Planning to tie your knot in a place that offers beaches, forests, and a serene environment mixed with opportunities for adventure? You need a Costa Rica wedding. It’s a popular destination for couples who plan to read their vows amidst raw nature.
If you’re the adventurous type, you’ll like the waterfalls and volcanoes here. And if you’re a lover of peaceful ambiance, there are beaches to steal your heart.
Plus, there are so many boutique hotels and resorts in Costa Rica that will take care of everything. Just let them know about your requirements and they will plan and coordinate your wedding.
About Destination Weddings in Costa Rica
Why Get Married in Costa Rica
There are pristine beaches, white sands, sparkling blue waters, amazing wildlife, colorful culture, a sunny and pleasant climate, and several modern resorts and hotels. What other reasons do you need for a Costa Rica wedding?
The place has a warm and romantic vibe that makes it ideal for weddings and honeymoons. It offers all the comforts of a modern lifestyle combined with raw natural beauty. Plus, there are cloud-covered mountains and active volcanoes that add a sense of adventure to your wedding vacation.
If you’re looking for a truly magical fairyland to ignite a sense of passion, this is the place.
Average Cost of a Destination Wedding in Costa Rica
There are several costs to consider while planning a Costa Rica wedding. You’ll need a good venue, a wedding planner/coordinator, a photographer, flowers, a hair/makeup artist, décor, music, dinner, and drinks.
There could be other costs such as live performances, gift bags, etc.
A small ceremony for up to 20 people might cost you around $5,000. As you add more guests, the price will go up.
Also, if you want to have a fancy wedding (luxurious accommodation, best photography, a diverse menu, etc.), the costs will go up significantly. However, in most cases, you can have a beautiful wedding for under $5,000.
The Best Costa Rica Wedding Venues
Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen
Marriott Hacienda Belen is just a few minutes away from Juan Santamaría airport. It is at a central location and offers quick access to many exciting places and experiences such as Britt’s Coffee Tour. If you’re a coffee lover, make sure you experience this tour when you’re here for your Costa Rica wedding.
Marriott is popular for its lip-smacking delights. Experience international flavors made from fresh and local ingredients.
If you want a grand celebration, you can have it here. With more than 14,000 sqft of event space and 28 event rooms, you can have a lavish ceremony with your friends and family. Their ballroom can accommodate 1000 people. And if you want an outdoor reception, they have a beautiful courtyard.
Visit the spa before your big day so you can relax and rejuvenate your body. If you’re a fitness enthusiast, stop by their fitness center or take a swim in their outdoor pool. Make your day more exciting with a game of golf or tennis in the hotel.
Whether you want a beach wedding or an indoor one, you can have it here. They have expert wedding planners who will take care of the event so you don’t have to worry about it.
Punta Islita, Autograph Collection
Punta Islita Autograph Collection offers many unique cultural experiences to enrich your wedding vacation. It is surrounded by the sea and forests, which makes it ideal for safaris, hiking, and other adventurous activities.
If you and your loved one are nature lovers, Punta Islita offers many exciting moments. From visiting the macaw reserve to going through the turtle refuge, and then visiting the nearby beach towns of Samara and Carrillo for shopping – it’s the perfect place for a destination wedding.
With the mouthwatering flavors at this place, selecting the right wedding menu will be a delight. Whether you’re looking for a romantic slideshow at the wedding or a heartwarming toast, their wedding planning team will make sure it’s the most memorable occasion for everyone.
When you come to Costa Rica, you might want a beach wedding. But with the diverse options offered by Punta Islita, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are grand venues both indoors and outdoors.
And if you want the banquet experience, make sure you visit their Mary Anne gallery which can accommodate 40 guests. Looking for a religious ceremony? The local catholic chapel is very near and easily accessible.
Intercontinental San Jose
The Intercontinental is a beautiful hotel in the Multiplaza Mall complex. It’s an ideal venue for a Costa Rica wedding with a convention center and 13 event rooms. You can select the right room depending on the size of your wedding. All of them have A/V facilities and high-speed internet for a romantic wedding presentation.
There are four restaurants and you can have delicious meals at any of them. Make sure you visit their spa to unwind your mind and body before your wedding day. There are lush tropical gardens in the hotel and you’ll find amazing heated pools in them.
The hotel has a vibrant ambiance that will make your wedding more romantic and exciting. If you like music and dance, visit the Zambra lobby bar that offers delicious wines and cocktails to help you unwind and have fun.
Whether you like tapas or Italian, you’ll find all your favorite dishes in this hotel. Visit Pimento, a famous dining area that offers international cuisines, specifically Italian.
If you plan a lavish wedding affair, you’ll be happy to know that this hotel has 372 rooms. Whether you want an elopement or a big celebration, the wedding planners at Intercontinental will help you out.
Nayara Gardens
If you and your soulmate are nature lovers, you’ll adore this raw tropical adventure. Get lost in love as you explore the wilderness with your partner. Experience the unique blend of luxury and adventure with Nayara.
Watch wildlife from up close – monkeys, birds, and other colorful animals living right next to you. Experience the jungle life in this one-of-a-kind resort.
And when it comes to food, you get the freshest, cleanest, and tastiest dishes. Revel in an unbelievable culinary experience that comes with the local Costa Rican flavor.
They also have an intimate bar where you can taste vintage wines. And they have a unique wine dispensing system to make sure you have an experience like never before.
Select any of their multiple wedding venues. Do you want an indoor wedding? Or do you want to read your vows in the jungle? No matter what you want, you can get it here.
Plus, they have dedicated wedding planners and coordinators who will ensure your wedding goes just how you wanted it to.
The resort offers many adults-only experiences such as private dinners, mixology classes, and coffee roasting experiences. There’s so much to do, there won’t be a single boring moment here.
The Springs Resort and Spa
The Springs is a place where you can explore nature and live in luxury. It offers an amazing view of natural hot springs and volcanoes. There are five dining places and a full-service spa. So make sure you get a rejuvenating massage or holistic treatment before your big day.
You might recognize the place from the popular TV show, “The Bachelor.” It is voted by CNN Travel as among the few resorts in the world that offer amazing views.
The resort stands on a 165-acre property and has many options for your wedding guests. If your guests are coming with children, you’ll be happy to know they have a water slide and a kids’ game room.
If you’re the adventurous kind, there are options for kayaking, horseback riding, hot spring exploration, and rock climbing. There is also an in-house adventure center and an animal sanctuary.
The resort offers the ultimate experience of romance, adventure, and relaxation. There are several beautiful venues where you can read the vows.
And that’s not all. They are ace in fine dining and delicious cocktails. If you want to have a luxurious stay with amazing views and many activities, this is the place for you. They can also arrange for a wedding coordinator for your Costa Rica wedding.
Costa Rica Wedding Legal Requirements
Can you legally marry in Costa Rica?
Yes, you can. And there’s minimal paperwork involved for a civil ceremony. If you’re looking for a symbolic wedding, there’s absolutely no paperwork.
For a civil wedding, there is no waiting period and no major documents you have to arrange. You only have to complete a basic questionnaire and you’ll need a Costa Rican lawyer for a sworn statement.
No matter which country you belong to, you can come to Costa Rica and get married here.
Can you elope in Costa Rica?
Elopements are beautiful. So traditionally romantic! There is no reason they shouldn’t be allowed in a romantic country like Costa Rica. You can elope with your loved one and get married here.
Elopements are more affordable than big wedding celebrations. Just the two of you. Since everything is affordable, you can extend your Costa Rica wedding a little and have your honeymoon here as well.
If you’re looking for a religious ceremony, you’ll find several churches and chapels here that will be happy to marry you two.
Required Legal Documents & Fees
You’ll need some documents for a Costa Rica wedding.
- The passport copies of the bride and groom
- A sworn statement from both bride and groom that they’re not married
- Divorce/death certificates of previous spouses (if applicable)
You’ll need two witnesses and a wedding officiant. Anyone with a valid Costa Rican ID can be your witness. Your hotel or resort can help you out with this. If not, you can contact your lawyer and they’ll handle it.
There will be a basic questionnaire asking for your names, parents’ names, nationalities, places of birth, etc. It’s a rather simple form and is easy to fill.
Costa Rica Wedding Planning Tips
How to Get There
There are two international airports in Costa Rica – Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO) and Daniel Oduber Quiros Airport (LIR). If you’re coming from the USA, Canada, or Europe, you’ll find several flights to SJO.
The country is also connected through waterways so you can take a boat for your Costa Rica wedding. Many luxury cruises make a stop here so that’s another way to arrive here.
Since Costa Rica is in Central America, you can also visit by road. If you’re planning to come by car, take the Interamericana Highway. You can also find a bus on this route.
Costa Rica Weather
It’s always summertime in Costa Rica. In the coastal areas, the temperature range goes from 80°F to 90°F. In the mountains and countryside, the temperature range goes from 75°F and 80°F.
While it’s warm all through the year, winters come from December to April. Winter isn’t cold either – it stays sunny and there is almost no rainfall. You might experience rain showers from May to November.
The rains always bring out the lush green color in tropical forests. However, it gets humid in the rains which is why most tourists prefer coming here in the winter months since they are sunny and pleasant.
Best Time of Year to Get Married in Costa Rica
The winter months (December to April) are the best for a Costa Rica wedding. Since the days are bright and sunny, you can enjoy all aspects of the place – beaches, volcanoes, and forests. However, since this time is also the tourist season, you can try visiting in May. This is the month when trees grow new leaves and forests have a fresh look.
September and October witness heavy rainfalls and autumn comes in November. Heavy rains might play havoc with an outdoor wedding setup so it’s best to avoid that season.
Don’t want to go outside the country but still want to have a destination wedding? Here are some USA wedding destinations.
