10 Compelling Reasons to Get Married in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a stunning wedding destination with rich nature, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. From celebrating at luxury resorts to having an intimate ceremony on a secluded beachfront, there are many ways to make your Costa Rica wedding extra special and truly you.
If you're debating whether or not Costa Rica is the right wedding destination for you, here are ten compelling reasons to get married in Costa Rica!
The Benefits of Having a Destination Wedding
Destination weddings have become increasingly popular in recent years because they offer couples a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate their love surrounded by friends, family, and stunning scenery. Unlike traditional weddings, destination weddings allow you to exchange vows in a completely new and beautiful location, creating memories that last a lifetime!
Costa Rica has emerged as one of the top destinations for couples who want a truly extraordinary wedding experience, thanks to its breathtaking natural beauty, eco-friendly options, and abundance of adventure-filled activities. So, what are the most compelling reasons to get married in Costa Rica?
10 Best Reasons to Get Married in Costa Rica
1. Breathtaking Natural Beauty
Costa Rica is not only one of the most beautiful countries in the world - it's also one of the most diverse ones! When planning your exotic destination wedding, you'll have an array of breathtaking landscapes to choose from for your wedding ceremony.
Unlike other tropical countries that typically can only offer a beach wedding, in Costa Rica you can get married in a lush tropical jungle, by cascading waterfalls, near a majestic volcano, or, of course, on a beautiful beach.
Costa Rica offers a diverse range of natural settings to suit every couple's vision for their wedding day, each boasting its own unique charm.
2. Eco-Friendly Options
Costa Rica is one of the most eco-friendly countries in Latin and Central America and is often referred to as an "ecological Eden" and the "greenest" place on Earth. Costa Rica takes its commitment to environmental sustainability seriously, and this ethos extends to its wedding venues and resorts.
Many venues and resorts in Costa Rica have implemented innovative eco-friendly practices to minimize their environmental footprint. For example, some resorts harness renewable energy sources such as solar power or hydroelectricity to meet their energy needs, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.
If you and your future spouse are lovers of nature, Costa Rica would be a fantastic place for your eco-friendly destination wedding!
3. Adventure-Filled Honeymoon
After your wedding day is over, there are many things to explore in Costa Rica on your honeymoon! The country's diverse landscapes and ecosystems are the perfect honeymoon destination for thrill-seekers and nature lovers who want to have an unforgettable adventure.
If you're an adrenaline junkie, you could go zip-lining and enjoy the panoramic views of the lush rainforest below. You could also try whitewater rafting through rugged canyons and cascading waterfalls. For underwater enthusiasts, Costa Rica's coastlines are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.
There are so many things to do! You could stay at a luxurious resort, hike in tropical rainforests, or visit a cacao farm. A honeymoon in Costa Rica is the perfect way to start your new life together ❤️
4. Rich Culture and Traditions
From traditional music and dance to delicious food bursting with local flavors, you can infuse your special day with Costa Rica's cultural heritage for more authenticity and charm.
There are many Costa Rican wedding traditions to love, from dancing the night away to Latin music such as salsa, merengue, and bachata to devouring a Tres Leches Cake. Learn more about Costa Rican wedding traditions!
5. World-Class Hospitality
Costa Rica is known as one of the happiest countries in the world, and its hospitality extends beyond just friendly smiles and warm greetings.
Ticos, as Costa Ricans are affectionately known, embrace the concept of Pura Vida, a way of living that prioritizes simplicity, kindness, and tranquility. You'll find Costa Ricans to be genuine and warm, making you feel like a part of the family, which helps tremendously during the wedding planning process!
6. Easy Travel
One of the most important aspects of planning a destination wedding is the ease of reaching the country you want to get married in when traveling from your home country. Located in Central America, Costa Rica is easily accessible from both the United States and Europe, with direct flights available from major cities.
From New York and Chicago, you can expect a flight time of approximately 5 to 6 hours. If you're flying from Dallas, it typically takes around 3 to 4 hours to reach Costa Rica. Costa Rica is also easily accessible from Europe, with direct flights from major cities such as London, Madrid, and Frankfurt. Depending on your departure city in Europe, flight times to Costa Rica range from approximately 10 to 12 hours.
There are several international and domestic airports in Costa Rica, including Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San Jose and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. Which airport you should fly to depends on your wedding venue. Here is a list of the best wedding venues in Costa Rica!
7. Luxurious Accommodations
From boutique hotels nestled in the rainforest to luxurious resorts right on the beach, Costa Rica offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every taste and budget. Whether you're looking for a romantic hideaway or a lavish resort experience, you'll find the perfect place to stay in Costa Rica!
You could explore eco-lodges and wellness retreats, private villas with panoramic views, or jungle bungalows as your wedding destinations.
8. Amazing Food
Costa Rican food is simply delicious! From freshly caught seafood and flavorsome coffee to tropical fruits and traditional meals of chicken, rice, and beans, Costa Rica has many dishes for you to try (and surprise your guests with). Many restaurants and eateries source ingredients locally and support small-scale farmers and producers.
9. Secluded Romance
If you don't want to have a big wedding and are looking to celebrate your love story in an intimate setting, Costa Rica has many small-scale and secluded wedding venues that allow you to do that.
From hidden beaches to secluded waterfalls, there are many opportunities for couples to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and create a unique marriage ceremony in a beautiful country.
10. Expert Wedding Planning Services
Planning a destination wedding can be daunting, but Costa Rica has experienced wedding planners and vendors ready to help bring your vision to life. Weddings Costa Rica has planned weddings for 100+ couples, earning features in Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings, and the Huffington Post. Learn more about our Costa Rica wedding planning packages!
Reasons to Get Married in Costa Rica FAQs
Why do people get married in Costa Rica?
Couples choose to get married in Costa Rica because of its natural beauty, diverse options for wedding venues, warm hospitality, and many opportunities for adventure. You can have your marriage ceremony on a stunning beach, in a mysterious rainforest, or near a majestic volcano - there are many options to explore! From a logistical standpoint, Costa Rica is easily accessible from major US and European cities, which makes planning your big day much easier.
Can a US citizen legally get married in Costa Rica?
Yes, US citizens can legally marry in Costa Rica. Couples typically need to present valid passports, birth certificates, and proof of single status. You may also be required to provide divorce or death certificates if applicable. You also typically need two witnesses to be present during your marriage ceremony. You'll receive a marriage certificate that'll be valid both in Costa Rica and abroad.
That said, we typically recommend our clients get married in their home country and have a symbolic wedding in Costa Rica. This minimizes paperwork and is typically just a much easier way to do things!
Is it cheaper to get married in Costa Rica?
It depends on your vision for your wedding day and the prices in your home country. The cost of a wedding in Costa Rica can vary depending on factors such as the location, venue, and number of guests. While some couples may find it more affordable than a traditional wedding in their home country, it's essential to consider all expenses involved in planning a destination wedding.
You can use our Wedding Cost Analysis Worksheet to estimate how much your Costa Rica wedding will cost.
How do I plan a destination wedding in Costa Rica?
The best way to plan a destination wedding in Costa Rica is to hire a local wedding planner who can navigate the logistics, coordinate with vendors, and help you find the best wedding venues. We've been Costa Rica's leading wedding planning firm since 2003 and are proud to have been named to the prestigious A-List of the Top 30 Destination Wedding Planners in the World by Destination Weddings and Honeymoons Magazine. Learn more about our wedding planning services!