Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Married in Costa Rica
With its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture, Costa Rica is a captivating backdrop for couples who want a unique and unforgettable wedding experience.
Getting married in Costa Rica is the perfect option for you if you appreciate being in nature, love adventure, or simply want to have an off-the-beaten-path destination wedding.
Yet, planning a Costa Rica destination wedding can be daunting, especially if you've never been to the Pura Vida Land before. From choosing the best wedding venue to navigating legal requirements, here's everything you need to know to delight your guests and plan a dream destination wedding you'll never forget!
Why You Should Have a Costa Rica Destination Wedding
Costa Rica is one of the best destination wedding locations in the world.
While you may immediately think of pristine beaches and beachfront resorts when picturing a Costa Rica destination wedding, Tiquicia is incredibly diverse, and there's a lot of opportunity to craft a truly unique wedding experience. Lush rainforests, majestic volcanos, and cascading waterfalls are enchanting backdrops for your special day.
In Costa Rica, you have the freedom to choose from diverse wedding venues, from luxurious resorts to rustic eco-lodges nestled in the jungle, so that your wedding reflects your style and preferences.
Additionally, Costa Ricans - affectionately called Ticos - are known for their warm and welcoming hospitality and the Pura Vida spirit. You'll be surrounded by a laid-back attitude, a deep appreciation for nature, and a strong sense of community, which makes for a joyous and relaxing experience.
Choosing the Perfect Location: Wedding Venues in Costa Rica
With its captivating landscapes and spirited culture, Costa Rica has many beautiful wedding venues that can turn your special day into a magical celebration of love and romance.
Hiring a wedding planner allows you to pick a wedding venue that closely matches your vision. To help you get started, here are some popular Costa Rican wedding destinations for a gorgeous ceremony.
Nosara
Nestled along the Pacific coast, Nosara attracts couples with its pure coastlines and laid-back atmosphere. If you want to say "I do" against the backdrop of expansive stretches of golden sand and a breathtaking sunset, a wedding day in Nosara may be the perfect choice for you!
Tamarindo
Tamarindo, known for its vibrant beach town vibe and crystal-clear waters, is a picturesque setting for exchanging your vows. From beachfront resorts to luxurious villas, Tamarindo provides a range of venues to suit every couple's style and budget!
Manuel Antonio
Enveloped by lush rainforests and rich with wildlife, Manuel Antonio sets the stage for a fairy-tale wedding in a natural setting. You can exchange your vows overlooking panoramic ocean views, with the sounds of the jungle as your soundtrack 😍
Herradura Beach
If you want a beach wedding, Herradura Beach near Jaco is a tranquil setting with a touch of elegance. A gentle ocean breeze, stunning vistas, and a romantic atmosphere make for an unforgettable wedding ceremony.
Monteverde
Located in the misty cloud forests of Costa Rica, Monteverde is a stunning wedding venue for a couple who is looking for a unique wedding destination with a touch of mystery. Imagine exchanging vows amidst towering trees, lush greenery, and rich wildlife!
Getting Married in Costa Rica: Legal Requirements
Legal Weddings vs. Symbolic Weddings
There are two ways to have a destination wedding in Costa Rica: a legal wedding and a symbolic wedding.
A legal wedding officially registers your marriage in Costa Rica.
To get legally married in Costa Rica, you have to complete paperwork and provide documents such as your valid passports, birth certificates, and affidavits of marital status. You'll get a marriage certificate from the Civil Registry office and your union will be legally recognized both in Costa Rica and internationally.
If you don't want to go through the legal requirements to get married in Costa Rica, you can have a symbolic wedding.
A symbolic wedding allows you to exchange your vows and celebrate your love without the legal formalities. You can get your marriage certificate in your home country and come to Costa Rica to have your wedding celebration.
As wedding planners with 20+ years of experience, we recommend our clients to get legally married in their home country and come to Costa Rica for a symbolic wedding.
Costa Rica Wedding Legal Requirements
If you want to get legally married in Costa Rica, you'll need to provide several documents, including:
Valid passports
Birth certificates
Affidavits of marital status stating that you're not currently married
If you've been married before, you'll also need to present divorce papers or death certificates to prove that you don't have a living spouse. You'll also need two witnesses to attest to the marriage ceremony.
When you plan your Costa Rica wedding with us, we can help you easily navigate all the requirements and legal paperwork to get married in Costa Rica!
That said, we typically recommend our clients to have a symbolic wedding in Costa Rica and a civil ceremony in your home country.
Costa Rica Legal Marriage Cost
The cost of getting legally married in Costa Rica depends on several factors, but you can expect to spend $700-$1,000 on the legal paperwork, the legal wedding ceremony, and getting your marriage license shipped to your home country.
When you have a symbolic wedding, you don't need to cover any of the legal costs. This is one of the reasons why we recommend getting legally married in your home country and having a symbolic wedding in Costa Rica.
Religious Ceremonies
Costa Rica is a predominantly Catholic country and there are many stunning churches and chapels where you can hold your religious wedding ceremony.
You can work closely with local clergy or officiants to personalize your wedding and incorporate prayers and music that reflect your faith. Remember that you may need to pass additional requirements like premarital classes!
Costa Rica Wedding Planning Process
Traveling to Costa Rica
There are several airports to choose from when planning your journey to Costa Rica.
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, the capital city, is the country's primary international airport that easily gets you to the Central Valley, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio.
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia is an international airport on the Pacific Ocean Coast. It's great for destinations like Tamarindo and Papagayo.
Regional airports Quepos La Managua Airport (XQP) and Tambor Airport (TMU) offer domestic flights and facilitate access to secluded coastal towns and eco-friendly retreats.
Overall, Costa Rica has one of the most developed infrastructures in Central America and it's relatively easy to travel around the country.
The Best Time to Get Married in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a sunny country with great weather for most of the year, so the best time of year to get married in Costa Rica largely depends on your personal preferences. In Costa Rica, the year is split into the dry season and the rainy season.
The dry season, which runs from December to April is typically the best time to get married in Costa Rica.
During the dry season, Costa Rica experiences more sunny days, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall, making it a great time for outdoor ceremonies. That said, the dry season is also the peak tourist season, which means that the prices go up and there are more crowds at popular wedding venues.
You can also consider the transitional months of November and May with fewer tourists and relatively less rain compared to the peak of the rainy season.
Costa Rica Wedding Venues and Vendors
Planning destination weddings can be difficult because you're not physically in the country to select your wedding venue and vendors. Hiring a wedding planner is a great way to alleviate decision fatigue and get access to local hidden gems for the ultimate wedding destination experience.
There are many talented vendors in Costa Rica, but sometimes it can be hard to reach them.
They may not be active on social media, have functional websites, or speak English, so it's typically best to entrust your wedding planning to someone who has local connections!
Embracing Pura Vida: Costa Rican Wedding Traditions
One of the best things about getting married in Costa Rica is that you can incorporate the country's vibrant culture into your wedding celebration.
From live music featuring local musicians to serving traditional Costa Rican cuisine, such as gallo pinto (rice and beans) and ceviche, there are many ways to infuse your wedding with the flavors and rhythms of this beautiful country 🇨🇷
Pre-Wedding Adventures in Costa Rica
If you're planning a destination wedding in Costa Rica, you're likely going to spend a few days in the country and have some space in your schedule to explore it. Getting married in Costa Rica allows you to go on exciting adventures with your loved ones, such as zip-lining through the rainforest or exploring volcanic hot springs!
Eco-Friendly Weddings in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and conservation, which means that you'll have many opportunities to incorporate green practices into your wedding day. Choose eco-friendly venues, opt for locally sourced and organic cuisine, and minimize single-use plastics to ensure that your celebration has a more neutral impact on the environment.
Costa Rica Honeymoon
After you exchange your vows, you can easily stay in Costa Rica for your honeymoon! From secluded beach resorts and wellness retreats to adrenaline-pumping activities and wildlife safaris, there are plenty of honeymoon destinations for you to explore 🌴
Getting Married in Costa Rica FAQs
What are the best wedding venues in Costa Rica?
One of the best things about getting married in Costa Rica is how diverse the wedding venues are. Along the Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio stands out for its lush rainforest backdrop and breathtaking ocean views. Tamarindo offers a vibrant beach town atmosphere with a touch of luxury and panoramic views. Nosara and Herradura Beach are other options for a beachfront wedding. Overall, you can choose a wedding venue that matches your personality and vision as a couple.
How much is a wedding in Costa Rica?
The typical cost of a wedding in Costa Rica averages around $50,000-$60,000, including expenses like your wedding venue, catering, rentals, and photography. You can download a comprehensive Wedding Cost Analysis Worksheet here.
What are the requirements for Americans getting married in Costa Rica?
To get legally married in Costa Rica, you and your future spouse need to present a valid passport, certified birth certificates, and a sworn statement of marital status to confirm you're not currently married. You'll also need two witnesses to be present during the ceremony. If you were married before, you'll also need to provide divorce papers to prove that you're single.
How to get married in Costa Rica?
You can have a legal wedding or a symbolic wedding in Costa Rica. If you want to have a legal wedding, you'll need to submit the necessary documents, such as your passports and birth certificates, and receive a marriage certificate from the Civil Registry office. The easier option is to get legally married in your home country and have a symbolic wedding celebration in Costa Rica.
Final Thoughts: Getting Married in Costa Rica
With its breathtaking nature and welcoming culture, Costa Rica is one of the best wedding destinations in the world. From luxury beachfront resorts to intimate eco-friendly lodges, there are many wedding venues to choose from to orchestrate a special celebration you'll cherish forever ❤️
When getting married in Costa Rica, you can have a legal wedding or a symbolic wedding. To get married legally, you'll need to present the necessary documents, such as your passports and birth certificates. We typically recommend getting legally married in your home country and traveling to Costa Rica to have a symbolic celebration.
To start planning your Costa Rica wedding, take our Style Curator Quiz to discover your dream wedding style!