Are you planning a destination wedding? Budgeting can be a big question mark, and a crucial one at that. This guide takes an in-depth look at the cost of a wedding in Antigua Guatemala, and also provides a brief comparison with destination weddings in Italy – both dream locations with different budgets.
The Affordability Advantage: Is it expensive to get married in Guatemala?
Let's face it: Italy is a wedding wonderland, but fairytale weddings shouldn't come with a hefty price tag. That's where Guatemala shines! Antigua Guatemala is a wedding destination that allows affordable luxury, and we'll compare costs across key areas like venues, food, and accommodations, revealing Guatemala's affordability edge, so stay tuned and join us for the ride!
So, how much does it cost to get married in Antigua?
It depends! But instead of a generic answer, let's use Italy as a benchmark. (Big thanks to wedding planner Inna Bazhan (@innabazhan_events on Instagram) for Italian pricing insights!)
Remember: These are starting points or averages. Your Guatemalan wedding is unique, and we can tailor it to your vision. Here's the key takeaway: Guatemala can be even more budget-friendly, but as your destination wedding planners, we curate vendors that meet your international standards. The prices reflect our trusted vendors' starting points.
Affordable Luxury, Not "Cheap": Luxury weddings guatemala
Calling Guatemala "cheap" might miss the mark. We believe "affordable luxury" better reflects the true value this destination offers. By highlighting the accessibility of luxury experiences, couples and their guests can truly appreciate Guatemala's wedding potential.
Think "affordable luxury" instead of "cheap," and explore the possibilities! Dive into our Guatemala Wedding Cost guide for a deeper look at what different budgets can unlock.
Decoding Antigua Guatemala Wedding Costs
Forget the typical – Antigua Guatemala offers an unforgettable wedding steeped in luxury without the hefty price tag. Here's why it stacks up against Italy for discerning couples.
Venue Grandeur:
Imagine exchanging vows beneath colonial ruins or at stunning luxury venues with a truly unique volcanic backdrop. Some Guatemala wedding venues include this with your catering, costing around 10-12% on top of the food bill. Booking the Ruins of Antigua Guatemala would cost $1,000 to $2,650 per area (plus damage deposit), this is a fraction of the €3,500 to €35,000 range you'd expect in Italy (just for wedding venue).
To host a wedding at a luxury wedding venue in Antigua Guatemala, you will need to book the entire hotel, but you can split the costs with guests who choose to stay on the premises. To get an idea of the expenses involved in booking a luxury wedding venue such as Villa Bokeh, use our Wedding Budget Calculator for an accurate estimation.
Exquisite Dining:
Italian wedding menus can be extravagant, costing €150 to €200 per person. In Guatemala, $40 a guest gets you a delectable three-course meal with a refreshing drink. Cake is a separate indulgence, starting at a delightful $8 a slice.
Fancy indulging further? Midnight snacks and cocktail appetizers elevate your celebration, all at a very reasonable price point.
Flowers that Impress:
Italian floral arrangements can be breathtaking but come with a hefty price tag of €4,000 to €10,000! Guatemala offers the same stunning arrangements for a small to medium wedding starting at $3,000 USD. Of course, you can scale up and customize everything to your vision, but it will still be significantly more affordable than the same version in Italy.
Entertainment with Flair:
Love a lively party? Get the dance floor pumping with an entry-level DJ for $600 USD, compared to Italy's starting price of €850. Prefer a touch of elegance with instrumental music? It's $100 USD per hour in Guatemala versus a minimum of €500 in Italy. Live bands are no different, with fantastic options in Guatemala from $2,000 to $3,500 USD, while Italy charges anywhere from €1,500 to €6,000.
Capturing Memories in Style:
Documenting your special day doesn't have to be expensive. While Italy starts at €4,500 for photographers, you can find emerging photographers in Guatemala for $1,800 USD, with renowned options starting at $4,000 USD.
Beauty that Endures:
Looking radiant on your wedding day is a must! Hairstyling and makeup services in Guatemala start at a reasonable $140 USD, compared to Italy's €400 minimum. Keep in mind that on-site services might have a service fee or minimum package requirement.
Grand Transportation:
Whether it's transporting your wedding party or all your guest list, Guatemala offers spacious vans that seat up to 29 passengers for $230 USD, whereas Italy starts at €350 for only 16 people.
A Grand Finale:
End your night with a spectacular fireworks display! Prices in Guatemala start at a mere $300 USD, compared to Italy's hefty €3,000 minimum.
Luxurious Accommodations:
Guatemala offers luxurious accommodations at a fraction of the price you'd pay in Italy. Here, 3-star hotels can be surprisingly opulent, starting at a budget-friendly $90 USD per night, while Italy starts at a steeper €250 nightly rate. Imagine what you can get for €250 in Guatemala - a hotel with original colonial architecture and a spa inside.
So what is the Guatemala wedding cost per person?
While you might be looking for a simple per-person breakdown, the truth is, Guatemala wedding costs are influenced by too many wonderful nuances to give a one-size-fits-all answer!
From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, every wedding is unique.
Use our handy Guatemala Wedding Budget Calculator for a personalized breakdown based on your vision or book a Budget planning consultation to go in-depth.
In the meantime, let's talk about a budget for a luxury 30-person wedding:
Italy: around €100,000.
Guatemala: an intimate luxury wedding starts from $28,000 USD, with a very achievable $20,000 USD for a mid-range celebration.
Ready to Start Planning?
This is just the beginning! Stay tuned for the next part of our Money Talks series, where we'll unravel the financial tapestry of destination weddings in even greater detail. But if you're ready to start planning your unforgettable Antigua wedding, don't wait another minute – click the button below!