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Curator’s statement
¡Wepa, lovebirds! Ready to say "I do" in the enchanting city of Ponce, Puerto Rico? If you’re looking for a vibrant, culturally rich, and seriously beautiful spot to tie the knot, Ponce is the place to be. I’m your go-to wedding travel expert, a fellow Puerto Rican, and I’m here to sprinkle some magic onto your destination wedding with an unforgettable itinerary!
The Fora Difference
Book with Melissa to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
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Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
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Personalized recs
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Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay
Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort
Known for its diverse amenities and excellent service, this southern Puerto Rico resort features a golf course, a casino, multiple dining options, pools and a fitness center.
Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
Art Deco beauty with a mix of heritage and modern rooms, most with Atlantic Ocean views.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 food / beverage credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Puerto Rico’s most luxurious resort, where apartment-sized suites and private butlers come standard, and there’s no bad view along the two-mile stretch of beachfront.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 hotel / resort credit.
- ★
Welcome amenity.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Holiday Inn Ponce & Tropical Casino
Experience paradise at Holiday Inn Ponce & Tropical Casino, where every stay feels like a vacation and every roll of the dice brings island charm!
Ponce Plaza Hotel and Casino
At Ponce Plaza Hotel and Casino, vibrant history meets modern luxury, inviting you to unwind and play in the heart of Puerto Rico!
Unlock perks by contacting Melissa to book your trip.
Day 1: Touchdown in Ponce & dinner at La Boya
Morning/Afternoon
Welcome to Ponce, Puerto Rico! You’ll land at Mercedita Airport (PSE), where private transportation will take you to the Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort. This gorgeous venue offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, though its beach isn’t the best for bathing—it’s more of a postcard-perfect view. Settle in, relax by the pool, or grab a drink and start soaking up the tropical vibes.
Evening
To kick off the celebrations, we’ll have your Welcome Dinner at La Boya, a vibrant seafood restaurant near the coast. Famous for its fresh local seafood and laid-back atmosphere, this spot is perfect for mingling and enjoying some authentic Puerto Rican dishes like empanadillas and seafood cocktails. The funky, colorful murals on the outside add a playful vibe to the night, setting the tone for an exciting wedding weekend.
Day 2: Sightseeing
Morning
Get ready for a morning of culture and history as you explore the heart of Ponce. You’ll visit Parque de Bombas, the city’s iconic red and black firehouse museum, stroll through the majestic Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, and stop by the Museo de Arte de Ponce, which houses one of the most significant art collections in the Caribbean.
Afternoon
After soaking up Ponce’s history, we’ll head to La Guancha Boardwalk. Here’s a heads-up: the boardwalk was hit hard by hurricanes and earthquakes, so it’s a bit rough around the edges these days. But don’t let that deter you! It’s still a fun spot to feed the fish and pelicans, grab a snack, and enjoy the local vibes. There’s a small beach nearby—not ideal for swimming, but perfect for a relaxing afternoon by the sea.
Evening
Enjoy a chill evening back at the Hilton, where you can dine at one of their restaurants. Options include La Terraza, offering delicious Puerto Rican dishes, or El Bohio Sports and Pool Bar, for a more casual bite while enjoying poolside drinks.
Day 3: Cafe and catamaran to Caja de Muertos
All day
Let’s fuel up with some world-class Puerto Rican coffee at Café Lucero. Nestled in the mountains of Adjuntas, this coffee farm tour is a delightful way to see how coffee is grown, harvested and roasted. You’ll get to sip some of the freshest coffee around and learn about the rich history of Puerto Rican coffee culture.
-or-
Adventure awaits! We’ll hop on a Catamaran Tour to Caja de Muertos Island. This natural reserve is a paradise for nature lovers, with crystal-clear waters, hiking trails and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Spend the afternoon snorkeling, hiking up to the old lighthouse or simply lounging on the sandy shores of this hidden gem.
Evening
For dinner, you have more dining options back at the Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort. Whether you’re in the mood for gourmet dining at La Cava or craving a more relaxed meal at El Bohio Sports Bar, the Hilton has something for everyone.
Day 4: Wedding day at Ponce Cathedral
Morning
The day you’ve been waiting for! The bridal party will get ready at the Hilton, with the best stylists and makeup artists in Ponce to make you look and feel amazing. (While the Hilton doesn’t have a spa, we’ll make sure you’re pampered to perfection with massages and beauty treatments arranged right in your room.)
Afternoon
Your wedding ceremony will take place at the stunning Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, one of the most beautiful churches in Puerto Rico. Its grand architecture and rich history will make for a picture-perfect ceremony.
Evening
Celebrate your reception at the Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort, where your guests will enjoy a gourmet meal, live music and dancing under the stars. Though the beach may not be perfect for swimming, its breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea provides the ideal backdrop for your reception. To top it all off, a spectacular fireworks display will light up the night sky in celebration of your love!
Day 5: Farewell brunch at De Jesús
Morning
Let’s wrap up the wedding weekend with a delicious farewell brunch at De Jesús Restaurant. This charming spot is known for its hearty Puerto Rican breakfasts and friendly service. It’s the perfect way to send off your guests with a final taste of Ponce’s local flavors before they head home.
Afternoon
For those sticking around, I can arrange extra tours or activities like a beach day at Playa Santa or a guided walking tour through Ponce’s historic downtown.
Need to know
Restaurants to try:
Lola Eclectic Cuisine: Located in the Ponce Plaza Hotel, this restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with a Caribbean fusion menu. Popular dishes include mahi mahi in lobster sauce and filet mignon. Perfect for both carnivores and vegans.
Campioni Pizza Birra & Tapas: A family-friendly spot on the town square known for its brick-oven pizzas, tapas and Italian classics. Their homemade sangria and craft beer selection add to the charm.
El Negocio de Panchi: A bit outside the city center, this gourmet restaurant features a mix of Puerto Rican and international cuisine. Don't miss their weekly chef specials!
La Casa del Chef: Known for its Puerto Rican haute cuisine, La Casa del Chef serves dishes like lobster a la criolla and fresh octopus salad in a lively setting filled with local art.
La Cava Restaurant: Situated in the Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort, La Cava offers an elegant dining experience. The menu is influenced by Caribbean, Mediterranean and Asian flavors.
Chef's Creations Restaurant: This modern eatery serves creative Puerto Rican dishes with a gourmet twist. The menu varies, but their seafood and steak dishes are highly recommended.
King's Cream: You have not visited Ponce if you have not eaten an ice cream in la Plaza Las Delicias. While technically an ice cream shop, this local favorite deserves a spot on any foodie's list for its tropical-flavored ice creams, perfect for a refreshing break.
Vistas Ponce: This restaurant offers stunning views of the Downtown alongside an upscale dining experience with a menu focusing on seafood and local dishes.
En Las Papas!: This is my favorite food truck in the whole world. I always dream of getting hung over at 3 am so I can have the excuse to go to this food truck to heal myself. Yes, they open overnight and they cater for people who party until the sun comes up.
La Boya: This one is just three words: Fresh Sea Food. The owners are avid fisher who work hard to bring the tastiest of the Caribbean to your table.
These restaurants offer a mix of traditional Puerto Rican cuisine, fusion dishes and international flavors, ensuring a memorable dining experience in Ponce!
Travel Advisor
Melissa Marlette
Get in touch with Melissa
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This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Puerto Rico. for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Discover Puerto Rico: Fall Luxury on the East Coast.