Planning a destination wedding in Puerto Rico promises a delightfully magical experience.
The Caribbean island of Puerto Rico wedding venues extend beyond conventional ballrooms. Coastlines, historic cities, and rainforests similarly serve to host wedding ceremonies. However, selecting the perfect site and determining accommodation in Puerto Rico proves difficult given the bountiful possibilities.
But have no worries! As a local from Puerto Rico (and recreational wedding photographer), I will provide you detailed information about everything required to plan destination weddings in Puerto Rico.
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Where to Have a Destination Wedding in Puerto Rico
- π Best Overall Hotel β Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
- π¨ Best Historic Hotel β Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
- πΊοΈ Best in Old San Juan β Hotel El Convento
- ποΈ Best Beachfront Accommodation β Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
- πΈ Best Value for Money β El Conquistador Resort
- πͺ Best Family-friendly β La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort
- β°οΈ Best in the Mountainous Region β Casa Grande Mountain Retreat
- π Best in the South Coast β In a strong and clear manner the highly regarded Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa
- βοΈ Best on the West Coast β RincΓ³n Beach Resort
- β¨ Best in Culebra β Club Seabourne Hotel
- ποΈ Best Affordable β Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort
- ποΈ Best Locally-owned Hotel β Parador MaunaCaribe
Luxury Hotel β The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort
Ok, letβs do a deep dive into the best destination wedding locations in Puerto Rico:
San Juan
π Best Location For Historic Places | β¨ Best San Juan Destination Wedding Locations: Hotel El Convento β’ Condado Vanderbilt Hotel β’ Condado Ocean Club
Old San Juan proves ideal for Puerto Rico weddings with a historical theme. The old district nestled in the capital features cobblestone roads, forts, palaces and Spanish colonial-style architecture.
Casa Blanca, Casa de EspaΓ±a, and Antiguo Casino de Puerto Rico are renowned historic venues, but El Convento is the most well-known choice in the area for destination weddings. Itβs conveniently situated across San Juanβs Cathedral, one of San Juanβs primary attractions.
Despite its compact dimensions, this historic hotel – the oldest of the Historic Hotels of America – offers space for receptions, ceremonies and welcome gatherings. Wedding packages include rentals, staffing and optional on-site catering.
In the Condado neighborhood of San Juan, cited as one of the premier areas to lodge in San Juan, the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel stands as a 100-year historical lodging with an elegant and classic ambiance. This hotel also has a coastal location, so visitors donβt have to sacrifice the tropical beach views for a historical theme.
Pros of Having a Destination Wedding in San Juan:
- Close to the airport
- Lots of great restaurants and bars
- Travel Insurance for Greece
- Variety of hotels to choose from
- Multiple spaces for themed weddings
- Easy access to amenities
Cons of Having a Destination Wedding in San Juan:
- Expensive
- CrowdedΒ
π San Juan Mini Guide π
Best Area to Lodge For Historic Sites
Google Map
π Accommodations β Browse Premier Lodgings in San Juan
π½οΈ Where to Eat β Deaverdura (cost-effective), Casita Miramar (moderate cost), Jose Enrique (investment)
πΈ Places to Drink β La FactorΓa,El Batey,El Bar Bero
ποΈ Top Attractions β Castillo San Felipe del Morro, EscambrΓ³n Beach, Paseo de la Princesa
Dorado
π Best Area For Luxury Weddings | β¨ Best Dorado Destination Wedding Hotels: The Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – The Embassy Suites by Hilton Dorado del Mar Beach Resort – The Hyatt Vacation Club at Hacienda del Mar
Dorado is renowned as the home of numerous wealthy expats, so itβs not surprising that itβs a great location to hold a luxurious wedding.
π Google Maps | Phone: (787) 428-8288 | Website| Hours: 11 am β 8 pm Thursday to Saturday
Wedding guests at the hotel will be pleased with the culinary options and nearby Puerto Rican shorelines
Pros of Having a Destination Wedding in Dorado:
- Luxury hotels and villas
- Uncrowded and laidback
- Lots of bars and restaurants
Cons of Having a Destination Wedding in Dorado:
- Expensive
- Limited activities outside of the hotels and beaches
π Brief Guide to Dorado π
Best Area to Stay for Luxury Weddings
map link
β¨ Most Excellent Hotels β Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve β’ Embassy Suites by Hilton Dorado del Mar Beach Resort β’ Hyatt Vacation Club at Hacienda del Mar
π Dwellings β Review Top Lodgings in Dorado
π½οΈ Where to Eat β Metropol Restaurant (mid-range price point), Katrina (mid-range price point), El Ladrillo (mid-range price point)
πΈ Where to Dine β Tres Palos Bar & Grill,Nautica Bar & Grill
ποΈ Top Attractions β La BahΓa del Ojo del Buey, Playa Sardinera Manuel βNoloβ Morales, Gran Parque AgroturΓstico EcolΓ³gico Recreativo El Dorado
IsabelaΒ
π Best Location For a Remote Wedding | β¨ Top Isabela Destination Wedding Hotels: Royal Isabela – Parador Villas del Mar Hau – Villa MontaΓ±a Beach Resort
Isabela is one of the best beach towns in Puerto Rico. Youβll find plenty of things to do in Isabela, including some of the best spots for surfing in Puerto Rico.
The town is well-suited for beach-themed weddings owing to the multiple secluded outdoor areas conducive for holding an uninterrupted ceremony.
In the town, the Royal Isabela offers fully modifiable wedding packages that can incorporate beach tours, culinary lessons, and yoga courses. The resort also provides spectacular perspectives of the Atlantic Ocean thanks to its location perched on a cliff edge.
Your wedding celebration can take advantage of the on-site activities like kite surfing and golf available. Add Isabelaβs extraordinary cuisine to your wedding festivities, which highlights fresh seafood and other traditional Puerto Rican dishes.
Pros of Having a Destination Wedding in Isabela:
- Less crowded than San Juan
- Remote
- Access to beautiful beaches
- Luxury and budget-friendly venues
- Lots of restaurants and bars
Cons of Having a Destination Wedding in Isabela:
- Far fromΒ San Juanβs airport
- Not many venues to choose from
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” Here was a guide highlight Isabela as the best place to stay for a remote wedding, with an embedded Google Map link
β¨ Top Accommodations β Royal Isabela β’ Parador Villas del Mar Hau β’ Villa MontaΓ±a Beach Resort
π Housing β Browse Top Lodgings in Isabela
π½οΈ Where to Enjoy a Meal β Sonido del Mar Restaurant ($$ moderate prices), Restaurante El Platanall (also moderate prices), By Cheffβs Restaurant (also moderate prices)
πΈ Where to Drink β At Ola Lolaβs Tiki Bar,La Central, individuals can relax and unwind with signature tropical drinks while enjoying lively conversation and music.
ποΈ Top Attractions β Jobos Beach, Guajataca Forest, Paseo Lineal de Isabela
Fajardo
π Best Area For Pre and Post-Wedding Activities | β¨ Best Fajardo Destination Wedding Hotels: El Conquistador Resort
A dream wedding destination in Puerto Rico is about more than just the venue but also the activities available before, during, and after the wedding. And Fajardo has options for all three phases.
Located on the east coast, Fajardoβs activities involve kayaking in one of Puerto Ricoβs phosphorescent bays, hiking in a nature reserve, and swimming along breathtaking beaches.
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Pros of Having a Destination Wedding in Fajardo:
- Lots of things to do
- Bio bay in this town
- Lots of great restaurants and bars
- Pristine beaches
- Access to offshore islands
- Home to one of the best Puerto Rico hotels
Cons of Having a Destination Wedding in Fajardo:
- Few wedding venues are available
π Fajardo Mini Guide π
Best Area to Lodge For Pre and Post-Wedding Activities
Google Map
β¨ Top Hotels β El Conquistador Resort
π Housing β Browse Top Lodgings in Fajardo
π½οΈ Where to Eat β El Pescador (high-end pricing), Costa MΓa (moderate pricing), RΓΊstica (moderate pricing)
πΈ Where to Imbibe β La Esquinita del Pirata,Doble Seis
ποΈ Top Attractions β Seven Seas Beach, Icacos, Laguna Grande Bio Bay
Rio Grande
π Best Area For Outdoor Weddings | β¨ Best Rio Grande Destination Wedding Hotels:St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort – Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort – Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico
Attractions in Rio Grande, for example El Yunque National Forest, create an excellent wedding spot in Puerto Rico.
The town boasts magnificent wedding locations and some of the most remarkable Puerto Rico hotels. For a beach wedding idea, visitors can stay at St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort.
The resort offers both proximity to the beachfront as well as luxurious amenities like golf courses. The groom and bride can select from indoor venues or outdoor spaces surrounded by the hotelβs gardens.
Rio Grande also has more rustic and dreamy Puerto Rico places like Hacienda Siesta Alegre, a Spanish-style ranch. Getting married in El Yunque is also a great choice for outdoorsy couples.
Pros of Having a Destination Wedding in Rio Grande:
- Lots of venues to choose from
- Best of Puerto Rico wedding hotels
- Easy access to El Yunque
- Lots of restaurants and bars
- Beach access
Cons of Having a Destination Wedding in Rio Grande:
- It rains frequently
- Hotels are pricey
π Rio Grande Mini Guide π
Best Area to Stay for Outdoor Weddings
Google Map
β¨ Highly Recommended Hotels β Luxury Beach Resort β’ Premium Beach and Golf Resort β’ Luxury Beachfront Hotel
π Dwellings β Browse Top Lodgings in Rio Grande
π½οΈ Places to Enjoy a Meal β Latin Burger Grill (estimated cost range of around $10-$20 per person), Don Pepe (estimated cost range of around $10-$20 per person), Ekelekua (estimated cost range of around $10-$20 per person)
πΈ Where to Imbibe β Brew!!! Taller Experimental,Pikaytos
ποΈ Top Attractions β El Yunque National Forest, Las Picuas Beach, Espiritu Santo River
Puerto Rico Destination Wedding Group Tours & Activities
Laguna GrandeΒ
Experience bioluminescent waters while kayaking at night in a lagoon.
π Google Maps | π Explore Tours on Viator
Paddling in a bioluminescent lagoon with your cherished ones is a remarkable wedding highlight. Laguna Grande in Fajardo is one of the three bioluminescent bays of Puerto Rico, and it`s a brief trip from San Juan.
The kayaking journeys into the bay offer an enjoyable and novel group experience in Puerto Rico. On evenings with a new moon, youβre able to see dinoflagellates discharge light when you move the water. Though kayaking journeys are more common, you can also take boat journeys into the bay.
El Yunque National Forest
Explore, swim, and photograph the sole tropical rainforest in the US.
π Maps | Phone: (787) 888-1880| Website | Hours: 8 am β 5 pm daily (on PR 191) | Entrance: Free | π View Tours Here
Outdoor wedding celebrations exploring El Yunque National Forest can opt for challenging 3-hour hikes or refreshing dips in cool rivers.
Regardless of your preferred outdoor amusement idea, one thing is certain – El Yunque is among the best places to visit with your wedding guests. Itβs also free and under an hour away from San Juan by car.
Vaca Negra
Gain expertise in cheese-making and sample distinctive cheeses at this dairy product factory.
π Mapping Location | Phone: (787) 262-5656| Site | Hours: 9 am β 4 pm Wed-Sun
An activity involving cheese-making using Vaca Negra cheese with your wedding guests on the north coast is a unique option.
The tours combine an overview of the history of Puerto Rico and Vaca Negra with cheese-making and samplings. Food lovers can also stop by the charming Vaca Negra shop to enjoy a cup of coffee from Puerto Rico with a sandwich.
Toro Verde Adventure Park
Conquer this epic zipline soaring through the mountainous region of Puerto Rico.
- The prime locations in Florence for sightseers include City Center (busy yet closest to attractions), San Frediano/Santo Spirito (best nightlife and cuisine), San Lorenzo/San Marco (near attractions and train station), San Niccolo (lowkey atmosphere with convenient downtown access), Santissima Annunziata (quietest part of historic center), Santa Maria Novella (near train station, walkable to attractions), Santa Croce/SantβAmbrosio (walkable to attractions, full of local character).
The Toro Verde Adventure Park offers wedding guests thrilling fun during their Puerto Rico stay. Nested in this outdoor park, youβll find a zip line stretching 1.57 miles.
Nothing will be more memorable during your vacation than soaring like Superman over the mountainous landscape. Toro Verde Adventure Park provides pick-up and drop-off from your lodging for an additional fee.
Hacienda CarabalΓ Rainforest Park
Ride a horse with your wedding party in the highlands of El Yunque.
π Google Maps | Phone: (787 889-4954 | Website | Hours: 8 am β 5 pm daily | Entrance: $32-$230 | π Browse Tours on Viator
Go on a horseback journey across a Caribbean beach or within the foothills of El Yunque with Hacienda CarabalΓ Rainforest Park.
The parkβs activities vary in schedule and venue, but regardless, youβll have an enjoyable time with friends. The horseback riding tour through the rainforest is a popular attraction in Luquillo and you can end your day with a meal at the parkβs restaurant.
La Parguera
Explore between islands and partake in water activities like snorkeling and scuba diving at La Parguera.
π Google Maps | π Browse Tours on Viator
La Parguera is a fishing village in the south of Puerto Rico. Itβs a famous boating and watersports destination for its shallow waters and abundant marine life. You and your friends can take a boating tour through the multiple cays on the day.
Check out this Croatian road traffic sign directory for all the symbols you should be aware of while navigating.
BacardΓ Rum Factory
Immerse yourself in a mixology class inside the world`s largest rum distillery.
π Map location | Phone: (787) 788-8400 | Website details | Hours: 9:30 am β 4:30 pm daily | Entrance: $30-$200 | π Browse available excursions
Rum connoisseurs shouldnβt miss the chance to take a mixology class on the island β it produces over 70% percent of rum in the US.
A brief ferry ride from San Juan transports wedding attendees to Casa BacardΓ, the world`s largest rum distillery. Mixology classes there combine history, tropical beverages and hands-on fun for adults, while the history tour interests all, whether drinkers or not.
The Best Time to Have a Destination Wedding in Puerto Rico
The peak season to hold a destination wedding in Puerto Rico extends from December through April. During these months, inclement wet tropical weather is less likely to interfere with your wedding day celebrations.
Summer is the best time to visit Puerto Rico for gentle shores with no undertows and large waves.
Wedding parties aiming to economize should take into account scheduling a wedding during Puerto Ricoβs tropical storm period when lodging and venues offer more affordable rates. Nevertheless, avoid the month of September, representing the apex of the season.
Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Puerto Rico
Destination Wedding Tip #1 β Bring Your Clothes Inside the Plane Cabin
Pack your wedding dress carefully within a carrying case or suitably sized carry-on baggage to forestall it from being misplaced in transit. Schedule a visit to a Puerto Rico dry cleaner to prepare the gown as part of your nuptial plans.
Destination Wedding Tip #2 β Arrive a Few Days Before
Arrive in Puerto Rico a few days before your wedding to complete the paperwork required to get married in Puerto Rico. The documentation for getting married in Puerto Rico is straightforward, but occasional minor details can slow down the process.
Some of the documents youβll need include a legitimate government-issued ID, medical approval, birth certificates, and an affidavit stating that youβre in the country to marry. Research which paperwork you need or hire a third party to assist you with it.
Destination Wedding Tip #3 β Avoid Afternoon Weddings
No matter the season, humidity and heat consistently impact Puerto Rico`s weather. Ceremonies at outdoor venues on the island are best scheduled for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest parts of the day.
Destination Wedding Tip #4 β Go For The Outdoors
Hotel venues are not essential for an unforgettable celebration in Puerto Rico. You`ll find plenty of outdoor and free (or almost free) spaces.
Choosing to get married at any of Puerto Rico`s public beaches or El Yunque National Forest is an easy way to keep your budget in check. The natural beauty of Puerto Rico will be your best decoration. Just be sure you have the proper permits to marry at the location you select.
Destination Wedding Tip #5 β Coordinate Transportation
Your wedding venue and hotel may not always be in precisely the same area. When they are separated, coordinating transportation amongst the hotel and the wedding venue is essential to guarantee your ceremony flows smoothly.
Hiring a Vehicle is the most convenient way to navigate Puerto Rico, but private shuttles can also transport guests between the hotel and destinations. Viator allows finding private shuttles operating on the island.
FAQs About Destination Weddings in Puerto Rico
How much does it cost to have a destination wedding in Puerto Rico?
The estimated expense for a destination wedding in Puerto Rico is between $10,000 and $17,000. Cost varies significantly depending on the venue, lodging, and number of guests. Ceremonies outdoors with few attendees can be done on a lesser budget.
Is Puerto Rico a good place for a destination wedding?
Puerto Rico provides a great setting for a destination wedding. The island offers everything from stone-paved streets surrounded by Spanish colonial residences to pristine beaches. US travelers donβt need a visa or passport to visit Puerto Rico, which also boasts plenty of activities and a lively nightlife scene.
What is the best month for a wedding in Puerto Rico?
The most suitable months for a wedding in Puerto Rico are March and April. Both periods are part of the dry season so wedding parties are less likely to encounter heavy rainfall. They are also better months to enjoy low tides and calm beaches in comparison with the prior months of February and December.
Are there all-inclusive resorts for weddings in Puerto Rico?
While there are no strictly all-inclusive resorts for Puerto Rico weddings, many hotels provide comprehensive packages that cover staff, catering, seating, tables, and decorations. Typically, wedding attendees still need to pay for transportation, lodging, and entertainment before, during, and after the wedding ceremony.
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At this point, you have gained all the necessary information needed to plan your Puerto Rico destination wedding! Be sure to check out our guides to help orchestrate the perfect Puerto Rico bachelorette celebration before the big day. Travel safely!