Antigua Guatemala Travel Guide: A Photographer’s Journey Through Color & Celebration

Bobak Radbin
Oct 22
4 min read

Updated: Oct 26

I landed in Guatemala City and headed straight to Antigua—camera in hand, heart wide open, ready for ten days of solo travel and exploration. I didn’t go there to photograph a wedding, but it didn’t take long to realize how perfect this city would be for one.

From cobblestone streets and colorful walls to volcano views and colonial courtyards, Antigua feels built for romance and storytelling. As a photographer, I could picture every frame: couples walking under the Arco de Santa Catalina, golden light washing over terracotta rooftops, and guests dancing under the stars in a centuries-old ruin.

Why I Fell in Love With Antigua

Antigua is the cultural and emotional heart of Guatemala. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s filled with vibrant markets, historic churches, and a sense of timeless beauty.

I wandered up to Cerro de la Cruz, explored the Ruins of La Recolección, and spent hours people-watching in Parque Central, where local artisans sell handmade textiles and flowers fill the air with color.

Every corner felt alive. Every turn had texture and soul.

If you’re searching for a destination that feels both adventurous and elegant, this antigua guatemala travel guide will show you why it’s one of the most magical wedding locations in Central America.

Antigua Guatemala Travel Guide: Best Wedding Venues & Tips

These are the top venues I found while exploring—and researching—for couples dreaming of an unforgettable wedding day.

Hotel Casa Santo Domingo

Once a monastery, now a world-class resort and museum.
Features courtyards, stone ruins, and full-service wedding planning.
Perfect for grand celebrations up to 500 guests.
Average wedding budgets here range from $35,000–$60,000 USD for larger events.
👉 casasantodomingo.com.gt

Mesón Panza Verde

Boutique venue with intimate patios, arches, and candle-lit courtyards.
Ideal for small weddings or vow renewals (20–60 guests).
👉 panzaverde.com

Convento de las Capuchinas

One of the most iconic ruins in Antigua—stone corridors, circular cloisters, and serene gardens.
Ceremony-only rental averages around $1,800–$3,500 USD, depending on hours and setup.

Ruins of Santa Clara

Breathtaking, open-air arches perfect for photography.
Venue rental typically starts near $1,000 USD and allows external caterers and planners.

Other Hidden Gems

El Convento Boutique Hotel – romantic suites and lush courtyards.
Villa Bokéh – luxury estate blending modern design and colonial charm.
Pensativo House Hotel – elegant option for mid-sized weddings near the city center.

From My Lens: Why Antigua Is a Dream for Couples

Antigua has the perfect mix of culture, texture, and atmosphere.

Here’s why couples fall in love with it—and why I can’t wait to photograph here one day:

Golden light + architecture: Every hour changes the mood; the city glows warm at sunset.
Walkable romance: You can stroll from ceremony to dinner without needing cars or chaos.
Historic backdrops: Centuries-old ruins and volcano views make every image cinematic.
Affordable luxury: Compared to Europe or the Caribbean, you can plan a high-end wedding here for less.

Travel Tips for Couples

When to Visit: November – April (dry season) for the clearest skies and soft light.
Getting There: One-hour shuttle ride from Guatemala City’s La Aurora Airport (GUA).
Vendors: Many local planners handle full destination services—venues, decor, legal details.
Photography Tip: Bring weather-ready gear and scout your ceremony light the day before.
Cultural Etiquette: Always ask permission before photographing locals in traditional dress; Guatemalans are warm and welcoming when treated respectfully.

For Inspiration — Real Weddings & Helpful Resources

If you’re dreaming up your own destination celebration, here are a few stories and guides that might spark ideas:

💍 Colorado Elopement Guide — see how couples plan their intimate mountain ceremonies.
🌿 Destination Elopements & Weddings — from Colorado to abroad, explore my travel-inspired sessions.
📸 Investment & Wedding Packages — view pricing, packages, and what’s included for destination weddings.
💞 Recent Elopement Stories — a look at a few favorite celebrations I’ve photographed so far.

Whether your dream is a grand Antigua wedding or a laid-back mountain elopement, these examples will give you a feel for my approach and what’s possible.

FAQ — Planning Your Antigua Wedding

Can foreigners legally marry in Guatemala?

Yes. You’ll need your passports, birth certificates (translated into Spanish), and to work with a licensed local officiant. Many couples also do a symbolic ceremony for simplicity.

Is Antigua safe for weddings and travel?

Absolutely. Antigua is one of Guatemala’s safest and most tourist-friendly towns. Stick to central areas, travel by shuttle or hotel driver, and you’ll be in great hands.

What’s the average wedding cost in Antigua Guatemala?

For 100 guests, expect around $35,000 USD for an upscale wedding. Smaller gatherings or elopements can be planned for under $10,000 depending on the venue and vendors.

Why choose Antigua over other destinations?

Because few places combine this much history, authenticity, and beauty. You get European charm with Latin warmth—and unforgettable photos.

Explore More of Guatemala — My Lake Atitlán Elopement Guide

After exploring Antigua’s cobblestone streets and historic charm, I continued my journey west to Lake Atitlán — a place that completely stole my heart. If you’re dreaming of something quieter and more adventurous, check out my Lake Atitlán Elopement Guide.

From sunrise boat rides to volcano views and colorful lakeside villages, it’s the perfect follow-up to your Antigua experience and another incredible spot for destination elopements in Guatemala. 🌋💙

Interested in Fine Art Photography?

Beyond my travel and elopement work, I create fine art prints that highlight nature’s stillness and strength. Each photograph is crafted on premium metal and available in small, medium, and large editions.

👉 View Fine Art Prints Collection