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Costa Rica Destination Wedding Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Destination Weddings in Costa Rica

Imagine standing by the love of your life surrounded by natural beauty, the sound of tranquil waves along the beach, and breathtaking views like no other in the world. After you say, “I do,” you and your guests enjoy celebrating your union, dancing, and dining the night away. Then, off you go to a luxurious suite or quaint, intimate cabin for a romantic honeymoon while your guests continue to explore this captivating location. 

This is just a taste of what you will experience when you plan a Costa Rica Destination Wedding. It takes attention to detail when traveling to Costa Rica from selecting the best wedding venue to following the legal requirements.  This guide will help you plan your dream destination wedding.

Why Get Married in Costa Rica

  • Costa Rica Destination Wedding-1

    Natural, Abundant Beauty

    One of the most attractive features of Costa Rica is the area’s unparalleled natural beauty. Everywhere you look, it is breathtaking and alluring. The picture-perfect coastline boasts 600 beaches with wonderfully white and volcanic sand. The peaceful lush jungles feature cascading waterfalls and roaming wildlife, and the mountain tops showcase untouched abundance.

    Natural, Abundant Beauty
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    Diverse Ecosystem

    Costa Rica is like a paradise on Earth with a diverse ecosystem that reaches from the oceans to the mountaintops. Explore everything from active volcanoes, caves, and tropical forests to wetlands, hot springs, and coral reefs. 

    Diverse Ecosystem
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    Things To See, Explore And Experience

    Costa Rica offers you and your guests many activities to see and do. Visit a national park, experience a cloud forest, take a sunset cruise, explore a coffee plantation, walk along a beautiful beach, visit a museum, take a wildlife refuge tour, or participate in outdoor activities like zip-lining, surfing, and paddleboarding.

    Things To See, Explore And Experience
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    Eco Resorts

    Costa Rica welcomes visitors to their laid-back community featuring an array of luxurious, all inclusive eco resorts, perfect for an unforgettable wedding celebration. Whether you are looking for an intimate setting or a more elaborate upscale resort, Costa Rica has the perfect venue and amenities for you. 

    Eco Resorts
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    Local Culture

    Blend in with Costa Rica locals and enjoy a vibrant blend of diverse cultures and heritage, combining to create a laid-back, friendly, and welcoming destination. Take in the sights and sounds of their many traditions, local fare, and friendly customs.

    Local Culture
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    Ideal Tropical Weather

    One of the most wonderful features of Costa Rica is the perfect weather. Nearly every day is sunny, dry, and comfortable. The average temperature is between 75 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit! If you want to get married outdoors surrounded by natural beauty in a tropical paradise, Costa Rica is for you.

    Ideal Tropical Weather
Costa Rica Destination Wedding Cost

Average Cost of A Destination Wedding In Costa Rica

Many factors will play into your perfect Costa Rica destination wedding. The average cost in 2023 was $8,910. The cost of your wedding will depend on the time of year, how far you need to travel, the luxury level of your resort and accommodations, and the number of guests that will attend. Our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists will work with you, to find the perfect package for your dream wedding and provide a personalized quote.

Costa Rica Wedding Venues

Costa Rica Wedding Venues

​​Costa Rica is a dream destination for weddings, offering a diverse range of venues that blend natural beauty with a touch of tropical elegance. From beachfront resorts on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts to lush rainforest lodges and mountain retreats, couples can find a venue that perfectly matches their vision. 


Costa Rica wedding packages cater to various budgets, providing options ranging from simple elopement setups to extravagant multi-day events. These packages often include essentials like venue rental, floral arrangements, catering, and photography, allowing couples to customize their experience according to their preferences and budget. For those seeking a more exclusive and luxurious experience, packages can include extras like fireworks, live music, and personalized wedding coordination services. Whether planning a barefoot beach ceremony or a lavish celebration amid tropical gardens, Costa Rica’s wedding venues offer versatility and charm for your dream day.

Planning a (Destination Name) Destination Wedding: Other Considerations

Marriage Requirements

There are two options for getting married in Costa Rica. You can get legally married or have a symbolic ceremony. To legally marry, first, both partners must be 18 years old. If you want to have a legal union, one month before the wedding date, you should complete a government form that includes personal information including your birthdates, addresses, parents’ names, and valid passports. A lawyer or judge must officiate the ceremony and two witnesses. If either of you were previously married, additional paperwork may be required.

Due to all the legal requirements, many couples decide to have a symbolic ceremony. Then, legalize the union when you get back home. A Certified Destination Wedding Specialist will help guide you through the perfect option for you.

Your Wedding Date

One of the most important days of your life is your wedding day. Costa Rica has pleasant weather most of the year, but the best time to tie the knot in beautiful sunny Costa Rica is the dry season. This is between mid-December to April. This is when the weather is almost perfect. Plus, this is the busy season when larger crowds visit the area and prices are higher. Many couples set the date for the shoulder months, May and November because there are fewer crowds, it’s not peak hurricane season and prices are less expensive. Discuss your time frame with a certified wedding specialist to select a date that is right for you.

Safety Considerations

Costa Rica is one of the safest and most beautiful destinations in the world. Just like traveling anywhere, It’s recommended to make duplicate copies of your important documents, keep your valuables and passport close at hand, and consider travel insurance. Just like traveling anywhere unfamiliar, be aware of your surroundings, refrain from exploring by yourself, let others know your location, and stay in well-lit, high-trafficked areas. Taking a mindful approach will result in a wonderful and memorable celebration.

Costa Rica Destination Weddings

Your Wedding Date

One of the most important days of your life is your wedding day. Costa Rica has pleasant weather most of the year, but the best time to tie the knot in beautiful sunny Costa Rica is the dry season. This is between mid-December to April. This is when the weather is almost perfect. Plus, this is the busy season when larger crowds visit the area and prices are higher. Many couples set the date for the shoulder months, May and November because there are fewer crowds, it’s not peak hurricane season and prices are less expensive. Discuss your time frame with a certified wedding specialist to select a date that is right for you.

Staying Safe in Costa Rica

Safety Considerations

Costa Rica is one of the safest and most beautiful destinations in the world. Just like traveling anywhere, It’s recommended to make duplicate copies of your important documents, keep your valuables and passport close at hand, and consider travel insurance. Just like traveling anywhere unfamiliar, be aware of your surroundings, refrain from exploring by yourself, let others know your location, and stay in well-lit, high-trafficked areas. Taking a mindful approach will result in a wonderful and memorable celebration.

Costa Rica Wedding Inspiration

Hundreds of couples have found their happily ever after in Costa Rica. They not only fell in love with the laid-back lifestyle and gorgeous landscape, but they also enjoyed incorporating touches of the local culture and cuisine into their special day. Whether they married barefoot on the beautiful sandy beaches, in front of a waterfall in the lush jungle, or in one of the lavish resorts, their testimonials tell the true story. Take a look and get inspiration from real couples who married the love of their life in Costa Rica.

Start Planning Your Costa Rica Destination Wedding With Us

Costa Rica weddings offer couples and their guests so much to do, see, and experience. Our expert Destination Weddings.com team is here to help you make all your wedding dreams a reality. We have helped plan more than 30,000 personalized celebrations and can help you plan yours, too. As you plan your big day, imagine the incredible backdrops, vibrant culture, welcoming, laid-back atmosphere, all the perfect combination for an unforgettable wedding celebration. 

Contact us today to plan your perfect Costa Rica destination wedding.

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