The Ultimate Guide to Destination Weddings in Aruba

Aruba is emerging as one of the top destinations to get married around the world, according to our latest Trend Report.1 And it's easy to see why. Regarded as "One Happy Island," Aruba is teeming with friendly locals, infinite amenities, and stunning seaside scenery that can put a smile on any face. It's no wonder that so many couples choose Aruba to start their own "happily ever after."

If you are considering tying the knot in Aruba, read on. This guide will help answer some of your many questions about getting married on the Happy Island of the Caribbean.

Why Get Married in Aruba?

Aruba is what many call the quintessential Caribbean paradise. Tiny and mighty, this Dutch-Caribbean island offers 20 miles of white-sand coastline, beachfront views, and some of the clearest waters in the world. Its storybook setting - coupled with its all-inclusive resort offerings and year-round beach weather - make Aruba a prime destination to say "I do." In fact, Aruba was recently ranked among the 12 best destination wedding spots in the entire Caribbean.

Below are some of the many reasons to have (and to hold) a destination wedding in Aruba today.

Tropical weather year-round

Aruba is located outside the Caribbean's hurricane belt, meaning you can expect sunny weather (averaging 82 degrees) at just about any time of year.
World-renowned beaches

With crystal-clear waters and tangled fofoti trees along the shore, Aruba is ranked 8th in U.S. News' list of having the best Caribbean beaches.
All-inclusive amenities

Aruba is well-known for its world-class beach resorts, several of which are all-inclusive for a more affordable wedding experience.
A convenient flight for all

Travelers from the U.S. and Canada can enjoy direct flights to Aruba from almost any major airport, with some under just 4 hours one-way.
Stunning wedding venues

Whether you wish to get married with your toes in the sand, in a tropical garden, or on a waterfront terrace, Aruba has wedding venues for every taste and budget
A top-ranked honeymoon destination

Aruba ranks among the top Caribbean honeymoon locations today, and offers many romantic perks for newlyweds.
Memorable activities for couples and guests

While many head to Aruba for a relaxing beach retreat, couples and guests can enjoy one-of-a-kind adventures, like scuba diving for old shipwrecks and touring colonial architecture.
Friendly and safe communities

Travel without worry. Not only is Aruba known as the friendliest island in the Caribbean, it also has one of the lowest crime rates.

Average Cost of a Destination Wedding in Aruba

When most people think of Aruba, they think exclusivity. Aruba once had a reputation for elite resorts and high-price tags. Today, however, Aruba caters more to couples on a budget, with high-end wedding resorts that are also affordable, accessible, and all-inclusive.

As a matter of fact, having a destination wedding in Aruba can cost less than a traditional wedding at home. On average, couples pay almost $20,000 for close-to-home weddings today. Meanwhile, getting married in Aruba can mean your entire wedding experience costs less than $10,000 - including the honeymoon. However, costs can be even less. In 2020, Destination Weddings' couples spent an average of $5,364 total on their wedding day and stay.

How Much Does a Destination Wedding Cost

Choosing Where to Get Married in Aruba

Aruba is home to some of the most desirable wedding spots in the Caribbean, and - despite the island's mere 20-mile span - an abundance of top-rated resorts. Before booking your big day, it's important to take time to explore the possibilities for your wedding venue, wedding resort, and honeymoon stay.

In general, there are three main regions of Aruba where you can choose to say "I do." These include

Palm Beach

If you are a fun-loving couple and desire a wedding destination that is full of things to do (for both you and your guests!), you might consider getting married in Palm Beach. Located on the northwestern end of Aruba, Palm Beach is rated one of the top family-friendly beach destinations in the world, with many high-rise and all-inclusive resorts throughout its two-mile stretch.4 It's the perfect getaway for couples looking to strike a balance between R&R on the beach, and exciting activities or attractions to keep everyone entertained.

Eagle Beach

Eagle Beach was recently named one of the top three beaches in the world by TripAdvisor.5 However, this beach has been receiving recognition from travel writers, agents, and tourists for many years before. It is Aruba's widest beach, most well-known for its soft white sands and native fofoti trees that are sprinkled along the coast. The waters of Eagle Beach are calm and warm, making it a prime destination for snorkeling, paddle boarding, and sailing. If you are seeking a romantic beach retreat, Eagle Beach is the place to go. Resorts are smaller and intimate, offering a quieter seaside escape.

Oranjestad

Oranjestad is the capitol city of Aruba, where every corner is filled with color - colorful colonial architecture, vibrant local dishes, and glittering casinos that come alive at night. It is a charming port with a diversity of marinas, museums, and local shops to explore. But this is not all that Oranjestad has to offer couples and their guests. In addition to having an award-winning airport (with pre-clearance of U.S. Immigration and Customs on flights to the United States), Oranjestad is just minutes away from memorable adventures and landscapes. The Arikok National Park, for instance, is less than a 15-minute drive, where you can explore abandoned gold mines and lounge under twisted divi-divi trees.

Before choosing where to get married in Aruba, it's important to think about your budget, your dream venue, as well as the needs of you and your wedding guests. Each region offers different amenities and wedding packages, from intimate beachfront ceremonies to larger venues that can accommodate hundreds of guests. A Destination Wedding Specialist - someone who specializes in Aruba weddings and travel - can help you find a wedding resort and venue that meets your needs best.

Planning an Aruba Destination Wedding

One of the perks of a destination wedding is that the planning process is nearly stress-free. When planning a wedding in Aruba, you will have a travel specialist and a wedding planner to sort out all the details. Of course, as with any international vacation, planning a wedding in Aruba comes with a few unique considerations. Before jetting off to say "I do", be sure to research the following with your Wedding Specialist:

Aruba Marriage Requirements

Most destination couples legalize their marriage in their home state and hold a symbolic ceremony with friends and family in the locale of their choosing. However, civil (legal) weddings are also possible in Aruba. If you wish to legalize your marriage in Aruba, you will just need to fulfill a few requirements in advance. These include, but are not limited to:

Aruba Destination Wedding Inspiration

Countless couples have said "I do" in Aruba - some in a beachside gazebo, some in elegant ballrooms, and some in a romantic sky terrace overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Get inspired by our real couples who have gotten married in Aruba.

Real Couples, Real Weddings.

Get Inspired

Marisa & Suresh

Palm Beach, Aruba

One Happy Island, One Happy Couple

Aruba embodies happiness, with incredible hospitality, warm weather, and Caribbean landscapes you'll never forget. If you and your fiancé are craving an out-of-the-box wedding experience on a tropical island abroad, Aruba may be the perfect fit for you.

Learn more about planning a destination wedding in Aruba or get started today with Destination Weddings today.

The Ultimate Guide to Destination Weddings in Aruba

Why Get Married in Aruba?

Tropical weather year-round

World-renowned beaches

All-inclusive amenities

A convenient flight for all

Stunning wedding venues

A top-ranked honeymoon destination

Memorable activities for couples and guests

Friendly and safe communities