In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in Puerto Rico.
Weddings in Puerto Rico: What You Need To Know
When it comes to destination weddings, there are few places that can match the beauty and romance of Puerto Rico, which is home to pristine white beaches, lush rainforests, and stunning mountain vistas.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate ceremony on the beach or a grand affair set against the backdrop of a jungle waterfall, Puerto Rico has something to offer.
If you’re looking for a destination wedding that is both beautiful and easy to plan, Puerto Rico should be at the top of your list.
But first: you need to know where in the world Puerto Rico is…
Where is Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the northeast Caribbean Sea, approximately 1,000 miles (1,600 km) southeast of Miami in Florida.
Area: 3,515 sq mi (9,104 sq km), Population: (2020 est.) 3,285,874, Capital: San Juan.
Puerto Rico Facts To Know:
- Language: Spanish is the first official language of Puerto Rico, while English is the second official language
- Currency: U.S. dollar (USD)
- Airports: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN)
- Official Tourism Website:https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/
- Driving side: Right
Below you will find some more useful information about visiting Puerto Rico for your special day:
4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Puerto Rico
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 Puerto Rico:
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 Puerto Rico 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:
- How To Pick A Date For A Wedding?
- When To Send Out Save The Date For Wedding?
- How To Write Date On Wedding Invitation?
2. Decide on a budget
When it comes to having a Puerto Rico 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:
- How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget?
- What Is A Good Wedding Budget?
- How To Decorate A Wedding Reception Hall On A Budget?
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 Puerto Rico:
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 Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico:
- What is the average cost of a wedding in Puerto Rico?
- What are the marriage requirements for Puerto Rico?
- What is the weather like in Puerto Rico?
- What should you pack for a trip to Puerto Rico?
- What things are there to do in Puerto Rico?
- What are the best Puerto Rico wedding venues?
Read on to find out more:
How Much Does a Wedding in Puerto Rico Cost?
Marriage license cost in Puerto Rico is $150.00 USD. IRS stamp that you submit with your documents is included in this price.
The marriage license is obtained from the Demographic Registry office.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Puerto Rico
When applying for a marriage license, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Both applicants need to be present.
- Official photo ID such as a valid passport.
- Birth certificate.
- Proof of Social Security number: SS card, W2, or Tax Return (if applicable).
- 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.
Other legal requirements are:
- To apply for a marriage license, one must be at least 18 years old.
- The license is valid for 10 days from the issue date, and it usually takes about 3 days to get your marriage license.
- Two witnesses are required at the ceremony who need to be able to speak and understand English.
- If at least one party is a Puerto Rican resident, blood and urine tests are required.
- Non-residents can do lab tests on the island or they can bring with them a letter from a doctor that should certify that you are in good health, and it must state that you are medically approved to get married according to the requirements of the country or state in which you live. If blood work is not needed in your home country or state, make sure the note clearly says so. The note should be written on the doctor’s letterhead or a prescription pad.
- Affidavit of Intention: Bring an affidavit stating that you’re coming to Puerto Rico specifically to get married and that you’ll return to your place of residence after the wedding. The sworn declaration must be acquired no later than ten days before the wedding. You may get one from a notary public or a lawyer, and it is required to be accompanied by a certification from the County Clerk, who in certain instances may be the Secretary of State.
- The beaches are free to use for wedding purposes, however the set-up permit (chairs, arches etc.) fee is around $1,000 or more.
- All international paperwork has to be translated into English by an official translator. It is mandatory that they be authenticated with an Apostille stamp from your home country first.
For more information please visit the Official Tourism Website of Puerto Rico.
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 Puerto Rico?
In Puerto Rico, the months of December through March are typically the months with the lowest average temperatures and the fewest number of rainy days. This time period also falls outside of the hurricane season.
Since it does not rain as much in February and March, these months are probably the best time to visit the north and east coastlines, whereas the months of December through March are the ideal time to visit the south and west coasts.
While showers on the southern coast are still relatively infrequent in April, there is already a little increase in precipitation, particularly in interior regions.
In the summer, the temperature may reach intolerable levels, and there is a high chance of precipitation. The rain, however, often comes in the form of brief downpours and thunderstorms that pass quickly. On the other hand, there is a possibility of hurricanes and tropical storms.
If you want to go to Puerto Rico during the summer, you may find that the southern coast is more to your liking. This is especially true during the months of June and July, when there is distinctly less rain compared to the north. In addition, the likelihood of hurricanes occurring during these months is lower than it is during the month of August.
What should you pack for your trip?
Bring light clothing and a sweater for the evenings if you’re traveling between December and April.
During the months of May through November, you should carry with you lightweight clothing that is appropriate for the tropics, as well as potentially a light sweater and a light raincoat in case there are thunderstorms.
Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico:
Average Temperatures in Puerto Rico
The table below shows the average temperatures in Puerto Rico each month:
| Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
| January | 22.2 | 28.4 | 25.3 | 72 | 83 | 77.5 |
| February | 22.1 | 28.8 | 25.5 | 72 | 84 | 77.8 |
| March | 22.4 | 29.3 | 25.8 | 72 | 85 | 78.5 |
| April | 23.3 | 30.1 | 26.7 | 74 | 86 | 80.1 |
| May | 24.3 | 30.8 | 27.6 | 76 | 87 | 81.6 |
| June | 25.1 | 31.7 | 28.4 | 77 | 89 | 83.1 |
| July | 25.3 | 31.5 | 28.4 | 78 | 89 | 83.1 |
| August | 25.4 | 31.7 | 28.6 | 78 | 89 | 83.4 |
| September | 25.3 | 31.8 | 28.6 | 78 | 89 | 83.4 |
| October | 24.8 | 31.4 | 28.1 | 77 | 89 | 82.6 |
| November | 23.8 | 30.1 | 27 | 75 | 86 | 80.5 |
| December | 22.9 | 29 | 26 | 73 | 84 | 78.7 |
| Year | 23.9 | 30.4 | 27.1 | 75.1 | 86.7 | 81 |
Average Rainfall in Puerto Rico
The table below shows the average rainfall in Puerto Rico each month:
| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
| January | 80 | 3.1 | 13 |
| February | 50 | 2 | 10 |
| March | 60 | 2.4 | 10 |
| April | 90 | 3.5 | 10 |
| May | 145 | 5.7 | 12 |
| June | 120 | 4.7 | 13 |
| July | 125 | 4.9 | 15 |
| August | 150 | 5.9 | 16 |
| September | 150 | 5.9 | 14 |
| October | 150 | 5.9 | 15 |
| November | 140 | 5.5 | 16 |
| December | 115 | 4.5 | 16 |
| Year | 1375 | 54.1 | 160 |
Sunshine Hours in Puerto Rico
The table below shows the average sunshine hours in Puerto Rico each month:
| Month | Average | Total |
| January | 7.5 | 235 |
| February | 8 | 230 |
| March | 9 | 280 |
| April | 9 | 270 |
| May | 8 | 255 |
| June | 8.5 | 260 |
| July | 9 | 280 |
| August | 8.5 | 270 |
| September | 8 | 235 |
| October | 7.5 | 225 |
| November | 6.5 | 200 |
| December | 7 | 215 |
| Year | 8.1 | 2960 |
Sea Temperatures in Puerto Rico
The table below shows the average sea temperatures in Puerto Rico each month:
| Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
| January | 27 | 80 |
| February | 26 | 79 |
| March | 26 | 79 |
| April | 27 | 80 |
| May | 28 | 82 |
| June | 28 | 83 |
| July | 28 | 83 |
| August | 29 | 84 |
| September | 29 | 84 |
| October | 29 | 84 |
| November | 28 | 83 |
| December | 27 | 81 |
| Year | 27.7 | 81.8 |
What To Wear in Puerto Rico? (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 Puerto Rico so that you can make the most of your time there.
- A comfortable pair of shoes: You’ll want a comfortable pair of shoes to explore all the beaches and hiking trails.
- A hat or sunglasses: The sun is strong in Puerto Rico. Be sure to pack a hat or sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- Sunscreen: Don’t forget sunscreen!
- Beachwear: Puerto Rico is all about beach life. Pack your swimsuit, beach towel, and any other beach gear you need.
- Camera: Puerto Rico is incredibly photogenic. Be sure to bring along a camera to capture all the memories.
- 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 Puerto Rico
There are many different things to do in Puerto Rico, no matter what time of year you visit.
Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:
- Old San Juan
- Flamenco Beach
- Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay
- Laguna Grande
- El Yunque National Forest
- Isla de Caja de Muertos
- Cueva Ventana
- Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay
- Los Morrillos Lighthouse
- Las Cavernas del Rio Camuy National Park
- Gilligan’s Island
- Charco Azul Canyon
Best Puerto Rico Wedding Venues & Hotels
With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in Puerto Rico?
Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:
Wedding Venues in Puerto Rico
- Condado Vanderbilt Hotel in San Juan
- Casa Herdz in Aguadilla
- Tres Palmas Inn & Villas in Rincon
- Hacienda Illusion in Naguabo
- St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort
- Hotel El Convento in San Juan
- Condado Ocean Club
- Hacienda Siesta Alegre in Rio Grande
- Casa de España in San Juan
- Villa Montana Beach Resort in Isabela
Hotels in Puerto Rico
- Trópica Beach Hotel in San Juan
- La Casa Hamaca en Aguada
- Villas at Aguada Sea Beach in Aguada
- La Villa Primavera in Luquillo
- Casa Coral in Luquillo
- Casita De Arte in Palomar
- La K’sita Mía in Arroyo
- Combate Beach Resort in Cabo Rojo
- Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa in Guanica
- The Beach Guesthouse in Pinones
