An Intimate Casa Tridentino & San José El Viejo Wedding in Antigua Guatemala
A modern destination wedding set between one of Antigua’s most iconic church ruins and a restored 17th-century colonial home.
Lula and Nelson chose two historic venues in the heart of Antigua Guatemala for their wedding weekend.
Their ceremony took place at San José El Viejo before the celebration continued at Casa Tridentino, a restored 17th-century colonial home where family and friends stayed together throughout the weekend.
Together, the two venues created a wedding that felt distinctly Antiguan, balancing the scale of one of the city’s most iconic church ruins with the warmth of a private colonial home.
Here’s a closer look at Lula & Nelson’s wedding weekend.
Getting Ready at Casa Tridentino
The wedding weekend began inside Casa Tridentino, a restored colonial home in Antigua’s historic center.
Lula got ready upstairs surrounded by carved wood furniture, antique mirrors, marble vanities, original tile floors, and architectural details that required very little additional styling. Throughout the house, quiet courtyards, weathered walls, and natural light became part of the gallery long before the ceremony began.
More than simply hosting the start of the day, Casa Tridentino became one of its defining backdrops with its vintage warmth and private homey feel.
An Intimate Ceremony at San José El Viejo
San José El Viejo remains one of Antigua Guatemala’s most recognizable wedding venues. For Lula and Nelson’s ceremony, La Florentina filled the aisle and altar with layered greenery, tropical foliage, moss, and tall ivory candlesticks. The arrangements framed the couple throughout the ceremony while guests gathered inside one of Antigua’s most intimate wedding ruin venue.
Planning your ceremony in Antigua? Explore our guide to the city’s most beautiful wedding ruins.
Wedding Portraits in Antigua’s Historic Center
One of the most amazing parts about getting married in Antigua is that most of the city’s beautiful portrait locations are only minutes from your ceremony.
Throughout the day, Lula and Nelson’s gallery moved between bridal portraits, quiet moments together, and portraits around Antigua’s historic center. A vintage Alfa Romeo, carved stone archways, colonial facades, and the historic interiors of Casa Tridentino each became part of the story.
A Stunning Reception in the Courtyard
Following the ceremony, the celebration continued in the courtyard of San José El Viejo with cocktails and dinner.
Long reception tables surrounded the courtyard fountain beneath climbing bougainvillea, allowing the gardens and historic architecture to become part of the celebration. Candlelight, vintage glassware, and low floral arrangements filled the tables while guests gathered beneath the balconies for dinner, speeches, and dancing.
Rather than feeling like a traditional reception venue, the courtyard carried the atmosphere of a private home, where the celebration continued well into the evening.
Hoping to capture your destination wedding in Antigua Guatemala similar to this? Get in touch to see if your wedding date is available.
Wedding Design Details
La Florentina designed a collection of low floral arrangements using garden roses, ranunculus, cosmos, seasonal blooms, and textured greenery in soft neutrals with deep burgundy accents. Moss, sculptural foliage, and contemporary ceramic vessels added depth without overwhelming the historic courtyard.
Throughout the reception, slate blue linen napkins, sage green stemware, vintage crystal glassware, pleated table linens, brushed metal lamps, and a mix of bentwood and black bistro chairs introduced a modern contrast against San José El Viejo’s centuries-old architecture. The courtyard fountain and climbing bougainvillea became part of the design, requiring very little additional styling.
Nearby, Sofía Cobián’s Lambeth-style wedding cake sat on a striped linen table surrounded by sculptural fruit, candles, and vintage glassware. Its ornate piping offered a contemporary interpretation of a classic style while complementing the restrained palette carried throughout the celebration.
Looking for the best wedding team? Read our trusted wedding vendors in Antigua Guatemala.
Planning an Intimate Wedding in Antigua Guatemala
San José El Viejo and Casa Tridentino complement one another beautifully, combining one of Antigua’s most recognizable ceremony venues with the warmth and privacy of a restored colonial home. For couples planning a destination wedding, the pairing creates a weekend that feels intimate all weekend long.
Looking for more resources for your destination wedding in Antigua? Check out the Joseph Nance Antigua Wedding Blog for more relevant articles.
The Creative Team Behind This Antigua Guatemala Wedding
Photography | Joseph Nance Photography
Associate Photographer | Franco Giomi
Planning | Estuardo Reyna Productions
Getting Ready | Casa Tridentino
Ceremony & Reception | San José El Viejo
Floral Design | La Florentina
Videography | Rodrigo Zadro
Catering | Libra Antigua
Cake | Sofía Cobián
Want to see the complete wedding gallery? Browse more moments from Lula & Nelson’s wedding here.
Planning Your Destination Wedding in Antigua Guatemala?
Whether you’re planning your wedding at San José El Viejo, Casa Tridentino, or another venue in Antigua Guatemala, we’d love to hear what you’re envisioning. Get in touch to see if your wedding date is available.
