An insider list for your wedding weekend in Antigua Guatemala
The people we call when things need to be handled quickly, or done right the first time.
Destination weddings in Antigua Guatemala are rarely just one day. Most couples arrive days before, their families come in from across the world, and the weekend takes on a life of its own.
After a decade of photographing weddings here, we have seen what happens when things shift. And they always do. A hem that needs fixing the morning of. A barber who needs to be somewhere at 7am. A last-minute addition to the welcome dinner that only works if you know who to call.
This is not a vendor directory. It is the contact list we have built from being inside these timelines, again and again, in Antigua Guatemala. These are the people we rely on when something needs to happen quickly and it needs to be done right.
Tailor — Jordani
If something needs adjusting when you arrive, or you want something made before the wedding, Jordani has been doing this since 1970 with Italian training and Guatemalan roots. For a destination wedding in Antigua Guatemala, having someone who can turn things around quickly and do it right matters. Reach out directly @jl_jordani or we’re happy to coordinate on your behalf.
Shoes & Leathergoods — Perera
For anything that needs to be fixed or made properly, Perera Shoemaker is one of the few places in Antigua still doing this by hand. Javier works with traditional techniques, producing custom leather pieces that hold up forever, not just over a full wedding weekend. Reach out directly @pererashoemaker or we can coordinate.
Barber — Ricardo Enrique
When you’re in Antigua a few days before the wedding, or need a clean reset the morning of, Richy is who we call, especially when timing is tight and everything else is already in motion. Reach out directly @richy_barber93 or we can make the connection.
Hair and Styling — Cassandra at Amaya Salon
If you need a stylist who understands what a destination wedding morning actually looks like, Cassandra is the call. She works out of Amaya Salon in Antigua and handles everything from bridal styling to wash and blowouts for the wedding party. Local, responsive, and used to the pace. You can book online at shopamayasalon.com or reach out and we’ll help arrange it.
Jewelry — Xibalba
For engagement rings or wedding bands that actually mean something, Xibalba designs wearable art rooted in Guatemalan cultural heritage. Everything is made here, by hand, by artists who treat it like it matters. You can explore their work at porxibalba.com or we can connect you directly.
Cigars — Antigua Cigars
If you want to take care of a cigar moment for the groom or the wedding party, Antigua Cigars carries one of the best selections of Central American cigars in Guatemala. They also have a private lounge when you want somewhere right to enjoy them, not just a shop. You can learn more at antiguacigars.com or we’re happy to coordinate directly.
Specialty Coffee — Artista de Café
A few days before the wedding, this is where people tend to land. Artista de Café works just as well for a quiet morning as it does for a small welcome coffee with family. Local specialty coffee, a historic setting, and a space that feels easy to settle into. Also, available for private hire during the wedding weekend. Reach out via @artistadecafe or we’re happy to help set it up.
Cocktail Mixologist — Ulew Cocktail Bar
For a welcome party that doesn’t feel like every other welcome party, Ulew is a speakeasy hidden behind a phone booth inside Antigua Brewing Company. Creative cocktails, intimate atmosphere, and available for private hire. Find them here @ulewcocktailbar or let us take care of the coordination.
After Party DJ — Joao Ribeiro
When the night needs to carry past dinner and actually shift, Joao is who we call. His sets move between electronic, nostalgic, and Latin in a way that keeps the energy consistent without ever feeling predictable. It’s not just music, it’s pacing the room properly. Reach out directly @joaoribeiro and tell him Joseph sent you.
Volcano Tours — Chapin Adventures
If you’re here for a full wedding weekend and want something that goes beyond the reception, Pacaya or Acatenango at sunset changes the pace completely. Wine and cheese at the summit, Volcán de Fuego erupting in the distance. This is what makes getting married in Antigua Guatemala different. The celebration doesn’t have to end when the dancing does. Find more information here @chapin.adventures or we can handle the introduction for you.
Lake Atitlan Getaway - Anzan Atitlan
After a full wedding weekend in Antigua, Lake Atitlán shifts the pace completely. Anzan is quiet, design-led, and exactly where you want to land when everything winds down. It’s an easy transition and way to have a mini honeymoon without ever leaving Guatemala. Explore more at @anzanatitlan or we can arrange it for you.
Charitable Give Back - Niños de Guatemala
For those who want to connect their wedding to something beyond the weekend, Niños de Guatemala is a foundation we know and trust. Their work focuses on long-term education and community support in Antigua, with impact you can actually see. Learn more or contribute directly at @ninosdeguatemala or we’re happy to pass on your gift.
After ten years photographing destination weddings in Antigua Guatemala, we’ve learned the difference between someone who sounds good and someone who actually shows up. Everyone on this list is someone we trust when something needs to happen — and it needs to happen right. If you’re planning your wedding weekend in Antigua and want everything handled properly or don’t speak Spanish, let us know and we’ll make the introduction so you’re working with the right people from the start.
For couples planning a wedding in Antigua Guatemala, we have a decade of experience and know how these weekends actually run. Get in touch here.
To see more of our work, explore the wedding gallery or follow along at @josephnancephoto on Instagram. For weddings in Guatemala, Spain, or anywhere that matters to you, we would love to hear from you.
