Discover Unforgettable Romance: South America's Premier Destination Wedding Locations
Each country in the vibrant regions of South America offer unique settings, from lush rainforests and majestic mountains to serene beaches and ancient ruins.
Argentina
Known for its diverse landscapes, Argentina offers everything from the bustling city life of Buenos Aires to the breathtaking natural beauty of Patagonia.
Climate: Varies from subtropical in the north to subpolar in the far south.
Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS).
Marriage Requirements: Passport, birth certificate, and, if applicable, divorce papers. A civil registry must perform the ceremony.
Top 5 Locations:
Buenos Aires: The capital city, known for its European-style architecture and vibrant culture.
Mendoza: Famous for its wineries and stunning views of the Andes.
Bariloche: Offers a picturesque setting with its lakes and snow-capped mountains.
Iguazu Falls: A natural wonder providing a unique backdrop for adventurous couples.
Ushuaia: Known as the southernmost city in the world, it offers unique landscapes and views.
Brazil
Brazil is a country of vast natural beauty, from the Amazon rainforest to sun-kissed beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema.
Climate: Mostly tropical with little seasonal variation, though the south can be temperate.
Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL).
Marriage Requirements: Passport, birth certificate, and declaration of civil status. Notice of intent to marry must be filed 30 days in advance.
Top 5 Locations:
Rio de Janeiro: Iconic beaches, the Christ the Redeemer statue, and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Bahia: Known for its Afro-Brazilian culture, colonial architecture, and beautiful beaches.
Amazon Rainforest: Offers lodges and cruises for a wedding surrounded by nature.
Fernando de Noronha: An archipelago with pristine beaches and clear waters.
Iguazu Falls: Straddling the border with Argentina, it’s an awe-inspiring location.
Chile
Chile stretches from the middle of South America’s west coast down to the Antarctic, offering diverse landscapes including deserts, mountains, and beaches.
Climate: Desert in the north, Mediterranean in the central region, and oceanic in the south, including Patagonia.
Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP).
Marriage Requirements: Passports, birth certificates, and a certificate of marital status are required. Divorcees must present final divorce papers.
Top 5 Locations:
Santiago: The capital, surrounded by mountains, offering urban sophistication.
Valparaíso: A port city known for its colorful houses and seaside views.
Atacama Desert: The driest desert in the world, providing a unique lunar landscape.
Patagonia: Offers some of the most dramatic wilderness for adventure lovers.
Easter Island: Famous for its archaeological sites, including nearly 900 moai statues.
Colombia
Colombia is known for its significant natural biodiversity, encompassing Amazon rainforest, tropical grassland, and both Caribbean and Pacific coastlines.
Climate: Tropical along the coast and eastern plains, cooler in the highlands.
Currency: Colombian Peso (COP).
Marriage Requirements: Passport, birth certificate, and a notarized declaration of single status.
Top 5 Locations:
Cartagena: A historic city known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and Caribbean charm.
Medellín: Known as the City of Eternal Spring for its pleasant climate.
Santa Marta: Offers beautiful beaches and is close to the Sierra Nevada mountains.
San Andrés and Providencia: Idyllic Caribbean islands perfect for a beach wedding.
Coffee Region: Lush landscapes and traditional haciendas set among coffee plantations.
Bolivia
Bolivia is a landlocked country known for its diverse landscapes, indigenous culture, and rich history. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty and traditional charm.
Climate: Varied, with tropical in the lowlands and semi-arid to polar in the highlands. Average temperatures range from 45°F to 70°F (7°C to 21°C) depending on the region.
Currency: Bolivian Boliviano (BOB).
Marriage Requirements: Passports, birth certificates, and proof of marital status are required. Civil ceremonies can be performed by a judge or a civil registry official.
Top 5 Locations:
La Paz: The capital city offers a vibrant cultural scene, colonial architecture, and stunning views of the Andes, perfect for urban weddings.
Salar de Uyuni: The world’s largest salt flat offers surreal landscapes, including the famous “mirror effect,” ideal for unique and otherworldly weddings.
Sucre: Known as the “White City,” it offers well-preserved colonial architecture, colorful markets, and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for romantic weddings.
Lake Titicaca: The highest navigable lake in the world offers pristine waters, scenic islands, and indigenous culture, providing a serene setting for lakeside weddings.
Tarija: Known as Bolivia’s wine capital, it offers picturesque vineyards, sunny weather, and delicious wine, ideal for vineyard weddings..
Ecuador
Ecuador is a country of stunning natural beauty, from the Amazon rainforest to the Galápagos Islands. It offers diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity, and indigenous culture.
Climate: Varied, with tropical in the Amazon, temperate in the Andes, and subtropical on the coast. Average temperatures range from 50°F to 75°F (10°C to 24°C) depending on the region.
Currency: United States Dollar (USD).
Marriage Requirements:** Passports, birth certificates, and proof of marital status are required. Civil ceremonies can be performed by a judge or a civil registry official.
Top 5 Locations:
Quito: The capital city offers well-preserved colonial architecture, historic landmarks, and panoramic views of the Andes, perfect for elegant and cultural weddings.
Galápagos Islands: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers unique wildlife, pristine beaches, and volcanic landscapes, providing a magical setting for intimate and adventurous weddings.
Cuenca: Known for its well-preserved colonial center, cobblestone streets, and colorful markets, it offers a romantic and historic setting for weddings.
Baños: Nestled in the Andes Mountains, it offers hot springs, waterfalls, and outdoor activities, ideal for couples seeking a natural and adventurous wedding.
Mindo: A cloud forest town known for its biodiversity, birdwatching, and adventure sports, it offers a tranquil and enchanting setting for nature-loving couples.
Paraguay
Paraguay is a landlocked country in the heart of South America, known for its Guarani culture, Jesuit missions, and natural beauty. It offers a blend of history, tradition, and tranquility.
Climate: Subtropical, with a wet season from November to March and a dry season from May to September. Average temperatures range from 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C).
Currency: Paraguayan Guarani (PYG).
Marriage Requirements: Passports, birth certificates, and proof of marital status are required. Civil ceremonies can be performed by a judge or a civil registry official.
Top 5 Locations:
Asunción: The capital city offers historic landmarks, colonial architecture, and cultural attractions, perfect for traditional and urban weddings.
Encarnación: Known for its Jesuit ruins and beaches along the Paraná River, it offers a blend of history and natural beauty, ideal for cultural and scenic weddings.
Ypacaraí Lake: A picturesque lake destination offers pristine waters, sandy beaches, and lush surroundings, providing a tranquil and romantic setting for lakeside weddings.
Ciudad del Este: A bustling border city offers shopping, dining, and cultural diversity, providing a lively and cosmopolitan setting for weddings.
San Bernardino: A resort town on the shores of Lake Ypacaraí offers water sports, golf, and relaxation, perfect for couples seeking a beach resort wedding.
Peru
Peru is a country of ancient civilizations, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. It offers a blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty, from the Andes to the Amazon.
Climate: Varied, with tropical in the Amazon, arid in the desert coast, and temperate in the Andes. Average temperatures range from 50°F to 75°F (10°C to 24°C) depending on the region.
Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN).
Marriage Requirements: Passports, birth certificates, and proof of marital status are required. Civil ceremonies can be performed by a judge or a civil registry official.
Top 5 Locations:
Cusco: The historic capital of the Inca Empire offers well-preserved ruins, colonial architecture, and a vibrant culture, perfect for historic and cultural weddings.
Machu Picchu: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers breathtaking ruins, stunning mountain scenery, and mystical atmosphere, providing a magical setting for weddings.
Lima: The capital city offers a blend of colonial charm, modern sophistication, and coastal beauty, perfect for elegant and urban weddings.
Sacred Valley: Surrounded by towering mountains and ancient ruins, it offers tranquil landscapes, traditional villages, and luxury resorts, ideal for romantic and scenic weddings.
Amazon Rainforest: Offers immersive experiences in the world’s largest tropical rainforest, including luxury eco-lodges, wildlife encounters, and indigenous culture, perfect for adventurous and nature-loving couples.
Uruguay
Uruguay is a small country in South America, known for its beautiful beaches, colonial towns, and progressive policies. It offers a blend of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty.
Climate: Temperate, with mild summers and cool winters. Average temperatures range from 50°F to 75°F (10°C to 24°C) depending on the season.
Currency: Uruguayan Peso (UYU).
Marriage Requirements: Passports, birth certificates, and proof of marital status are required. Civil ceremonies can be performed by a judge or a civil registry official.
Top 5 Locations:
Montevideo: The capital city offers colonial architecture, cultural attractions, and beautiful beaches, perfect for elegant and urban weddings.
Punta del Este: Known as the “St. Tropez of South America,” it offers glamorous beaches, upscale resorts, and vibrant nightlife, ideal for luxurious beach weddings.
Colonia del Sacramento: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers cobbled streets, colonial buildings, and historic landmarks, providing a romantic and historic setting for weddings.
Piriápolis: A seaside resort town known for its sandy beaches, scenic hills, and Belle Époque architecture, perfect for coastal and romantic weddings.
Cabo Polonio: A remote coastal village known for its rugged landscapes, pristine beaches, and bohemian atmosphere, offering a unique and off-the-grid setting for rustic weddings.
This guide provides a snapshot of each country’s unique offerings for a destination wedding, from urban elegance and cultural richness to natural wonders and intimate settings. Remember, specific marriage requirements can vary and should be verified with local authorities or a wedding planner in your chosen destination.