Plan a Wedding in Puerto Rico

The literal translation of Puerto Rico is “Rich Port,” and with its many amazing offerings, the island lives up to its name. For nature lovers, there are endless strands of pristine beaches, majestic emerald-green mountains and even a protected tropical rain forest. City slickers can hit the capital city of San Juan for hip restaurants, a hot nightlife scene and charming historic buildings. The island also has different locales for hosting a destination wedding, no matter your style and budget. From boutique hotels to luxury resorts, here are three of our favorite options.

Mega Luxury

Stay at the El Conquistador Resort and Las Casitas Village & Golden Door Spa, and you and your guests will be royally pampered. The huge property (there are five separate hotel areas) boasts intricate Moorish and Spanish architecture, 8 swimming pools, 17 restaurants, 4 tennis courts and an 18-hole championship golf course, all of which impart a distinctive air of Mediterranean elegance. The world-renowned Golden Door spa overlooks the resort’s peaceful fairway, the island’s rain forest, El Yunque, and the ocean beyond. Soothe pre-wedding jitters and your muscles by indulging in a couple’s hot-stone massage or reflexology treatment. And Exchange vows in the Casitas Garden, an arboretum perched 300 feet above the sea. Here, at the spot where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic Ocean, your guests can savor stunning views of the resort’s private Palomino Island and, in the distance, the Virgin Islands. Reception venue options include a variety of large terraces and different poolside areas. Brides seeking a more formal space can opt for the hotel’s grand and gilded ballrooms, which have dazzling crystal chandeliers and mirrored walls. For more information visit elconresort.com.

Ultra Chic

If the thought of a traditional white lace and gazebo ceremony bores you to tears, the super trendy San Juan Water & Beach Club may be your ideal spot. Located in the chic Isla Verde section of San Juan, the hip 78-room boutique hotel is all minimalist style and edgy décor. There’s an elevator that features a glass-encased waterfall, and the corridors have piped-in sounds of rolling surf. All of the guest rooms have walls of floor-to-ceiling windows facing the sea. After hours, the beachfront property is home to two of Puerto Rico’s most happening hot spots: Tangerine Restaurant & Bar, located in the lobby, and Wet, the open-air rooftop bar. Host your wedding at the chic hotel and you can have the ceremony on the beach and the cocktail hour in the posh rooftop lounge. Then stay the night in the ultramodern white-walled honeymoon suite. For more information visit waterbeachclubhotel.com.

Unspoiled Beauty

Even though you’re still close to home, in Vieques, the small, unspoiled island that lies about 10 miles off Puerto Rico’s eastern coast, you’ll feel as if you’re a million miles away. Vieques is home to palm-fringed—and empty—beaches, undiscovered coral reefs, quiet mangrove lagoons and a bioluminescent bay that takes on an awesome blue-green glow at night. The low-key, 10-bungalow Inn on the Blue Horizon plays host to intimate island wedding ceremonies and receptions for up to 85 guests. You can get married on a secluded green bluff overlooking the sea, then sip rum punches—and admire the spectacular view—at the inn’s small rooftop restaurant. Later, you and your guests can enjoy a poolside buffet dinner and dance the night away under a canopy of stars! For more information visit innonthebluehorizon.com. —Sharon Boone

Lawfully Wedded

Due to Puerto Rico’s status as a U.S. commonwealth, getting married here is relatively simple; however, do allow two months for processing. A request for a marriage license must be sent to the Demographic Registry in San Juan. Ten days before the wedding, both of you must appear in person to obtain the marriage license and purchase two license stamps (total cost is $30) at the Demographic Registry. Blood tests and a health certificate are required. Though these may be conducted on the U.S. mainland, results must be certified and signed by a doctor in Puerto Rico. U.S. citizens need to present a photo ID, two witnesses and, if applicable, divorce or death certificates. Couples under 21 must have parental consent.

Photography: (from top) courtesy of El Conquistador Resort; courtesy of San Juan Water & Beach Club; courtesy of Inn on the Blue Horizon.