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BEST CITIES IN
SOUTH AMERICA
FOR YOUR
WEDDING OR ELOPEMENT

Photographers for your intimate destination wedding or elopemenT

For the Nostalgic, Storyteller, MUSIC and Cinema Lovers

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BEST GUIDE FOR A PERFECT WEDDING DAY IN BEAUTIFUL SOUTH AMERICA

BY ERIC RENE PENOY

Best Locations & Experiences to Plan Your Dream Wedding & Elopement in SOUTH AMERICA

For adventurous couples who seek more than just a traditional wedding day, South America offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes and unique settings. From the rugged Andes mountains to pristine beaches, lush jungles, and vast deserts, South America is a dream destination for couples who want to tie the knot surrounded by natural beauty and cultural richness.

As an elopement photographer, capturing these extraordinary moments against the backdrop of towering peaks or verdant rainforests is an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s an intimate ceremony at sunrise with the Andes in the background or a passionate exchange of vows on a remote beach, South America offers endless possibilities.

This guide will take you through the top wedding cities in South America, perfect for those who love landscapes and adventure. Each destination provides a mix of stunning scenery, cultural heritage, and diverse wedding venues, making it an ideal location for couples seeking something out of the ordinary. Whether you envision exchanging vows in Patagonia’s dramatic wilderness, in the lush Amazon rainforest, or in the colonial charm of cities like Cusco or Quito, you’ll find your perfect setting here.

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HOW TO PLAN YOUR DREAM WEDDING?

  1. Patagonia (Argentina & Chile)
    Patagonia, located at the southern tip of the continent, is renowned for its otherworldly landscapes, making it the perfect setting for an adventurous wedding. The rugged mountains, glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes provide a striking backdrop. Consider marrying in Torres del Paine National Park, with its towering peaks, or at El Calafate, surrounded by glaciers.

  2. Machu Picchu (Peru)
    Few places on Earth compare to the ancient beauty of Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel in Peru. This UNESCO World Heritage site provides an unparalleled backdrop for adventurous couples who want to marry in the shadow of ancient ruins. Whether you take the famous Inca Trail to reach the site or opt for a scenic train ride, this destination is for couples who seek history, culture, and extraordinary natural beauty.

  3. Uyuni (Bolivia)
    Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni is one of the most unique wedding destinations in the world. The world’s largest salt flat, with its endless horizon, offers a surreal and breathtaking location for couples looking to elope. Marrying under the vast open sky, with the ground reflecting the colors of the sunset, is a truly magical experience.

  4. Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
    Known for its vibrant energy, Rio de Janeiro combines beautiful beaches with lush mountains and cityscapes. From the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain to the golden sands of Copacabana Beach, this city is an incredible place for couples who want a lively yet intimate celebration. Rio’s combination of nature and city will make for stunning photographs and memories.

  5. Quito (Ecuador)
    Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is an enchanting city with a historic center that’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. Surrounded by the Andean mountains, it offers a mixture of colonial architecture and dramatic natural beauty. For couples who want a wedding in a city full of culture and history, Quito is a magical choice.

  6. Sacred Valley (Peru)
    Located near Cusco, the Sacred Valley offers picturesque views of the Andean peaks and ancient Incan sites. It’s a tranquil, beautiful place to have an intimate wedding in the midst of history and nature. The valley is home to charming towns like Ollantaytambo and Pisac, which are perfect for a secluded, romantic wedding.

  7. Mendoza (Argentina)
    Argentina's Mendoza region is famous for its wine-producing vineyards, making it an ideal wedding destination for wine-loving couples. With the Andes mountains looming in the background, Mendoza offers beautiful winery venues where couples can exchange vows among lush vineyards and rolling hills.

  8. Atacama Desert (Chile)
    If you’re looking for something completely unique, the Atacama Desert in northern Chile offers a dramatic, otherworldly landscape. The salt flats, volcanic peaks, and colorful lagoons provide a surreal setting for an intimate desert wedding. This destination is perfect for couples who want a wedding surrounded by the vast beauty of nature.

  9. Cartagena (Colombia)
    Cartagena’s romantic charm comes from its colonial architecture and coastal beauty. With its cobblestone streets, vibrant colonial buildings, and a warm Caribbean breeze, Cartagena is the perfect place for a wedding that blends history, culture, and the magic of the sea. Marry in the city’s old town or on a private beach for a tropical and intimate celebration.

  10. Ilha Grande (Brazil)
    Ilha Grande is a paradise island off the coast of Brazil, known for its secluded beaches and lush tropical forests. If you dream of exchanging vows on a remote, pristine beach with turquoise waters and green hills surrounding you, Ilha Grande is the place to be.

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CONCLUSION

South America is one of the most diverse and stunning continents in the world, and it offers a range of locations that are perfect for couples seeking an intimate wedding experience. From the ice-capped peaks of Patagonia to the sun-soaked beaches of Rio de Janeiro, the continent is packed with dramatic landscapes and rich cultural history. Whether you’re an adventurous couple who loves nature and exploration, or someone seeking a peaceful and romantic spot to tie the knot, South America has it all.

Each wedding destination on this list provides something unique. If you’re looking for a rugged adventure, Patagonia and the Atacama Desert are ideal for couples who want to get away from it all and exchange vows amidst natural wonders. If you're drawn to ancient history, Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley in Peru will offer you a marriage backdrop steeped in ancient traditions and majestic ruins. For those who want to get married by the sea, the beaches of Rio de Janeiro or Cartagena will provide the perfect tropical setting.

One of the greatest advantages of a South American wedding is the diversity in the landscapes and atmospheres, allowing couples to choose the perfect destination that suits their personalities and desires. No matter which destination you choose, you will be surrounded by beauty, history, and adventure—making your wedding day a truly unforgettable experience.

As a wedding elopement photographer, I have witnessed countless couples share their vows in these breathtaking locations, and I can truly say that these experiences are something special. The opportunity to marry in such unique and awe-inspiring surroundings not only creates unforgettable memories but also sets the stage for a life of adventure together. Whether you choose the majesty of Machu Picchu or the peacefulness of Mendoza’s vineyards, South America will offer you an extraordinary wedding day that’s as adventurous and intimate as you are.