[updated on March 29, 2023] 

Imagine you and your beloved exchanging vows on a flawless, sandy beach. Aruba’s Eagle Beach alone is worth hopping on a plane to renew one’s vows. When you consider that the journey to One Happy Island is just 4.5 hours away from New York City, it’s a no brainer. Aruba’s sunsets are nothing short of spectacular.

Here are some good reasons to say “I Do” in Aruba:

The Culture

The happiness of the locals alone is infectious. When I was in Oranjestad during my last visit, I asked one lady who was charging admission for the Bon Bini Festival why she loves it there, and she mentioned that she had spent years in New York City and came back “home” to her beloved island and culture. The culture is one filled with happiness, and an eagerness to help others. Add some loving words exchanged in the local creole, Papiamento, and you’ll get a sense of what makes this island special.

The Beaches

From Baby Beach, which is a shallow delicious blip of a beach with excellent snorkeling conditions, to the famed Eagle Beach (the most flawless beach I’ve ever set foot on), Aruba has much to boast when it comes to beaches….which is all very good for nuptials.

The Food

Aruba has a wide variety of restaurants, from Indian cuisine to Dutch. You’ll also find some delicious creperies on the island (La Creperie De Paseo; and Dutch Pancake House). Getting married also means some truly good cuisine, from vegetarian dishes to fresh seafood.

The Sunsets

While sunsets are never guaranteed, the ones in Aruba are nothing short of spectacular and ideal for romantic couples taking photos or just in the need of some quiet time strolling the beach. There’s something also very comforting about being able to dip one’s toe into the water at 6 p.m. when you’re watching the sunset and know that the ocean is completely swimmable.

Have you ever been to a wedding in Aruba? Tell us about it in the comments below!