Antigua Guatemala Wedding Guide: Costs, Venues & Elopement Planning

I landed in Guatemala City with a camera and a wide-open schedule.

I did not have a wedding booked. I came to explore.

Within a few hours of walking the cobblestone streets of Antigua, I understood why couples from around the world choose this city for their wedding day.

Colonial facades in soft pastels. Volcano silhouettes in the distance. Candlelit courtyards. Ruins glowing at sunset.

I could see the flow of a wedding day everywhere I went. If you are researching Antigua and wondering what it truly feels like to get married here, this guide will walk you through the experience, the logistics, the costs, and what to expect.

This antigua guatemala wedding guide is built from firsthand exploration, location scouting, and in-depth research. It is for couples already planning Antigua and for Colorado couples considering something meaningful abroad.

If you are exploring multiple locations in Guatemala, you may also love my Lake Atitlán elopement guide, which pairs beautifully with an Antigua celebration.

Why Choose Antigua for Your Wedding or Elopement

Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the cultural heart of Guatemala.

It blends European architecture with Latin warmth in a way that feels cinematic but grounded.

Couples choose Antigua because it offers:

• Historic ruins for dramatic ceremonies

• Boutique hotels with intimate courtyards

• Volcano backdrops

• Walkable reception flow

• Accessible luxury compared to Europe

If you resonate with intentional, experience-focused celebrations, you may also appreciate how I approach intimate weddings in my Colorado elopement guide. The philosophy translates beautifully to Antigua.

Who an Antigua Wedding Is Perfect For

Antigua is ideal for:

• Couples planning under 150 guests

• Couples who want architecture and atmosphere over ballroom weddings

• Colorado couples who love mountains but want cultural depth

• Couples who value experience more than production

• Intentional personalities who prefer connection over spectacle

How to Legally Get Married in Antigua Guatemala

Yes, foreigners can legally marry in Guatemala.

Requirements typically include:

• Valid passports

• Birth certificates translated into Spanish

• Civil officiant

• Witnesses

• Advance documentation

Many couples choose one of two paths:

1. Legal civil ceremony in Guatemala

2. Symbolic ceremony in Antigua and legal paperwork at home

Symbolic ceremonies simplify logistics and allow couples to focus fully on the experience.

A local wedding planner is strongly recommended to navigate documentation and coordination.

Most couples choose a symbolic ceremony simply because it removes stress and allows the entire day to focus on experience rather than paperwork.

How to Elope in Antigua Guatemala: A Complete Antigua Guatemala Wedding Guide

Antigua is ideal for elopements and intimate weddings with 2 to 30 guests.

You can:

• Exchange vows in historic ruins

• Plan sunrise portraits near Arco de Santa Catalina

• Host a private courtyard dinner

• Invite your closest circle for a boutique hotel celebration

Because the city is walkable, elopements here feel connected and relaxed.

If you are leaning toward something intimate and intentional, you can explore my dedicated elopement packages to see how I document destination celebrations.

Best Wedding Venues in Antigua Guatemala

Here are some of the most iconic venues couples consider:

Hotel Casa Santo Domingo

Former monastery turned luxury resort with museum-like ruins and lush gardens. Ideal for large weddings up to 500 guests.

Convento de las Capuchinas

Circular cloister, stone corridors, dramatic architecture. Perfect for ceremony-focused celebrations.

Ruinas de Santa Clara

Open-air arches, glowing golden light, romantic historic atmosphere.

Mesón Panza Verde

Intimate patios and candlelit courtyards for smaller gatherings.

El Convento Boutique Hotel

Refined elegance and privacy.

Villa Bokéh

Garden setting with mountain views.

Pensativo House Hotel

Boutique charm with colonial ambiance.

Each venue offers a different atmosphere depending on guest count and aesthetic preference.

What Does an Antigua Wedding Cost

Most couples choose Antigua not because it is the least expensive option, but because it allows them to create a refined, immersive experience at a more accessible investment than Europe or the Caribbean. Budgets vary widely depending on guest count and production level.

Larger Weddings 100 to 200 Guests

Venue and catering: $15,000 to $30,000

Planner and coordination: $5,000 to $10,000

Floral and decor: $5,000 to $15,000

Photography coverage: $6,000 to $9,000

Entertainment: $2,000 to $6,000

Full weddings often begin around $35,000 USD.

Intimate Wedding or Elopement 10 to 30 Guests

Venue rental: $1,000 to $3,500

Planner: $2,000 to $5,000

Photography coverage: $6,000 to $9,000

Florals: $800 to $2,500

Dinner reception: $4,000 to $8,000

For a transparent look at how I structure destination travel coverage, you can review my full photography packages and pricing.

Volcano Backdrops and Natural Drama

Antigua is framed by three volcanoes:

• Volcán de Agua

• Volcán de Fuego

• Acatenango

The silhouettes create depth and drama in photographs.

For Colorado couples who love mountain landscapes, Antigua offers similar scale with an entirely different cultural texture.

Adventurous couples can even incorporate Acatenango hikes into their wedding week experience.

Best Time of Year to Get Married in Antigua

Dry season runs November through April and is most popular.

Rainy season runs May through October with afternoon showers that are often brief and dramatic.

Antigua sits at about 5,000 feet elevation, offering mild temperatures year-round.

For broader planning insight, you can explore my full wedding planning resources page, which includes guidance applicable to both Colorado and destination celebrations.

Is Antigua Safe for Weddings

Yes. Antigua is widely considered one of the safest and most visitor-friendly cities in Guatemala.

Tourism infrastructure is strong. English is widely spoken in hotels and wedding venues.

Private transportation from Guatemala City Airport makes arrival smooth.

Travel insurance is always recommended for international weddings.

What a Wedding Day Feels Like in Antigua

During my time exploring Antigua, I wandered Parque Central, climbed Cerro de la Cruz, and photographed ruins at sunset.

What stood out most was the light.

Golden hour wraps the city in warmth. Blue hour transforms cobblestone streets into something cinematic. Early mornings feel quiet and intimate.

Because venues are close together, wedding days unfold naturally.

Ceremony. Portraits. Dinner. Music.

All within walking distance.

It creates breathing room.

And breathing room creates real moments.

Why Bring Your Photographer

Antigua has talented local photographers. Many couples still choose to bring someone they already trust.

Reasons couples bring me:

• Consistent storytelling style

• Familiar communication

• Experience with destination timelines

• Calm presence in new environments

You can explore how I approach weddings in detail through my photography packages and pricing page.

Antigua moves quickly. Light changes. Timelines compress. Having someone who anticipates that rather than reacts to it makes a significant difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners legally marry in Guatemala?

Yes, with proper documentation and a civil officiant.

Do we need a wedding planner?

Strongly recommended for logistics and legal coordination.

What if it rains?

Most venues offer covered options. Rain in Antigua is often short and atmospheric.

Is English widely spoken?

Yes, especially within wedding venues and hotels.

Can we combine Antigua and Lake Atitlán?

Absolutely. Many couples host a wedding in Antigua and continue celebrations at Lake Atitlán. My Lake Atitlán elopement guide breaks that down further.

Considering Antigua From Colorado

If you are based in Colorado and exploring destination options, Antigua offers:

• Mountain drama

• Historic architecture

• Cultural depth

• Accessible luxury

• Intimate flow

It feels meaningful rather than extravagant.

And that is often what couples are really looking for.

Considering Europe Instead? Read This Andalusia Elopement Guide

If you are exploring international options beyond Guatemala, my full Andalusia elopement guide covers Malaga, Granada, and Córdoba in southern Spain. From historic palaces to Mediterranean coastlines and mountain views near the Sierra Nevada, Andalusia offers a completely different atmosphere while still delivering intimate, culturally rich wedding experiences.

Let’s Talk About Your Antigua Wedding

Antigua has a way of slowing you down.

If you are considering a destination wedding or elopement in Antigua Guatemala, I would love to help you think through the experience, timeline, and photography approach.

You can reach out directly through my contact page to start the conversation.

Antigua is not just a backdrop.

It is a feeling.

And it stays with you long after you leave.