If you’re looking for unspoiled beaches, lush rainforests, and beautiful wildlife, you need to visit Costa Rica. Thanks to its romantic landscapes and warm pristine waters, many young couples look forward to a Costa Rica wedding.
This country is also famous for its amazing wildlife – from jaguars to monkeys to toucans. The natural surroundings of this place offer an interesting play of colors.
There are active volcanoes, cloud-covered forests, and lots of outdoor activities in this tropical paradise. All these features make it an exciting place to get married. Whether you’re a nature seeker, an adventure enthusiast, or just a die-hard romantic, Costa Rica offers a magical wonderland ideal for all kinds of weddings.
Table of Contents
Best Venues for Your Costa Rica Destination Wedding
About Destination Weddings in Costa Rica
Legal Requirements for Weddings in Costa Rica
Costa Rica Destination Wedding Planning Tips
Average Room Price: $400 to $1000
Drive Time to Airport: 40 minutes
Number of Rooms: 145
Weddings Per Day: 1
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: No
LGBTQ Friendly: Yes
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The Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica is an exquisite wedding destination located in the picturesque Papagayo Peninsula. With its breathtaking ocean views, white sandy beaches, and lush tropical rainforests, it’s the perfect location for couples looking for a romantic and unforgettable wedding experience.
The resort offers a range of stunning venues for both the ceremony and reception, including the beach, the terrace, and the ballroom. The beach is a popular choice for its picturesque setting, with the sound of the waves and stunning ocean backdrop creating a magical ambiance. The terrace is a more intimate and tranquil setting, while the ballroom is perfect for a more traditional and elegant reception.
The resort’s team of experienced and dedicated wedding planners work closely with couples to create a personalized and unique experience. They take care of every detail, allowing the couple to relax and enjoy their special day.
The resort also offers a range of luxurious accommodations, with spacious and beautifully decorated rooms providing a comfortable and relaxing retreat for the couple and their guests. The resort’s amenities include a spa, golf course, and a variety of water sports.
Average Room Price: $100 to $400
Drive Time to Airport: 40 minutes
Number of Rooms: 538
Weddings Per Day: 2
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: No
LGBTQ Friendly: Yes
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RIU Palace Costa Rica is a beautiful all-inclusive resort in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. It is a popular destination for weddings, offering couples a stunning beachfront location, a range of wedding packages, and experienced wedding planners to help create the perfect wedding day.
One of the main advantages of having a wedding at RIU Palace Costa Rica is the beautiful scenery. The resort is on a stunning white sand beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean, providing the perfect backdrop for a romantic and unforgettable beach wedding. The resort’s experienced wedding planners can help couples create a customized wedding package tailored to their preferences and budgets.
RIU Palace Costa Rica offers a range of wedding venues to choose from, including indoor and outdoor spaces. The resort’s beachfront location provides a picturesque setting for a romantic beach wedding, while the gardens offer a tranquil and intimate setting for an outdoor ceremony or reception. The resort’s ballroom is also an option for couples who prefer an indoor setting for their wedding celebration.
In addition to the wedding ceremony and reception, the resort offers a range of activities and amenities for guests to enjoy during their stay.
Average Room Price: $100 to $400
Drive Time to Airport: 30 minutes
Number of Rooms: 294
Weddings Per Day: 4
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: No
LGBTQ Friendly: Yes
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Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica is a luxurious all-inclusive resort located on the stunning Papagayo Peninsula in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. It offers an ideal location for couples looking to have a beautiful and unique wedding experience. The resort has a variety of wedding packages that cater to different styles and budgets, from intimate elopements to grand celebrations.
Couples can choose from several stunning locations for their ceremony and reception, including a beautiful beach location, a garden gazebo, or a rooftop terrace with panoramic ocean views. The experienced wedding planners at the resort can help couples plan every detail of their special day, from the flowers and decor to the menu and entertainment.
In addition to the wedding, the resort offers several amenities for guests, including multiple swimming pools, a fitness center, a spa, and several restaurants serving international cuisine. There is also a variety of activities and entertainment options available, including beach volleyball, water sports, and live shows.
Overall, Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica is an ideal choice for couples looking for a unique and luxurious wedding experience in a stunning tropical location.
Average Room Price: $100 to $400
Drive Time to Airport: 200 minutes
Number of Rooms: 402
Weddings Per Day: 1
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: No
LGBTQ Friendly: No
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Barcelo Tambor is a luxurious beachfront resort in Costa Rica, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning natural landscapes. It is a popular wedding destination, offering couples a beautiful, romantic setting to exchange their vows. The resort has a variety of wedding packages to choose from, each tailored to suit different preferences and budgets.
One of the main advantages of having a wedding at Barcelo Tambor is the stunning natural surroundings. The resort is in a secluded bay, surrounded by lush tropical gardens and pristine white sand beaches. This creates a breathtaking wedding backdrop and ensures that couples can capture unforgettable memories of their special day.
The resort has a team of experienced wedding planners who can help couples plan every aspect of their wedding. The couples can rest easy leaving everything to the experts.
In addition to the wedding ceremony and reception, the resort offers a range of activities and amenities for guests to enjoy during their stay. This includes swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean, as well as relaxing spa treatments and gourmet dining experiences.
Average Room Price: $100 to $400
Drive Time to Airport: 25 minutes
Number of Rooms: 163
Weddings Per Day: 1
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: Yes
LGBTQ Friendly: No
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Occidental Papagayo is a luxurious resort located in Costa Rica, and it provides a stunning location for couples looking to host a destination wedding. The resort offers a range of indoor and outdoor venues that cater to different wedding styles. They also have dedicated wedding planners to make every couple’s wedding day unforgettable.
The beachfront terrace is one of the most popular wedding venues at Occidental Papagayo. The terrace is located on the resort’s private beach and provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The space accommodates up to 100 guests and creates a romantic, intimate atmosphere perfect for exchanging vows.
Occidental Papagayo also offers a range of outdoor venues. These venues provide a serene and romantic atmosphere perfect for intimate weddings. The resort’s wedding planners work with couples to create customized wedding packages that cater to their unique preferences and requirements.
The resort offers an all-inclusive package that includes accommodations, meals, beverages, and access to the resort’s facilities.
In conclusion, Occidental Papagayo provides a stunning location, exceptional service, and a range of venue options to make your dream wedding a reality.
Average Room Price: $100 to $400
Drive Time to Airport: 85 minutes
Number of Rooms: 447
Weddings Per Day: 1
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: No
LGBTQ Friendly: Yes
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Dreams Las Mareas is a luxurious, all-inclusive resort located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. The resort’s stunning location, surrounded by lush forests and beautiful beaches, makes it an ideal destination for couples looking for a memorable wedding experience. The resort offers a range of wedding packages that can be customized to suit the preferences and needs of each couple.
Dreams Las Mareas offers a range of stunning wedding venues, including a beautiful beachfront gazebo, a tropical garden, and an elegant ballroom. The resort can accommodate weddings of all sizes, from intimate ceremonies with just a few guests to grand celebrations with hundreds of attendees.
The resort’s all-inclusive package ensures guests have everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The package includes all meals and drinks, access to the resort’s pools, restaurants, bars, and various activities and amenities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and yoga classes. Guests can also enjoy the resort’s world-class spa, which offers a range of treatments and services designed to promote relaxation and wellness.
Dreams Las Mareas is an exceptional destination for couples looking for a luxurious and unforgettable wedding experience.
Average Room Price: $100 to $400
Drive Time to Airport: 40 minutes
Number of Rooms: 701
Weddings Per Day: 2
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: No
LGBTQ Friendly: Yes
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RIU Guanacaste is a beautiful all-inclusive beach resort located in Costa Rica. It is a popular wedding destination for couples looking for a stunning tropical location to tie the knot. The resort offers several wedding packages, including the Classic, Royal, and Caprice.
The Classic package includes a semi-private dinner, a wedding cake, and sparkling wine toast, while the Royal package includes a private dinner, decor, live music, and a romantic breakfast in bed. The Caprice package offers the most luxurious amenities, including a spa package, photography, and videography.
The resort has several beautiful locations for the ceremony and reception, including a beach location, a garden gazebo, and an oceanview terrace. The resort’s experienced wedding planners can help couples plan every aspect of their special day, including arranging for the ceremony and reception details, selecting the perfect package, and handling legal requirements.
In addition to the wedding, the resort offers several amenities for guests, including swimming pools, a gym, a spa, and various restaurants serving international cuisine, including Costa Rican and Italian. There are also several bars on-site where guests can enjoy drinks and entertainment.
Average Room Price: $100 to $400
Drive Time to Airport: 22 minutes
Number of Rooms: 202
Weddings Per Day: 1
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: Yes
LGBTQ Friendly: Yes
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Secrets Papagayo Resort & Spa is a beautiful and luxurious all-inclusive resort located on the stunning Papagayo Peninsula in Costa Rica. This resort is known for its breathtaking views, pristine beaches, and exceptional service, making it the perfect location for a dream wedding.
The resort offers a variety of wedding packages to suit different needs and preferences. Couples can choose from beautiful ceremony locations, including the beach, the pool deck, or the beautiful tropical gardens. Each location offers its own unique atmosphere and stunning backdrop.
One of the standout features of Secrets Papagayo weddings is the exceptional service the resort’s wedding coordinators provide. They dedicate themselves to making each wedding a truly unforgettable experience.
In addition to the beautiful ceremony locations and exceptional service, Secrets Papagayo weddings also offer a range of customizable packages to suit different budgets and preferences. Couples can choose from a variety of options, including flowers, photography, entertainment, and more, to create the perfect wedding day.
Overall, Secrets Papagayo weddings are a truly magical experience.
Average Room Price: $400 to $1000
Drive Time to Airport: 60 minutes
Number of Rooms: 406
Weddings Per Day: 1
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: Yes
LGBTQ Friendly: No
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Westin Playa Conchal Resort & Spa is a beautiful beachfront property located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica that offers an idyllic setting for destination weddings. The resort boasts a range of indoor and outdoor venues for ceremonies and receptions.
For weddings, you can choose between a beautiful beach, lush gardens, and elegant ballrooms. Their experienced wedding planners will work with you to create a customized wedding package that fits your style and budget.
Westin Playa Conchal Resort & Spa offers a variety of wedding packages that to meet your specific needs and preferences. The packages typically include services and amenities. The resort’s wedding planners can also assist with legal requirements for getting married in Costa Rica.
Their most popular wedding package is the “Classic Wedding Package,” which includes a beachfront ceremony setup, a bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere, a two-tier wedding cake, sparkling wine for the toast, a three-course dinner reception, and a complimentary honeymoon suite for the newlyweds. The resort also offers additional services and amenities that can be apply to any package. Spa treatments, live music and entertainment, and additional photography and videography services are some of them.
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Average Room Price: Under $100
Drive Time to Airport: 17 minutes
Number of Rooms: 594
Weddings Per Day: 2
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: Yes
LGBTQ Friendly: Yes
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Located in the exclusive Condominio Costa Mujeres area of Cancun, the Hotel Riu Latino is an excellent destination for couples. The hotel provides an unforgettable experience with its exclusive 24-hour all-inclusive service, direct access to the pristine Costa Mujeres beach, and the exciting Splash Water World water park.
The hotel features over 550 modern and comfortable rooms designed with all the amenities needed for an enjoyable stay. After a restful night’s sleep, guests can start their day with an American-style buffet breakfast. Afterwards, a refreshing dip in one of the hotel’s five incredible outdoor pools await you. For guests who want to bask in the sun, the hotel provides an exclusive area for guests on the beach with sun loungers and a bar.
Guests can enjoy the RIU entertainment team’s activities program, which includes shows and a nightclub. There’s also a wide range of water activities, such as kayaking, catamaran trips, and snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea. Besides, guests can visit the Renova Spa, which features relaxation pools, a steam room, and various beauty treatments.
Food lovers will be spoilt for choice at the Hotel Riu Latino, which offers a range of dining options, including live cooking stations at the buffet restaurant and à la carte Italian, Asian, and steakhouse restaurants. Guests can also enjoy snacks and drinks throughout the day at the swimming pool bars and lobby bar.
Average Room Price: $100 to $400
Drive Time to Airport: 6 minutes
Number of Rooms: 299
Weddings Per Day: 2
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: No
LGBTQ Friendly: Yes
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Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen is an exceptional destination wedding venue that offers an unforgettable experience for couples and their guests. Nestled in the picturesque town of Belen, this hotel combines luxurious accommodations, stunning surroundings, and impeccable service to create the perfect setting for a dream wedding.
The hotel has various adaptable conference rooms and over 14,000 square feet of high-end event space. It has everything you need for a magnificent wedding. The Juan Vazquez ballroom can hold up to 1000 people, and the Central Courtyard is excellent for outside drinks.
This hotel, located just a few minutes from Juan Santamaria International Airport, provides convenient access to popular destinations such as Britt’s Coffee Tour. The hotel’s restaurant prepares delectable cuisine for guests using only local and fresh products.
This hotel’s Great Room is a lovely space where you can settle up with a book and enjoy all the tranquility you desire. Enjoy your stay by playing a game at the hotel’s golf course or tennis court. And if you want to relax before your Costa Rica wedding, visit their spa. A workout facility and an outdoor pool are also available.
They provide a variety of wedding settings that are bordered by lush landscapes and coffee farms. Among their many locations is a colonial hacienda with an old-school antique atmosphere.
Average Room Price: $100 to $400
Drive Time to Airport: 15 minutes
Number of Rooms: 372
Weddings Per Day: 2
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: No
LGBTQ Friendly: Yes
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The Intercontinental San Jose is located within the Multiplaza Mall complex. It features four busy restaurants, a lively environment, a holistic spa, and heated pools surrounded by tropical vegetation. It’s the ideal location for a Costa Rica wedding.
Intercontinental San Jose boasts world-class facilities that cater to every wedding need. With 13 event rooms and a Convection Center, you may create a suitable theme and décor for your wedding. The ballroom will be ideal if you want to have a significant indoor event.
With live music, homemade drinks, and a tapas menu, their Zambra Lobby Bar is ideal for visitors to rest and unwind. When you’re in the mood for something Italian, come to Pimento, a dining area that provides classic Italian fare, such as handmade pasta, soups, fresh fish, and amazing desserts.
Suites, executive rooms, and basic rooms are effective alternatives for hosting wedding guests. Do you want to throw a lavish wedding? The Intercontinental will be the best option because it has 372 rooms to accommodate all of your visitors.
Intercontinental features 21 diverse conference spaces that you can configure to match your needs. All rooms have contemporary conveniences to ensure that your wedding runs well. With its stunning surroundings, world-class facilities, attentive staff, and cultural richness, this hotel creates an unforgettable experience that will be cherished by both you and your guests.
Average Room Price: $100 to $400
Drive Time to Airport: 60 minutes
Number of Rooms: 44
Weddings Per Day: 3
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: No
LGBTQ Friendly: Yes
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Villa Caletas is a lovely boutique hotel located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It is atop a hill with astonishing scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and the lush tropical rainforest.
This is the ideal wedding location if you want a genuine Roman amphitheater with a backdrop of beach rocks. Get married right next to an infinity pool with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Make your wedding fantasies come true with one-of-a-kind places and romantic grace. They feature a private beach, Rancho Caletas, a royal Amphitheater area, and a heavenly Zephyr Palace for weddings. Combine the best elements from various epochs to create a fantastic experience.
The hotel has personal wedding planners who will assist you and ensure your wedding goes as planned. They cater to all sorts of weddings, whether tiny or grand. And with each wedding, they offer beautiful banquets, incredible dancing venues, and incredible views.
Unwind in Serenity Spa as you prepare for your important day, which boasts expert therapists and a variety of spa treatment choices. Several sorts of lodgings are available, ranging from plain and conventional to exotic and romantic. You want privacy and closeness, and Villa Caletas will provide both.
There is so much to fall in love with the place, from its secluded and lovely beach to its outstanding architectural components.
Average Room Price: $400 to $1000
Drive Time to Airport: 120 minutes
Number of Rooms: 10
Weddings Per Day: 3
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: No
LGBTQ Friendly: Yes
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Villa Punto De Vista is located at the forest and sea confluence. It is distinguished by a thick green forest line on one side and exquisite white sandy beaches on the other. It seamlessly blends modern luxury with the natural environment.
This location provides you with your little jungle. Invite your visitors to this one-of-a-kind setting where you may lose yourself in nature’s magnificence. For an exceptional wedding vacation experience, the celebration location offers two fully equipped ceremony villas overlooking the ocean. You can have a beach or woodland wedding at Villa Punto De Vista.
Villa Punto De Vista is next to Villa la Isla, and you can reserve the entire state for your wedding. While this location is stunning, it can only hold a maximum of 54 guests, making it suitable for a small Costa Rica wedding.
The site spans 2.5 acres of land and includes tropical reserves teeming with animals and the warm seas of Manuel Antonio Bay. Both villas mix well with their surroundings, and 10 bedrooms provide 180-degree views of raw, unfiltered nature. This villa has a luxury atmosphere and has garnered honors and praise for its beauty and modern facilities.
Average Room Price: $400 to $1000
Drive Time to Airport: 40 minutes
Number of Rooms: 21
Weddings Per Day: 2
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: No
LGBTQ Friendly: Yes
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Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas, Costa Rica, is the ideal location for falling in love. A handcrafted ceremony explicitly created to your specifications. They ensure the success of your Costa Rica wedding with a devoted crew.
There are private open-air venues where you may create the ideal mood for your wedding. This location has various romantic hideaways and an elopement package that allows you to spend lovely and personal moments with your loved one while you tie the knot.
Your wedding calls for spectacular and out-of-the-ordinary events. This report provides you with absolute luxury and a secluded paradise. The pristine beaches and awe-inspiring landscapes offer a captivating backdrop for couples to exchange their vows in an intimate and romantic setting.
Enjoy coastal accommodations in a free-spirited manner, being close to nature while falling in love. Find a haven of peace and tranquillity on the gorgeous beaches open to lush green woodlands.
At Casa Chameleon, you may enjoy beachfront butler service and privileged access to the adults-only infinity pool. There is a luxurious spa and delectable dining options here.
Enjoy the panoramic views and the Pura Vida vibe or raw nature in this one-of-a-kind location. Create an unforgettable encounter that you will remember for a lifetime.
About Destination Weddings in Costa Rica
Why Get Married in Costa Rica
A Costa Rica wedding is full of excitement, adventure, and glamour. This is the reason so many people come here to get married.
There are thick jungles, sprawling beaches, and powdery sands. There are butterflies among waterfall gardens and active volcanoes where you can take a hike. Or just sit in a hammock under a beautiful palm tree and relax before your big day.
You’ll find several beautiful resorts and other wedding venues in Costa Rica. Many of them offer all-inclusive deals and packages so you can sit and relax while they plan everything.
Average Cost of a Destination Wedding in Costa Rica
Costa Rica wedding costs depend largely on the preferences of the couple and the number of guests. A small elopement can be very economical while a lavish ceremony can be over the budget.
The average cost for accommodation in a good resort would be $200 per room for a night. The ceremony, including the cake and flowers, would cost $5000. Reception costs would be about $200-$400 per person, depending on the menu.
Taking all these factors into account, the average cost of a Costa Rica wedding for 50 guests would be around $18000 to $28000.
Legal Requirements for Weddings in Costa Rica
Legal Weddings vs. Symbolic Weddings
Getting married in Costa Rica is a heavenly experience. However, you must decide how you want it. Do you want the legal paperwork back in your home country with just the ceremony here? Or do you want both the paperwork and the ceremony in Costa Rica?
If you want only the ceremony, it’s called a symbolic wedding. But if you want paperwork and ceremony here, it’s called a legal or a civil wedding.
Most couples prefer a symbolic wedding as they complete the paperwork hassle at home. But it’s totally up to you. If you want a legal wedding in Costa Rica, most hotels and resorts will help you with that.
Required Legal Documents & Cost
There aren’t any strict requirements for a Costa Rica wedding. You’ll need copies of the passports of the bride and groom. The passport should be valid for at least the next 6 months.
You also need a legal officiant. You can find an officiant on your own or you can contact your hotel or resort. They generally have links and can arrange everything for you. Next, you need two witnesses. Anyone with a valid ID can be a witness. Again, your hotel or resort can help you out here.
You need to provide your passport number, full name, home address, date of birth, place of birth, nationality, and parents’ names to the authorities.
Legal Marriage Timeline
Arrange an officiant before you visit Costa Rica. You can discuss this with your hotel and they will arrange one for you.
Your documents and other formalities should be ready about one month in advance. And it’s always advisable to reach the destination at least 3-4 days before the wedding. This way, you can make sure everything is in order on the big day.
When all the documents are done, a lawyer will register your marriage. Once it is authenticated by the consulate in your country, you will receive the documents via post. It generally takes about 3 months to receive them.
Costa Rica Destination Wedding Planning Tips
How to Get There
Costa Rica has two international airports, Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Daniel Oduber Quiros (LIR). SJO is the main airport and connects to multiple cities all over the world by flight carriers such as US Airways, Air Canada, American Airlines, and Juan Santamaria.
If you want to travel by sea, you can get a boat to Costa Rica. There are also luxury cruises from Panama that visit the remote beaches of Costa Rica.
And if you want to visit by car, you can take the Interamericana Highway to Costa Rica. You’ll also find frequent buses on this route.
Costa Rica Weather
Costa Rica stays warm throughout the year and the temperatures range from 80°F to 90°F in coastal areas. In the countryside and mountainsides, the temperatures usually fall between 75°F and 80°F.
Winters typically last from December to April and the weather is pretty stable then. There is little to no rainfall and it stays sunny. Other months receive varying amounts of rainfall. While rains might not be the best time for an open-air wedding, they do bring out a vibrant green color in the forest areas.
However, summer and rainy seasons are generally warm and damp and winters are more pleasant.
Budgeting Tips
Here are some tips to save money on your Costa Rica wedding:
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- While San Jose is the biggest city in Costa Rica, it’s also expensive. Instead of shopping here, you can shop at more affordable options – San Ramon or Dominical.
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- Airbnbs and homestays are generally more expensive in Costa Rica than hotels and resorts. So make sure to compare prices before booking a homestay.
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- Keep the dates flexible and ask the resort if they run any deals near your wedding date
Best Time of Year to Get Married in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is the most pleasant from December to April. The days are sunny and bright, and open-air weddings are beautiful. The green season lasts from May to June – that’s the time when trees grow new leaves.
November is also the time of transition when seasons change and trees shed their leaves. September and October come with heavy rainfall and it might hamper the plan of an outdoor event. But keep in mind that this is the off-season so most hotels and resorts offer a discount in these months.
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