How to Plan a Destination Wedding in Costa Rica: 11 Tips
Rich with stunning natural landscapes and authentic culture, Costa Rica is one of the best wedding locations in the world.
If you're wondering how to plan a destination wedding in Costa Rica, you've come to the right place! Over the last 20 years, we've planned 100+ destination weddings in Costa Rica and are going to share our best tips in this article. Grab your favorite beverage, get excited, and let's begin ❤️
Why Should You Have a Costa Rica Destination Wedding?
When it comes to choosing the perfect setting for your special day, few destinations can rival Costa Rica. Why? Here are a few reasons to have a Costa Rican wedding.
Beautiful Weather: Costa Rica enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures, making it an ideal destination for weddings, especially during the dry season that runs from December to April.
Adventure and Excitement: Costa Rica is a haven for adventure seekers, offering a wide range of thrilling activities such as whitewater rafting, canopy tours, and wildlife safaris.
Breathtaking Scenery: From cascading waterfalls and misty cloud forests to dramatic volcanic landscapes and pristine beaches, Costa Rica boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.
Vibrant Culture and Heritage: Shaped by indigenous influences, Spanish colonial history, and Afro-Caribbean traditions, Costa Rica has a rich history. Incorporating elements of Costa Rican culture into your wedding adds depth and authenticity to your celebration, creating an unforgettable ceremony for you and your guests.
Ease of Travel and Accessibility: Costa Rica is easily accessible from major international airports, with direct flights available from many cities in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
If you're an adventurous couple and love nature, Costa Rica is the perfect wedding destination for you!
The Most Important Tips for Planning Your Costa Rica Destination Wedding
Start your wedding planning process early and book your venue at least 12 months in advance.
Send your wedding invitations in advance so your guests can plan for your wedding day and make necessary travel arrangements.
Budget carefully and account for currency exchange rates, taxes, and gratuities when planning your wedding expenses in Costa Rica - grab a comprehensive Wedding Cost Analysis Worksheet here!
Hire a Costa Rica wedding planner who can navigate cultural nuances, recommend trusted vendors, and make sure that every detail of your special day is perfect.
How to Plan a Destination Wedding in Costa Rica in 11 Simple Steps
1. Embrace the Pura Vida Spirit
First things first, embrace the essence of Pura Vida – the pure life – that runs through every aspect of Costa Rican culture. It's more than just a saying. It's a way of life that prioritizes simplicity, gratitude, and a deep connection to nature. Incorporate this philosophy into your wedding planning journey and embrace the local laid-back attitude!
2. Set Your Wedding Date
There are multiple things to consider when setting the date for your Costa Rica destination wedding. There are two seasons in Costa Rica, the rainy season and the dry season, and there are pros and cons to both.
Opting for the dry season, typically from December to April, ensures clearer skies, lower chances of rain, and better conditions for outdoor ceremonies and activities. However, the dry season corresponds with the peak tourist season in Costa Rica, which means that your tickets and accommodations are likely going to be more expensive.
The rainy season (also known as the green season) runs from May to November and brings a higher chance of tropical showers. That said, Costa Rican nature during the rainy season becomes even more lush, and you're likely going to save quite a lot of money by having your Costa Rica wedding during the low tourist season.
3. Choose Your Dream Costa Rica Wedding Destination
One of the best aspects of planning a destination wedding in Costa Rica is that you can choose from a plethora of stunning locations, each with its own unique charm. Whether you've always wanted to tie the knot on a secluded beach or with mysterious mountains as the stunning backdrop, there are many options to consider!
Guanacaste
Known for its sun-kissed beaches and vibrant nightlife, Guanacaste is a popular choice for couples who want a beach wedding ceremony. From the lively shores of Tamarindo to the tranquil seclusion of Playa Conchal, you'll find the perfect spot to say "I do."
Papagayo Peninsula
Nestled along the Pacific Ocean, the Papagayo Peninsula boasts luxury resorts, golden sand beaches, and stunning views. Whether you prefer a lavish resort wedding or an intimate seaside ceremony, Papagayo offers unparalleled elegance and natural beauty. If you want a sophisticated yet laid-back atmosphere for your wedding day, Papagayo could be a fantastic destination for you!
Manuel Antonio
Located along the Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio is rich with abundant wildlife. Panoramic ocean views, lush rainforests, and unexplored jungles make for a dream wedding!
Arenal
Picture-perfect views of the majestic Arenal Volcano set the stage for enchanting romance! Exchange vows in tropical gardens or beside cascading waterfalls for a wedding straight out of a fairy tale.
Monteverde
Known for its misty cloud forests and rich biodiversity, Monteverde provides a mystical backdrop for nature-loving couples. If you love adventure and wild nature, Monteverde is one of the best Costa Rica wedding locations for you!
4. Find the Perfect Wedding Venue
Once you've chosen your dream destination, it's time to secure your wedding venue! We always recommend booking your wedding venue early to gain peace of mind and know that your preferred date and location are secured. From Zephyr Palace to Punto de Vista, there are many spectacular wedding venues to consider.
Need help finding the venue for your destination wedding? Learn about our hand-picked best Costa Rica wedding venues!
5. Secure Your Vendors
From wedding planners and photographers to florists and caterers, Costa Rica boasts a wealth of talented professionals ready to bring your vision to life. However, keep in mind that many Costa Rica wedding vendors may be hard to reach or they may only speak Spanish.
Consider hiring a local wedding planner who can use their connections to find the right vendors for your wedding venue and effectively communicate with all parties involved to ensure that every detail of your wedding day is meticulously executed.
6. Navigate Legal Requirements
If you want to get legally married in Costa Rica, it's important to research the legal requirements and prepare all of the necessary paperwork.
While the process may vary depending on your nationality, couples typically need to provide valid passports, birth certificates, and affidavits of marital status to the Costa Rican Civil Registry. After you get married in Costa Rica, your marriage certificate will be recognized by Costa Rican authorities as well as internationally.
That said, we typically recommend our clients get legally married in their home country and travel to Costa Rica to have a symbolic wedding.
This way, you can deal with the legal paperwork in the familiar setting of your home country and come to Costa Rica to focus on the celebration of your love story! It's a much easier process for most couples. However, if you want to get legally married in Costa Rica, we can help you navigate the legal requirements and prepare the necessary paperwork.
7. Embrace Eco-Friendly Practices
Costa Rica is renowned for its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism practices. Embrace eco-friendly principles in your wedding planning by opting for eco-conscious venues, choosing locally sourced and organic ingredients for your catering, and minimizing waste wherever possible.
Consider incorporating elements of Costa Rican culture, such as traditional cuisine and artisanal crafts, into your wedding festivities to support local communities and celebrate the rich heritage of the country.
8. Plan Exciting Pre-Wedding Activities
One of the reasons to have a Costa Rica destination wedding is the opportunity to go on adventures with your wedding guests in the tropical paradise before the ceremony. Make the most of your time in Costa Rica by planning exciting pre-wedding activities, such as zip-lining, hiking, going on wildlife tours, and more. Your guests will thank you for the unforgettable memories created before the big day!
9. Prepare for the Unexpected
When it comes to destination weddings, it's essential to be prepared for the unexpected - because even if you're planning an intimate ceremony, all kinds of things can get off track.
From unpredictable weather patterns to logistical challenges, flexibility is key to ensuring a stress-free experience. Have a contingency plan in place for outdoor ceremonies and communicate openly with your vendors to address any concerns or changes along the way. Hiring a local wedding planner can help tremendously when planning your Costa Rica destination wedding.
10. Stay Organized with Logistics
With destination weddings, there are many logistics to plan before the big day, from designing the perfect wedding aesthetic and finding the cheapest flights to communicating with local vendors and ordering your wedding cake. It's essential to stay organized and keep track of all of your wedding planning tasks to ensure that your special day unfolds flawlessly.
Consider factors such as travel arrangements for you and your guests, including flights, airport transfers, and transportation to and from the wedding venue. Communicate with your guests about important details such as dress code and make sure that everyone is on the same page to avoid stress!
11. Celebrate Your Love Story
As the day draws near and the final details fall into place, take a moment to breathe, soak in the beauty of your surroundings, and celebrate the love that has brought you to this magical moment. With all the planning that goes into crafting the perfect destination wedding in Costa Rica, it's easy to lose focus on the one thing that truly matters: you and your partner, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Hiring a Costa Rica Wedding Planner
If you're thinking of having a destination wedding in Costa Rica, hiring a knowledgeable local wedding planner will make your experience much more unique and enjoyable.
With an intimate knowledge of the local culture, customs, and regulations, a Costa Rica wedding planner can navigate logistical challenges, secure trusted vendors, and recommend the best venues that align with your vision and budget. Learn more about working with us!
Costa Rica Destination Wedding FAQs
How much does a Costa Rica destination wedding cost?
The cost of your Costa Rica destination wedding depends on several factors, such as the size of your wedding party and whether you're having your wedding during the rainy or dry season. Typically, a Costa Rica wedding costs $50,000-$60,000, but it varies. You can download a comprehensive Wedding Cost Analysis Worksheet here.
Who pays for guests at a destination wedding?
Traditionally, guests attending a destination wedding are responsible for covering their own travel expenses. However, many couples go the extra mile to make the experience more enjoyable and affordable for their guests by offering accommodations at discounted rates or providing other financial assistance. Ultimately, it's your choice!
Is Costa Rica a wedding destination?
With its beautiful nature and developed infrastructure, Costa Rica is one of the best wedding destinations in the world. There are many gorgeous wedding venues to choose from and it's one of the safest countries in Central America.
What are the best wedding venues in Costa Rica?
There are so many wedding venues and settings to choose from in Costa Rica! Guanacaste and the Papagayo Peninsula are fantastic options for a beach wedding while Manuel Antonio and Monteverde are lovely wedding venues for adventurous couples who love nature, rainforests, and mountains.
What should I pack for my Costa Rica destination wedding?
Be sure to pack lightweight and breathable clothing for warm weather, such as sundresses, linen shirts, and comfortable shoes. Don't forget to bring essentials like sunscreen and insect repellent. If you're planning outdoor activities such as hiking, pack sturdy walking shoes and long pants.
Can I have a beach wedding in Costa Rica?
Absolutely! However, we always recommend our guests to have a beachfront wedding instead of having their wedding ceremony directly on the beach because of tide changes and wedding timeline considerations. Get in touch to learn more about how we can help you plan the beach wedding of your dreams while staying practical.
Ready to plan your dream destination wedding but are not sure where to start? Take our Wedding Style Curator Quiz!