flights from various international destinations. This makes it easier for your guests to travel and join you in celebrating your special day.
Average Room Price: $400 to $1000
Drive Time to Airport: 60 minutes
Number of Rooms: 299
Weddings Per Day: 5
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: No
LGBTQ Friendly: Yes
Explore Venues and Packages →
Do you want a romantic paradise and a stunning venue for your wedding? Visit the El Conquistador Resort. This magnificent Fajardo, Puerto Rico resort provides everything you need to create an unforgettable wedding experience. The resort is 60 minutes from San Juan and the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport.
Nestled amidst lush tropical landscapes and overlooking the sparkling blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, this resort offers a captivating blend of luxury. Also, the natural beauty and cultural richness sets the stage for an unforgettable wedding experience. You may say wedding vows at the majestic Casitas Garden or the breathtaking Private Palomino island, which can accommodate up to 1,400 people.
The dedicated wedding planning team of the resort works closely with couples. They ensure every detail is meticulously planned and executed according to the couple’s vision. Whether it’s a grand affair or an intimate gathering, the team strives to create the best experiences for everyone.
Enjoy stunning vistas of the El Yunque Rainforest while playing golf at the Arthur Hills-designed course, horseback riding on Palomino Island, or spending time alone at the 35-slip private marina. There are seven outdoor pools, including an infinity pool, and many restaurants/bars providing local and foreign cuisine.
Average Room Price: $400 to $1000
Drive Time to Airport: 20 minutes
Number of Rooms: 317
Weddings Per Day: 5
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: No
LGBTQ Friendly: Yes
Explore Venues and Packages →
At the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, immerse yourself in the beautiful world of Spanish architecture while admiring the stunning ocean views. It is an exquisite and luxurious destination wedding venue in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Its rich history, breathtaking views, and unparalleled elegance make it an exceptional choice for couples seeking a remarkable wedding experience.
With a 60-600 people capacity, this hotel is an excellent choice for a small or large wedding. Couples can say their vows in the spectacular Patio Del Fauno Ballroom for a large celebration. They can also pick the Luchetti Ballroom, which features floor-to-ceiling windows, stunning ocean views, and lovely decor.
It seamlessly combines classic grandeur with modern amenities, creating a captivating ambiance for wedding celebrations. The hotel has beautifully appointed ballrooms, meticulously designed gardens and beautiful event spaces. It provides couples with various options to suit their preferences and vision for their special day.
In addition to a beautiful environment, you and your friends may enjoy live music on Saturdays, sunset happy hour every day, and salsa workshops every Thursday night. Guests can indulge in the hotel’s luxurious spa, which offers a range of pampering treatments and services. The exquisite dining options provide a culinary journey, from gourmet fine dining to casual beachfront fare.
Average Room Price: $100 to $400
Drive Time to Airport: 12 minutes
Number of Rooms: 132
Weddings Per Day: 3
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: No
LGBTQ Friendly: No
Explore Venues and Packages →
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort should be your next destination if you’re searching for a modern and trendy venue. Nestled along the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico, this luxurious resort combines stunning natural beauty with top-notch amenities.
The natural beauty of the surroundings provides a picturesque backdrop for wedding ceremonies, ensuring that every moment is filled with romance and charm. Exchange your vows on the beach terrace overlooking the ocean, in the Marbella garden surrounded by rich tropical flowers, or in the Rio Mar Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 2,000 guests.
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort offers a variety of wedding packages to ensure a memorable experience. The resort also provides exceptional wedding planning services to assist couples in crafting their perfect day.
The resort features spacious guest rooms and suites with modern amenities and elegant decor, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay. Additionally, the resort provides a championship golf course, a rejuvenating spa, multiple dining options, and a range of recreational activities.
You may indulge your taste buds at one of the eleven restaurants and lounges with local or foreign food. Enjoy some treatment and relaxation at the spa or a round of golf on the course. The beach resort also has a workout facility, a health club, and an outdoor pool.
About Destination Weddings in Puerto Rico
Here’s why you should consider a Puerto Rico wedding and the expected costs.
Some of the reasons you should consider a Puerto Rico destination wedding are:
Plenty of Activities to Explore
Puerto Rico is the perfect Caribbean island for your big day. Aside from its breathtaking beaches, the island has plenty of activities to explore, allowing you to turn your wedding into a small vacation.
You can catch the sunset as you sink your toes in the white sands one day and explore the rugged mountain landscapes the next. Visit Castillo de San Cristobal for some history. Stop by the three bioluminescent bays, or visit the epic La Pacita for drinks and food.
Average Cost of a Destination Wedding in Puerto Rico
On average, a destination wedding in Puerto Rico costs $2,500, excluding flights. You can expect to spend upwards of $5,000-$20,000 for grand and luxurious ceremonies.
Legal Requirements for Weddings in Puerto Rico
It’s exciting to start looking for a wedding planner, book your perfect venue, and find suitable wedding packages. However, before you get excited, you must meet all the legal requirements.
Here’s a breakdown of the legal steps you need to follow.
Legal Weddings vs. Symbolic Weddings
It’s possible to have either a legal or symbolic wedding in Puerto Rico.
A symbolic ceremony eliminates all the hassle of dealing with legal paperwork and requirements. You can opt for this ceremony if you avoid all the legal technicalities. It’s also affordable as you won’t have to pay for the license or officiant.
Couples can also have a legal Puerto Rico wedding. You must apply for a marriage license by submitting the required documents.
The choice comes down to your preferences as a couple.
Required Legal Documents & Costs
Getting a marriage license is a fairly straightforward process in Puerto Rico. The Caribbean island has no waiting period, which reduces any delays. You’ll need to get the license from the Demographic Registrar’s Office.
For you to get a marriage license, you’ll need the following:
- A current government-issued photo IS, passport, or driver’s license
- Birth certificate
- A letter from your doctor certifying you’re healthy
- Blood tests if your soon-to-be spouse is Puerto Rican or both parties are
- Internal Revenue stamp
- Divorce decrees if you were previously married
- A spouse’s death certificate if widowed
- An affidavit or statement of intention saying you are in Puerto Rico to get married for a destination wedding
The person ensuring you’re getting married should be a registered officiant. However, if you plan on using a family member or friend as an officiant, you need a registered officiant to sign the legal documentation as the officiant of record.
An internal revenue stamp costs about $150. That’s all the amount you’ll spend to get a marriage license. It takes three days to get a marriage license in Puerto Rico.
Both you and your partner must sign the marriage license after the wedding ceremony. The officiant should file the completed paperwork within ten days at the Demographic Registry of the municipality.
You can apply online for a marriage certificate copy after three weeks. Alternatively, you can request one in person from the Demographic office.
Legal Marriage Timeline
After acquiring the marriage license, you can get married at any time.
Puerto Rico Destination Wedding Planning Tips
A trip to Puerto Rico allows you to experience the Caribbean culture, rich history, and stunning endless beaches.
Here are a few tips on getting there, the weather based on the seasons, and how to save money when planning a Puerto Rico destination wedding.
How to Get There
Puerto Rico has two main airports that receive direct flights from the United States. The Luis Munoz-Marin International Airport, or the San Juan Airport, is the largest and most easily accessible. It’s a few minutes from San Juan and in the Carolina district. The Rafael Hernandez Airport in Aguadilla also receives international flights.
JetBlue flies directly to San Juan Airport from New York’s JFK and Orlando. Airlines like Delta, American, and United have regular flights to San Juan. Flying times from New York are 3 hours and 45 mins, from Chicago 4 hours and 30 mins, from Miami 2 hours and 30 minutes, and over 4 hours from Houston and Dallas.
Puerto Rico Weather
Puerto Rico has a tropical climate throughout the year. Temperatures are at an average of 80 degrees Fahrenheit with humid and warm days.
December to March is the winter months in Puerto Rico. The average daytime temperature averages 73 degrees Fahrenheit, making the Caribbean island cool and relaxing. The rainy season falls from May through October, but showers last for less than 30 minutes.
Puerto Rico doesn’t experience extreme weather, and it is easy to predict the weather pattern.
Budgeting Tips
Puerto Rico is an excellent destination whether you’re planning a grand wedding or would rather keep it simple. Here are a few tips to help you plan your dream wedding without breaking the bank.
Plan Your Wedding Off-Season
While planning your wedding during peak season is tempting, you’ll realize that it can get costly over time due to increased demand. You can schedule your wedding during the fall to save some coins. Flights can be as low as $80 for a round trip, and it’s easier to find resorts and venues on a budget.
Rent a Car
Taxi services are expensive in Puerto Rico, and you may find public transportation inconvenient. Your best bet is to rent a car if you plan to explore this Caribbean island for a few more days.
It’s more affordable to rent a car than take a taxi to your preferred location daily.
Explore Free Things
There are plenty of fun and cheap activities around Puerto Rico. You can walk and explore the historical San Juan landmarks like San Juan’s Gate, swim in La Mina Falls or La Coca, visit Cueva del Viento caves, or hike in the El Yunque Tropical rainforest an hour away from San Juan.
Best Time of Year to Get Married in Puerto Rico
The best time for a Puerto Rico wedding is October to December. You won’t have to worry about extremely hot weather or excessive humidity. Temperatures average 75 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a cool time for a destination wedding.
It’s worth noting that this season also attracts a lot of tourists due to the tropical climate. You’ll have to book your accommodation and wedding venue in advance. Expect to pay a lot more at this time as it’s the peak season for destination weddings in Puerto Rico.
You can consider getting married in April and May if you prefer lesser crowds. It’s the end of peak season, meaning fewer people are on the island. It’s quieter, and you get to enjoy some privacy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
