10 Curious Costa Rican Wedding Traditions You'll Adore
A land of lush rainforests and pristine beaches, Costa Rica is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world.
In addition to its stunning natural beauty, the Land of Pura Vida holds a rich heritage. If you're planning a destination wedding, there are heartwarming Costa Rican wedding traditions that you can incorporate into your wedding ceremony to create unforgettable memories for you and your guests. Here are our favorite ten!
1. La Pedida (The Proposal)
In Costa Rican culture, the journey to marriage often begins with La Pedida, a formal request for the bride's hand in marriage. This Costa Rican tradition involves the groom, accompanied by his parents, visiting the bride's family to seek their blessing.
It's a gesture of respect and honor. Costa Rican people are very family-oriented, so they view marriage as not only a union between two people but also a union of two families as they come together for generations to come.
2. The Serenade
The Costa Rica wedding tradition of the serenade - La Serenata - is a cherished and romantic gesture that feels like it came out from an old fairytale. It involves the groom serenading his wife-to-be, typically accompanied by his closest friends, the groomsmen. The serenade is the groom's testament to his devotion to his loved one.
Some grooms don't feel comfortable with their serenading skills, so they hire a live music band to perform the serenade for the bride. Either way, it's a beautiful moment in a Costa Rican wedding, rooted in tradition and romance.
3. All About the Family Fun
Costa Rican weddings are the ultimate family affair, with relatives from both sides coming together on the wedding day to celebrate the bride and groom.
Many family members and relatives who live far away often travel just to be present at the wedding celebration. It's heartwarming to see the entire family come together and honor the new bond!
4. Gifting the Portal
If you have ever felt stressed about choosing the right wedding present, you're going to like this Costa Rican wedding tradition! For a Costa Rican wedding, many family members and friends give seasonal decorations as gifts. It is thought to bless the couple with long years of unity, happiness, and family joy.
Christianity is the predominant religion in Costa Rica, with 76.3% of Costa Ricans identifying as Catholic. This is why the Portal, a Christmas nativity scene, is a popular gift choice among wedding guests. Displayed in the couple's home, the Portal will bring happy memories of the Costa Rican wedding for years to come.
5. La Hora Loca (The Crazy Hour)
No Costa Rican wedding is complete without "La Hora Loca," a lively celebration filled with music and dancing.
As the night unfolds, guests put on vibrant costumes, masks, and accessories, transforming the reception into a carnival-like atmosphere. It's a time to let loose and embrace the wedding party! It's one of those unique customs guaranteed to leave lasting memories.
6. Dancing All Night Long
Speaking of partying, Costa Ricans - like many other Latin cultures - are professional at dancing the night away. Dancing until dawn is one of those unspoken Costa Rican wedding traditions that everyone expects. If you're planning a destination wedding in Costa Rica, you can anticipate an unforgettable event celebration, filled with lots of laughter, love, and joy.
If you're just getting into the planning process for your Costa Rica wedding, check out our comprehensive guide to getting married in Costa Rica!
7. The Money Dance (El Baile del Billete)
Another fun Costa Rican wedding tradition, the Money Dance - or El Baile del Billete - involves guests pinning money on the bride and groom's clothes if they want to dance with them. The bride and groom dance with guests during the wedding reception, collecting the money until the Money Dance portion of the wedding day ends.
The newlyweds can choose what they want to do with the money they've accumulated. Some decide to use it to cover honeymoon or wedding-related expenses. Others simply put them in savings. It's your money, your choice!
8. Tres Leches Cake
Tres Leches Cake is a beloved Costa Rican dessert that is often served during the wedding reception. It is a sponge cake soaked in three types of milk - condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream—that blend to create a luscious and creamy texture. It's a special dessert to enjoy on your special day!
9. The Casado Meal (Married Meal)
The Casado meal - which means "married" in Spanish - is a popular food staple that often gets served at Costa Rican weddings. This dish typically consists of rice, black beans, sweet plantains, salad, and a choice of meat (such as chicken, beef, or fish). It's often accompanied by picadillo (a vegetable hash) or tortillas.
It's hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. If you want to add a touch of local culture to your Costa Rican wedding experience, serve your guests the Casado meal!
10. Latin Music
Latin music is an essential and vibrant element of Costa Rican weddings. Did we mention that Ticos love to dance?!
Salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia, or even tango - there are many rich tunes to incorporate into your dream wedding celebration. You could also consider hiring a live band to play the music. Just make sure that your wedding venue is big enough to accommodate everyone 😉
Incorporating Costa Rican Wedding Traditions into Your Dream Destination Wedding
Incorporating Costa Rican wedding traditions into your destination wedding adds a touch of cultural richness and authenticity to your special day. There are multiple traditions that you could consider adding to your wedding agenda, from the Tres Leches Cake to hiring a live band to play Latin Music as you celebrate your love ❤️
As a Costa Rica wedding planner with 20+ years of experience, we can help you organize the destination wedding of your dreams, from choosing the best wedding venue to finding talented vendors. Get in touch!
Costa Rican Wedding FAQs
What are some wedding traditions in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a country with a rich culture, so there are multiple beloved wedding traditions you could incorporate into your wedding day. Doing The Money Dance (El Baile del Billete), serving traditional food such as the Tres Leches Cake and the Casado meal, and simply getting inspired by the Costa Rican warmth and festivity are just some options!
What are the rules for marriage in Costa Rica?
To get legally married in Costa Rica, there are certain rules that you need to comply with. Some of these rules include being of legal age, submitting certain documents (such as your passport and a sworn statement of marital status), and having two witnesses present at your wedding ceremony. However, you don't have to get legally married in Costa Rica and can have a symbolic ceremony instead (this is what we recommend to our clients). Learn more in our guide to getting married in Costa Rica!
At what age do people get married in Costa Rica?
In Costa Rica, the legal age for marriage is 18 years old. You must be at least 18 years old to legally marry without requiring parental consent or authorization. Other than that, people of all ages get married in Costa Rica!
Can a US citizen get married in Costa Rica?
Yes, a US citizen can get married in Costa Rica. However, there are certain legal requirements that you must follow to get married, such as having two witnesses present and producing a sworn statement of marital status. While it's not difficult to get legally married in Costa Rica, we typically recommend our clients have a legal marriage in their home country and a symbolic celebration in Costa Rica to reduce the amount of paperwork.
Is Costa Rica a wedding destination?
Yes, Costa Rica is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world! With its stunning natural landscapes, warm culture, and central location, Costa Rica is truly one of the best places to have a destination wedding.
Planning Your Costa Rican Wedding
One of the best things about planning a Costa Rican wedding is that there are so many options available for you. If you're unsure where to start, take our Dream Wedding Style Quiz to discover what your wedding day should look like!