USA
Destination Wedding in Puerto Rico
Where Spanish colonial romance meets Caribbean paradise—no passport needed for a celebration steeped in history and tropical beauty.
Start PlanningHighlights
- No passport required for US citizens
- Marriage valid in all US states
- Spanish colonial historic venues
- Only US tropical rainforest
- Bioluminescent bay experiences
- Rich cultural heritage
Overview
Why Choose Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico offers American couples a unique proposition: a true Caribbean destination wedding without the need for passports, currency exchange, or international marriage recognition concerns. As a US territory, Puerto Rico combines the convenience of domestic travel with the exotic allure of a Caribbean island steeped in 500 years of Spanish colonial history. Old San Juan enchants with its cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and 16th-century Spanish forts overlooking the Atlantic. The island's natural wonders include the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest system (El Yunque), bioluminescent bays that glow with otherworldly light, and beaches that rival any in the Caribbean. The infrastructure is excellent, English is widely spoken, your cell phone works without international plans, and the legal marriage process is straightforward. For couples seeking the romance of an island destination with the simplicity of a domestic celebration, Puerto Rico delivers on every count.
Timing
Best Time to Get Married
Puerto Rico enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The dry season from December through April offers ideal conditions, while the wet season brings brief afternoon showers and occasional tropical systems.
Dry Season
December - April
Ideal conditions with lower humidity, minimal rainfall, and temperatures of 21-28°C. Peak wedding season—book venues 12+ months ahead.
Spring
April - June
Warming temperatures (24-31°C) with increasing rainfall. Good value as peak season ends. Afternoon showers are typically brief.
Wet Season
July - October
Hot (26-32°C) and humid with daily afternoon showers. Hurricane season peaks August-October. Significant savings for flexible couples.
Late Fall
November
Transition to dry season with decreasing rainfall. Excellent weather and value before high season prices begin.
Planning Ahead
Legal Requirements
As a US territory, Puerto Rico offers straightforward marriage requirements. Your marriage is automatically recognized throughout all US states with no additional paperwork required.
Pro Tip
The main requirement that differs from mainland US is the health certification. Many resorts have partnerships with local clinics to arrange testing efficiently. Plan to complete testing upon arrival or bring results from home if accepted.
What You'll Need
- Valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
- Birth certificate for each spouse
- Divorce decree or death certificate if previously married
- STD tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV (within 2 weeks of wedding)
- Doctor's letter certifying good health (within 10 days of wedding)
- Sworn affidavit stating intent to marry in Puerto Rico
Venues
Popular Venue Types
Historic Old San Juan
Four centuries of Spanish colonial architecture provide romantic backdrops. Hotel El Convento (360-year-old convent), Casa de España (Hall of Mirrors), and Antiguo Casino offer historic elegance.
Spanish Forts
El Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal—massive 16th-century fortifications overlooking the Atlantic—offer dramatic ceremony locations steeped in history.
Beach Resorts
Properties like Condado Vanderbilt, La Concha Renaissance, and Copamarina Beach Resort offer oceanfront celebrations with Caribbean waters and modern luxury.
Rainforest Haciendas
Historic estates in the El Yunque foothills combine tropical gardens, mountain views, and authentic Puerto Rican character. Hacienda Siesta Alegre and Campo Rico accommodate large celebrations.
Boutique Hotels
Intimate properties in Condado and Isla Verde offer personalized service and contemporary style for smaller celebrations.
Rooftop Venues
Modern venues in San Juan offer city skyline views, ocean panoramas, and sophisticated urban atmosphere for evening celebrations.
At a Glance
What Makes It Special
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