The Ultimate Guide to Destination Weddings in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a beautiful country known for its stunning landscapes, friendly people, and relaxed vibe. It's no surprise that many couples choose to get married in this paradise destination. If you're considering a destination wedding in Costa Rica, here's everything you need to know to plan your dream wedding.

Choosing the Perfect Location

One of the first things you'll need to do when planning a destination wedding in Costa Rica is to choose the perfect location. The country is home to a wide range of beautiful locations, including pristine beaches, lush rainforests, waterfalls and stunning mountains.

Weddings in Guanacaste

Guanacaste is one of the most popular destinations for weddings in Costa Rica, thanks to its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and wide range of hotels and resorts that are well-equipped to host weddings. Here are some of the most popular venues for a destination wedding in Guanacaste:

1. The Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal - This luxurious resort is located on a beautiful stretch of beach and features a wide range of amenities, including a world-class spa, golf course, and multiple restaurants. It's also a popular choice for weddings, thanks to its stunning event spaces, including a beachfront gazebo and a ballroom with views of the ocean.
2. Hacienda Pinilla - This 4,500-acre private estate is located on the Pacific coast and features a range of event spaces, including a beach club, golf course, and hacienda-style event center. The property also offers a wide range of activities for guests, including surfing, horseback riding, and tennis.
3. JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa - This luxurious resort is located on a pristine beach and features multiple event spaces, including a beautiful garden gazebo and a grand ballroom with ocean views. The resort also offers a wide range of activities and amenities, including a world-class spa and multiple restaurants.
4. Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo - This stylish resort is located on a peninsula overlooking the Pacific Ocean and features multiple event spaces, including a beachfront lawn and a beautiful terrace with ocean views. The resort also offers a range of activities for guests, including snorkeling, paddleboarding, and yoga.
5. Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica - This all-inclusive resort is located on a beautiful stretch of beach and features a range of event spaces, including a beachfront gazebo and a rooftop terrace with panoramic ocean views, gardens and many many more. The resort also offers a wide range of activities and amenities, including multiple restaurants and a spa.

If you are looking for a more private and intimate venue for your destination wedding in Guanacaste, renting a villa or house can be a great option. Here are some popular options for villa and house rentals for weddings in Guanacaste:

1. Villa Paraiso - Located in the exclusive gated community of Punta Plata, this stunning villa offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and features 7 bedrooms, a private pool, and beautiful outdoor spaces perfect for a wedding ceremony and reception.
2. Villa Buena Onda - This luxurious villa is located in the hills above Playas del Coco and offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. With 8 bedrooms, a private pool, and beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, it's a great option for a smaller wedding or an intimate elopement.
3. Villa Manzu - This exclusive 8-bedroom villa is located on a private peninsula and offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. With multiple event spaces, including a beautiful beachfront lawn and a grand indoor ballroom, it's a perfect venue for a larger wedding or a multi-day celebration.
4. Casa Capitan - Located in the beachfront community of Las Catalinas, this beautiful 4-bedroom villa features a private pool and stunning views of the ocean. The villa's spacious indoor and outdoor spaces make it a great option for a smaller wedding or a rehearsal dinner.
5. Casa Ramon - This beautiful 5-bedroom villa is located in the hills above Tamarindo and offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. With beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, including a private pool and multiple terraces, it's a great option for a smaller wedding or an intimate elopement.

These are just a few of the many beautiful villas and houses available for rent for weddings in Guanacaste. With their stunning views and luxurious amenities, they offer a unique and intimate setting for your special day.

Weddings in the Rainforest and with the Volcano views in La Fortuna

Another popular wedding destination in Costa Rica is the Arenal Volcano region. This area is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the iconic Arenal Volcano and the beautiful Lake Arenal.

La Fortuna is a popular destination for weddings in Costa Rica, thanks to its stunning landscapes, lush rainforest, and proximity to the famous Arenal Volcano. Here are some popular hotels for destination weddings in La Fortuna:

1. Nayara Gardens - This luxurious boutique hotel is located in the heart of the rainforest and features stunning views of the Arenal Volcano. With multiple event spaces, including a beautiful garden gazebo, it's a great option for a larger wedding or a multi-day celebration.
2. The Springs Resort & Spa - This luxurious resort is located on a mountainside overlooking the Arenal Volcano and features multiple event spaces, including a beautiful outdoor terrace and amazing riverside venue. The resort also offers a wide range of amenities, including multiple restaurants, a world-class spa, and hot springs.
3. Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa - This luxurious resort is located in the heart of the rainforest and features multiple event spaces, including a beautiful garden gazebo and a grand ballroom. The resort also offers access to natural hot springs and a wide range of activities, including hiking, ziplining, and white water rafting.
4. Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa - This beautiful hotel is located on a hillside overlooking the Arenal Volcano and features multiple event spaces, including a beautiful garden gazebo. The hotel also offers a range of amenities, including a spa, hot springs with volcano views.

These are just a few of the many beautiful hotels available for destination weddings in La Fortuna. With their stunning landscapes and world-class amenities, they offer a unique and unforgettable setting for your special day.

Weddings in Manuel Antonio and Uvita - stunning villas and beautiful wide beaches

Manuel Antonio and Uvita are both beautiful locations for destination weddings in Costa Rica, with stunning beaches, lush rainforest, and plenty of natural beauty. Here are some popular venues and houses for destination weddings in Manuel Antonio and Uvita:

1. Villa Punto de Vista - Located in Manuel Antonio, this stunning villa offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and features 10 bedrooms, a private pool, and beautiful outdoor spaces perfect for a wedding ceremony and reception. The villa also offers a range of amenities, including a private chef, spa services, and personalized concierge service.
2. Costa Verde is a beautiful hotel and wedding venue located in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. The hotel is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by lush rainforest.
3. Casa Fantastica - Located in Manuel Antonio, this beautiful 8-bedroom villa features stunning views of the ocean and surrounding rainforest. With multiple event spaces, including a beautiful outdoor terrace and a grand ballroom, it's a great option for a larger wedding or a multi-day celebration. The villa also offers a range of amenities, including a private chef, spa services, and personalized concierge service.
4. Oxygen Jungle Villas - Located in Uvita, this beautiful boutique hotel features stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding rainforest. With multiple event spaces, including a beautiful outdoor terrace and a grand ballroom, it's a great option for a larger wedding or a multi-day celebration. The hotel also offers a range of amenities, including a spa, infinity pool, and personalized concierge service.
5. Tulemar Resort - Located in Manuel Antonio, Tulemar Resort is a beautiful beachfront resort featuring multiple event spaces, including a beautiful outdoor terrace and a grand ballroom. The resort also offers a range of amenities, including a private beach, multiple swimming pools, and personalized concierge service.

No matter which location you choose, it's important to work with a local wedding planner who can help you navigate the local customs and traditions and recommend the best vendors in the area.

Planning Your Budget

Destination weddings can be expensive, so it's important to plan your budget carefully. Be sure to consider all of the costs involved, including travel expenses, accommodations, venue rental fees, and food and beverage costs.

Working with a local wedding planner can also help you save money, as they can recommend local vendors who may offer better rates than international vendors.

Choosing the Right Time of Year

Costa Rica has a tropical climate, which means that it can be hot and humid year-round. If you love the sunny days and you're not a big fan of the rain be sure to plan your wedding during the dry season, which typically runs from December through April, to avoid the rainy season.

In addition to avoiding the rain, planning your wedding during the dry season also means that you'll be able to take advantage of the many outdoor activities and attractions that Costa Rica has to offer.

The rainy season in Costa Rica 

generally runs from May through November, with September and October typically being the wettest months. While planning a wedding during the rainy season may seem daunting, it is definitely still possible to have a beautiful and successful wedding during this time of year. Here are some tips for planning a destination wedding in Costa Rica during the rainy season:

1. Choose an Indoor Venue: Consider venues that have indoor spaces, such as a grand ballroom or a covered terrace. This will ensure that your guests stay dry during the ceremony and reception, and that the event is not affected by rain.
2. Be Prepared: If you do choose an outdoor venue, be sure to have a backup plan in case of rain. This may mean renting tents or umbrellas, or having an indoor space available as a backup.
3. Schedule the Ceremony and Reception Times Carefully: Try to schedule your wedding ceremony and reception during the driest times of the day, which are typically in the morning or early afternoon. This will reduce the chances of rain interfering with your event.
4. Embrace the Rain: If it does rain on your wedding day, embrace it! Rain can add a romantic and intimate touch to your special day, and can make for some beautiful and unique wedding photos.
5. Work with a Wedding Planner: Working with a wedding planner who is familiar with Costa Rica and the local weather patterns can be incredibly helpful. They can provide advice on choosing the best venue and timing for your wedding, as well as help with backup plans and vendor coordination.

Ultimately, while the rainy season in Costa Rica may bring some extra challenges, it can also offer a unique and unforgettable setting for your destination wedding. With some careful planning and preparation, you can still have the wedding of your dreams, even during the rainiest months of the year.

Making the Most of Your Time in Costa Rica

A destination wedding in Costa Rica is a wonderful opportunity to explore all that this beautiful country has to offer. Be sure to plan plenty of time for you and your guests to enjoy everything from relaxing on the beach to hiking through the rainforest.

Some popular activities in Costa Rica include ziplining, surfing, and hiking to waterfalls. You may also want to consider taking a day trip to explore some of the country's many national parks, such as Manuel Antonio or Arenal, Poas Volcano...

With careful planning and attention to detail, a destination wedding in Costa Rica can be a truly unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Be sure to work with a local wedding planner, choose the perfect location, and incorporate local traditions and customs to create the wedding of your dreams in this beautiful paradise destination.

Professional photographer and videographer for destination wedding in Costa Rica

Choosing a photographer and videographer for your wedding is an important decision, as these professionals will capture the memories of your special day that you will cherish for a lifetime. Here are some reasons why you should consider Papaya Wedding for your destination wedding photography and videography needs in Costa Rica:

1. Professionalism: Papaya Wedding is a team of professional photographers and videographers who have years of experience capturing beautiful and high-quality wedding photos and videos. They are dedicated to providing exceptional service and will work closely with you to ensure that your vision for your wedding day is captured perfectly.
2. Knowledge of Costa Rica: Papaya Wedding is based in Costa Rica and has extensive knowledge of the local areas and venues, which means they can provide helpful advice on choosing the best location for your wedding photos and videos.
3. Unique Style: Papaya Wedding has a unique and artistic style that captures the beauty and romance of your special day. Their style is a blend of traditional and modern techniques that result in stunning and timeless wedding photos and videos.
4. Excellent Customer Service: Papaya Wedding prides itself on providing excellent customer service. From the initial consultation to the final delivery of your wedding photos and videos, their team is committed to ensuring that you are completely satisfied with the final product.
5. High-Quality Products: Papaya Wedding uses only the best equipment and editing software to ensure that your wedding photos and videos are of the highest quality. They also offer a range of products, including photo albums and prints, to help you cherish your memories for years to come.

Overall, Papaya Wedding is a top choice for destination wedding photography and videography in Costa Rica. Their professionalism, knowledge of the area, unique style, excellent customer service, and high-quality products make them an excellent choice for capturing the memories of your special day.