Guatemala should be our TOP destination when deciding on having a destination wedding.
Guatemala has many things to offer but the people and spectacular sceneries it’s what attracts brides around the world.
The best destination to have your destination wedding is Antigua Guatemala which is a short drive from Guatemala City and has everything you may think of.
The contrast between Spanish colonial architecture and lush tropical greenery makes Antigua Guatemala the perfect destination.
A must for your destination wedding in Guatemala.
Why couples choose Antigua Guatemala
Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage city surrounded by three volcanoes: Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. Its cobblestone streets, pastel façades and centuries-old churches give every celebration a backdrop that feels both romantic and timeless. It is small enough to walk from your hotel to dinner, yet it has the boutique hotels, restaurants and experienced vendors that a destination wedding needs.
For many of our couples, the biggest draw is that the wedding becomes a full experience for their guests. Most people who fly in for your wedding have never been to Guatemala, and Antigua makes it easy to fall in love with the country.
Getting married in a colonial ruin
Antigua's ruins are what make a wedding here truly unique. Former convents and monasteries such as Santa Clara, Capuchinas, San José El Viejo and La Recolección offer stone arches, open courtyards and gardens you will not find anywhere else. About 90% of the weddings we plan in Antigua take place in a ruin.
Ruins are managed by the government, so availability opens once a year and dates go quickly. If you have your heart set on one, start early. Our guide on how to reserve a ruin walks you through the process.
Prefer a hotel or garden? Boutique hotels like Villa Bokéh and private estates offer more flexibility with timings and music. See all our Antigua Guatemala wedding venues.
Best time of year for an Antigua wedding
Antigua enjoys spring-like weather most of the year. The dry season, from November to April, brings sunny days, cool evenings and the lowest chance of rain, which makes it the most popular time for outdoor weddings. The rainy season, from May to October, usually brings afternoon showers, so a rain plan or tent is a good idea. Read more in our guide to the best time of year to get married in Guatemala.
Getting there
Antigua is about an hour's drive from La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City, with direct flights from many cities in the United States. Through our sister company Sparks Travel, we can help your guests with flights, airport transfers, hotels and excursions, so everyone arrives relaxed and ready to celebrate.
A wedding weekend, not just a wedding day
Most destination weddings in Antigua are a multi-day celebration: a welcome dinner or cocktail, the wedding day, and a farewell breakfast or brunch. Many couples also add local touches like marimba music, a traditional callejoneada with mariachis through the streets, or a coffee station with Guatemalan coffee.
How much does a wedding in Antigua cost?
A destination wedding in Antigua Guatemala usually ranges from USD 20,000 to USD 100,000, and the average is between USD 50,000 and 75,000. Your venue, guest count and decoration are the biggest factors. See the full breakdown in our Antigua Guatemala wedding costs guide.
Plan your Antigua wedding with a local team
Sparks Weddings has been planning destination weddings in Antigua since 2014. We know the venues, the permits and the best local vendors, and we handle every detail so you can enjoy the experience. Browse our real weddings or request a tailor-made budget to get started.