Aruba is one of the safest weather bets in the Caribbean. It lies below the main Atlantic hurricane belt, stays warm and dry most of the year, and offers a clear split between the lively resorts of Palm Beach and the calmer stretches of Eagle Beach.
The catch is the law. The legally binding civil ceremony happens at the Historical City Hall in Oranjestad, not on the sand, so the beach event is a symbolic celebration alongside it.
Choose by character. Palm Beach suits larger, full service celebrations, while Eagle Beach suits intimate and barefoot weddings.
For a large, full service wedding choose the Ritz Carlton or Hyatt Regency on Palm Beach. For an intimate barefoot day choose Manchebo or Bucuti and Tara on Eagle Beach. The legal civil ceremony must take place at the city hall in Oranjestad, so most couples treat the beach ceremony as symbolic. Weather is good year round.
Six venues, ranked on merit.
We rank on the strength of the wedding, not on who pays us. None of them can.
The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba
Top tierThe choice for larger, polished, full service luxury where guest count and amenities matter most.
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Spa & Casino
Mid to largeA reliable, amenity rich Palm Beach pick for a sizeable celebration with nightlife close by.
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
ElopementsThe island's premier elopement address, adults only and built for two. The wrong choice for any guest list.
Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa
IntimateIdeal for intimate barefoot weddings on a serene, design forward stretch of Eagle Beach.
JOIA Aruba by Iberostar
All inclusiveThe newest adults only all inclusive, modern and package driven for a hands off celebration. Confirm seated capacity.
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Large resortA solid mainstream large resort alternative at the quieter top of Palm Beach. Confirm event space details.
There is no bad month.
Aruba is warm, dry and breezy almost all year, so the calendar is about value rather than risk. January to March is the driest and sunniest peak, while the spring and autumn shoulders bring lower rates with still excellent weather and only a slightly higher chance of a brief shower.
The practical things, told straight.
Getting there
Queen Beatrix International Airport sits near Oranjestad with many non stop services from the United States, Canada, Europe and the region. United States preclearance means guests heading home clear customs in Aruba and arrive as domestic passengers, so allow three hours for those departures.
Where guests stay
Most couples block rooms at their resort. Palm Beach is the high rise, livelier strip with casinos and dining, while Eagle Beach is wider, lower and calmer. Pick the strip that matches the mood you want, since they are about a ten minute drive apart.
The legal bit
The legally binding civil ceremony takes place at the Historical City Hall in Oranjestad, not on the beach. A beach event is a symbolic celebration or blessing. Documents, including apostilled birth certificates and proof of single status, must be submitted at least a month ahead, and a local planner is strongly recommended.
What it costs
Wedding packages commonly run from a few hundred dollars for a simple symbolic ceremony to twelve thousand and more at the luxury end, with many couples in a mid band around four to seven thousand. For fifty to one hundred guests, total event budgets are often quoted around fifteen to nineteen thousand. Figures reviewed August 2025.
We will send a shortlist and the right planner.
Tell us your date and guest count for Aruba. We reply within 48 hours, at no cost to you.
We curate on merit. Venues and planners cannot buy a higher ranking.
Aruba, answered.
Can we legally get married on the beach in Aruba?
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No. The legally binding civil ceremony must take place at the Historical City Hall in Oranjestad. You can absolutely hold a beach ceremony, but it is a symbolic celebration alongside the legal marriage. Many couples do the legal paperwork at home and treat the beach ceremony as symbolic.
Do we need to be residents or stay a minimum number of days?
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There is no residency requirement, but apostilled documents must be submitted at least a month before the wedding date, so advance planning is essential.
Is Aruba safe from hurricanes for a wedding?
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Largely, yes. Aruba lies below the main Atlantic hurricane belt and very rarely experiences hurricanes, which is a major reason it is favoured for Caribbean weddings. The weather is dry and warm year round.
What is the cheapest versus the priciest time to marry there?
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January to March gives the most reliable weather at the highest rates. The spring and autumn shoulders offer real savings on rooms and airfare while keeping excellent weather.
How hard is the travel for our United States guests?
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Easy. The airport has many United States non stop flights and offers preclearance, so guests clear customs before leaving Aruba and arrive home as domestic passengers. Budget three hours for United States bound check in.
A sense of the place.
Images are licensed stock photography, shown for illustration. They are not images of a specific named venue unless stated.
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