Puerto Rico Destination Wedding Guide for 2023 (By a Local)

👉 Jump to: Wedding Destinations in Puerto Rico | Group Tours & Activities | Best Time of Year | Tips | FAQ

A Puerto Rico destination wedding is nothing short of dreamy and magical. 

Puerto Rico wedding venues go beyond a simple ballroom. Caribbean beaches, historical cities, and tropical rainforests are all available to host your wedding ceremony. However, choosing the perfect location and deciding where to stay in Puerto Rico is a hard task because the options are endless.

But worry not! As a Puerto Rico local (and recreational wedding photographer), I will tell you in detail everything you need to know to plan Puerto Rico destination weddings.

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Where to Have a Destination Wedding in Puerto Rico

Just looking for a quick answer on the best hotels with wedding packages in Puerto Rico? Here are my top picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
• 💎 Best Luxury Hotel – St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort 
• 🏨 Best Historic Hotel – Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
• 🗺️ Best in Old San Juan – Hotel El Convento
• 🏖️ Best Beachfront – Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
• ✈️ Best Near the Airport – Fairmont El San Juan Hotel
• 💸 Best Value for The Money – El Conquistador Resort
• 👪 Best Family-friendly – La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort
• ⛰️ Best in the Mountainous Region – Casa Grande Mountain Retreat
• 🌊 Best in the South Coast – Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa 
• ☀️ Best in the West Coast – Rincón Beach Resort
• ✨ Best in Culebra  – Club Seabourne Hotel
• 🛎️ Best Affordable – Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort
• 🛏️ Best Locally-owned Hotel – Parador MaunaCaribe

Ok, let’s do a deep dive into the best destination wedding locations in Puerto Rico: 

San Juan

👉 Best Area For Historic Venues | ✨ Best San Juan Destination Wedding Hotels: Hotel El Convento • Condado Vanderbilt Hotel • Condado Ocean Club

Old San Juan is ideal for historically-themed Puerto Rico destination weddings. The old district nestled in the capital city boasts cobblestone streets, forts, palaces, and Spanish colonial-style buildings. 

Casa Blanca, Casa de España, and Antiguo Casino de Puerto Rico are renowned historic venues, but El Convento is the most popular choice in the area for destination weddings. It’s conveniently located across San Juan’s Cathedral, one of San Juan’s main attractions. 

This luxury hotel is the oldest hotel of the Historic Hotels of America. Despite its historical appearance and compact size, it has space for a welcome party, ceremonies, and receptions. The wedding packages include rentals, staff, and optional in-house catering.

In Condado, one of the best neighborhoods to stay in San Juan, the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel stands as a 100-year historic hotel with an elegant and classic atmosphere. This hotel also has a beachfront location, so you don’t 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
• Great for bachelor and bachelorette parties
• 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
• Crowded 

Dorado

👉 Best Area For Luxury Weddings | ✨ Best Dorado Destination Wedding Hotels: Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve • Embassy Suites by Hilton Dorado del Mar Beach Resort • Hyatt Vacation Club at Hacienda del Mar

Dorado is known as the home of many millionaire expats, so it’s not surprising that it’s a great destination to hold a luxurious wedding.

The town is home to Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, a luxury resort with a beachfront location, golf courses, and waterparks. The hotel boasts three different wedding venues that can hold up to 500 guests, but guests can also rent the whole 50-acre estate. 

The hotel’s wedding packages include an event planner, stylists, and chefs. Wedding guests will love the great restaurants and the Puerto Rican beaches in the area.  

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
• Not many things to do outside the hotels and beaches

Isabela 

👉 Best Area For a Remote Wedding | ✨ Best Isabela Destination Wedding Hotels: Royal Isabela • Parador Villas del Mar Hau • Villa Montaña Beach Resort

Isabela is one of the best beach towns in Puerto Rico. You’ll find plenty of things to do in Isabela, including some of the best spots for surfing in Puerto Rico. 

The town is great for beach-themed weddings. But, what sets Isabela apart from other beach towns are the multiple outdoor secluded spots ideal for holding a wedding ceremony without interruptions. 

In the town, the Royal Isabela offers complete wedding packages that can be customized to include beach tours, cooking lessons, and yoga classes. The resort also has VIP views of the Atlantic Ocean from its location on top of a cliff. 

Your wedding party can take advantage of the onsite activities like kitesurfing and golfing. Add Isabela’s extraordinary cuisine to your wedding celebration, which boasts fresh seafood and other Puerto Rican food staples. 

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 from  San Juan’s airport
• Not many venues to choose from

Fajardo

👉 Best Area For Pre and Post-Wedding Activities | ✨ Best Fajardo Destination Wedding Hotels: El Conquistador Resort 

A Puerto Rico dream destination wedding is not only about the wedding venue but also about what you can do before, during, and after your wedding. And Fajardo has something for all three.

Located on the east coast, Fajardo’s things to do include kayaking in one of Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays, hiking in a nature reserve, and swimming along breathtaking beaches. 

The town also houses one of the top-rated Puerto Rico hotels, El Conquistador Resort. With breathtaking views from a cliff, a waterpark, a private island, and wedding packages, El Conquistador is every bride’s dream hotel.

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

Rio Grande

👉 Best Area For Outdoor Weddings | ✨ 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

Rio Grande attractions, including El Yunque National Forest, make for a great destination wedding spot in Puerto Rico.

The town boasts stunning wedding venues and some of the most impressive Puerto Rico hotels. For a beach wedding concept, travelers can stay at St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. 

The resort offers both proximity to the beach and luxurious amenities like golf courses. The groom and bride can choose from indoor venues or outdoor spaces surrounded by the hotel’s gardens. 

Rio Grande also has more rustic and dreamy Puerto Rico venues like Hacienda Siesta Alegre, a Spanish-style hacienda. Getting married in El Yunque is also a great option 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

Puerto Rico Destination Wedding Group Tours & Activities

Laguna Grande 

Kayak in a pitch-dark lagoon and watch the water light up.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

Kayaking in a bioluminescent lagoon with your loved ones is a destination wedding highlight. Laguna Grande in Fajardo is one of the three Puerto Rico bioluminescent bays, and it’s a short ride from San Juan.

The kayaking tours into the bay are a fun and unique group experience in Puerto Rico. On the nights with a new moon, you’re able to see dinoflagellates emit light when you move the water. Although kayaking tours are more common, you can also take boat tours into the bay.

El Yunque National Forest

Hike, swim, and photograph the only tropical rainforest in the US.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 888-1880| Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily (on PR 191) | Entrance: Free | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

Outdoorsy wedding parties visiting El Yunque National Forest can choose between challenging 3-hour hikes or refreshing swims in cold rivers. 

Regardless of which is your ideal outdoor idea of fun, one thing is sure, El Yunque is one of the best places to visit with your wedding guests. It’s also free and under an hour away from San Juan by car. 

Vaca Negra

Learn cheese-making and taste unique cheeses at this dairy product factory. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 262-5656| Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Wed-Sun 

A Vaca Negra cheese-making class is a unique activity to do with your wedding guests on the north coast.

The tours combine an overview of the history of Puerto Rico and Vaga Negra with cheese-making and tastings. Foodies can also stop by the charming Vaca Negra shop to enjoy a cup of Puerto Rico coffee with a sandwich. 

Toro Verde Adventure Park

Conquer this epic zipline in Puerto Rico’s mountainous region.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 867-7100 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm Thurs-Mon | Entrance: $20- $250 | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

The Toro Verde Adventure Park offers wedding guests exhilarating fun during their Puerto Rico stay. Nestled in this outdoor park, you’ll find a zipline spanning 1.57 miles.

Nothing will be more memorable in your vacation than flying Superman-style over the mountainous region. Toro Verde Adventure Park offers pick-up and drop-off from your hotel for an additional price.

Hacienda Carabalí Rainforest Park

Ride a horse with your wedding party in the foothills of El Yunque. 

 📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787 889-4954 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $32-$230 | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

Go horseback riding on a Caribbean beach or in the foothills of El Yunque with Hacienda Carabalí Rainforest Park. 

The park’s tours vary in hours and location, but regardless, you’ll enjoy a good time with friends. The horseback riding tour in the rainforest is a popular Luquillo activity and you can finish your day with a meal at the park’s restaurant.  

La Parguera

Hop between islands, snorkel, and scuba dive at La Parguera.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

La Parguera is a fishing town in the south of Puerto Rico. It’s 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.

At night, head over to La Parguera Bio Bay. After returning from your trip, hunt down the best of Puerto Rico’s dishes in the town’s food kiosks.

Bacardí Rum Factory

Immerse in a mixology class inside the largest rum distillery in the world.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 788-8400 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm daily | Entrance: $30-$200 | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

Rum enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the chance to take a mixology class on the island – it produces over 70% percent of rum in the US. 

After a short ferry ride from San Juan, Puerto Rico, wedding guests can visit Casa Bacardí, the largest rum distillery in the world. Their mixology classes combine history, drinks, and a fun hands-on experience. But, even non-drinkers will enjoy the history tour.

The Best Time to Have a Destination Wedding in Puerto Rico

The best time to have a destination wedding in Puerto Rico is during the dry season, which extends from December to April. During this period, it’s less likely that the rainy tropical weather will interrupt your wedding.

The summer is the best time to visit Puerto Rico for calm beaches without rip currents and big waves. 

Wedding parties that would like to save a few bucks should consider planning a wedding during Puerto Rico’s hurricane season when both hotels and venues offer better rates. Just avoid the month of September, which is the peak of the season.

Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Puerto Rico

Destination Wedding Tip #1 – Bring Your Clothes Inside the Plane Cabin

Bring your wedding dress inside the cabin in a clothing bag, or within a carry-on to prevent it from getting lost during the trip. Include a visit to a Puerto Rico dry cleaner in your wedding planning details.

Destination Wedding Tip #2 – Arrive a Few Days Before

Arrive in Puerto Rico a few days in advance of your wedding to get your marriage license. The paperwork for getting married in Puerto Rico is simple, but sometimes minimal details can slow down the process.

Some of the documents you’ll need include a valid government-issued ID, medical clearance, birth certificates, and an affidavit stating that you’re in the country to get married. Research which paperwork you need or hire a third party to help you with it.  

Destination Wedding Tip #3 – Avoid Afternoon Weddings

Regardless of the season, you’ll find humidity and heat to be constant factors in Puerto Rico’s weather. Ceremonies taking place in outdoor Puerto Rico wedding venues should happen in the early morning or late afternoon to escape the hottest part of the day.

Destination Wedding Tip #4 – Go For The Outdoors

Hotel venues aren’t a prerequisite for an unforgettable celebration in Puerto Rico. You’ll find plenty of outdoor and free (or almost free) outdoor venues. 

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 decor. Just make sure you have the right permits to marry at the location you choose. 

Destination Wedding Tip #5 – Coordinate Transportation

Your wedding venue and hotel won’t necessarily be in the same location. When they are separated, coordinating transportation between the hotel and the wedding venue is essential to guarantee your ceremony runs smoothly. 

Renting a car is the best way to get around Puerto Rico, but you can also hire private shuttles to move your guests to and from the hotel. Use Viator to find private shuttles available on the island.

FAQs About Destination Weddings in Puerto Rico

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Now you know everything you need to plan your Puerto Rico destination wedding! Check out our guides to plan the perfect Puerto Rico bachelorette party before the special day. Safe travels!