Aruba is one of the most popular destination wedding spots in the Caribbean, and for good reason. The weather is virtually guaranteed to be perfect (less than 18 inches of rain per year), the sunsets are legendary, the island is easy to reach from most US cities, and the locals have a genuine warmth that makes your wedding guests feel like family.
We have helped countless couples navigate the Aruba wedding planning process, and this guide covers every detail from the legal paperwork to the final sparkler send-off.
## Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Aruba
Getting legally married in Aruba is straightforward but requires advance planning. Here is what you need to know.
### Required Documents
Both parties need to submit the following to the Bureau of Civil Registry (Censo) in Oranjestad: - Valid passport (original, not a copy) - Birth certificate (apostilled — this is critical, a regular certified copy will not be accepted) - Single status affidavit or certificate of no impediment (apostilled) - If previously married: divorce decree or death certificate of former spouse (apostilled) - Completed application form from the Censo website
### The Apostille Requirement
Every document must carry an apostille stamp from your state's Secretary of State office. This is the number one thing couples overlook. An apostille costs $5-15 per document and takes 1-4 weeks depending on your state. Start this process at least 8 weeks before your wedding date.
### Timeline
Submit all documents to the Censo at least 14 business days before your wedding date. Many planners recommend 30 days to allow for any complications. The civil ceremony fee is approximately $450 AWG (about $250 USD). The Censo office is located on Schoolstraat in Oranjestad and is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
### Civil vs Symbolic Ceremonies
A civil ceremony performed by an authorized Aruban official is the only legally binding option. Many couples choose to do a small civil ceremony at the Censo office or their hotel and then have a larger symbolic ceremony at their dream venue.
Alternatively, you can get legally married in your home country before or after and have a purely symbolic ceremony in Aruba. This simplifies the paperwork significantly and is what about 60% of destination wedding couples choose.
## Best Wedding Venues in Aruba
### Beach Venues
**Eagle Beach** — The most popular wedding beach on the island. Wide white sand, the iconic fofoti (divi-divi) trees as natural backdrops, and stunning sunsets. Hotels along Eagle Beach including Bucuti & Tara, Manchebo Beach Resort, and Amsterdam Manor all offer beach ceremony packages. Expect to pay $3,000-8,000 for a beach ceremony setup depending on the hotel and package.
**Arashi Beach** — For intimate ceremonies, Arashi offers a quieter stretch of sand with the California Lighthouse visible in the background. No resort infrastructure here, so you will need to bring everything in, but the unspoiled beauty is worth it.
**Baby Beach** — The calm, shallow turquoise lagoon on the south tip makes for incredible photos. Less traditional as a ceremony spot but unforgettable for the adventurous couple.
### Resort Venues
**Hyatt Regency Aruba** — One of the most popular wedding resorts with a dedicated wedding coordinator, multiple ceremony locations (beach, garden, ballroom), and reception spaces for up to 300 guests. Wedding packages start around $5,000 and can exceed $25,000 for full buyouts.
**Ritz-Carlton Aruba** — The luxury option with impeccable service, a stunning infinity pool deck for receptions, and a beach ceremony setup that is meticulously designed. Premium pricing starting at $8,000 for ceremonies.
**Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort** — Adults-only and intimate. Their barefoot beach ceremony on Eagle Beach is legendary. Perfect for smaller weddings of 20-50 guests. Packages from $3,500.
**Renaissance Aruba** — Unique option with their private island as a ceremony or reception venue. Imagine exchanging vows with flamingos in the background. Packages from $5,000.
### Unique Venues
**California Lighthouse** — Panoramic hilltop ceremonies with 360-degree island views. The lighthouse area has been renovated and can accommodate small to medium ceremonies.
**Alto Vista Chapel** — The tiny yellow chapel built in 1750 on the north coast. Holds about 30 people inside, but the surrounding area works for larger groups. Deeply meaningful for religious ceremonies.
**Tierra del Sol Country Club** — Golf course setting with ocean views from nearly every angle. Elegant clubhouse for receptions. Ideal for couples who want a manicured, non-beach venue.
**Private Villas** — Several luxury villas with pools and ocean views can be rented for exclusive-use weddings. This option gives you complete creative control. Budget $2,000-5,000 per night for a villa that accommodates a wedding.
## Wedding Costs in Aruba
### Average Budget Breakdown (50 Guests)
- Venue and ceremony setup: $5,000-15,000 - Catering and bar (per person): $85-200 - Photography: $2,500-5,000 - Videography: $2,000-4,500 - Wedding planner: $3,000-8,000 - Flowers and decor: $2,000-6,000 - Music/DJ: $800-2,500 - Officiant: $300-800 - Hair and makeup: $300-600 - Wedding cake: $400-1,200 - Legal fees (civil ceremony): $250-400 - Marriage certificate copies: $50-100
**Total estimated range for 50 guests: $20,000-50,000**
For comparison, the average US wedding costs about $35,000-40,000. An Aruba destination wedding can be comparable or even less expensive, especially when you factor in that destination weddings typically have smaller guest lists.
### Where to Save
- Choose a weekday ceremony (Tuesday through Thursday rates are often 20-30% less) - Get married during shoulder season (May, June, November) for lower hotel rates for your guests - Use hotel ceremony packages rather than building everything from scratch - Go with a brunch or lunch reception instead of dinner (significant catering savings) - Use local flowers — tropical blooms are abundant and far cheaper than imported arrangements
## Best Season for an Aruba Wedding
The ideal wedding months in Aruba are **January through April** and **November through December** — but every month works because the weather is reliably excellent.
**Peak wedding season (January-April):** Perfect weather (82-84 degrees, minimal rain), but highest prices and most competition for venues and planners. Book 12-18 months in advance.
**Shoulder season (May-June, November):** Nearly identical weather, 20-30% lower costs, easier venue availability. Book 8-12 months ahead. This is what we recommend for budget-conscious couples who still want perfect conditions.
**Summer months (July-October):** Slightly warmer with occasional brief showers, but rates are the lowest and availability is the easiest. The trade winds keep it comfortable. A perfectly valid choice if you are flexible.
Aruba averages only 18 inches of rain per year and sits below the hurricane belt, so weather cancellations are virtually unheard of. That said, sunset ceremonies on the west coast are the safest bet for consistent conditions — the east coast gets stronger winds.
## Photography Spots You Cannot Miss
### Ceremony and Portrait Locations
**Eagle Beach Fofoti Trees** — The most iconic Aruba wedding photo backdrop. The twisted divi-divi trees against a sunset sky are instantly recognizable. Best light: golden hour, 5:00-6:15 PM.
**Tres Trapi (Three Steps)** — A rocky coastline with turquoise pools and natural texture. Dramatic and unique, perfect for couples who want editorial-style shots.
**California Lighthouse Area** — Sweeping panoramic backgrounds. The lighthouse itself, the windswept landscape, and the ocean views create variety in one location.
**Arikok National Park** — The desert landscape with cacti, divi-divi trees, and dramatic rock formations. Completely different from beach shots and perfect for adventurous couples. The Natural Bridge ruins make a striking backdrop.
**San Nicolas Street Art** — Colorful murals create a vibrant, artistic backdrop. Increasingly popular for modern couples who want non-traditional wedding photos.
**Mangel Halto** — Mangrove-lined turquoise water for ethereal, dreamy shots. Less visited and more private than Eagle Beach.
### Photographer Recommendations
Budget $2,500-5,000 for a professional Aruba wedding photographer. Look for photographers who live on the island full-time — they know the light, locations, and timing intimately. Review their full galleries, not just highlight reels. Book 8-12 months in advance for peak season dates.
Many photographers offer engagement shoot add-ons for $500-800, which doubles as a location scout and helps you feel comfortable in front of the camera before the wedding day.
## Guest Logistics: Making It Easy for Everyone
### Accommodation Blocks
Contact hotels early to negotiate group rates. Most Aruba resorts offer 10-20% off standard rates for wedding blocks of 10+ rooms. Popular choices by price range:
- **Budget:** Holiday Inn, Divi Aruba ($150-250/night) - **Mid-range:** Barcelo, Hilton, Marriott ($250-400/night) - **Luxury:** Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt Regency, Bucuti ($400-700/night)
Set up room blocks at two or three price points so guests can choose what works for their budget.
### Travel Tips for Your Guests
Include these details in your wedding website or invitation:
- **Flights:** Nonstop service from most major US cities. Book 3-4 months ahead for best rates during peak season. - **ED Card:** Every guest must complete the online ED Card at edcardaruba.aw ($20/person) before arrival. Include step-by-step instructions. - **Transport:** Airport to Palm Beach hotels costs approximately $25 by taxi. Consider arranging a group shuttle. - **Currency:** US dollars accepted everywhere. No need to exchange money. - **Dress code:** Suggest lightweight, breathable fabrics. Warn about the constant trade winds for hairstyle planning. - **Pre-clearance:** Explain the US Customs process at Aruba's airport so guests are not confused on departure.
### Welcome Bags
A welcome bag in each guest's hotel room is a lovely touch. Include: - A printed mini-guide to Aruba (or direct them to arubaplaybook.com) - Reef-safe sunscreen - A bottle of local Balashi beer or Coecoei liqueur - A printed itinerary of wedding weekend events - A small map with restaurant recommendations
Our Aruba Arrival Survival Kit digital guide is perfect to share with wedding guests — it covers everything newcomers need to know in one quick read.
## Wedding Week Activities for Guests
Keep your guests entertained throughout the wedding weekend:
**Welcome Drinks** — Sunset cocktails at a beach bar like Bugaloe or The West Deck. Budget $30-50 per person.
**Group Catamaran Cruise** — Book a private Jolly Pirates or Pelican Adventures cruise for your group. $60-80 per person for 4 hours with open bar and snorkeling. This is consistently the highest-rated wedding week activity.
**Beach Day** — Reserve a section of Eagle Beach with chairs and a cooler. Cost: just the chair rentals ($10-15 each).
**Rehearsal Dinner** — Papiamento Restaurant in its 175-year-old estate house or Pinchos Grill on the waterfront dock. Budget $60-100 per person.
**Post-Wedding Brunch** — A casual morning-after gathering at Eduardo's Beach Shack or Linda's Dutch Pancakes.
For more activity ideas to share with your guests, our things to do guide and best tours review cover every option.
## Working with a Wedding Planner
We strongly recommend hiring an Aruba-based wedding planner, especially if you are planning from abroad. A good planner handles vendor coordination, legal paperwork assistance, timeline management, and on-the-day logistics so you can actually enjoy your wedding.
### What to Look For
- Based in Aruba full-time (not a remote planner) - At least 3 years of Aruba wedding experience - Strong relationships with local vendors - Responsive communication across time zones - A portfolio that matches your style - Clear contract with itemized pricing
### Budget
Full-service planning: $5,000-8,000 Day-of coordination: $1,500-3,000 Partial planning (you handle venue and catering, they handle everything else): $3,000-5,000
## Legal After the Wedding
After your civil ceremony, you will receive an Aruban marriage certificate. To use this certificate in the US: 1. Request certified copies from the Censo (get at least 3 — you will need them) 2. Have the certificate apostilled at the Aruban court 3. Some US states require translation to English (Aruban certificates may be in Dutch)
Your planner can help navigate this process. It typically takes 2-4 weeks after the wedding to receive all certified documents.
## Our Top Tips for an Aruba Wedding
1. **Start early.** Begin planning 12-18 months out for peak season, 8-12 months for off-peak. 2. **Visit before you commit.** If possible, do a site visit to see venues in person and meet your planner. 3. **Embrace the wind.** It will be windy. Plan hairstyles, decor, and ceremony orientation accordingly. Veils will fly — many Aruba brides skip them entirely. 4. **Sunset timing matters.** Aruba sunsets happen between 6:15-7:00 PM depending on the season. Plan your ceremony to catch golden hour. 5. **Keep it simple.** The beauty of a destination wedding is the setting. You do not need elaborate decor when the Caribbean Sea is your backdrop. 6. **Protect your guests from the sun.** Provide parasols, water, and shade for the ceremony. Guests standing in full sun at 4 PM will be miserable. 7. **Have a backup plan.** Rain is rare but not impossible. Choose a venue with indoor options. 8. **Book direct flights for the wedding party.** Missed connections turn into missed rehearsal dinners.
Aruba delivers on the destination wedding promise: guaranteed weather, stunning beauty, warm hospitality, and an experience your guests will genuinely enjoy. Plan well, hire good people, and let the island do what it does best — make everyone happy.
