Caribbean Wedding Destination: Aruba
With sunny skies, a tropical breeze, and temperatures in the mid-80s year-round, it’s no wonder the slogan of Aruba is “One Happy Island.” It’s a perfect Caribbean destination for the most romantic weddings and honeymoons in every season: consistent weather, white sand beaches and Instagram-worthy turquoise waters.
The tropical island is located in the southern Caribbean, just 15 miles north of Venezuela (in fact, on a clear day, you can see the coast of Venezuela from the southeastern coast of Aruba). The official languages are Dutch and Papiamento (the local tongue), but most natives also speak English and Spanish. This is a surprisingly easy island to travel to, with daily nonstop flights from many U.S. cities. And the U.S. dollar is commonly accepted throughout the country.
There are many options for getting married or honeymooning, from hotels to vacation rentals. At the adults-only Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino, guests can enjoy cocktails in an open-air lobby or alongside a peaceful pool with ocean views. Or they can take the water taxi to the Renaissance’s private island, where flamingos roam and there are two expansive beaches — one for families and one for adults only. Renaissance Island is a popular wedding site, with couples exchanging vows on a secluded beach. A boutique spa, casino and shopping round out the experiences for wedding guests.
For a romantic, intimate honeymoon, Bucuti & Tara is the top choice for many newlyweds. This AAA Four Diamond resort was designated the #1 Hotel for Romance in the Caribbean for 2018 by Trip Advisor. Only 104 private, adults-only guest rooms are available at this oceanfront resort, and all guests are guaranteed a beach chair just a few steps out of their room.
Bucuti & Tara’s Romance Concierge can help plan activities at the resort and around the island, such as a private dinner on the beach, couples massage, professional photography session, or a sunset sail.
Foodies will be impressed by the more than 250 restaurant options in Aruba. Virtually every ethnic cuisine is represented, prices are reasonable, and there are some very unique experiences. For those who literally want to dip their toes in the water while enjoying a sunset dinner, the Flying Fishbone offers just that. Couples or groups can slip off their shoes and dine while the ocean waves lap gently onto the shore and under the tables. And at the Screaming Eagle, couples are served dinner… in bed. Lounge beds for two with ample pillows and cushions, soft lighting and gauzy privacy curtains are the ‘table’ of choice at this popular night spot.
During the day, Aruba’s waters are the main attraction for visitors. The southwest side of the island boasts white sand beaches with beautiful, warm water. Visitors can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, fishing, or just lounging at the beach, cool drink in hand. For the more adventurous, couples can rent all-terrain vehicles, or take a hike or horseback ride across Aruba’s postcard-perfect terrain. And of course there’s plenty of shopping around the island, from the casual island marketplace to high-end brands such as Ralph Lauren and Gucci.
Whether it’s a destination wedding or idyllic honeymoon, couples will never forget the happy island of Aruba.
