You’ve got plenty of time to stress about flowers, colors and dresses — first and foremost, let’s get the location of your wedding nailed down. If you’re torn between choosing a local venue to accommodate your guests and jetting off to someplace warmer and more exotic for your upcoming nuptials, it’s time to take a closer look at clear blue skies and waters of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
With year-round summer-like weather, quick and affordable access from the east coast and no need for a passport, this historic city could be the answer to your destination dreams. The island boasts sparkling beaches, tropical rainforests and vibrant nightlife — enough to get any bridesmaid or groomsman committed to making the trip. And with flights from $200, your guests will thank you for picking a venue that’s easy on the budget and perfect for extending their long weekend.
Bonus: Destination weddings are a great excuse for keeping the guest list tight to include only those guests you really want to invite, and not, for example, the work friends of certain relatives. (We’re looking at you, mom and dad.)
La Concha: Something new
Where else besides La Concha can you host a reception beneath a giant sea shell on the ocean?
Credit: La Concha
The ultimate in luxury, this chic hotel feels more like a Hollywood hangout — perfect for the bride who spares no details and wants to wow her guests. The AAA Four diamond property sits on the beach, but also boasts more than four pools and a stunning banquet room for up to 800 of your closest friends and family members. Easy indoor/outdoor access lets you plan without stressing over the weather. After your wedding party has danced the night away, they can retire upstairs to the property’s well-appointed guestrooms, while the newlyweds get cozy in a luxurious suite.
1077 Ashford Ave.
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00907
787-721-7500
El Convento: Something borrowed
Begin your marriage rooted in the history of this Old San Juan gem.
Credit: El Convento
Nestled in the heart of Old San Juan, this historic boutique hotel is ideal for an intimate, romantic wedding. Guests can enjoy strolling through this charming part of the city, paved with cobblestones and dotted with luxury shops. Appropriately named, the 58-room property was converted from a 360-year-old Carmelite convent. If you’ve always dreamed of exchanging vows in a vine-covered courtyard beneath twinkling lights and the nighttime sky, El Convento is the venue for you. But intimate doesn’t have to mean small — the hotel’s largest event space can accommodate a party of 250. Plus, the property’s certified wedding planner will help you get all the details just right.
100 Cll Del Cristo
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901
1-800-468-2779
Condado Vanderbilt: Something old
Exchange vows at the glam Condado Vanderbilt.
Credit: Condado Vanderbilt
Since 1919, this grand hotel has been evoking the style and class of a more glamorous era. This location is for the bride who plans to wear a vintage-inspired gown and the groom who will gift his best man a box of hand-rolled cigars. Indulge your guests with first-class dining from the property’s Michelin-starred Executive Chef, Juan Jose Cuevas. With a perfect location along the ocean, it’s no wonder the hotel has attracted the likes of royalty, heads of state and Hollywood celebrities. It’s been newly renovated just in time for you to star in your own big day.
1055 Ashford Ave.
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00907
787-724-1919
Follow Cassandra Garrison on Twitter at @CassieAtMetro
