Guatemala

Antigua

Colonial courtyards beneath three volcanoes

Overview

Antigua is a UNESCO-listed colonial town of cobblestone streets, ruined convents and courtyard hotels, framed by volcanoes. It offers old-world atmosphere at a fraction of European pricing.

It rewards couples who want cultural depth and beautiful architecture, and who are comfortable asking guests to make one connection.

Best for

— Couples wanting striking architecture on a moderate budget
— Guest counts of 40–100
— Couples who value culture and food over beach time

May not suit

— Couples set on a beach ceremony
— Guests unwilling to connect through Guatemala City

Practical detail

Best months: November, December, January, February, March
Rainy season: May through October; afternoon downpours are typical.
Weather risk: No hurricane exposure inland, but rainy-season afternoons need a covered backup.
Temperature: Mild, 22–27°C by day and cool evenings around 13–16°C.
Airports: GUA — La Aurora International, Guatemala City (1 hr by road)
Transport: Private shuttle from GUA is standard; cobblestones make heels and wheelchairs difficult.
Local customs: Marimba bands, fireworks and a late-night tostada or taco service are traditional.
Legal vs symbolic: Civil ceremonies are possible with apostilled documents and a local notary; allow several weeks of lead time.
Taxes and service: 12% IVA is standard; service charges of 10–15% are common at hotels.
Currency: Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ); larger vendors quote in USD.
Payment expectations: Typically 50% deposit, balance due in the final month; bank transfers are common.
Information last reviewed: 2026-04-28

Legal requirements, prices and travel details change. Confirm everything independently with the relevant authority, venue or vendor before you commit.

Venues

Convento Santa Rosa

Demo listing Verified

Historic villa · Antigua

Sixteenth-century convent ruins with a courtyard.

4.9(7)English, Spanish

$5,200

venue fee

Estimated from available information

Last verified 2026-04-15

Hotel Palacio Verde

Demo listing Verified

Boutique hotel buyout · Antigua

Eighteen-room colonial hotel, buyout friendly.

4.7(5)English, Spanish

$4,400

per night buyout

Verified by Vow Atlas

Last verified 2026-05-21

Finca Los Volcanes

Demo listing

Private estate · Antigua

Coffee farm estate with volcano views.

Not enough reviews for an average ratingSpanish, English

$3,800

venue fee

Estimated from available information

Last verified 2025-09-30

Wedding planners

Ceiba Weddings

Demo listing Verified

Full planning · Antigua

Antigua specialists with strong local vendor access.

4.8(7)Spanish, English

$5,500

planning fee

Estimated from available information

Last verified 2026-04-18

Tres Volcanes Studio

Demo listing

Design services · Antigua

Design-led studio for textile-rich celebrations.

Not enough reviews for an average ratingSpanish, English

$4,200

design fee

Estimated from available information

Last verified 2025-11-02

Vendors

Marimba Antigua

Demo listing

Live musicians · Antigua

Traditional marimba ensemble.

Not enough reviews for an average ratingSpanish

$850

performance

Estimated from available information

Last verified 2025-11-29

Taller Flor

Demo listing Verified

Florists and designers · Antigua

Market-sourced florals at accessible pricing.

4.7(4)Spanish, English

$1,800

minimum

Estimated from available information

Last verified 2026-04-21

Camino Foto

Demo listing

Photographers · Antigua

Editorial photography in colonial light.

4.8(5)Spanish, English

$2,900

package

Estimated from available information

Last verified 2026-02-25

Pastel y Miel

Demo listing

Cake and dessert providers · Antigua

Cakes and a late-night dessert table.

Not enough reviews for an average ratingSpanish

$380

cake

Estimated from available information

Last verified 2025-09-14

Accommodation

Casa de los Arcos

Demo listing Verified

Boutique hotel · Antigua

Fourteen rooms around a jacaranda courtyard.

4.8(6)Spanish, English

$165

per night

Verified by Vow Atlas

Last verified 2026-05-16

Hostal Jacaranda

Demo listing

Boutique property · Antigua

Affordable rooms for guests on tighter budgets.

Not enough reviews for an average ratingSpanish

$68

per night

Estimated from available information

Last verified 2025-08-05

Sample wedding plans

50 guests in Antigua
Demo listing
A convent-courtyard ceremony and reception with a marimba welcome and a hotel buyout for the family.
Approximately $45,000
Estimated from available information

Real couple reviews

"The courtyard at candlelight is unforgettable. Our guests still talk about walking in through the ruins."
Ana L. · February 2026 · 88 guests · Verified booking
"They managed permits, three shuttles and a rain plan that we ended up using. Nothing about the day felt improvised."
Camila S. · December 2025 · 76 guests · Verified booking
"We bought out the hotel and it made the weekend. Breakfast in the courtyard with everyone was the part I would repeat."
Rebecca N. · January 2026 · 30 guests · Verified booking

Frequently asked questions

Is Antigua accessible for older guests?: Cobblestone streets are uneven. Choose accommodation within a block or two of the venue and arrange shuttles.