As a Puerto Rico wedding photographer, with over a decade photographing destination and local weddings in this beautiful Island here are some tips for you.
Plan Ahead for Popular Dates
Puerto Rico is a popular destination for weddings due to its stunning landscapes and year-round favorable weather. If you have a specific date in mind, book your venue and vendors well in advance to secure your preferred choices. After the 2020 pandemic, not only are venues getting booked for weekends, but it has become very popular to hold weddings during weekdays.
Consider the Climate
Puerto Rico has a tropical climate with the potential for rain and humidity. Have a backup plan in case of inclement weather, and choose comfortable attire that suits the climate, such as lightweight fabrics and breathable materials. Historically, September has had the worst inclement weather including hurricanes. I suggest for destination weddings to look for calmer months.
Explore Unique Locations
Take advantage of Puerto Rico’s diverse landscapes. Popular locations are venues on the beach, in historic Old San Juan, and the Condado area. These locations can provide breathtaking backdrops for your wedding photos, but there’s more! There are many off the beaten path venues that will take your breath away. For example, check out Hacienda Ilusion at the heart of Naguabo.
Embrace Local Culture
Incorporate elements of Puerto Rican culture into your wedding, such as traditional music, dance, or cuisine. It not only adds authenticity but also offers unique photo opportunities. Coffee is my personal favorite! 😉
Golden Hour Photography
Puerto Rico’s sunsets and sunrises are particularly stunning. However, there’s no twilight. Schedule your photography sessions and ceremony considering that once the sun sets there’s only 5 to 10 more minutes of available light.
Engagement Sessions
Consider an engagement session with your Puerto Rico wedding photographer before the big day. It’s a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera, build rapport with your photographer, and explore potential photo locations.
Local Vendors
Work with local vendors who understand the Island’s logistics and specially Island time! It can get frustrating for destination clients the lax ways of the Island. Hiring a wedding planner is a must since they can serve as a liaison for those hard to contact venues and vendors.
Capture Cultural Traditions
If you or your partner have Puerto Rican heritage, incorporate cultural traditions into your wedding ceremony or reception. These moments can make for meaningful and memorable photos. How about a shot of Pitorro instead of a glass of champagne for your toast?
Relax and Enjoy
On your wedding day, trust your photographer to capture the moments while you focus on enjoying the celebration. Authentic, candid moments often make the best photographs.
Beach Wedding Considerations
If you’re having a beach wedding, inform guests about the sandy environment so they can dress appropriately. Consider providing flip-flops or beach-friendly footwear options.
Marriage License Requirements
Research and understand the requirements for obtaining a marriage license in Puerto Rico to ensure all legal aspects are covered well in advance. Legal marriage here is not as straight forward as in some states. Make sure to get an officiant to guide you at least two months ahead of the wedding day.
I love being a wedding photographer in Puerto Rico and I’m here to help if you have any questions. Don’t be afraid to reach out for more tips and information to make your wedding the raddest of them all!
