How To Plan a Beach Wedding in Cartagena

beach weddings in Cartagena

Nothing spells romance like sun, sea, and champagne on a white sand beach. If it’s always been your dream to plan and host a beach wedding, you will definitely want to add Cartagena, Colombia to your dream destinations list.

Cartagena, with its whimsical, flower-lined cobblestone streets and warm, crystal-clear sea, is one of the most romantic cities in the world. If you are considering a destination wedding, why not pick a place where you are almost guaranteed to have warm, sunny weather all year round? Cartagena, perched on the warm Caribbean Sea, is surrounded by stunning islands and beaches. You can even book a private island for your beach wedding ceremony, or take over a beach club for your special day. With the Two Lovers wedding planning team behind you, your imagination is the limit.

Romance, Culture, and History

Out of all the difficult decisions you have to make before your wedding day, the location shouldn’t be one. Cartagena is a no-brainer and is one of our favorite beach wedding destinations. Immerse yourself in its rich culture and history. Cartagena is the perfect mix of the modern and the traditional. You can customize your wedding to either one – or a mix of both – of these. As one of the most picturesque and Instagrammable places in South America, you and your wedding guests will enjoy every single day of your stay in the city, and not only the wedding day itself.

Planning for the Weather

Cartagena is well known for its warm climate and bright sunshine. However, it’s important to keep in mind that despite not having traditional seasons such as Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall, Cartagena does have rainy, windy, and dry seasons. You may want to avoid hosting a beach wedding in the months of October and November. These are the months with the heaviest rainfall. The dry season in Cartagena is from December to April, with January being the driest month. You can expect the breeze to pick up in these months too, which makes the weather beautifully fresh. But be aware that the temperature is always between 25°C and 32°C (77°F and 89°F) even at night, and the humidity makes it feel hotter. Plan carefully what you’ll wear on your big day. That being said, any time of year is perfect to visit Cartagena, as there is always something to do.

Aisle for wedding on the beach

It’s All in the Details

Once you’ve decided what time of year you want to have your special day, we can help you to plan your perfect itinerary. Keep in mind that all year round, there are usually around 12 hours of sunlight a day, from 6 AM to 6 PM. Because of the heat, weddings usually start late in Cartagena. You will want to find that sweet spot where you have daylight, but it’s not too hot. A 4-5 PM start is usually perfect for your beach wedding ceremony. This way, at around 6 PM, when the sun starts to set, you will have officially tied the knot. There won’t be a dry eye in the house when your wedding guests see the stunning newly-wed couple on the beach, with the sun setting into the blue Caribbean Sea behind you.

Choosing appropriate attire for a beach wedding

Keeping in mind that the climate in Cartagena is warm and humid, you will definitely want to dress accordingly. Think light, sleeveless dresses for women made of silks or chiffon. Leave the veil for church, and instead consider a flower crown for those boho, beachy vibes. For men, linen pants and open shirts are the way to go. Ditch the tux and embrace a more casual style for your beach wedding. Sunscreen is a necessity, and keep the makeup light and waterproof when possible. If you are actually planning on tying the knot on the beach, you may want to ditch the shoes completely. High heels and sand do not go well together. Try to make everything as easy for yourself as possible on your big day, so everything flows perfectly. And you will always have our team of expert wedding planners behind you every step of the way. We ensure that the wedding of your dreams becomes a reality.

Finding your Dream Location

So, you know you want a beach wedding. Now, the next question is deciding which of the many gorgeous beaches on Cartagena’s coastline and surrounding islands is best for you. If you have always dreamed of an island escape, we highly recommend Fenix Beach Club. Located on Tierra Bomba island, the closest island to Cartagena, the logistics involved with boat transportation aren’t too complicated. Fenix has a stunning, boho, festival vibe and incredible catering options too. Hundreds of twinkling lights illuminate the beach at night. It gives an ethereal and magical feeling to your special day. They also put on a great party, and the DJ will have your guests dancing until the early hours. Another great option on the same island is Tamarindo Beach House. This location has a perfect beach and pool, giving flawless Caribbean beachy aesthetics for your wedding. 

For those willing to travel a little further (just 45 minutes by boat), Las Islas Baru is another stunning beach wedding destination. The peninsular island of Baru is well known for its crystal-clear waters. The secluded location of Las Islas has an intimate and romantic atmosphere. Its luxury huts have an uninterrupted view of the ocean and the surrounding tropical forest of the island. The hotel can host groups of up to 200 guests with the use of the private island Isleta, located just 5 minutes away.

Night wedding on the beach
Fenix Beach

For most beach weddings, the ceremony is generally symbolic, and the legal procedures are carried out separately at a notary. However, for a foreign couple to legally wed in Colombia, at least one of the two needs to have a permanent address in Colombia. If you simply want to have a destination wedding and do not reside in Colombia, the simplest way is to officially wed in your own country and have a symbolic ceremony in Colombia. This way, you avoid logistical headaches, translations, apostilles, and additional stress. However, our wedding planners are well-versed in legal jargon and can give you the best personalized advice depending on your individual situation. Same-sex weddings have been legal in Colombia since 2016.

Save yourselves from hours of grueling planning and stressing.

Your Honeymoon Starts Today!

After all the stress, socializing, and dancing that a wedding inevitably brings, you will want to kick back, relax, and spend some quality alone time with your partner. And why not choose a wedding destination where your honeymoon can begin the second you tie the knot? If you host your beach wedding in Cartagena, there will be no need to jump on another flight. You will already have paradise on your doorstep! There’s a wealth of things to do in Cartagena, especially for newly married couples. Take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride around the historic walled city. Rent a catamaran or sailboat and sail off into the sunset together. Take advantage of the incredible gastronomic variety in the city and explore new flavors together in the bars and restaurants of the old town. Or book a romantic getaway to an island. There, you can spend your days lazing on the beach and your nights exploring lagoons with bioluminescent plankton or counting stars under a cloudless sky.

But Why Colombia?

If one thing is for sure, it’s that Colombians know how to host a great party. Colombian weddings are non-stop fun, as they combine all the traditions of a wedding in the US, plus the “hora loca”. Literally translating to “crazy hour”, the Hora Loca is a party within a party. Right after the clock strikes midnight, fun props are brought out, and live bands and dancers surprise and delight the guests. The bride and groom decide on the theme beforehand. It can be anything from Carnival to circus-themed, burlesque, or masquerade…the decision is yours! It’s the best way to get your guests up and dancing, and will undoubtedly make your wedding day memorable and unique. Our team are locals, and there isn’t anyone better to help you plan your beach wedding.

Planning a wedding is hard. And more so in a foreign country and language. Even if you or your partner has ties to Cartagena or Colombia, hiring a wedding planner will still be one of the smartest decisions you can make for your big day. Outdoor weddings have a million moving parts, and having a team who can make everything fall into place is priceless.

In conclusion, a beach wedding in Cartagena, Colombia is a magical and unforgettable experience. It combines stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant entertainment. With the help of the Two Lovers expert wedding planning team, you can create the wedding of your dreams and enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer.

We are always happy to chat and help you plan your big day. Get in touch with our team today to make your Cartagena wedding dreams come true!

Planning your Wedding
in Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena Cathedral

World-renowned as one of the most romantic cities in the world, Cartagena is a sought-after dream wedding destination for many couples, and for good reason.

  • Firstly, the historical Old City is resplendent with beautiful spots for those cherished photos of your special day.
  • Secondly, the range of venues for your wedding ceremony and reception are top class, catering to celebrations and budgets, big or small. Don’t forget that the US dollar goes a lot further in Colombia.
  • And thirdly, you’re just a yacht away from some of the most beautiful Caribbean islands for your pre- or post-wedding party or honeymoon.

Oh, and did we mention it’s one of the most romantic cities in the world?!

If you’re considering Cartagena as your wedding destination, here are some places to consider for your special day and some important things to keep in mind when planning a wedding in Cartagena, Colombia.

Cartagena wedding kiss

Wedding Venues in Cartagena

No matter how big or small your wedding guest list, Cartagena has a venue that will work for you. With so much choice in the city, choosing a venue is one of the hardest things to do. So rather than talk about every venue available, here’s Two Travel’s guide to the types of wedding venues you’ll find in Cartagena. Let’s get dreaming!

Luxury hotels like the Sofitel Santa Clara

The Sofitel Santa Clara is often at the top of the list when it comes to wedding venues in Cartagena. It’s a former convent, now a 5-star hotel set in luxury colonial style in the centre of the historic old city, with terraces, pools, fountains and cloisters that feel straight out of a film set. If you’re planning a big wedding with a budget to match, this is the venue for you. For smaller weddings seeking a similarly dramatic backdrop, consider a boutique hotel like Amarla or the unbeatable rooftop views at Movich.

Get hitched on the beach

If you’ve always wanted to get married on a beach, we highly recommend Fenix Beach Club. Located on Tierra Bomba, the nearest island to Cartagena, Fenix is perfect for couples who want a fashionable, festival feel for your wedding of 50 – 300 people. They truly have a beautiful and versatile beach setting.

The island of Tierra Bomba is fast becoming a popular destination for beach weddings, with another luxury beach club – Makani – now open. Closer to the city, you’ll also find Tamarindo Beach. And for those of you looking for a beach wedding, but without the boat trip, the Hilton Cartagena is an excellent spot. For the more adventurous, talk to us about planning a wedding on your own private island in the Rosarios!

A Cartagena Church Wedding

Even if you’re not religious, the churches and cathedrals in Cartagena will take your breath away. But if you want to get married in one of these stunning venues, you do need to prove your Catholic faith with both a baptism and confirmation certificate.

Cartagena Church Wedding

The three most impressive and sought after church venues for a wedding are found in the Walled City. They are the Cathedral, Santa Catalina, the Sanctuary of San Pedro Claver and Santo Toribio church. They are all set close to beautiful colonial squares for those all important “just married” photos.

Getting married in a private colonial house

Cartagena is blessed with a wealth of private colonial houses and villas, which can be hired and converted into the wedding of your dreams. Think cool green terraces, set back deep from the noise of the streets, overlooked by grand old balconies. They’re a godsend for any wedding photographer wanting to capture you and all your family friends together in one shot.

Take a look at one such villa – Casa Estrella

Getting married in a private colonial house

Two Travel has access to a huge number of villas and mansions in the city, so get in touch and we can discuss your needs in more detail.

Special Cartagena Wedding Venues

As we mentioned, Cartagena has a wealth of wedding venues to choose from. Here are a few that don’t fit in with the categories above, but are very much worth a mention.

  • Teatro de Adolfo Mejia – Truly a dramatic setting for a wedding, this theatre is a very special venue with impressive ceiling frescos, and beautiful boxes and balconies built in the old European style.
  • Club de Pesca – Set across the bridge in an area called Manga, this restaurant is nestled in a beautiful marina amongst luxury yachts and ancient colonial walls.
  • Centro de Convenciones (Cartagena’s Convention Centre) – set on the bay near the Clock Tower, here you can choose from a number of indoor or outdoor settings for your wedding. It’s also one of the best places for a show off fireworks display to celebrate your marriage!

Things to Consider when Planning a Wedding in Cartagena

We hope we’ve inspired you to choose Cartagena as your destination wedding location. But before you book, here’s a few things to keep in mind when you’re planning a wedding in Cartagena.

1. Best Time of Year for a Wedding in Cartagena

Any time of year can work for a wedding in Cartagena, but be mindful that the months of July and August are VERY humid, and October is often rainy. Prices tend to rise during the holiday months of December and January (Christmas and New Year), and around Easter week.

2. Consider a visit or two to get a feel for the city 

We highly recommend at least one visit before your wedding day. Take time to get a feel for the city, experience the venues, and make plans face-to-face with your wedding suppliers. There are some fantastic wedding dress and suit designers based in the city, some of whom will also do rentals, so you don’t have to worry about how to transport your outfits on a flight.


For those of you based in the USA, you’ll find good direct flights from Miami (3 hrs) and New York (7 hrs), or if you’re based in Europe, Amsterdam has direct flights, or you could arrive into Bogota, then it’s a 90 minute flight into Cartagena.

3. Accommodation and activities for your guests

A wedding day takes a lot of planning. A destination wedding, even more so, because you, your family and friends are here for more than just a day or two. Consider the days running up to the wedding and the days just after your special day. Maybe you want everyone to go on a sunset boat cruise, or escape to the islands for a day or two. And don’t forget all the question you’ll get about where to stay in the city. 

Wedding toast

When planning a wedding with Two Travel, we don’t simply plan your wedding day. We, of course, have a dedicated wedding planner, who will help to organise every detail for your wedding day. But we also offer a concierge service for wedding guests – meaning your friends and family can ask us all those annoying questions about where to stay and what to do. And we’ll get you the best rates for any activity or accommodation you might want to offer.

4. Planning in Spanish and paying for services internationally

With Two Travel, you don’t have to worry about crossed wires from mis-translations between English and Spanish – we are all fluent in both English and Spanish. We’re also fluent in doing business in Colombia, which can be very different at times, to doing business in the US or Europe.
We can ease the pain of international charges and currency conversions – not just for you, the special couple, but also for your family and friends. Get in touch with us to plan your wedding in Cartagena, and we not only get you the best prices, we make sure you get exactly what you want for your whole stay.

5. Don’t forget your bachelor / bachelorette parties or maybe your honeymoon

Cartagena is a popular destination, not just for weddings, but also for bachelor and bachelorette parties, and due to its UNESCO World Heritage status and its nearby Caribbean islands, it’s also a perfect place for your honeymoon. So if you want to make it more than just one flying visit, we can also make that happen – making sure all those all-important moments are unforgettable, fun and free of stress. Just let us know what you want, and we’ll help you make it a reality.

Have fun planning your wedding! We hope you come to Cartagena. Find out more about our wedding planning services, wedding guest services, bachelor weekends and bachelorette weekends. And if you have questions or want to plan your special event, get in touch to Build Your Journey >

Evening Welcome Tour

Cartagena bay sunset

Perfect for wedding parties and larger groups, we can organise a sunset excursion in Cartagena From the Spanish Inquisition to the magic realism of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Cartagena is one of the most interesting cities in Colombia from an historical perspective.

See the sunset from the walls, walk the city in the evening, as people come out to enjoy the cooler temperatures. You’ll see the city from a new perspective and we’ll finish up with a delicious cocktail.

Sunset Boat Trip in the Bay

Cartagena bay at sunset

Perfect for wedding parties and larger groups, we can organise a sunset excursion in Cartagena bay. Watch the sun go down from your own private boat or luxury catamaran, and start your evening with style and a cocktail in the bay, before heading back to the city to continue your evening with a drinks reception or exclusive dinner reservation.