This post brought to you by Puerto Rico, The All-Star Island. All opinions are 100% mine.
As a US Commonwealth (read: no need for Passports or foreign money) many people flock to Puerto Rico and its 270 miles of coastline as a hot vacation destination. With titles like Top 10 beaches from Travel Channel, including Flamenco Beach in Culebra – cited as one of the best beaches in the world, it’s no wonder that it’s also a hot spot for destination weddings. As such, we’ve put together a little Puerto Rico Destination Wedding Guide for those looking to say I Do.
The Venue
While there are no shortage of amazing venues to choose from I found two that really stood out to me.
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa, Rio Grande
This lush, 500-acre, beachfront property borders both the Puerto Rico rain forest and two spectacular golf courses and boasts a secluded beach. They offer both simple Oceanside ceremonies and dazzling ballroom receptions. The hotel also boast 10 restaurants and lounges, a casino and more.
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Dorado
Once a plantation, Dorado Beach is now a private retreat featuring an open air concept with 115 guest rooms on 50 acres. It offers 5 venues for your wedding day and top of the line amenities.
The Date
Puerto Rico enjoys year round summer temperatures with an average annual temperature of 80°F (26°C). Now, the peak tourist season is between December and April so rates will be highest then. Hurrican Season is officially June 1st to November 30. SO if you’re looking for a deal, that leaves your best month at May, right after tourist season and just before hurricane season.
Fun and Relaxtion
Have we mentioned the beaches? Okay, just checking. More than that there is a little something for everyone. For instance, where else can you can glow like an angel in the water in the Bioluminescent bays? Puerto Rico is also home to the only rainforest under US national park service, El Yunque. A place where you can literally climb into the clouds.
History buffs *raises hand* will go nuts over the old world charm of San Juan. And oh the foodies, will eat themselves into oblivion on Puerto Rican delicacies – don’t forget to wash it down with a glass/bottle/pint of rum. Adventurers can enjoy horse back riding or the magnificent Camuy caverns that runs through the 3rd largest subterranean river in the world. But there is so much more: snorkeling, kayaking, deep see fishing, scuba diving, parasailing, ziplining, golf.. the list is endless.
The Technicalities
- Medical CertificationYou and your future spouse must visit the Demographic Registry Office (located at the Plaza Las Américas Mall in Hato Rey, San Juan). You need to bring with you a medical certification indicating that you met all the required tests for marriage back in your place of residence. The certification is valid for a period of 10 calendar days from date of issue.
- ResidencyYou don’t need to be a resident of the island to get married here. Any person who is not a resident of Puerto Rico must present to the Demographic Registry a copy of an affidavit stating that:
He/she is not a resident of Puerto Rico.
The purpose of the visit is for marriage and, if for a foreign citizen, he/she will not stay in Puerto Rico for more than the time period specified in the permission documents granted by the appropriate federal agency in order to enter U.S. territory.
If the affidavit is issued in the U.S., it must be accompanied by certification of the corresponding state’s county clerk.
- Photo IDYou also need to submit to the Registry a valid photo ID – a drivers licence, passport or state ID. Foreigners must present a valid passport, visa or green card.
- Internal Revenue StampYou’ll need to get a $20.00 Internal Revenue Stamp from the Government of Puerto Rico.
- Birth CertificateYou’ll need copies of the birth certificates of both parties.
- Getting Your LicenseThe registrar will examine all the above documents and affix them to the back of the marriage license. Once all requirements are met and the process is finished, the license will be signed and issued, in addition to the marriage certificate to present at the ceremony.
The couple must review all these documents, sign all sections of the marriage certificate using permanent black or blue ink and present it at the ceremony.
If you could Live your own 5-star vacation story in Puerto Rico., what would you do? Share in the comments! You can also see more reasons to go when you Like SeePuertoRico.com on Facebook and Follow @PRTourismCo on Twitter.
This is super informative! We got married on the beach but it was in the states. I’d love to plan an anniversary trip to Puerto Rico though!
Visiting Puerto Rico is on my bucket list… such a gorgeous place! Hubby and I are renewing our vows in a couple years for our 20th wedding anniversary… that may be a sweet vacation spot for our honeymoon!
I’ve never been to Puerto Rico. I’ve heard it’s wonderful and have always hoped to get there one day.
sounds awesome, we celebrate 12 yrs this year, id like to go there