How to reserve a ruin for your 2025 / 2026 destination wedding in Antigua Guatemala?

Hi future bride! My name is Thelma and I’m the proud owner of Sparks Weddings here in Guatemala. If you are here and reading this is because you are thinking of having your destination wedding here in beautiful Guatemala.

Antigua Guatemala is a breathtaking destination for couples seeking a unique backdrop for their wedding. The city is renowned for its picturesque ruins, imbued with history and charm. Hosting your wedding among these majestic remnants creates an unforgettable atmosphere, combining natural beauty with a sense of timelessness.

Imagine exchanging vows in front of the iconic ruins of the Church of San José el Viejo, where crumbling arches and ivy-clad walls serve as a stunning frame for your special day. The atmospheric surroundings provide a romantic setting that can be enhanced with carefully chosen decor, such as elegant floral arrangements and soft lighting.

For those seeking a more intimate ceremony, the ruins of Convento de las Capuchinas offer a secluded courtyard, perfect for a private celebration. The enchanting ambiance invites an air of serenity, ideal for exchanging heartfelt promises.

Antigua’s historical landmarks not only serve as a breathtaking backdrop but also reflect the rich culture and traditions of Guatemala. Incorporating local elements, such as traditional music or indigenous floral designs, can further personalize your wedding while honoring the locale.

As you plan your destination wedding, Guatemala's ruins promise a stunning and memorable experience, giving your special day an enchanting narrative that you and your guests will cherish for years to come.

So how is the process to book a ruin?

The agenda opens in the first 3 months of the year for the following year. so if you are thinking of getting married in 2025 agenda is already opened; but if you are thinking 2026, unfortunately you have to wait since the agenda has not been opened yet.

Once that agenda opens you need to get an appointment with them and personally attend the meeting in order to sign all paperwork needed.

After this process it takes a month or so to receive confirmation, you make full payment and then sign other paperwork.

When will the agenda open (to book 2026 destination weddings?

We have not received official communication but it should be around late February beginning of March 2025.

What ruins are you able to book?

• Santa Clara

• Capuchinas

• San Jerónimo

• San José El Viejo

• La Recolección

• Ermita de la Santa Cruz

• Santa Teresa de Jesús

• Sor Juana de Maldonado

Please remember each ruin has specific areas to be booked. Usually you book 2 areas, one for the ceremony and another one for cocktail and reception.

Also once you book a ruin make sure you pay extra hours for set up since they only allow 5 hours before for set up (which believe are not enough!). Also make sure to book the right amount of hours for your event (They can be booked for 5 hours).

Restrictions

Please take note that all ruins are under the Municipality supervision and they have certain restrictions in order to have your destination wedding held there.

For example in Santa Clara:

A few notes about this ruina (Ruinas de Santa Clara):

• Capacities (amount of guests):

• Old church (usually ceremonies take place here): maximum capacity of 100 guests seating and 150 standing up 

• Fountain area + hallways (usually cocktail and reception take place here): maximum capacity of 200 seating and 250 standing up

• Ending time: 09:00 PM (this is non negotiable)

• Volume restrictions are in place, please make sure your DJ knows about this (restrictions are constantly changing)

• Decorations and lighting restrictions are in place, please make sure your florist and A/V company know about this (restrictions are constantly changing)

• Live bands are not allowed except cocktail non invasive music such as a single singer or duo with non invasive instruments (guitar, violinist, cello, harp).

• Security and cleaning staff has to be hired, please make sure you talk with your catering and make sure they can provide you with this.

• Ruins are open to public every day so the ruin becomes fully private until 05:00 PM - we have done ceremonies between 03:00 - 05:00 PM and there are a few outsiders but with the security hired all those outsiders are asked to stay out of the areas you are using.

• Ruins are manages by the Government - meaning availability is given by them each year in February or March.

Prices

Variable - unfortunately prices change without notice and it also depends how much time you reserve them from and which areas.

Do you have more questions about this process?

Please make sure you CONTACT US.