Best Rehearsal Dinner Venues in Antigua, Guatemala

Most destination weddings in Antigua, Guatemala involve a multi-day celebration. Before embarking on a beautiful journey of love and commitment, what better way to kick off the celebrations than with a memorable welcome or rehearsal dinner? Set against the stunning backdrop of Antigua’s cobblestone streets and vibrant colonial architecture, these locations promise to create the perfect atmosphere for your guests to mingle, enjoy delicious cuisine, and immerse themselves in the rich culture of Guatemala. Whether you envision an intimate gathering or a grand affair, our curated list of welcome dinner venues in Antigua Guatemala will help you find the ideal spot to start your wedding festivities.

Casa Troccoli

There’s definitely a reason why Casa Troccoli is usually the first option for best welcome dinner locations in Antigua Guatemala. The sprawling terrace with a 360-degree view is perhaps one of the best places in Antigua to enjoy the full scope of beauty in this town. It’s only one block from the arch, you can see all three volcanoes on a clear day and you’ll have plenty of room for your guests to wander and mingle among the garden lights as the sun goes down. 

Casa Troccoli has been preserved in its original colonial Antiguan style for nearly 450 years! Guests can wander through the wide indoor corridors and take a peek at the old carriage room (Antigua of course used to only have horse traffic!) Additionally, there is a second terrace and dining room on the second level where you could host smaller, more intimate events and dinners. 

The restaurant at Casa Troccoli serves a fusion between Italian and Guatemalan cuisines, since the original “Almacen Troccoli” was founded by Giuseppe Troccoli in 1898. They offer snacks, h’orderves and full meals from their on-site kitchen. While the restaurant is open on a day-to-day basis, Casa Troccoli focuses on events, which means that the options here are truly endless!

Best rehearsal dinner venues in Antigua Guatemala

Patio de la Primera

Antigua is famous for its indoor gardens and patios and Patio de La Primera definitely delivers! You could quite literally “get lost” in the sprawling patios offered here. If you’re looking for more privacy, you can opt for the zen garden in the back with a volcanic view. You could also go for a moody vibe in El Tigre Negro, the patio’s cocktail lounge with the retractable roof. With plenty of covered and shaded areas, one need not worry about the weather!

Patio de La Primera’s food offers a lengthy menu with plenty of options for a brunch, an afternoon cocktail, or a sit-down dinner. They offer a lengthy list of Italian dishes, sushi and even gourmet ice cream from La Cremeria.

Patio is also one of the few places in Antigua that frequently hosts live music, so they have a long list of musicians they can recommend to accompany a beautiful evening with your wedding guests. Whatever the vibe, they can send you in the right direction. 

El Bosque de Antigua Cerveza

El Bosque of Antigua Cerveza is a stunning event space nestled amidst lush greenery, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere for any occasion. With its rustic charm and modern amenities, the venue seamlessly blends natural beauty with contemporary design. Guests can enjoy the picturesque surroundings, featuring vibrant gardens and an enchanting outdoor terrace perfect for formal or casual gatherings. The spacious interior boasts high ceilings, exposed wooden beams, and large windows that flood the space with natural light, making it an ideal backdrop for both intimate and grand events. These reasons make El Bosque another one of the best options for a rehearsal dinner venue in Antigua Guatemala.

There are three different spaces available to rent for events at El Bosque, and they offer furniture rentals onsite, which makes planning all the easier. Each space differs in size and style, but the staff at El Bosque do a great job of assisting and coordinating to make sure you have the right fit for your group. 

In addition to its breathtaking setting, El Bosque Antigua Cerveza offers exceptional services to ensure a memorable experience. El Bosque Antigua Cerveza combines elegance, comfort, and a touch of whimsy, making it a premier choice for any event.

Capacity for events

• Bocce Ball court : 50 to 100 people
• Jardin de Girasoles (Sunflower garden ) : 200-300 people
• Topis ceramic workshop : 50 people

Caoba Farms

Caoba Farms is a long-time food stop of Antigua, since it was the first organic farm to open in Guatemala in 2004. The concept of the restaurant is a farm to table, family-oriented experience, which means that Caoba is enjoyable for all ages! Your guests can wander around the vegetable gardens, enjoy views of the surrounding mountains, visit the on-site farm animals or the butterfly conservatory. 

They have a wide range of food options and can accommodate a plethora of diets and cuisines. There are two main areas where you can host your guests. The first is the open-air restaurant where you can enjoy a sit-down meal or mingle near the bar. There is also a covered yoga studio space which can accommodate smaller groups or groups that want to be closer to the playground. With its rustic charm and modern amenities, Caoba Farms seamlessly blends nature and elegance, offering a unique setting that will captivate your guests.

Capacity for events : 150 total or 120 for the restaurant only

Rosanta

Rosanta is a newer restaurant in Antigua, but in its short time of being open, it has become a local favorite! The concept of Rosanta is called Gastrococteleria, or gastrococktailing. Gastrococktailing is the art of combining food dishes with cocktails in a careful and creative way. All dishes at Rosanta are paired with a cocktail specially recommended and crafted for each dish. By combining delicious cuisine with modern mixology, they can guarantee a fully-catered dining experience like nowhere else. The menu includes in-season vegetables and locally sourced products, all with a gorgeous presentation. 

Rosanta’s location is only four blocks from La Merced. There is a spacious garden, complete with a firepit and local flora and fauna. This inviting location provides intimacy in a gorgeous setting for you and your guests to enjoy before your big day. There is also a covered restaurant area with indoor seating in case you prefer a smaller or more private event. 

Capacity for events

• Private indoor salon with a fireplace: 20 people
• Indoor area: 30 people
• Pergola area: 45 people
• Garden seating: 50 people (split into 8 tables)
• Garden standing: 160 people

Vice & Wisdom

If you’re looking for a welcome dinner that ends in a full-on party, Vice is perfect for you. Vice is a unique option for wedding rehearsal dinners, mostly because it is attached to the ever-popular Vibras dance club. That means that shortly after devouring delicious, hand-thrown pizzas, you can make your way to the dancefloor of one of the most popular dance clubs in Antigua. 

The open-air terrace faces the famous Santa Catalina arch street and the club is tucked away into the building, with plenty of separate areas for reserving private or VIP get-togethers. 

This location also offers its newest space, Wisdom, a cozy speakeasy with comfy, intimate seating available for smaller groups. All three spaces offer a huge selection of cocktails (and mocktails) to accommodate all types of drinkers and each space allows for different styles of events, whether you want something more high-end or casual. 

Capacity for events :

Roof Garden

Roof Garden offers a breathtaking vantage point of the picturesque colonial city.  This rooftop venue is a blend of casual elegance, featuring lush greenery that invites visitors to relax and soak in the atmosphere. As the sun sets, the sky transforms into a canvas of oranges and pinks, creating an ideal setting for sipping on cocktails or enjoying some food while marveling at the views of the city’s iconic landmarks.

The ambiance at Roof Garden is lively yet serene, making it a perfect spot for both social gatherings and quiet moments of reflection. Roof Garden can be an all-in-one contact as well, as they offer their own in-house catering, decoration and planning. You can also bring in your preferred caterer as well if you have a particular vendor in mind or if you are already working with a wedding planner for the big day. Roof Garden is centrally located and a blank canvas for any event that you can dream up!

Capacity for events : 200 people

Porta Hotel’s patio

The patio at Porta Hotel is one of those places where you can get everything “Antigua” in one place. The ruins of San Jose El Viejo loom as a backdrop to this spacious area that rests in a private corner of Porta Hotel. The hotel has a large heated pool, playground, spa and (our favorite) a massive breakfast buffet. There is also an on-site artisan market, where guests can buy souvenirs and shop for their loved ones back home! 

You can count on Porta’s catering service to provide you with the best in local flavors and dishes. Since they already function as a wedding venue, you can rest-assured that every detail will be taken care of. Plus there is the added bonus of having hotel rooms on site, which adds to the convenience for your guests. 

Capacity for events : 200 people

Rooftop terrace at Pensativo House Hotel

If you have seen any of our photos, you have certainly seen one of our favorite wedding venues, Pensativo. This hotel has a large open rooftop available for wedding welcome dinners and rehearsals, with a view that’s hard to beat. 

The Pensativo restaurant is known to have some of the best event food in Antigua, with a variety of options for any taste. The all-white rooftop accents also give the perfect backdrop, framed exquisitely with the Agua volcano in the distance. This is no-doubt one of our favorite places to shoot and their use of this space for welcome dinners is a great option for any couple.

Capacity for events : 130-150 people

Cerveceria 14

It’s hard to hear about Antigua anymore without hearing about Cerveceria 14. This brewery has quickly become a standard stop on the tourism trail. Just 20 minutes outside of Central Antigua, Cerveceria 14 gets up close and personal with the three majestic volcanoes that surround Antigua. You can host a beer tasting here, share a sunset cocktail or walk around the sprawling coffee forest that surrounds the main building. 

Private events are normally held at the Farbar, which is set aside with its own private bar and seating area. Attached to the Farbar you will find a small amphitheater, where you can hire live music, make a toast or even get married, if that’s your style!

Catorce is famous also for not only its beer, but the fresh, famously-yummy food by Annie & Felix. The menu features oven-fired pizzas, meat and cheese plates and loads of burgers and sandwiches for any appetite. If you feel like hiring catering elsewhere, you’re welcome to do so. The staff at the brewery can even send you a list of their preferred caterers in Antigua. 

Capacity for events : 300 people

Hotel Los Pasos

Hotel Los Pasos is a hidden gem in one of the corners of the casco of Antigua. It is a quiet hotel with two beautiful terraces, located conveniently near a few different wedding venues and churches in Antigua. The style is classic Antigua, with gorgeous brickwork and sprawling green vines that cover the walls of the hotel. 

The front terrace at Los Pasos, called Terraza Vocanes (Volcano Terrace) is available to rent for folks not staying in the hotel. The back terrace is only available to those who book hotel rooms in the back section of the hotel. Either option has gorgeous views of Antigua and Agua. They also have their restaurant onsite, making catering and cocktail food a breeze. They serve a variety of Guatemalan dishes as well as a few pastas & meat dishes to satisfy any appetite.

Los Pasos also has a basement wine cellar, perfect for more intimate and cozy events. You can also use this space if you want to continue the party with a smaller group of friends in the privacy of your own personal bar.

Capacity for events :

• Volcano Terrace : 90-100 people
• Back Terrace Capacity (only available to couples who have booked a specified number of rooms at the hotel) :  60-75
• Cava : 22 people

Welten

Welten has been a staple of Antigua since the 1980’s. Their food is delicious and the location is a comfy, well-lit patio in one of the most vibrant areas of town. The style and design is a modern take on a classic Antiguan space. The cozy layout makes it the perfect place to introduce your guests to Antigua. 

The large open-air patio allows for live music and plenty of room for folks to enjoy the garden, while enjoying an assortment of smaller bites or a sit-down meal. All catering is handled in-house and the bar is fully stocked to serve classic cocktails or a personalized drink menu. This intimate location is absolutely a favorite for visitors and locals.

Capacity for events : 70 people

Aqua

If you feel like your event needs to be poolside, Aqua is a great choice for you! Aqua is a sprawling restaurant/bar within the city center. They have two different spaces to host events, which each have their own capacity and advantages. 

First, they have one of the tallest terraces of Antigua, with a fantastic view of the Santa Teresa ruins and the cathedral of La Merced. The rooftop is large, but if you prefer something a little closer to earth, the garden right next to the pool is the spot for you. There is an extra cost for the use of the pool, but on a hot and sunny afternoon in Antigua, it might be just what your guests need. 

The menu at Aqua is as large as the space itself. They have pizzas, salads, lots of starters and loads of shared plates, including a taco platter! They also offer the option of cocktail food or a sit down dinner, both in a spectacular setting! 

Clio’s Patio

The patio at Clio’s is one of the more centrally-located venues on this list. You can find it right on 3rd calle, which is the main entrance street of Antigua. Clio’s branches off of the hotel Mil Flores and has everything you need for a simple, minimal vibe during a rehearsal dinner. The style sticks close to the traditional Antiguan look, with modern accents in the decor around the hotel and restaurant. The patio also has a great view of the Agua volcano, as well as a pool that gives the space a relaxed vibe. 

Clio’s also has some of the best food in Antigua, inspired by French infusion cuisine. You can also find an attached store where you can also buy goodie bags and locally made products for your friends and family. Clio’s is a great option for smaller or larger rehearsal dinners and they offer a few different spaces, so make sure to inquire about their smaller patio as well.

Capacity for events : 200 people

There are so many options for beautiful events in Antigua, Guatemala. Some of the venues listed as the Best Wedding Venues in Antigua, Guatemala are also great options for welcome parties or rehearsal dinners. You can find the full list of the best wedding venues here. If you have an idea, comment or suggestion for welcome dinner venues in Antigua, let us know in the comments!