Are you dreaming of celebrating your wedding in Colombia? Or perhaps you’re lucky enough to attend one and witness the magic unfold? Congratulations! Whether you are a couple planning your big day or a guest, you’re in for an unforgettable experience that blends stunning scenery, rich culture, and warm hospitality.
Destination weddings in Colombia allow you to exchange vows in historic colonial buildings in Cartagena, chic modern venues overlooking Medellín’s mountains, secluded beaches, or elegant countryside haciendas, all complemented by world-class cuisine, music, and cultural traditions. Planning such a monumental event abroad can feel overwhelming. That is where Two Lovers Destination Wedding Planners step in. We specialize in transforming every detail of your dream wedding into a seamless reality.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan a flawless, unforgettable Colombia destination wedding.
Planning your Colombia destination wedding? Let us take care of all the details! From transport and accommodations to tours and reservations, we have got you covered.
Why Choose Colombia for Your Destination Wedding
Colombia is more than a beautiful backdrop for a wedding. Its breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and versatile venues make it an exceptional destination for weddings that are both magical and unforgettable.
Here are some of the key reasons to choose Colombia as your wedding destination:
- Diverse wedding settings: Whether your wedding vision is tropical and relaxed or chic and cosmopolitan, Colombia offers a venue to match your style. Couples can select from historic colonial buildings in Cartagena, elegant modern venues overlooking Medellín’s valley, secluded beaches, countryside haciendas, or boutique hotels designed for intimate gatherings.
- Ideal climate: The Caribbean coast, including Cartagena, enjoys warm, sunny weather most of the year, perfect for beach ceremonies and outdoor receptions. Medellín, the “City of Eternal Spring,” has mild temperatures year-round, making it a flexible choice for indoor or outdoor celebrations regardless of the season.
- Rich cultural traditions: Colombian weddings combine festive music, dance, and local customs. In coastal cities like Cartagena, the caminata features the wedding party parading through the streets before the reception, creating a lively, immersive experience. Another popular tradition, La Hora Loca, turns the reception into a high-energy celebration with costumes, props, and nonstop dancing.
- Warm hospitality: Colombian hosts are renowned for their friendliness and attentiveness, ensuring that couples and guests feel welcomed and cared for throughout the wedding weekend.
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Top Wedding Destinations in Colombia Worth Considering
Choosing the perfect location is one of the most important decisions when planning a destination wedding in Colombia. While the country offers countless beautiful spots, Cartagena and Medellín consistently stand out as top choices for couples seeking unforgettable celebrations.
Cartagena: Tropical Romance and Historic Charm
Few wedding destinations capture the imagination like Cartagena. This UNESCO World Heritage–listed city on the Caribbean coast blends historic charm with vibrant colors and ocean breezes, creating an effortlessly romantic setting for your special day. The walled city, with its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and lively plazas, provides a picture-perfect backdrop for wedding photos.
Cartagena offers a diverse range of venues, from beachfront clubs on nearby islands like Tierra Bomba or Barú, to boutique hotels tucked within the historic old town, luxurious resorts with ocean views, and private villas for intimate ceremonies.
Beyond the venues, couples and their guests can immerse themselves in the city’s Caribbean culture. You can savor fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and flavorful local cuisine, enjoy live music and dance, or explore the historic streets and nearby Rosario Islands.
The city’s dry season, from December through April, is ideal for outdoor weddings, offering sunny skies and gentle breezes. Don’t forget to check our blog on the top reason to choose Cartagena as your destination wedding location.
Medellín: Modern Elegance and Year-Round Comfort
Nestled in the Andes, Medellín combines modern sophistication with lush natural beauty. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” the city enjoys mild, pleasant weather year-round, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor wedding celebrations.
The city’s wedding venues range from chic rooftop spaces and elegant hotels in El Poblado to mountain estates. You can also find contemporary event spaces with panoramic valley views.
Medellín’s cultural vibrancy adds unique depth to a wedding weekend. Guests can enjoy world-class gastronomy, lively music, contemporary art, and nightlife, while couples benefit from luxurious venues surrounded by greenery.
Its year-round mild climate and romantic mountain landscapes provide a refreshing alternative to coastal Cartagena. This allows for wedding celebrations that feel intimate, elegant, and seamlessly connected to Colombia’s natural beauty.
If you are planning a destination wedding in Medellin, we can help you pick the perfect venue for your special day. You only need to contact our experienced wedding planners.
Things to Consider When Planning a Wedding in Colombia
Consideraciones jurídicas y ceremoniales
Understanding Colombia’s legal requirements is crucial when planning a destination wedding.
For many couples, especially those planning beach or outdoor ceremonies, weddings in Colombia are symbolic, with the legal marriage completed in their home country. This approach helps avoid complications such as translation issues, apostilles, and navigating local bureaucracy.
Legally, a marriage in Colombia requires at least one partner to have a permanent Colombian address, which can be challenging for foreign couples. Working with experienced local wedding planners ensures you understand all requirements and can tailor your ceremony accordingly.
Colombia is also a welcoming destination for all couples, with same-sex marriage fully legal since 2016.
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Budget for Your Destination Wedding
Destination weddings in Colombia can be more affordable than similar celebrations in North America or Europe, but careful planning is essential to cover all expenses.
Key costs typically include venue rental, catering, floral arrangements, photography, entertainment, décor, and necessary permits. Cartagena’s beachfront or historic venues may be pricier during peak season (December–April), while Medellín’s mountain estates and urban hotels offer a broader range of budget options year-round.
You should also consider the cost of guest accommodations, transportation, wedding attire, and pre- or post-wedding events.
Our wedding planners are well-versed in destination wedding budgets and can give you the best custom advice depending on your individual preference. Contact us today for more information.
Hire Local Vendors
Even if you’re not using a full-service wedding planner, coordinating with reliable local vendors is essential for a smooth celebration in Colombia.
- Florists, caterers, and decor: Begin by researching local professionals with strong reviews and portfolios. For flowers, consider seasonal, local blooms, which are both cost-effective and well-suited to Colombia’s climate. For catering, ask about menu customization, tasting options, and flexibility to accommodate dietary needs. Décor companies can help source locally available materials to match your wedding vision.
- Photographers and videographers: Hiring local professionals familiar with Colombia’s lighting, venues, and landscapes ensures high-quality photos and videos without the extra cost of international travel fees. Schedule consultations virtually or in advance to review portfolios and discuss your expectations.
- Entertainment and music: Whether you want live traditional music, DJs, or cultural performances like cumbia or salsa, confirm sound equipment, setup requirements, and travel logistics ahead of time.
To streamline coordination, create a detailed timeline and maintain regular communication via email, video calls, or messaging apps. This ensures all vendors understand your wedding schedule, special requests, and backup plans in case of weather changes. You can save time and resources by hiring the services of our team of expert wedding planners.
Choose Best Time of Year for a Wedding in Colombia
Colombia offers a year-round wedding experience, but understanding local weather patterns and seasonal nuances helps ensure a comfortable and memorable celebration.
Cartagena, situated on the Caribbean coast, has a tropical climate with warm temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C (77°F–89°F) year-round. The dry season, from December through April, provides sunny skies, gentle breezes, and ideal conditions for outdoor or beach weddings. Rainfall peaks from June to November, particularly in October and November, which can bring afternoon or evening showers. High humidity during July and August may also affect comfort, so selecting venues with shade, indoor options, or cooling systems is recommended. Additionally, peak travel months, including December, January, and Easter week, can impact accommodation availability and pricing. Couples planning their weddings outside these months may benefit from more availability and potentially lower costs.
Medellín, known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” enjoys mild, consistent temperatures throughout the year, making it highly flexible for indoor or outdoor ceremonies. Brief rain showers are most common in April–May and September–October, but these are typically short-lived, and the temperate climate remains comfortable. The city’s lush mountain landscapes and panoramic views provide an elegant and romantic backdrop regardless of the season.
When planning, couples should also consider ceremony timing to avoid midday heat in Cartagena, ensure comfortable seating, provide shaded areas, and keep guests hydrated. Choosing lightweight, breathable attire for the tropical climate will enhance both comfort and style.
Excited to go to Colombia for your destination wedding but unsure where to begin? Let our wedding planning experts handle everything for you!
Consider Pre-Wedding Visits and Venue Tours
A pre-wedding visit to Colombia allows couples to experience venues firsthand, meet local suppliers, and finalize essential details. The visits also make planning more precise, personalized, and stress-free.
Seeing spaces in person helps evaluate layout, style, and atmosphere, while reviewing décor, catering, and service options ensures the day aligns with your vision. Besides, meeting florists, photographers, and entertainers face-to-face fosters smooth coordination.
Couples can connect with local designers for wedding attire, rentals, or tailoring. All these reduce the challenges and costs of transporting outfits internationally.
Plan Accommodation and Activities for Your Guests
Thoughtful planning for guest accommodations and activities ensures you and your guests enjoy a seamless, memorable stay. Book accommodation in advance.
In Cartagena, visitors can stay in boutique hotels within the historic Walled City, luxurious beachfront resorts, or private villas that offer intimacy and comfort. Medellín provides a range of options, from stylish city hotels and serviced apartments to countryside estates surrounded by lush mountains.
Planning for activities can complement the wedding festivities and allow guests to explore the destination. Options include sunset boat cruises, island excursions near Cartagena, guided city tours, culinary experiences, and visits to local cultural sites.
Our concierge service team can coordinate lodging, activities, and transportation, ensuring guests are well cared for throughout the celebration.
Consider the Colombia Cultural for Your Guests
Ensuring your international guests feel comfortable and welcomed enhances the overall wedding experience. Here are a few tips for navigating Colombian culture:
- Etiquette: Colombians are known for warmth and politeness. Guests are expected to greet hosts with a handshake or cheek kiss (common among friends and family). Arriving on time is appreciated, but a few minutes’ flexibility is normal in social events.
- Language: Spanish is Colombia’s official language. While many vendors in Cartagena and Medellín speak English, providing key phrases or translation support for guests can be helpful. Simple phrases like “Gracias” (Thank you) or “Hola” (Hello) are appreciated and demonstrate respect for local customs.
- Dress and behavior: Guests should respect venue dress codes. For beach weddings, lightweight, casual elegance is appropriate, while urban or mountain venues may require more formal attire. Avoid bringing prohibited items into cultural sites or religious venues, and follow any guidance regarding photography, especially in historic areas.
- Cultural customs: Incorporating local traditions, such as the lively caminata in Cartagena or music and dance at the reception, enriches the wedding experience. Preparing guests ahead of time for these events, explaining what to expect, appropriate attire, or participation, helps them fully enjoy the celebrations.
Two Travel has extensive knowledge of Colombian culture and styles, so contact us today and we can discuss your needs in more detail.
Plan for Travel Logistics for You and Your Guests
Thoughtful planning of flights, transfers, and local transportation helps create a seamless, enjoyable experience for both the couple and their guests. So, coordinate travel details early to ensure guests arrive on time, reduces stress, and allows everyone to focus on celebrating.
Colombia is served by multiple international airports, with Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez International Airport and Medellín’s José María Córdova International Airport acting as the main entry points for most guests. Depending on nationality, travelers may need visas, so confirming entry requirements well in advance is crucial.
Once in Colombia, transportation between cities or to remote locations can be arranged via domestic flights, private transfers, or chartered boats.
Plan for Pre-Wedding Celebrations
Colombia offers exciting opportunities for pre-wedding celebrations, making Cartagena and Medellín ideal destinations for bachelor and bachelorette parties.
Cartagena, with its UNESCO-listed Walled City, vibrant nightlife, and nearby Caribbean islands, provides the perfect setting for pre-wedding parties. You can choose from beach outings and sunset cruises to lively evenings at local bars and clubs.
Medellín offers a modern, urban experience for bachelorette celebrations, with rooftop terraces, trendy restaurants, art galleries, and cultural activities that can be customized to suit the group’s interests.
By thoughtful planning, these pre-wedding events become memorable, seamless, and complementary to the main wedding celebration. This gives friends and family an immersive and enjoyable experience before the big day.
Now that you have planned your pre-wedding celebrations, let’s create a personalized itinerary to make your experience truly unforgettable!
Choose Appropriate Wedding Attire
Destination wedding attire in Colombia should reflect both the climate and the style of your celebration.
For Cartagena beach weddings, women typically wear lightweight, flowing dresses in fabrics like silk or chiffon. Floral crowns or subtle hair accessories are often favored over traditional veils to create a relaxed, bohemian aesthetic. Makeup should be light, long-lasting, and waterproof, paired with sunscreen for sun protection. Men usually choose linen pants and open-collar shirts, embracing a casual yet elegant look suitable for sand and sea. High heels are generally avoided; flat sandals or barefoot options are more practical and comfortable.
In Medellín, weddings often follow a more formal aesthetic, with structured gowns, tailored suits, and elegant accessories suited to urban venues, gardens, or mountain estates.
Working with Two Travel wedding planners ensures that attire choices complement the venue, climate, and overall wedding vision. This will keep you comfortable while maintaining a stylish and cohesive look throughout the celebration.
Plan for Your Honeymoon!
Colombia provides an exceptional setting to begin your honeymoon immediately after your wedding, eliminating extra travel and allowing you to relax and celebrate together.
In Cartagena, newlyweds can immerse themselves in romance and adventure. Options include carriage rides through the historic Walled City, sunset sailing tours along the Caribbean coast, island excursions to nearby Barú or Tierra Bomba, and sampling the city’s vibrant local cuisine. Evening experiences, such as star-gazing on a secluded beach or visiting bioluminescent lagoons, create unforgettable, magical memories.
In Medellín, couples can explore the lush surrounding mountains, enjoy private nature retreats, tour coffee plantations, and indulge in the city’s fine dining and cultural experiences. The city’s temperate climate and scenic landscapes make it perfect for both relaxation and adventure.
By planning your honeymoon around the wedding location, couples can seamlessly extend their celebration. This allows you to have intimate and memorable experiences while exploring Colombia’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and romantic settings.
Make Your Dream Destination in Colombia Wedding a Reality
Planning a destination wedding in Colombia is a journey filled with hope and joy. With Two Lovers Destination Wedding Planners, your dream wedding becomes a reality. From breathtaking venues to luxurious accommodations, Two Lovers ensures every detail reflects your love story’s uniqueness. Let us create a celebration you and your guests will cherish forever.
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