Planning A Puerto Rico Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding in Puerto Rico? This tropical paradise offers an idyllic blend of natural beauty, history and an incredible array of venue options that will make your dream wedding day a reality. From lush rainforests to pristine beaches, historical mansions and seaside escapes, Puerto Rico has it all. Exchange your vows surrounded by greenery, then dance the night away in a historic landmark. Capture your first moments as newlyweds against breathtaking backdrops, from the colourful buildings and cobblestone streets of Old San Juan to the impressive El Morro fortress.

Venues: from beachside to rainforest, Puerto Rico has it all

Puerto Rico has a wide variety of venues for your wedding, from beachside to rainforest. If you're looking for a beachside wedding, La Concha Renaissance Resort is a great option, offering picture-perfect venues for ceremonies, receptions, and rehearsal dinners. For those seeking a more historic venue, Old San Juan is a charming neighbourhood with colourful buildings, cobblestone streets, and the impressive El Morro fortress as your backdrop.

If you prefer the lush greenery of the rainforest, you can exchange your vows surrounded by nature and then dance the night away in a historic landmark. Hotel El Convento in Old San Juan is another enchanting option, with a vibrant garden courtyard, vaulted ceilings, and stained glass windows.

Puerto Rico truly offers something for every couple, whether you're dreaming of a seaside escape, a whimsical hacienda, or a historic mansion. The island embraces you with open arms and provides the perfect backdrop for your dream destination wedding.

Budgeting: expect to spend $15,000 to $30,000 for a wedding of 50 to 100 guests

Puerto Rico is a tropical paradise, offering natural beauty, history and an incredible array of venue options. The island is the perfect backdrop for your dream destination wedding, with its lush rainforests, pristine beaches and vibrant culture.

If you're planning a wedding in Puerto Rico, you can expect to spend around $15,000 to $30,000 for a wedding of 50 to 100 guests. This is a great option if you want to get some major bang for your buck. You can find picture-perfect venues for ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, and more.

The old-world charm of Puerto Rico goes further than just the stunning coastlines. Historical mansions, seaside escapes and whimsical haciendas await in your search for the perfect destination wedding venue. The historic Hotel El Convento in Old San Juan guarantees an enchanting experience behind a yellow Spanish Colonial facade.

To make your vows official in Puerto Rico, you’ll need a handful of documents including a valid government-issued ID, birth certificates, medical clearance, a sworn affidavit that you’re in the country to get married, and an IRS stamp from the local government office.

Legalities: you'll need a valid government-issued ID, birth certificates, medical clearance, a sworn affidavit, and an IRS stamp

Planning a wedding in Puerto Rico? You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to venues, with the island's lush rainforests, pristine beaches, vibrant capital city, and historical mansions all providing the perfect backdrop for your special day.

Legalities

To make your vows official, you'll need to gather a handful of documents. Here's a detailed list of what you'll require:

• A valid government-issued ID: This could be a passport or driver's license, for example.
• Birth certificates: Ensure you have an official copy of your birth certificate.
• Medical clearance: You'll need to obtain medical clearance, which may involve a simple check-up or specific tests, depending on local requirements.
• A sworn affidavit: This document confirms that you're in the country to get married and isn't a tourist.
• An IRS stamp from the local government office: This stamp verifies your sworn affidavit.

It's recommended to work with a wedding planner or local professional who can guide you through the process of legally obtaining a marriage license and ensure you have all the necessary documents.

Vendors: from photographers to florists, caterers to DJs, you'll need to assemble your dream team

When it comes to vendors, you'll want to assemble your dream team to make your wedding day unforgettable. From photographers to florists, caterers to DJs, there are many professionals to consider.

First, decide on your must-haves. Do you want a photographer to capture every moment of your special day? Are flowers an important part of your vision? Do you want a DJ or a live band? Answering these questions will help you determine your priorities and allocate your budget accordingly.

Next, research and compare vendors. Ask for recommendations from friends and family, read online reviews, and browse portfolios to find vendors that align with your style and vision. Consider meeting with potential vendors to discuss your ideas and ensure a good fit.

When selecting a photographer, look for someone who understands your vision and can capture the beauty of Puerto Rico's landscapes in your photos. For florists, choose someone familiar with the local flora and capable of creating arrangements that complement your venue. If you're dreaming of a beachside wedding, for example, opt for tropical flowers and greenery to enhance the setting.

Catering is another crucial aspect. Choose a caterer who can create a menu that reflects your tastes and the local cuisine. Whether you prefer a traditional sit-down dinner or a more relaxed buffet-style reception, ensure the caterer can accommodate your guest count and any dietary restrictions.

Lastly, don't forget the entertainment! If you've opted for a DJ, choose someone who can read the room and keep your guests dancing all night. Consider creating a playlist with them to ensure your favourite songs are played.

By carefully selecting each vendor and communicating your vision, you'll create a dream team that will bring your wedding day to life.

Timing: avoid hurricane season and book well in advance

Puerto Rico is a beautiful destination for a wedding, with its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and old-world charm. The island offers a perfect backdrop for your dream destination wedding, with its vibrant capital city, historical mansions, seaside escapes, and whimsical haciendas.

When planning a wedding in Puerto Rico, it is important to consider the timing to avoid hurricane season, which typically runs from June to November. August and September are the peak months for hurricanes, so it is best to avoid planning your wedding during this time. To ensure that you have your choice of venues and vendors, it is also advisable to book well in advance.

To make your vows official, you will need a handful of documents, including valid government-issued IDs, birth certificates, medical clearance, a sworn affidavit stating your intention to marry, and an IRS stamp from the local government office. Working with a wedding planner can be helpful in gathering these documents and obtaining a marriage license.

Puerto Rico offers a range of venue options, from beachside ceremonies to historic landmarks. Old San Juan, with its colourful buildings, cobblestone streets, and the impressive El Morro fortress, is a popular choice for couples seeking a blend of history and metropolitan charm.

Whether you choose a luxurious hotel or a whimsical hacienda, booking well in advance will ensure that you secure your dream venue and that your wedding day in Puerto Rico is truly unforgettable.

Frequently asked questions