A Complete Guide to Planning a Puerto Rico Destination Wedding to Remember

Local laws may restrict service availability to all. See the Equality Index for more information.

---

Getting married in Caribbean settings — think sparkling waters and lush tropical forests—may sound like a pipe dream involving international travel. However, planning a Puerto Rico destination wedding can happen right on US soil (or, perhaps more accurately, sand).

A US territory and Caribbean island, Puerto Rico is loved for being a tropical destination wedding location without international travel hassles. For instance, the currency is the US dollar, a trip to Puerto Rico doesn't require a passport and flights from major airports are frequent.

Once there, marriers and guests will love that Puerto Rico happily fuses culture, history and rich scenery, including beaches, waterfalls and forests. To-be-weds have tons of options for vibes and backdrops that meet their vision. Picture a photo session amid colorful Spanish colonial buildings in Old San Juan or a ceremony beside the Caribbean Sea.

FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT

Getting married in Puerto Rico certainly has its perks, but couples will want to keep certain things in mind, such as the territory's hurricane season, budgeting and booking vendors. This guide to planning a destination wedding in Puerto Rico covers those and more.

In this article:

• Why Couples and Wedding Guests Love Puerto Rico Weddings
• The Best Places to Get Married in Puerto Rico
• The Top Puerto Rico Destination Wedding Venues
• Puerto Rico Wedding Legal Requirements
• Puerto Rico Wedding Planning Tips

Why Couples and Wedding Guests Love Puerto Rico Weddings

There's so much to love about a Puerto Rico wedding. For starters, traveling to Puerto Rico is easier than some other Caribbean because it's a US territory. No passport is required, nor is it necessary to exchange currency. Most people speak English.

Logistics aside, Puerto Rico is simply stunning. A beach wedding is possible and gorgeous, but couples aren't limited to one. Puerto Rico is home to mountains, rainforests and cityscapes. San Juan has a lively cultural scene, with bars and restaurants ready to throw rehearsal dinners and afterparties (even the impromptu kind). Old San Juan's bright centuries-old buildings offer a unique historical charm.

Between parties, couples and guests can delight in water sports and foodie experiences, eating arroz con gandules (rice and pigeon peas) while toasting with rum-soaked beverages. Many Puerto Rico wedding venues can likely include these items on the big-day menu. Speaking of venues, Puerto Rico is a hotspot for destination weddings, and the on-site planners are well-accustomed to helping couples from afar.

Pro tip: Invite a destination wedding travel expert to join your vendor team. Browse travel agents near you on The Knot Vendor Marketplace for Puerto Rico wedding expertise, group hotel blocks, flight arrangements and more.

The Best Places to Get Married in Puerto Rico

Couples looking for a beach bash adore all of the options they have when planning a Puerto Rico destination wedding. However, one of PR's big draws is the backdrops it offers besides the beach. Cities, forests and historic sites are all on the table. Different areas of Puerto Rico have distinct characters. Understanding what each one offers can help you pinpoint the precise PR locale for your vision.

San Juan

Photo: Maremagnum / Getty Images

The vibrant capital city is pulsing with culture and energy. Couples can find historical sites in Old San Juan, such as El Morro and La Fortaleza. Museums can take guests back to yesteryear, showcase contemporary works or blend both. Then, there's the modern-day bustling nightlife scene, where salsa is often the dance move of choice. Truly, there's something for everyone. The Atlantic coast setting gives way to waterfront views without making them the only draw.

Central Mountains

Photo: Franz Marc Frei / Getty Images

If your idea of peak romance is a mountain wedding, Puerto Rico's Central Mountain (la Cordillera Central) range serves those up in spades. The range is home to Puerto Rico's highest peak, Cerro de Punta, and more than four dozen other peaks, meaning a wedding here can include majestic views at every turn. Forests have tropical flora and wildlife, like doves and hummingbirds. Located about an hour from the San Juan airport, the Central Mountains are also known for their Creole cuisine and coffee (much of Puerto Rico-produced java is grown in the region). Ciales is loved for its sprawling coffee plantations and waterfalls.

Dorado

Photo: Javier_Art_Photography / Getty Images

A 35-minute drive from San Juan, Dorado translates to "golden" but offers a genuinely priceless setting for couples hoping for a beach fête dripping in tropical luxury. Upscale resorts are set right on the golden sands and offer five-star accommodations. Some may have golf courses or offer proximity to them. Beaches like Playa Sardinera Manuel "Nolo" Morales are an oasis for sunbathers and surfers alike, and couples and guests can sign up for lessons or watersport activities to pass the time. Street art and food make a wedding week or weekend in Dorado a multi-sensory experience.

El Yunque National Forest

Photo: Cavan Images / Getty Images

Set in the East region of Puerto Rico, El Yunque National Forest is arguably the territory's crown jewel — an enchanted forest of the Caribbean variety. Towering tabonuco trees juxtapose beautifully among swaying palms. Orchids, ferns and other tropical fauna add layers upon layers of beauty — ditto for the many waterfalls, like the La Coca. Now, keep in mind — it's a rainforest, so rain on your wedding day is likely part of the deal (and perhaps charm). Outside of your wedding, guests will delight in exploring the trails and taking in the natural beauty and serenity the forest offers.

Pro tip: As you consider Puerto Rico wedding locations, remember your newlywed vacation. Plan an amazing Puerto Rico honeymoon with our complete guide.

The Top Puerto Rico Destination Wedding Venues

Photo: Condado Vanderbilt Hotel

As a popular place for a destination soiree, the culinary, beverage and event staff at Puerto Rico wedding venues are pros at working with jet-setting couples. Expect white-glove treatment with eagerness to connect pairs with local vendors. Some venues may offer Puerto Rico wedding packages complete with planning services and other vendors built in. These Puerto Rico destination wedding venues also include spots to stay.

Condado Vanderbilt Hotel

Condado Vanderbilt Hotel blends two of Puerto Rico's biggest draws: Historic architecture and timeless waterfront surroundings. The five-star luxury hotel is housed in Spanish Revival-style digs along an Atlantic Ocean beach. It can host intimate affairs of 20 or grand events with up to 600 of your nearest and dearest. Venues include oceanfront verandas that give way to crystal-clear Atlantic Ocean vistas and elegant indoor settings with sparkling chandeliers. Food packages can be tailored to the couple's tastes, and the hotel welcomes outside Puerto Rico destination wedding planners.

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

A luxury resort set on 50 acres of golden sands, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is an opulent place for a beachside affair. A spa lawn blending oceanfront views and tropical plants, a pineapple garden and a century-old ficus tree are among the venues couples can use for the ceremony and reception. Puerto Rico wedding packages include event management, food and salon stylists. Some may add in planning, entertainment, flowers and decor. Couples can trade the afterparty for a more intimate post-wedding experience by reserving the Spa Botánico to themselves for a night of romance, complete with a private soak and chef-crafted dinner. Couples can buy out the resort for their wedding for a truly exclusive affair. A water park, spa and golf course provide plenty to do between parties.

Hacienda Siesta Alegre

Found at the foothills of El Yunque National Rainforest, Hacienda Siesta Alegre is a colonial-style Bed & Breakfast that comes with a unique amenity: Accessibility to gentle Caribbean trade winds. Rooms with terraces and balconies and spaces like courtyards and gardens allow couples to breathe easier, even on such a big day. Couples can get married in a garden or courtyard, surrounded by their loved ones and natural beauty. Speaking of Mother Nature, she brings it to the River by the Hacienda — the sandy, tree-lined al fresco venue is ideal for small elopements. A wooden barn offers rustic charm. Couples staying overnight will want to select the Flamboyan Room. Dubbed the "Bridal Suite," its four-poster queen-size bed, vintage white tub and handmade-laced canopy are simply enchanting.

Puerto Rico Wedding Legal Requirements

Photo: Maremagnum / Getty Images

Obtaining a marriage license in Puerto Rico and having a legal wedding is relatively straightforward compared to places off US soil, like those in Europe. Still, there are nuances to navigate. The staff at your venue and a Puerto Rico destination wedding planner can help walk you through the process. The Puerto Rico Department of Health website also has resources. Enter "marriage" in the search query for useful insights and information.

Legal Weddings vs. Symbolic Weddings

It's possible to have a legal or symbolic wedding in Puerto Rico. What's the difference? Couples who opt for a symbolic wedding will legally wed before jetting off to Puerto Rico. They'll go to their town hall, sign the paperwork and be considered married in the eyes of the law. Then, pairs will host a symbolic ceremony in Puerto Rico in front of family and friends. To-be-weds planning destination weddings might choose this option because it's more streamlined (and is one less thing to do in their destination of choice).

Required Legal Documents

If you're planning on legally getting married in Puerto Rico, you'll want to ensure you pack all the documents you need. These documents include:

• Government-issued photo identification cards, such as a passport or driver's license, for both partners
• Birth certificates of both partners
• Divorce decree (if applicable)
• Death decree of a previous spouse (if applicable)
• A sworn affidavit, written by a lawyer, certifying that you are not a Puerto Rican resident and you are on the island to get married
• Medical certification certifying you've met all the tests needed to get married in your place of residence (It's valid for 10 days)
• IRS stamp from the Puerto Rican government

Legal Marriage Timeline

There is no residence requirement to get married in Puerto Rico, but the process does require attention to detail. First, partners under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the Demographic Registry Office.

After receiving their medical certification, couples have 10 days to get legally married in Puerto Rico. Otherwise, they'll need to get another one. Once couples submit their paperwork to the registrar, the registrar examines it. If the documents are good to go, the registrar issues a marriage certificate.

Couples must sign documents in blue or black ink (not a ballpoint pen). A typewriter is also acceptable. Then, the officiant (a priest/minister or judge) will submit the certificate, marriage license and other documents to the Demographic Registry, where you held your ceremony within 10 days of the wedding.

Legal Marriage Cost

Couples will need to pay a lawyer to prepare the medical certification. Depending on insurance coverage, they may have co-pays for blood work. Puerto Rico's government will issue an IRS stamp for $20.

Pro tip: Once you decide to host a Puerto Rico wedding, send out destination wedding save-the-dates with important info so your guest can book the time off and start thinking about travel plans.

Puerto Rico Wedding Planning Tips

Photo: Danny Lehman / Getty Images

Whether you choose to host a symbolic or legal destination wedding in Puerto Rico, your big day will be a blast. If the island is a special place for you and yours, you may have a good idea of how to get there and get around. However, guests may be first-timers, and you'll also want to read up on how to book vendors from afar. These tips will help make planning a Puerto Rico destination wedding a Caribbean sea breeze.

How to Get to Puerto Rico

Getting to Puerto Rico is relatively easy, especially for couples traveling from the Northeast. Pairs can find non-stop flights that'll have them touching down in San Juan in less than four hours. Couples flying in from Dallas can expect about a seven-hour flight, though direct flights are available and are about five hours long. West Coast travelers will have the longest trek — around 10 hours with one or more layovers from LAX.

Once in Puerto Rico, your best bet is to rent a car. Taxis and rideshare apps are also available, and some hotels may offer airport shuttles. There are also mini buses, and San Juan has a train.

Best Months to Marry in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is prone to hurricanes from August through November. The best times to visit are mid-December through April. These months are generally the driest and also have mild temperatures. Plus, it'll give couples hoping for an outdoor beach wedding in the winter a chance to have one. These periods are also peak travel seasons, so expect higher prices on flights and hotels and more competition for dates. Booking earlier can help ensure you get your first-choice Puerto Rico wedding venue and vendors.

Booking wedding insurance can give couples peace of mind, especially if booking during or around hurricane season.

Choosing Your Puerto Rico Wedding Venue and Vendors

It can be challenging to choose vendors from afar. Friends and family members may be unable to refer you to vendors they love in your hometown. However, Puerto Rico destination wedding planners have plenty of experience working with pros and can help you find one that fits your budget and vision. Sometimes, wedding venues have in-house planners. Reading reviews and asking to see portfolios and video clips from previous weddings can also help you feel confident in your choices. You can also hop on a virtual call for some face time with your pros (no pun intended).

Budgeting Tips

How much does a destination wedding cost in Puerto Rico? As with any wedding, the answer to this frequently asked question will vary. Your venue, headcount, vendors and wedding date will wall factor into the final price tag. Generally, destination weddings in Puerto Rico cost around $10,000 to $15,000, much less than the $35,000 the average couple pays for a celebration in the 50 states.

If purchasing wedding insurance, expect to pay around $185 for up to $1 million in coverage.

Booking a wedding package through your venue can help couples save money. Pairs may also choose to let the natural scenery in Puerto Rico shine and go lighter on decor.

Pro tip: Set up a free destination wedding website on The Knot with all the event details including your Puerto Rico wedding itinerary, things to do, guest travel information, RSVPs and more.