Rayver is a member of the Cruz family, a noted family line in the Philippine entertainment industry. He has two older brothers, Rodjun Cruz and Omar Cruz-Ilustre. His father, Rodolfo L. Ilustre, died in 2009 from kidney failure. He finished Grade 6 in Saint Mark's Institute in Las Pinas City. He graduated in 2010 with a B.S. degree in Business Administration Management from St. Francis of Assisi College. Rayver is also a cousin of Sheryl Cruz, Sunshine Cruz, Geneva Cruz, and Donna Cruz.
