Top Small Wedding Venues in Puerto Rico for Intimate Celebrations
As a wedding photographer, I have witnessed how intimate weddings in Puerto Rico have become popular in the past decade. We're living exciting times when couples question traditions and priorities should be. Both destination and Diasporican clients, use their visit to Puerto Rico as the perfect excuse to get married in an intimate ceremony.
For this reason, many local couples are now rethinking their wedding plans and looking for intimate and small wedding venues in Puerto Rico.
What is a Small Wedding in Puerto Rico?
Describing a wedding size will depend a lot on its cultural and geographical location, so I will preface this blogpost defining what a "small wedding" means in Puerto Rico.
On an island, everything is smaller by necessity, and even the largest of venues won't hold the same amount of guests as its continental counterparts.
Even hotel occupancy and car rental availability can be severely impacted by our island condition, and this is highlighted on busy seasons or on our island municipalities, Vieques and Culebra.
In Puerto Rico, these are acceptable wedding size categories:
- Extra large weddings: 200-300 guests
- Large weddings: 100-200 guests
- Regular weddings: 60-100 guests
- Small weddings: 20-60
- Micro weddings: 4-20
- Elopement: 2-4 guests (most times, including couple)
Now that we have defined small weddings, I'll share several categories of sites where I love to photograph small weddings, and each one will be accompanied by at least one link to a full wedding there.
If after this preface, you realize that you're not really hosting a small wedding, I have a companion blog on the best wedding venues in Puerto Rico for larger weddings. I hope that my blog inspires and helps you find what you're looking for!
Small and Intimate Outdoor Weddings in Puerto Rico
Outdoor weddings in Puerto Rico are my specialty as a wedding photographer, so they will be the first to talk about on this blog. Puerto Rico is so beautiful that even with its heat and weather challenges, I prefer this type of wedding to being enclosed within four walls. Small weddings and elopements have a degree of flexibility in which we could basically get married anywhere, but here are examples of where I have most enjoyed working at.
El Yunque: Adventure Weddings in the Rainforest
For couples who love adventure and the outdoors, El Yunque offers a truly unique wedding experience. Surrounded by lush greenery, waterfalls, and mountains, this venue is ideal for small, adventurous weddings. A morning ceremony is recommended to avoid crowds and keep the ambiance intimate.
Although hiking is part of the experience, it’s important to plan carefully to ensure that your attire remains intact. Many couples choose to change into their wedding clothes upon arrival at the waterfall, making this an unforgettable ceremony location.
Hacienda Azucena: A Hidden Gem in Río Grande
Hacienda Azucena is a lesser-known but breathtaking option for small weddings in Puerto Rico. This beautiful hacienda offers panoramic views and lodging options, making it convenient for couples who want a fully immersive experience.
Its charm lies in the intimate setting, which is perfect for couples who wish to create a personal and exclusive atmosphere for their celebration. With exceptional service and rustic beauty, Hacienda Azucena brings the warmth and tranquility of a countryside wedding to life.
Hacienda Don Carmelo: Intimate Weddings in Vega Baja
While many couples choose Hacienda Don Carmelo for large weddings, this venue shines for smaller, more intimate gatherings. Its vast gardens, horse stables, and serene landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for romantic wedding photos.
Whether you're hosting a small wedding or an elopement, Hacienda Don Carmelo offers a peaceful setting that feels like a private retreat. With its combination of elegance and natural beauty, this venue is an excellent choice for couples seeking an intimate celebration.
Hacienda Muñoz: Coffee Lovers' Dream Wedding in San Lorenzo
Hacienda Muñoz is an ideal venue for couples who love nature and coffee. Located in the mountains of San Lorenzo, this rustic hacienda provides an open, barn-style venue that can accommodate weddings of all sizes, but its charm truly comes alive in small weddings.
The hacienda's surrounding coffee fields, peacocks, and vibrant landscapes offer endless opportunities for beautiful photography, making it a perfect setting for an intimate wedding with a rustic flair.
Hacienda Siesta Alegre: Romantic Countryside Charm
Set in the foothills of El Yunque National Forest, Hacienda Siesta Alegre is perfect for a garden or rustic wedding.
The hacienda’s lush surroundings, open courtyards, and Spanish colonial architecture create a magical, intimate space for weddings of hundreds of guests. However, the layout feels magical on smaller weddings.
The venue’s charm lies in its elegant, open-air design, which allows the surrounding nature to become part of your ceremony. For couples who dream of a countryside escape without sacrificing sophistication, this venue delivers an authentic Puerto Rican experience.
Small Weddings in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Old San Juan, with its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and romantic charm, is the epitome of an intimate destination wedding location. Couples can choose from a variety of historic sites for their ceremony, such as Plaza La Rogativa or El Morro.
The vibrant city offers a unique blend of history and beauty, making it the perfect spot for a small wedding filled with old-world elegance. Your wedding day can be spent walking through centuries-old fortresses, followed by a reception at one of the local fine dining restaurants.
El Morro & Castillo San Cristobal: Historical Elegance
For history buffs, there’s nothing quite like getting married at El Morro or Castillo San Cristobal. These iconic fortresses, rich in centuries of history, offer spectacular views of the ocean and Old San Juan.
El Morro is ideal for elopements and microweddings, while Castillo San Cristobal provides more space for small weddings. Due to National Park regulations, most weddings here take place in the evening, allowing couples to exchange vows under the stars, creating a magical atmosphere.
For availability and permit information, check the NPS website.
Plaza La Rogativa: Coastal Views in the Heart of Old San Juan
Plaza La Rogativa, located in the heart of Old San Juan, is one of the most picturesque spots for small wedding ceremonies. This open plaza offers stunning views of the bay and nearby landmarks, making it an excellent choice for intimate weddings.
Due to its compact size, it’s best suited for small wedding ceremonies or elopements, ensuring and romantic celebration in one of Puerto Rico’s most iconic locations.
This landmark is also managed by the National Parks Service.
Restaurant Weddings in Puerto Rico: Cozy, Intimate, and Convenient
For couples seeking comfort and accessibility, a small wedding at a restaurant is a great option. Many restaurants in Puerto Rico offer private lounges or rooftop spaces that can be transformed into charming wedding venues.
This is especially ideal for families with elderly guests or accessibility concerns. Plus, a restaurant wedding provides the convenience of excellent food and service, creating a stress-free celebration.
Small Beach Weddings in Puerto Rico: Timeless Romance
Puerto Rico's beaches offer an unbeatable backdrop for intimate weddings. With endless coastline options, couples can choose a beach that matches their style, whether it’s the serene shores of Copamarina Beach Resort or the lively ambiance of Rincon.
A beach wedding requires minimal décor, as the natural beauty of the ocean, palm trees, and sunset creates a perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable day.
Copamarina Beach Resort: Tranquil Caribbean Paradise for Small Weddings
Located in Guánica, Copamarina Beach Resort combines luxury with natural beauty, offering the ideal spot for an intimate beachfront wedding.
This beach venue provides scenic ocean views, lush greenery, and enough space for small guest lists, making it a dream destination for couples who value tranquility.
The resort’s secluded location and pristine beaches allow couples to create a personalized, serene ceremony and reception.
Villa Montaña Beach Resort: A Secluded Beachfront Escape
Nestled on the coast of Isabela, Villa Montaña Beach Resort is perfect for couples seeking an intimate beach wedding. This venue offers lush gardens and stunning ocean views.
The resort’s intimate beachfront location ensures a serene ceremony backdrop, while couples can enjoy tropical breezes during their cocktail hour.
Ideal for couples who want a laid-back yet elegant beach celebration, Villa Montaña also offers accommodations for guests to stay on-site, making it a convenient destination.
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort: Seaside Elegance
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort is the epitome of a beachfront resort. With multiple outdoor spaces and ocean views, this resort offers the perfect combination of elegance and intimacy for small weddings.
Whether you choose to host your ceremony on the beach or on the scenic deck at sunset, the resort provides a breathtaking backdrop for a romantic celebration. Its flexible indoor and outdoor spaces make it a great choice for couples seeking both convenience and style.
Culebra & Vieques: Island Escapes for the most Intimate Weddings
For couples who dream of an island getaway, Culebra and Vieques offer a secluded paradise. These smaller islands off the coast of Puerto Rico are perfect for intimate weddings, providing pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed, tropical atmosphere.
Due to their smaller size and limited infrastructure, hosting a large wedding on these islands can be a logistical challenge, but they are perfect for small, intimate gatherings where every detail feels personalized.
Puerto Rico Small Wedding Hotels
Perhaps being outdoors is not your thing, or simply to comfortably accommodate guests, you would like to have the convenience and accessibility that you only find with a hotel. Here I share the best hotels for small weddings in Puerto Rico.
La Concha Resort: Modern Elegance for Small Weddings
La Concha Resort, located in the vibrant Condado district, is a perfect blend of modern luxury and beachside charm. The Mirador Rooftop, with its panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, is ideal for intimate weddings.
This versatile space offers both outdoor and indoor areas, allowing couples to personalize their celebration. With its prime location, top-tier service, and flexibility, La Concha is an excellent choice for couples looking to host a small wedding with a chic, modern vibe.
Condado Vanderbilt: Timeless Luxury for Intimate Celebrations
At the historic Condado Vanderbilt, small weddings feel grand. The Salón Azul, a beautifully designed blue-themed room, is ideal for an intimate ceremony or reception. The venue's East Veranda offers breathtaking ocean views, perfect for a ceremony at sunset. Combining classic elegance with modern amenities, Condado Vanderbilt provides a luxurious atmosphere for couples who want an upscale yet intimate wedding experience.
Hotel El Convento: A Colonial Masterpiece for Small Weddings
Located in the heart of Old San Juan, Hotel El Convento is a treasure for art and history lovers. The Martorell Ballroom, hand-painted by renowned Puerto Rican artist Antonio Martorell, creates a stunning backdrop for small weddings.
With its colonial architecture, rich history, and intimate spaces, El Convento offers a unique and cultural setting for your wedding day. The proximity to Old San Juan’s charming streets and landmarks also provides ample opportunities for breathtaking wedding photos.
Museo Casa Blanca: A Historic Venue for Intimate Weddings
Although currently under restoration, the Casa Blanca Museum in Old San Juan is an extraordinary venue for small weddings and elopements.
This historic home, originally built in the 16th century, offers an authentic Old San Juan atmosphere with stunning colonial architecture and lush gardens.
It's perfect for couples who desire a wedding steeped in history and charm, with beautiful photo opportunities throughout its grounds.
Airbnbs for Small Weddings in Puerto Rico: Trendy & Unique Venues
Airbnbs and luxury vacation rentals are becoming increasingly popular for small weddings in Puerto Rico. These private properties offer a unique and personalized setting for intimate celebrations.
Each venue is distinct, from beachfront villas to secluded mountain homes, allowing couples to tailor their wedding to fit their style and vision. However, it’s essential to remember that renting an Airbnb for a wedding comes with logistical challenges, such as managing clean-up and guest amenities, making it important to plan ahead.
Bonus content: Do I Need a Wedding Planner for My Small Wedding in Puerto Rico?
One detail about intimate weddings is that many couples, in an effort to "keep things simple," often do not consider the role of a wedding coordinator for their event. Some of the tasks that would naturally fall to that professional end up being unwillingly absorbed by other vendors or completely forgotten, opening an opportunity for errors or logistical nightmares.
One such task is advising the couple on the location or venue for small weddings, and I have seen many couples experience unnecessary stress and difficulties in achieving the micro-wedding of their dreams.
Planning a small wedding may seem less complicated than organizing a large wedding, but the reality is that it presents its own unique challenges. Here’s why:
1. Experience and Industry Connections
Most of the wedding industry in Puerto Rico is geared towards larger events, which can make couples seeking a micro-wedding feel overwhelmed and lost in their search for suitable vendors and venues.
A wedding coordinator has the experience and connections needed to help you find exactly what you need. Their network includes vendors who are willing, delighted, and sometimes even prefer to work on more intimate weddings.
2. Better Use of Time and Money
Without the help of a coordinator, couples may spend hours searching for services and venues that fit their size, only to realize that many vendors have minimum requirements that do not suit their budget or event size.
A wedding coordinator can help you avoid going around in circles, directing you straight to the vendors and venues that meet your needs and budget.
3. Personalization and Attention to Detail
Micro-weddings allow for a level of personalization and attention to detail that is not always possible in larger events. A wedding planner can help you take advantage of this, ensuring that every aspect of your special day reflects your vision and personal style.
From choosing a cozy venue to selecting a customized menu, a good wedding planner will be there to guide you every step of the way.
4. Stress Reduction
Planning a wedding, regardless of size, can be overwhelming for a couple who has never planned a similar event. Your intimate wedding planner in Puerto Rico will handle all the logistical details, allowing you to enjoy the process without worries. With their support, you can focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love with your closest loved ones.
5. Expertise in Destination Weddings
If you are planning a destination wedding in Puerto Rico, having a wedding coordinator is invaluable. Navigating a wedding from afar, on an unknown territory, with a different language adds another layer of complexity.
A local wedding planner understands the ins and outs of planning a wedding in Puerot Rico, from legal requirements to the best local vendors and hidden gem venues that can't work for a big wedding but fit as a glove for yours.
They may also help you coordinate travel logistics, accommodations for your guests, and even suggest activities to make your wedding weekend unforgettable. Their local expertise ensures that everything runs smoothly, allowing you to enjoy your destination wedding without the hassle of dealing with unfamiliar territory.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback in the comments below. I hope this blog was useful, and that all your small wedding dreams come true.
xo,
Cami
