Best Wedding Venues in San Juan Puerto Rico for an Unforgettable Celebration
San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a dream wedding destination with breathtaking ocean views, historic architecture, and tropical ambiance. Whether you want a beachfront ceremony, a colonial-style reception, or a luxurious ballroom, San Juan offers diverse options to suit every couple’s taste.
Why Choose San Juan, Puerto Rico for Your Destination Wedding?
I am fortunate to live just minutes away from this beautiful city. In this article, I will share some insider tips I've learned over the past 16 years of photographing the best wedding venues in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The Charm of Old San Juan
Old San Juan’s cobblestone streets and historic buildings provide a romantic backdrop for weddings. With venues featuring Spanish colonial architecture and scenic courtyards, this area is perfect for couples seeking an elegant, timeless wedding setting.
Tropical Weather and Year-Round Beauty
With warm temperatures throughout the year, San Juan is ideal for outdoor weddings. Whether you choose a beachside venue or a garden celebration, the tropical climate ensures a stunning wedding day.
Accessibility and Travel Convenience
San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport offers direct flights from major cities, making it convenient for guests traveling from the U.S. and beyond. English is widely spoken, and the U.S. dollar is the official currency, simplifying travel logistics.
Exploring San Juan’s Districts for the Perfect Destination Wedding
Each San Juan district has its charm and ambiance, allowing couples to find a venue that matches their destination wedding vision.
Old San Juan – Colonial Charm and Historic Elegance
Old San Juan is not only home to some of the most iconic wedding venues but also boasts a great concentration of ceremony locations.
The district features stunning 16th-century Catholic churches, such as the historic San Juan Bautista Cathedral and Iglesia de San José, perfect for traditional religious ceremonies. Additionally, couples can exchange vows at breathtaking fortress locations like Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristóbal, offering unparalleled historic charm and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Home to some of the most iconic wedding venues, Old San Juan is ideal for couples who appreciate history and romance. Venues like Hotel El Convento and Antiguo Casino de Puerto Rico offer a mix of colonial architecture and grandeur.
Condado – Luxury and Oceanfront Sophistication
Condado is known for its upscale, contemporary resorts and oceanfront wedding venues. Condado Vanderbilt and La Concha Resort offer stunning beachside locations and high-end amenities, perfect for a lavish celebration.
Convention District – Marinas and Trendy Entertainment
The Convention District is home to contemporary venues with spacious ballrooms and waterfront views. The Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino and Club Náutico de San Juan are excellent choices for couples seeking marina views with modern amenities.
Santurce – Artsy and Bohemian Wedding Vibes
Santurce is a vibrant district filled with artistic expression and unique venues.
Couples seeking a more unconventional wedding experience can explore boutique hotels, or museum-style venues such as Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. This is also a great area to explore for welcome cocktails, bachelor or bachelorette parties, and for rehearsal dinners.
Miramar – Intimate and Upscale Hotels
For couples who prefer a more intimate setting, Miramar offers stylish restaurants and accommodations, blending modern sophistication with vicinity
Isla Verde – Beachfront Paradise for Destination Weddings
Although technically not in San Juan, Isla Verde district of Carolina shares a border with the capital city, and also the nearest to the San Juan airport.
If your dream wedding includes soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, Isla Verde’s beach resorts, such as El San Juan Resort, Courtyard by Marriott and the Royal Sonesta provide the perfect tropical escape.
Top Wedding Venues in San Juan Puerto Rico
Here are some of the most popular wedding venues in San Juan, categorized by style and ambiance.
La Concha Resort – Modern Elegance by the Beach
La Concha Resort is a premier oceanfront venue offering stunning views and luxurious wedding packages.
Condado Vanderbilt – Timeless Luxury and Glamour
This five-star resort features opulent ballrooms, an oceanfront terrace, and impeccable service.
Hotel El Convento – Colonial Elegance in Old San Juan
A historic hotel with a romantic courtyard, antique decor, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city. El Convento and
Antiguo Casino de Puerto Rico – A Grand Historical Venue
This iconic venue boasts grand staircases, crystal chandeliers, and an opulent ballroom for an unforgettable wedding.
Casa de España – A Stunning Spanish-Style Venue
A hidden gem with classic Spanish architecture, breathtaking courtyards, and an enchanting atmosphere.
Caribe Hilton – A Tropical Oasis with Historic Charm
A true icon in San Juan, Caribe Hilton offers a blend of history, luxury, and stunning oceanfront views. As the believed birthplace of the piña colada, this resort provides a tropical paradise with lush gardens, a secluded beach, and elegant event spaces.
Outdoor and Beach Wedding Venues in San Juan
San Juan has plenty of options for couples dreaming of an outdoor wedding, whether on the beach or in a lush garden.
Oceanfront vs. Historic Settings
- Beach Weddings: Venues like La Concha and Isla Verde resorts provide stunning ocean views.
- Historic Weddings: Old San Juan’s courtyards and estates like Casa de España offer enchanting greenery.
Planning Your San Juan Destination Wedding
Hiring Local Vendors and Wedding Planners
Working with experienced local planners and vendors ensures a seamless wedding experience. Many venues have in-house coordinators or recommended vendors to assist with details.
Best Seasons for a San Juan Wedding
The best time to get married in San Juan is during the dry season from December to April. September should be avoided, as it is the peak of the hurricane and rainy season, that spans from June through November.
Legal Requirements for Weddings in Puerto Rico
- Valid passports or government-issued IDs
- Birth certificates
- Medical certification from a local doctor (if applicable)
- Marriage license application
- Two witnesses for the ceremony
You can read more on legal requirements for marriage in Puerto Rico in my dedicated article about it.
San Juan offers something for every couple, whether they desire a lavish beachside wedding, a historic celebration in Old San Juan, or an intimate garden ceremony. With its mix of culture, beauty, and accessibility, it remains one of the best destination wedding locations in the Caribbean.
xo,
Cami
Nice to meet you,
I'm Cami
I'm Camille Fontz, a dedicated wedding photographer based in the vibrant islands of Puerto Rico. With 16 years of experience, I've witnessed countless couples embark on their dream weddings, big or small.
My passion for authenticity and adventure has led me to document over 500 love stories across the Caribbean, the United States, and Europe.
I aim to make our wedding experience together feel seamless and memorable, capturing your story in a way that feels true to you.
Let's go on this journey together, and turn your wedding day into a timeless narrative of love and joy.
