Getting married is all about love and commitment. But who said you can’t do it in style and have fun while at it? And to do that, there’s no place like Puerto Rico.
This country goes beyond impressive nature and colonial streets. The wedding logistics are pretty simple, too. If you’re a U.S. citizen, you don’t even need a passport to come. You can also use U.S. currency, avoid customs hassle, and have almost no legal complications.
We know success is in the details, so here’s our full guide on how to plan a Puerto Rico destination wedding.
General Planning Tips for a Wedding in Puerto Rico
Before diving into specifics, here is some general info about getting married in Puerto Rico:
- Language: Spanish is the primary language, but English is widely spoken in the tourism and wedding industry. As well, most vendors are bilingual.
- Accessibility: Major cities like San Juan have excellent infrastructure, including international airports, luxury hotels, and transportation.
- Climate: Tropical year-round with warm temperatures and occasional rain showers. Always have a plan B if you're planning an outdoor ceremony.
- Local talent: The island has a rich community of skilled vendors, such as florists, H&MA, gourmet chefs, and musicians.
- Legal requirements: If you want a legally recognized ceremony, you'll need to coordinate with a local lawyer or planner. Or else, many couples opt for a symbolic ceremony on the island and handle the paperwork back home.
- Experience: Puerto Rico is a fun, culturally rich, and vibrant place. Prepare yourself for the time of your life.

Best Wedding Venues in Puerto Rico for Every Vibe
Puerto Rico is more than ideal for destination weddings. No matter your style, you'll find everything: historic landmarks, luxury hotels, dreamy waterfalls, and, of course, unmatched beaches. So, let’s see some of the best wedding places in Puerto Rico.
Beachfront Venues
For couples craving ocean breezes and barefoot walks down the aisle:
- Condado Vanderbilt Hotel – Glamorous, elegant, and right on the ocean
- El Conquistador Resort – Perched on a cliff, with panoramic sea views and a private island
- Villa Montana Beach Resort – Rustic chic with a hint of boho luxury
Rainforest & Nature Venues
If your heart beats for a green wedding experience:
- Gozalandia – Majestic waterfalls, ideal for elopements or ceremonies with an edge
- Hacienda Siesta Alegre – Spanish-style estate tucked in the rainforest
- Old Aguadilla Lighthouse Ruins – A place full of history and alluring foliage
Historic/Colonial Venues
For lovers of cobblestones and timeless romance:
- Castillo San Cristobal – A fortress with epic views of Old San Juan
- El Convento Hotel – Modern luxury meets Spanish architecture
- Castillo San Felipe del Morro – A remarkable piece of Puerto Rico’s history
Luxury Resorts & Boutique Hotels
High-end experience and impeccable service:
- Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Ultimate splendor in every inch
- St. Regis Bahia Beach – Secluded, lush, and exclusive
- Fairmont El San Juan Hotel – Where nightlife and elegance meet
Intimate Elopement Spots
For something more personal, private, and pure:
- Secret beaches in Vieques or Culebra
- Rooftop terraces in Old San Juan
- Private villas in Rincón or Aguadilla
As photographers, we always recommend private venues for your wedding. That’s because we see weddings as moments to be lived in intimacy with those we love most. However, the key is to choose a place that truly feels like you.
Must-Have Wedding Vendors in Puerto Rico to Make Magic Happen
Photographer & Videographer
This is your wedding heartbeat. To get impressive yet real wedding photography in Puerto Rico, make sure you choose well. Look for professionals who don’t just pose people but highlight the real story behind your love.
What to look for:
- Documentary-style coverage that captures raw moments
- Drone footage and cinematic video
- Experience with natural light and unpredictable weather
- No awkward poses, no cheese, no clichés
DJs, Live Music, and Entertainment
Put some of Puerto Rican flavor into your wedding:
- Salsa bands to kick off the reception
- Bomba and plena dancers to spice things up
- Acoustic sets at the golden hour — magic!
Floral Designers
Go for tropical, colorful luxe:
- Native flowers like heliconia, orchids, and anthuriums
- Hanging installations and eco-friendly arrangements
Wedding Planners
Hire local planners who know the terrain, culture, and logistics like the back of their hand. You can also collaborate with your international planner and a local coordinator to make sure everything is just like you want it.
Catering & Cocktails
Puerto Rican cuisine is scrumptious. Make sure to include it in your celebration:
- Mofongo stations
- Lechón (roast pig) with all the fixings
- Craft cocktails with rum, passionfruit, and hibiscus

Insider Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Puerto Rico
Best Time of Year
- Dry season – The best time is from December to April
- Golden hour for photos – Around 5:30–7:00 p.m., or just after sunrise
Legal vs. Symbolic Ceremonies
- Legal weddings require a medical certification and paperwork
- Most couples opt for a symbolic ceremony and get legally married at home
Cultural Add-ons
- Coquito toast instead of champagne
- Guayaberas and lace dresses for local flair
- Traditional vejigante masks as photo booth props or favors
Travel & Guest Experience
- Recommend hotels with group blocks
- Curate a weekend itinerary: beach day, salsa night, rainforest hike
Booking Timeline
- Venues and photographers – Book 12–18 months in advance
- Vendors – Secure your top picks at least 9 months out
Estimated Costs of a Destination Wedding in Puerto Rico
Here’s a general breakdown of how much your wedding might cost:
- Venue rental: $2,000–$15,000+ depending on location and exclusivity
- Photographer/Videographer: $3,000–$8,000 for experienced professionals
- Catering & bar: $75–$250 per guest
- Floral design & decor: $2,000–$10,000+
- Wedding planner: $2,500–$7,000, depending on the scope of services
- Small elopement packages: Start around $3,000 and include ceremony basics
- Luxury weddings: Can easily exceed $50,000 depending on scale and customization
Always build in a buffer for travel expenses, guest experiences, and last-minute surprises.
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, you can find many small wedding packages in Puerto Rico. There’s something for everyone!

Photography & Videography: Why Puerto Rico is a Dream Backdrop
The island serves drama, light, and soul on a silver platter. Bold colors, diffused sun, ocean air — you can’t fake this magic.
We focus on telling emotional, cinematic stories with zero fluff. Think slow-motion dances in the sand, tearful vows in a rainforest, or a stolen kiss in the blue hour glow.
Some takes we recommend:
- Drone footage over the ocean
- Candid portraits lit by golden hour
- Timeless documentary style with a modern twist
Puerto Rico: The Place Where Real Love Unfolds
Getting married in Puerto Rico it’s not just about palm trees and coconut drinks. It’s about creating something timeless. A story worth retelling.
A wedding is more than a social event. It’s a historic chapter in the life of a couple in love. A family coming together. A legacy in the making. Over time, that legacy will become the identity of your new family.
Puerto Rico gives you tons of opportunities to make it happen. And we’ll love to help you create that legacy. Our team of destination wedding photographers in Puerto Rico is ready to tell your story as real as it comes — love with no sugar added.
Let’s chat and start planning your wedding, your way!