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.
About Destination Weddings in Puerto Rico
Here’s why you should consider a Puerto Rico wedding and the expected costs. Why Get Married in Puerto Rico?
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.
The Best Puerto Rico Wedding Venues & Puerto Rico Wedding Packages
Some of our favorite Puerto Rico wedding venues are:
La Concha Renaissance Resort
La Concha Renaissance Resort redefines elegance and luxury. Whether you’re looking for white sandy Caribbean beaches or warm tropical sunsets, the resort has you covered. The magnificent resort is in Condado District in San Juan.
Couples can host a sophisticated wedding at the Marena poolside with oceanfront views, the Las Nereidas Ballroom for an intimate ceremony, or the Perla, a unique space with a shell floating on ocean waves. You can also host your reception and celebrate with your friends at Atlantiko or the stunning Salon Indigo.
In your free time, you can take a dip at one of three pools, explore scuba diving or snorkeling, work out at the state-of-the-art fitness center, or get a relaxing massage at the spa at Condado Vanderbilt.
Experience a unique culinary experience and explore the high-end accommodation at this modern luxury resort.
La Concha destination wedding package includes:
- 5 Hors D’Oeuvres
- Beautiful indoor and outdoor wedding venues
- A welcome specialty drink
- A glass of sparkling wine for the toast
- 3-course dinner with a glass of house wine
- 4 hours of premium open-bar coffee service
Dorado Beach, A Ritz Carlton Reserve
Are you looking for a captivating Caribbean setting for your dream wedding? You should check out Dorado Beach, a Ritz Carlton Reserve.
You can exchange your vows in the elegant oceanfront ballroom, ocean-facing terrace, or by the beach. These venues can accommodate up to 400 guests. The hotel is in Dorado and provides the perfect setting for an intimate ceremony.
Accommodation is available in villas, suites, and beautiful rooms. All suites and rooms have sliding doors and a private terrace.
Enjoy some time off at the Spa Botanico, stretch at the fitness center, or swim at the breathtaking pool. You and your guests can relax and watch beautiful sunsets by the beach before indulging in the hand-crafted cuisine that will capture your palate preferences.
Dorado Beach hotel has a reserved signature wedding package that includes
- Butler passed HORS D’OEUVRES
- Choice of the wedding ceremony site
- A select menu
- Wedding cake
- Four-hour open luxury bar service
El Conquistador Resort
Dreaming of a romantic paradise and a gorgeous setting for your special day? Check out the El Conquistador Resort. Located in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, this glamorous resort has everything you need to create a memorable wedding experience.
The resort is 45 minutes from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport and San Juan.
You can get married at the magnificent Casitas Garden that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, celebrates in the elegant ballroom, or exchange your vows at the stunning Private Palomino island that hosts up to 1,400 guests.
Enjoy some breathtaking views of the El Yunque Rainforest as you play golf at the Arthur Hills designed golf course, visit the Palomino island for horseback riding, or experience some alone time at the 35-slip private marina. Seven outdoor pools include an infinity pool and multiple restaurants/bars serving local favorites and international cuisine.
El Conquistador Resort has three wedding packages that all include:
- Butler passed HORS D’OEUVRES during cocktail hour
- Champagne toast
- A five-course dinner
- Four-hour open bar
Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
Dive into the gorgeous world of Spanish architecture as you revel in the dramatic ocean views at the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel. Its picture-perfect wedding venues provide the best setting for a romantic Puerto Rico wedding.
Its capacity to accommodate 60-600 guests makes this hotel a fantastic option for couples looking for an intimate or grand ceremony.
Couples can opt to Say I Do at the stunning La Ventana right by the beach for a big celebration or choose the intimate Lunchetti Ballroom featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, stunning ocean views, and beautiful decor.
Apart from enjoying a romantic setting, you and your guests experience live music on Saturdays, sunset happy hour daily, and salsa classes every Thursday night. Furthermore, you and your guests are met with a welcome party and brunch once you arrive.
Condado Vanderbilt Hotel has different packages to make your Puerto Rico wedding memorable.
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort should be your next stop if you’re looking for a contemporary and stylish venue.
Exchange your vows at the beach deck overlooking the ocean, Marbella garden with lush tropical flowers as your backdrop, or in the Rio Mar Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 2,000 guests.
Indulge your taste buds in local or international cuisine at one of the ten restaurants and lounges. Enjoy pampering and relaxing at the spa or golf at the course. The beach resort also has a fitness center, health club, and an outdoor pool.
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort has different wedding packages guaranteeing an unforgettable experience.
Their standard package for ten guests includes the following:
- A symbolic or religious ceremony
- Officiant or minister fees
- A beautiful wedding site
- A room upgrade depending on availability
- Late checkout subject to availability
- Nightly turndown
- Amenity for the wedding night
- A discount spa treatment at Mandara Spa
- Professional wedding planner
Puerto Rico Destination Wedding Legal Requirements
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.
