How To Plan A Destination Wedding In Costa Rica Authentic To You

Thinking about how to plan a destination wedding in Costa Rica that actually feels like you, not a cookie-cutter Pinterest board? This place is the real deal: jungles, coastlines, volcanoes, and pura vida energy — all you need for a wedding that feels true to yourself and the experience you’re seeking.

Let’s break down how to make your Costa Rica wedding memorable and 100% your vibe.

Why You Should Get Married in Costa Rica

First things first: Can foreigners get married in Costa Rica? Absolutely — and it’s easier than you think. The best news? You can have a same sex marriage in Costa Rica! In fact, Costa Rica is the first country in Central America to legalize same-sex marriage, which makes it perfect for love celebrations of any kind.

Now, let’s get to the fun part: This country combines tropical nature with unrivaled aesthetics, let alone the rich culture and that laid-back luxury we all crave.

Just picture this: Tamarind cocktails at sunset, sloths in your ceremony photos (yes, really!), and world-class food with fresh local ingredients.

If you’re a lively couple looking for something out of the ordinary but with everything you dream of, this is YOUR place.

How to Get Married in Costa Rica for US Citizens

More good news: Marriage requirements in Costa Rica are simple, so there’s less to worry about. However, make sure you follow them. Here’s the lowdown on legal requirements for getting married in Costa Rica:

You don’t need to be a resident, but you’ll need valid passports (for at least six months) and proof that you’re free to marry.
You also need two non-family witnesses.
A local officiant (lawyer or judge) performs the ceremony and files the documents with Costa Rica’s Civil Registry.
You don’t need blood tests.
The waiting periods are short (yay!).
You don’t need to apply for a marriage license in Costa Rica or your home country.

If you want to know more about the legal requirements, check out this article.

Choosing the Best Wedding Venues in Costa Rica

Now that we’ve discussed the legal stuff, let’s talk about where to get married in Costa Rica. There are tons of fabulous options, but it ultimately depends on your vision.

Tamarindo:

A dynamic surf town with golden sand and jaw-dropping sunsets. Great for beach weddings with a social vibe.

Nosara:

Peaceful and spiritual. Known for yoga, eco-luxury, and untouched nature, it’s perfect for barefoot elopements and creative ceremonies.

Las Catalinas:

A car-free Mediterranean-inspired beach town. Chic, private, and designed for dream weddings.

Guanacaste:

From cliffside villas to beachfront resorts, this region has a bit of everything, especially if you want convenience with a hint of wilderness.

Want more luxe options? The Westin Playa Conchal is an all-inclusive favorite with top-tier amenities, and Villa Punto de Vista in Manuel Antonio has jungle-meets-ocean vibes that’ll blow your mind.

Recommended Costa Rica Wedding Vendors

Your vendor team makes or breaks your wedding, no doubt about it. That’s why we want to share with you some killer collaborators we love working with:

Planners

Mil Besos Planning: Detail-oriented, creative, and totally gets international couples.
Tropical Occasions: Experts in stylish, elevated weddings.
Bliss Weddings: Warm, organized, and wildly supportive.

Makeup Artists

Nadia Cambronero: A pro at soft, glowy bridal looks.
Elena Sandi: Reliable, skilled, and sweet as hell.

Floral Design

Stylos y Flores: Modern, lush, unforgettable arrangements.

We’ve worked with all of them — they’re 200% committed, just like we are.

Wedding Styles in Costa Rica: Cozy, Luxurious, or Adventurous

Good news just keeps coming! When planning your Costa Rica elopement or wedding, you have total freedom to design a tailored experience. Let’s see a few options:

Low-Key, Cozy, and Simple

For couples who want to keep things intimate and hassle-free:

Beachfront Airbnb ceremonies in Nosara or Santa Teresa.
Sunset vows followed by a family-style dinner under the stars.
Local musicians, simple florals, and barefoot dancing.

Super Lux and Romantic

Go all out with these upscale experiences:

Private chef-curated dinners at a cliffside villa.
Designer florals, styled lounges, and a live band.
Helicopter or catamaran arrivals, champagne towers, and firework finales.

Full-On Adventure Wedding

Perfect for the wild-at-heart:

Ceremony near a waterfall in La Fortuna.
Zip-lining or horseback riding to your venue.
Post-vow surf session or volcano hike.

This is the place to dream big — or dream chill. You decide!

Best Spots for Costa Rica Wedding Photos

Your setting matters. A lot. Especially if you’re craving unforgettable wedding pics (which you are). Here are some of the top photo-worthy spots to die for:

Playa Langosta: Rugged rocks and vibrant sunsets.
Nosara Beach: Quiet, golden sand framed by jungle.
Arenal Volcano: Dramatic mountain views for adventurous shots.
Rio Celeste: Electric-blue waterfall for wow-factor elopements.
Las Catalinas: Cobblestone streets and seaside elegance.

Unique Destination Wedding Experiences in Costa Rica

What sets this country apart is how customizable it is. You can create a one-off destination wedding experience that matches who you are as a couple:

Say “I do” under a waterfall.
Ride in on horseback.
Host a night-before beach bonfire.
Dance barefoot under the stars.
Kick off your honeymoon with a volcano trek or yoga retreat.

This isn’t a wedding factory. It’s a creative playground!

Tips for Planning a Small Destination Wedding in Costa Rica

Not every wedding has to be huge. Some of the most emotional celebrations are small and intimate. Let’s see some tips to take your small wedding to the ultimate level:

Choose the right season (dry season runs December-April, but green season can be magical and exuberant).
Partner with Costa Rica wedding planners for international couples who know the ropes.
Go for private villas or boutique hotels in Nosara or Tamarindo.
Plan group activities like surf lessons, coffee tastings, or waterfall hikes.

Small doesn’t mean simple — it means you get to focus on what actually matters to you.

Costa Rica Wedding Checklist for International Couples

Just to make sure you don’t forget anything, here’s a quick rundown:

Choose a date and secure your venue.
Hire a local planner and vendors.
Find your dream Costa Rica wedding videographer and photographer.
Send invites and set up travel plans for guests.
Gather legal docs (passport, witness info, etc.).
Finalize ceremony details.
Pack your bags — because this is happening!

Ready to Start Planning Your Wedding in Costa Rica?

We hope this article showed you why getting married in Costa Rica is the best decision ever. Your wedding might last a day (or maybe more), but the memories are for life. So, why don’t you go all in and celebrate your love in this magical paradise?

Speaking of memories, we’d love to be the ones immortalizing your once-in-a-lifetime moments. We’re a team of Costa Rica wedding photographers and videographers who’ll be there capturing everything: your grandmother hugging you tight, the way your partner looks at you when you’re not looking, your friends ugly-crying during your vows. All of it.

We’re all about weddings in Costa Rica (Tamarindo, Nosara, Guanacaste … Mexico and Guatemala too!) So, if you’re planning on having your W-Day in any of these places, let’s talk and make it real!