Puerto Rico Destination Wedding Weekend | A+M’s Tropical Celebration
Are you dreaming of a Puerto Rico destination wedding that blends adventure, romance, and unforgettable memories? Then, Amanda and Marcus’s tropical celebration is the inspiration you’ve been waiting for! These two sweethearts from Chicago fell in love with San Juan during a Puerto Rico vacation and just knew they had to return. So, they gathered their favorite people, booked the dreamiest venue, and headed back to the island to say “I do” surrounded by the lush, tropical beauty of Puerto Rico.
A Puerto Rico Destination Wedding at Hacienda Siesta Alegre
Amanda and Marcus exchanged vows at the stunning Hacienda Siesta Alegre. This hotel is a one-of-a-kind wedding venue nestled in Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest. With sweeping views, tropical gardens, stone archways, and open-air terraces, it’s the kind of place that feels like a storybook come to life. Even though the skies were grey and the rain poured on the wedding day, the entire celebration radiated warmth, love, and joy.
The “house without walls” design invited in the breeze. It also let the couple and the guests enjoy the sounds of nature and the glow of candlelight as the rain danced outside. As a photographer, I couldn’t have asked for a more romantic backdrop—or a more fun group to capture.
A Rehearsal Dinner in Old San Juan
The weekend kicked off with a magical rehearsal dinner in Old San Juan, filled with historical charm and colonial architecture. Amanda wore a reimagined version of her mother’s wedding dress—a sentimental and stunning nod to her family’s legacy. With San Juan’s cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, and a warm breeze in the air, this night was the perfect start to the wedding weekend.
The whole crew was ready to celebrate from the very beginning. All in all, this location helped set the tone for the unforgettable days that followed.
Getting Ready with Ocean Views
The morning of the wedding, Marcus and the groomsmen got ready at the chic Condado Ocean Club. This adults-only beachfront resort boasts particularly incredible views of San Juan’s turquoise waters. The modern rooms and laid-back luxury vibe made it the perfect spot to soak up the calm before the celebration.
Putting on the Dress at Hacienda Siesta Alegre
Meanwhile, Amanda and her bridal party prepped at the hacienda, surrounded by lush gardens, antique details, and the sounds of the rainforest. Both getting-ready locations had such unique energy, which made capturing these moments even more meaningful. You can learn more about how I photograph wedding weekends like this one on my weddings page.
A Rainy Wedding Ceremony Full of Sunshine Moments
Although the weather didn’t deliver sunshine, Amanda and Marcus never let the rain dampen their spirits. They leaned all the way in—embracing the moment, laughing in the rain, and soaking up every second. Their ceremony, held under the open-air terraces of Hacienda Siesta Alegre, felt both intimate and incredibly heartfelt.
The air smelled of tropical blooms, and the rain became part of their story. In the end, Amanda and Marcus’s Puerto Rico destination wedding was beautiful not in spite of the rain, but because of the way they danced through it—literally.
A San Juan Wedding Reception for the Books
Then, after the “I do’s,” it was time to party. Amanda and Marcus’s friends and family brought all the energy to the wedding reception. The dance floor filled up fast—even as the rain kept falling. Finally, at the end of the night, Amanda looked around, smiled, and jumped in the pool. In her wedding dress. “I was already soaked!” she laughed. And just like that, she became my new favorite bride of all time.
As a photographer, moments like that are why I especially love documenting destination weddings. They’re raw, real, and ridiculously fun. For even more celebrations like this one, check out my blog—I promise you’ll leave inspired.
Why Choose a Puerto Rico Destination Wedding?
Let’s be real—Puerto Rico has it all. It’s easy to get to (no passport required for U.S. guests!), offers a vibrant blend of cultures, and is packed with tropical paradise vibes. Whether you’re wandering through colorful San Juan, relaxing at a boutique resort, or saying “I do” beneath the rainforest canopy, the island offers endless unforgettable experiences.
Plus, the variety of wedding venues here—from modern hotels to historic estates—makes it easy to create a wedding weekend that fits your vision.
Final Thoughts from Your Puerto Rico Wedding Photographer
Amanda and Marcus’s Puerto Rico destination wedding was a reminder of everything I love about photographing love stories in beautiful places. From the raindrops to the pool jump, from the emotional vows to the wild dance floor, every moment mattered. Every detail told a story.
If you’re planning your own tropical destination celebration and want someone to document it all with intention, artistry, and a little bit of fun, reach out here. I’d love to help bring your vision to life—rain or shine.
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Photography: Katelyn Bradley Photography
