The destination wedding in Aruba makes a lot of sense

Many brides-to-be dream of a beautiful beach wedding, set against a backdrop of white sand, calm seas, and blue skies. For most, marrying that vision to a hometown location can be unrealistic, as additional seasonal and logistical factors become an impediment: summer is a short, popular, and expensive time to get married, and fierce competition between other brides to get married during the summer. it can turn planning your dream wedding into a windy nightmare.

Enter the destination wedding of the Caribbean, and what better place to choose than Aruba? With its abundance of beaches, fun activities, and consistent weather, Aruba is the perfect place to plan a destination wedding.

It’s always sunny in Aruba

Typically the biggest gamble when planning a beach wedding is the weather. Not so in Aruba. With near-perfect weather, Aruba boasts an average daily temperature of 82 degrees year-round. The island is also outside the hurricane belt and sees less than 20 inches of rain per year, further reducing the chances of inclement weather on your wedding day.

Boasting endless summer weather, Aruba offers a low-pressure alternative for brides who want to plan a summer wedding, but are often hampered by time constraints and a lack of options if they stay closer to home. Limiting potential wedding dates to June, July, or August can be frustrating and stressful, as those are generally the most popular months to get married, which means venues and vendors are in short supply.

Fortunately, the conventional summer months fall within Aruba’s low season, which is generally considered May through November. Engaged couples can take advantage of planning an Aruba wedding during off-peak tourist hours, where hotels and vendors are likely to offer discounted wedding packages to keep business going during the off-season.

Wedding planning is easy

Aruba has made legislative changes in recent years to make destination weddings more attractive to visitors. While at one time it was only legal for Aruban citizens to marry on the island, the law has now changed so that non-citizens can legally marry.

As a result of updated legalities, Aruba has become a popular destination for weddings, and local businesses have been quick to adapt to this growing segment of tourism. Many hotels and resorts in Aruba have in-house wedding planners on staff, making the process of off-site arrangements a breeze for couples in the months leading up to their wedding. From room accommodations for wedding guests, ceremonial details, flowers, music, and reception, Aruba resorts have become a one-stop-shop for guests who want to get married on location.

Almost all hotels in Aruba offer specific wedding packages, many of which take advantage of their beachfront properties. Couples can say their vows against the backdrop of Aruba’s scenic landscape, or incorporate some of the island’s traditional Dutch culture into their ceremony, as hotels like the Marriott offer replicas of Aruba’s famous Kunuku houses under which couples can get married. Fresh tropical flowers and the use of local photographers and wedding vendors can also give the wedding an authentic touch, both of which can be arranged through a hotel wedding planner.

The two-for-one guest experience: a wedding and a vacation

An added bonus to planning a destination wedding on one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean? Guests can enjoy a wedding and a tropical getaway in one trip. Aruba is a great host for wedding groups, as there are unlimited activities to enjoy in the days leading up to the main event.

Many couples choose to host their guests for a week of bridal activities or an extended weekend, a luxury that allows for more personal time with guests that is often lost at traditional weddings that tend to be one-day affairs. Group excursions to the beach or snorkeling can be a fun way to spend the day with friends and family, capped off with a sunset cruise with cocktails and music, which is also a popular rehearsal dinner idea.

For those who don’t go to the beach, a day of adventure awaits any wedding party in the deserts of Aruba. ATV and jeep tours are a fun alternative group outing, with an Aruba bar crawl to unwind after a day’s adrenaline rush. The island’s famous Kukoo Kunuku party buses are a popular choice for Aruban wedding groups, as engaged couples often rent them out for guests on the night before their big day.