Guatemala Destination Wedding Guide 2024

In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in Guatemala.

Weddings in Guatemala: What You Need To Know

If you’re looking for an exotic destination for your wedding, Guatemala may be the perfect place.

With its lush rainforests, towering volcanoes and exquisite Maya ruins, Guatemala offers a wealth of opportunities for adventurous couples.

What’s more, the country’s friendly people and vibrant culture will ensure that your wedding is an unforgettable experience.

If you’re willing to embrace adventure, a destination wedding in Guatemala is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

So whether you’re looking for a remote and exotic location or a closer destination that’s still full of culture and natural beauty, Guatemala should be at the top of your list.

But first: you need to know where in the world Guatemala is…

Where is Guatemala?

Guatemala is located in Central America. It borders Mexico to the north, Belize and the Caribbean Sea to the northeast, Honduras to the east, El Salvador to the southeast, and Pacific Ocean to the south.

Area: 42,042 sq mi (108,889 sq km). Population: (2022 est.) 15,998,000. Capital: Guatemala City.

Guatemala Facts To Know:

Language: Spanish
Currency: Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ)
Airports: La Aurora International Airport (GUA), Maya Mundo International Airport (FRS)
Official Tourism Website: https://www.visitguatemala.com/
Driving side: Right

Below you will find some more useful information about visiting Guatemala for your special day:

4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Guatemala

Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!

But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in Guatemala:

1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests

Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in Guatemala or closer to home.

You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.

Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:

2. Decide on a budget

When it comes to having a Guatemala wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.

But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.

Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:

3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget

No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.

Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in Guatemala:

4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details

A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.

Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in Guatemala

Guatemala Weddings: Key Information

Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.

To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in Guatemala:

What is the average cost of a wedding in Guatemala?
What are the marriage requirements for Guatemala?
What is the weather like in Guatemala?
What should you pack for a trip to Guatemala?
What things are there to do in Guatemala?
What are the best Guatemala wedding venues?

Read on to find out more:

How Much Does a Wedding in Guatemala Cost?

What you must pay is notarization fees for the foreign documents, and that varies depending on the nationality.

Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Guatemala

When applying for a marriage license, you will need to provide the following documents:

Valid passport.
Certificate of no impediment (“libertad de estado”).
Birth certificate.
If you have already been married, provide the relevant documentation to demonstrate that you are either divorced or widowed.
Name change document – generally all names on all documents need to match (including your parents’ names), otherwise proof of name change needs to be shown.
Medical certificates stating both partners are in good health.

Other legal requirements are:

To apply for a marriage license, one must be at least 18 years old.
Guatemalan law requires that the foreigner publish an announcement in the official newspaper for two weeks to check if there is an obstacle for the marriage.
Notification of the marriage in each of the spouse’s embassy.
Two witnesses are required.
There is no restriction for foreign people marrying in Guatemala, provided that they are in the country legally and get the proper marriage license.
All international paperwork has to be translated into Spanish by an official translator. It is mandatory that they be authenticated with an Apostille stamp from your home country first.

Before making any wedding or travel preparations, make sure you have all the paperwork needed for your marriage to be recognized in your home country by checking with the local county clerk or marriage official where you intend to marry.

What you need to have in your possession before leaving the country is a legal document that can confirm that your marriage is legitimate and has been registered – the marriage certificate.

What Is The Weather Like in Guatemala?

The ideal time to go to Guatemala is between the months of December and the middle of April on the central plateau and on the southern side. On the Caribbean coast and in the Petén Department, the best time to visit is from February to April.

What should you pack for your trip?

Bring light clothing, a sweatshirt or sweater, and a jacket for the evening all year round if you plan on spending time in Guatemala City or the Tierras Templadas. From May until October, you should also bring a raincoat or umbrella.

In the plains and on the coasts, bring lightweight clothing all year; in the rainy season, bring a light sweatshirt and a light raincoat for thunderstorms.

If you plan on going to the mountains, bring warm clothing and bring a jacket, hat, gloves, and hiking shoes.

Guatemala Weather By Month

Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit Guatemala:

Average Temperatures in Guatemala

The table below shows the average temperatures in Guatemala each month:

Month	Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Mean (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Mean (°F)
January	17.8	28.2	23	64	83	73.4
February	18.2	30.5	24.4	65	87	75.8
March	18.4	33	25.7	65	91	78.3
April	20.5	35.9	28.2	69	97	82.8
May	22.2	35.4	28.8	72	96	83.8
June	22.7	33.8	28.2	73	93	82.8
July	21.9	33.4	27.6	71	92	81.8
August	22.1	33.8	28	72	93	82.3
September	22.5	33.3	27.9	72	92	82.2
October	21.8	31.5	26.6	71	89	80
November	19.9	29.9	24.9	68	86	76.8
December	18.6	28.6	23.6	65	83	74.5
Year	20.6	32.3	26.35	69	90.1	79.5

Average Rainfall in Guatemala

The table below shows the average rainfall in Guatemala each month:

Month	Millimeters	Inches	Days
January	75	3	11
February	60	2.4	8
March	45	1.8	6
April	40	1.6	6
May	140	5.5	9
June	220	8.7	18
July	215	8.5	20
August	210	8.3	18
September	250	9.8	17
October	225	8.9	16
November	130	5.1	13
December	95	3.7	12
Year	1715	67.5	154

Sunshine Hours in Guatemala

The table below shows the average sunshine hours in Guatemala each month:

Month	Average	Total
January	8	250
February	8.5	235
March	8	245
April	8	240
May	6	185
June	5	155
July	6	185
August	6	190
September	5.5	160
October	5.5	180
November	7	210
December	6.5	210
Year	6.7	2440

Sea Temperatures in Guatemala

The table below shows the average sea temperatures in Guatemala each month:

Month	Celsius (°C)	Fahrenheit (°F)
January	27	81
February	27	81
March	28	82
April	28	83
May	29	84
June	29	85
July	29	85
August	30	85
September	30	85
October	29	85
November	29	84
December	28	82
Year	28.6	83.5

What To Wear in Guatemala? (Packing Tips)

It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.

We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in Guatemala so that you can make the most of your time there.

Pack light and airy clothing made from natural fibers like cotton, as the climate is warm and humid.
Comfortable shoes: If you’re planning on doing any hiking be sure to bring appropriate footwear.
A hat or sunglasses: The sun is strong in Guatemala. Be sure to pack a hat or sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Sunscreen: Don’t forget sunscreen!
Beachwear: Pack your swimsuit, beach towel, and any other beach gear you need.
Insect repellent: Pack insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be a problem in some areas.
Camera: Don’t forget your camera to capture all the stunning scenery!
Passport: Other essential items to pack include a valid passport and any necessary visas.
Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
Chargers: Also, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
First-aid kit: It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.

Things to Do in Guatemala

There are many different things to do in Guatemala, no matter what time of year you visit.

Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:

Best Guatemala Wedding Venues & Hotels

With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in Guatemala?

Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:

Wedding Venues in Guatemala

Convento Capuchinas
La Ermita de la Santa Cruz
Hotel Casa Santo Domingo
Ezenario Historico
Hotel Atitlan
Panza Verde
Porta Hotel
Pensativo House Hotel
Ruins of Santa Teresa

Hotels in Guatemala

Hyatt Centric Guatemala City
Hotel Real Intercontinental Guatemala
Hotel Belvedere
Earth Lodge
Hotel Candelaria Antigua
Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel
Good Hotel Antigua
Hotel El Sol

Check out the full list here: 60+ Wedding Destination around the World