Puerto Rico is home to some of the most amazing beaches in the world. Granted, I am partially biased as a native of the country – but if you are planning to elope in Puerto Rico…I can assure you that you will not regret your decision! I love my home country as I am sure you will as well!
When it comes to getting married in Puerto Rico, an individual should be aware that there are two types of marriage ceremonies that exist in Puerto Rico; civil and religious. A civil ceremony is the only ceremony that has legal obligations. In order to obtain a civil ceremony marriage license, a couple will need to have valid identification issued by the United States government, blood tests, and there is a three day waiting period from the time of the filing for the license until the actual ceremony can be performed. Valid forms of identification include a passport or one’s birth certificate. If an individual has been previously married, then he or she will need to bring a death certificate or proof of divorce before the marriage license will be issued. A federally certified laboratory must perform the blood tests within ten days of the wedding date, and a licensed doctor must sign the marriage certificate and the blood tests. After these steps have been taken, a couple is legally free to proceed with their destination wedding or elopement plans.
Puerto Rico is a highly popular spot for those who wish to be married, whether it is through elopement or an elaborate destination. Consequently, there are numerous hotels and spas on the island, and these locations comprise the majority of the wedding venues available. The Ritz Carlton Hotel and the Hilton Hotel are two of the most popular venues within the country. On the northeast corner of the island stands the El Morro.
The El Morro is a six-story fort that was built by the Spanish in the 1540’s. The Dutch and English repeatedly attacked it throughout the centuries as they attempted to exert control over the small island. Provided with a complete facelift in 2002, this fort has become one of the most alluring wedding destinations on the island. Another unique wedding venue on the island is El Yunque. These botanical gardens are located in the heart of Puerto Rico’s rain forests.
A couple can also considered holding their wedding ceremony on one of the numerous, small private islands that surround Puerto Rico, such as Culebra or Vieques. These uninhabited islands provide the perfect mixture of untamed vegetation and unspoiled beaches.
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