15 tips to have the best Wedding in Costa Rica

Tip 1: Embrace Costa Rica’s WEDDINGS Seasons Like a Local

On our first day with Eylul and Gert in June, a sudden rainstorm swept through Puerto Viejo. Instead of freaking out, we waited for an hour and take advantage of that to make some epic portraits. Dry season (Dec–Apr) means sunny beaches and no surprises.

But suppose you’re up for a rainforest ballet, the green season showers offer more than just dramatic photos. In that case, they bring incredibly lush, vibrant scenery, fewer crowds, and even more opportunities for unique activities. This makes it perfect for couples seeking a truly immersive and active Costa Rica experience. Just pack a poncho, lean into the rain, and let nature choreograph your best moment yet.

Tip 2: Hunt Down Those Secret Venues

One afternoon, I slipped away from the main lodge to explore a trail and stumbled upon a cliffside overlook that the resort didn’t advertise. I texted the planner: “We’re doing newlyweds portraits here!” When you’re scouting, wander off the usual paths, your epic sunset backdrop or intimate spot often hides just beyond the main gate. What is the best way to find these hidden gems?

Team up with an experienced local wedding planner and trust your photographer’s secret knowledge. We’ve got exclusive suggestions and often scout these locations ourselves, making sure your backdrop is truly one-of-a-kind.

Tip 3: Build Your Dream Team with Locals

When you hire local pros, you’re not just booking a service, you’re tapping into their neighborhood know-how. For photographers especially, Costa Rica has unique and often tricky lighting that only experienced local pros truly understand, making sure your photos always look amazing.

Hiring local gives you the best insights and advice you can trust. Ask vendors where they grew up and what hidden spot they recommend; if they light up talking about their hometown, you’ve found a keeper.

Tip 4: Make Travel Day Feel Like Part of the Adventure

If you’re landing in San José airport and heading to Manuel Antonio, do yourself a favor and stop by the Jaco viewpoint so such a nice view of the ocean! If you’re landing in Liberia airport, stop by for a coffee in Meztli near the airport and go and check out Poza de los Coyotes for a fresh river dip.

For adventurous couples and guests, renting a car (companies like Alamo and Budget often have great deals in Guanacaste) is the best way to really dive in. You can explore hidden waterfalls and pristine beaches and stop for authentic local meals like gallo pinto or “casado”. Share a detailed arrival guide and playlist suggestions (“Costa Rica Roadtrip Vibes”) so travel day becomes a highlight reel, not a logistics headache.

Tip 5: Tackle the Paperwork Before the Plane Touches Down

Nothing adds stress to a trip like last-minute paperwork hunts. I always tell couples: two months before you leave, get your passports, birth certificates, and translations ready. Keep all documents in a waterproof folder labeled “CR Wedding Papers” and put it in your carry-on.

This head start is super important, as local lawyers are pros at handling the specific legal stuff needed for your marriage to be totally valid back home in the US. Just follow the lead of our recommended vendors, and you’ll be legally married as easily as if you were tying the knot right at home, skipping any last-minute stress.

Tip 6: Turn Rain Day Nerves into Photo Gold

One lush, green afternoon, thunder rumbled just as the first kiss landed but that misty glow and rich foliage gave us shots straight out of a fantasy film. Worried about backup pavilions? Absolutely.

But remember: sometimes, the universe gives you richer colors and softer light when you least expect it. For guest comfort in Costa Rica’s warm climate, suggest light, breathable fabrics like linen for men and minimal layers for everyone. Solid and pastel tones also look fantastic in photos. And don’t stress too much about unexpected showers – most good venues have elegant tents or beautiful indoor spaces ready as backup, so your celebration won’t miss a beat.

Tip 7: Befriend Golden Hour
It’s Yours to Schedule

In Costa Rica, that window of amazing golden light is precious, often only lasting 20-35 minutes, so timing is everything. This short, magical time gives you the best contrast and richest colors, creating those breathtaking, glowing newlywed photos you’ll adore forever.

Tip 8: Let Tico Traditions Color Your Day

When Hellen and Craig exchanged garlands of tropical greens during their “Boda Tica,” everyone leaned in—grandparents, kids, even the officiant. We captured really good moments like macaws flying by the Ceremony. Offers coffee tastings, or add a local ritual and watch your guests instantly feel like insiders.

A favorite Tico tradition that really gets the party going is ‘Hora Loca’ (The Crazy Hour), a carnival-like experience with vibrant masks, lively local band music, and exciting live performances of Latin music.

Tip 9: Double Up on Moments—Hire a FULL STORYTELLING TEAM

I can’t count how many times I’ve zoomed out to capture a couple’s first look, only to miss Aunt Gigi’s tearful reaction. That’s where your second shooter saves the day. They’re your eyes on the sidelines, catching the laughter at cocktail hour while I frame your sweeping vows.

Hiring both a great photo and video team truly gives you the best of both worlds. While photos freeze those perfect, iconic moments like your first kiss, video uniquely captures the story in motion, the heartfelt speeches, the laughter, and the energy of the day, often from different angles to give you diverse perspectives. Together, they create your complete wedding story.

Tip 10: Map Out a Timeline That Breathes

A super tight schedule is a stress magnet. I always plan extra 15-minute buffers: for unexpected wildlife detours (sloths!). Your timeline should feel like a flexible suggestion, not a strict drill, so when a toucan swoops by, you’re ready to pivot and let the magic happen.

Think of your wedding timeline as the ultimate tool for a perfect day; it’s a flexible plan that your photographer and wedding planner will carefully create with you. We team up to weave in your vision while building in crucial breathing room, anticipating anything from a spontaneous sloth sighting to unexpected traffic, making sure your dream wedding unfolds beautifully and stress-free.

Tip 11: Capture the Story in Motion with Video

Still photos are the heartbeats; video is the pulse. I light up when I see that golden veil floating in the breeze or hear a father’s voice crack during his speech. Kameron, our videographer, syncs audio with candid cutaways, so years later, you’ll feel like you’re there, hearing every laugh.

Video uniquely captures the sounds, genuine laughter, lively movements, and heartfelt voices of your wedding day, letting you relive the entire experience with all your senses. It’s like a creative time capsule for you, your kids, and even your grandkids to look back on and truly feel how magical your day was.

Tip 12: Fashion for Fun—Comfort Meets Celebration

After chasing golden hour light across pebbled riverbeds, I’ve watched brides switch from heels to bare feet mid-portrait. Choose fabrics that breathe and shoes you trust. For brides, we suggest opting for thick heels or elegant wedges to avoid sinking into the sand, making sure you’re comfy and stable.

Grooms should look for loose, breathable shoes that can handle sandy or uneven ground, all while matching their outfit. Light, comfortable, and loose-fitting choices for everyone will make dancing ’til dawn a joy, not a pain. I’ll even carry a discreet shoebox for your backups, because dancing until dawn in blistered stilettos? No thanks.

Tip 13: Chat It Out—Set Clear Expectations

Planning remotely means super clear communication. I’ll shoot off a WhatsApp message: “Ceremony shots at 4:15. First look at 2:45 behind the villa.” Use my email template to list must-have moments, and we’ll treat your vision like our mission. In a place like Costa Rica, many things can pop up that need quick decisions, so being clear about what you want from the start will really cut down on stress.

By talking openly and listening to real-time feedback from your local vendors, you’re letting the true pros guide you, making the planning process smoother and more fun.

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Tip 14: Press Pause with Pre- and Post-Wedding Adventures

After a week of coordinating 30 guests, treat yourselves! Zipline through the cloud forest before the honeymoon, or soak in volcanic springs the morning after. I’ve tagged along on both—and those relaxed snapshots? Pure gold. Costa Rica has some amazing pre- and post-wedding adventures waiting.

Think about a catamaran tour to a hidden beach for fun, great music, delicious food, and incredible clear water. For the more daring, ATVs, waterfall hikes, and horseback riding are all easy to find. And for honeymoon romance, La Fortuna offers some of the most stunning scenery and cozy experiences.

Tip 15: Lean on Local Lens—Trust Your Photographer

We know which waterfalls glow turquoise near dawn, which beaches clear out by evening, and where to avoid the tourist crowds. When we guide you onto a rock ledge at exactly 5:22, you’re not just a part of a photo., you’re starring in an epic Costa Rican chapter of your love story. Our local experience is essential because we truly understand Costa Rica’s unique light and landscape.

We’ve seen photographers who aren’t from here miss the best lighting, leaving couples feeling a bit let down. As local photographers, we can suggest the absolute best times or even days for your photos, and we know all the hidden, most breathtaking spots and how to get there easily, making sure your images are truly unforgettable.

Let’s have a great Costa Rica wedding day!
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Costa Rica gave us rain, sun, laughter, and unforgettable frames. Ready to write your own adventure? Download our free PDF: ‘Your Ultimate Costa Rica Wedding Guide’ for even more insider tips and planning tools. Then, hit us up at Adri Mendez Photography—let’s make your wedding a legend under the tropical sun!