Imagine this: you and your partner standing on ancient stones, surrounded by the towering Andes, with the whispers of the Inca spirits blessing your vows. Sounds like a scene straight out of a dream, right? But before you start picking out your Inca-inspired wedding attire (llama-print ponchos, anyone?), let’s dive into the reality of getting married at Machu Picchu and other sacred Inca sites.
Spoiler alert: it’s complicated, but not impossible!
Can You Legally Get Married at Machu Picchu?
Let’s get straight to the point: a legal wedding ceremony inside Machu Picchu is not allowed. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu is under strict protection by the Peruvian government, and private events—including weddings—are prohibited within the ruins.
But don’t pack away your wedding dreams just yet! There are some fantastic alternatives that still give you those Inca vibes while keeping everything legal and respectful.
Best Wedding Venues Near Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley
If you can’t exchange vows inside the ruins, where can you have your dream wedding with an Inca-inspired backdrop?
🏔️ 1. The Sacred Valley of the Incas
The Sacred Valley (Valle Sagrado) is the perfect alternative. Not only is it breathtakingly beautiful, but it’s also home to many ancient Inca sites where you can hold a symbolic Andean wedding ceremony.
✅ Best wedding venues in the Sacred Valley:
- Belmond Rio Sagrado (Website) – A luxury riverside retreat with lush gardens and views of the Urubamba River.
- Tambo del Inka (Website) – A stunning five-star resort that offers a mix of Inca traditions and modern comfort.
- Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba (Website) – A charming eco-luxury lodge in the heart of the valley, perfect for intimate ceremonies.
🏛 2. Cusco – The Ancient Capital of the Incas
If you want an elegant wedding with Inca history all around you, Cusco is an excellent option. Many historic hotels are built on ancient Inca foundations, offering a mix of colonial charm and indigenous heritage.
✅ Best wedding venues in Cusco:
- Belmond Palacio Nazarenas (Website) – A former convent turned luxury hotel with breathtaking courtyards.
- Hotel Monasterio (Website) – A 16th-century monastery turned hotel, perfect for a fairytale wedding.
🏔️ 3. Aguas Calientes – Closest Town to Machu Picchu
Want to wake up to a view of Machu Picchu on your wedding day? Aguas Calientes, the town just below the ruins, has some incredible eco-lodges and hotels where you can hold your wedding with a Machu Picchu backdrop.
✅ Best wedding venue in Aguas Calientes:
- Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (Website) – A magical retreat surrounded by cloud forests, perfect for nature lovers.
Traditional Andean Wedding Ceremonies: A Unique Experience
If you want something truly special, consider an Andean wedding ceremony. These are traditional, spiritual unions conducted by a local shaman or Andean priest, following ancient Inca rituals.
✨ What happens in an Andean wedding?
- A blessing from Pachamama (Mother Earth) – The couple makes an offering of flowers, grains, and coca leaves to ask for prosperity.
- Exchange of sacred vows – Instead of rings, some couples exchange symbolic gifts like woven textiles or chullos (traditional hats).
- Traditional music and dance – Local musicians may perform with pan flutes and drums.
Want to book an Andean wedding ceremony? Check out Caisae Spiritual Center for an authentic experience.
Things to Consider When Planning a Wedding in the Andes
🌄 Altitude Sickness is Real!
Cusco and Machu Picchu are over 2,400m (7,900ft) above sea level. Arrive a few days early to adjust before the big day.
📜 Legal vs. Symbolic Weddings
To avoid paperwork headaches, consider having a legal ceremony in your home country and a symbolic one in Peru.
📷 Photography Permits
Some sites have restrictions on professional photography. Always check with local authorities before planning a photoshoot inside ruins.
Final Thoughts: Is an Inca-Inspired Wedding Right for You?
If you’re a couple who loves adventure, history, and breathtaking landscapes, then an Inca-inspired wedding could be the most magical start to your marriage. While saying “I do” inside Machu Picchu isn’t possible, you can still have an unforgettable wedding surrounded by Inca history in the Sacred Valley, Cusco, or Aguas Calientes.
And if you need someone to capture every incredible moment, from your first dance under the stars to a dramatic photoshoot with llamas, I’d love to be part of your journey!
📸 Check out my destination wedding portfolio: Your Happy Moments Blog
💍 View wedding photography packages: Investment Page
📩 Let’s plan your dream wedding photoshoot: Contact Me
Let’s make your love story as legendary as the Incas themselves! 🚀
