Wedding in Costa Rica

Pura Vida - tropical adventure wedding between rainforest and volcanoes

Guanacaste & Papagayo Manuel Antonio Arenal & Volcano Region

📍 Overview ❓ FAQ 📋 Planning

LANGUAGESpanish

CURRENCYCosta Rican Colón (CRC)

FLIGHT TIME12-14 hours

BEST SEASONDec-Apr (dry season)

PRICE RANGE€7,000 - €34,000+

LEGAL MARRIAGEYes, legally valid

Costa Rica is the ultimate destination for couples who want to combine a tropical beach wedding with adventure and nature.

Important Information

What you need to know before planning your wedding in Costa Rica

Legal Wedding

Costa Rica makes a legal wedding straightforward for foreign couples. All you need is passports, a certificate of no impediment from your home country and two witnesses. A local lawyer or notary can officiate.

Best Time

December to April, the dry season, brings sunny and dry weather. The green season from May to November is cheaper and quieter, and the rain usually lasts only 1-2 hours in the afternoon.

Nature and wildlife

Expect monkeys, toucans, iguanas and perhaps a sloth. Extraordinary biodiversity, holding 5 % of all species on earth.

Sustainability

Costa Rica leads the world in ecotourism. Many venues hold environmental certification. Perfect for couples who care about it.

Popular regions in Costa Rica

Each region has its own character and charm

Guanacaste & Papagayo

Costa Rica's sunniest province with luxury Pacific coast resorts.

Pacific coastGuaranteed sunLuxury resortsTropical dry forest

PRICE RANGE€8,500 - €34,000

BEST FORCouples wanting luxury beach wedding with sun

Tips: Four Seasons Papagayo premium. Dreams Las Mareas all-inclusive. Dec-Apr dry season.

Wedding in Guanacaste & Papagayo →

Manuel Antonio

Fantastic beaches with rainforest and wildlife. Boutique hotels for intimate celebrations.

Rainforest meets beachWildlifeBoutique venuesNational park

PRICE RANGE€7,000 - €21,500

BEST FORNature-loving couples wanting intimate wedding

Tips: Best Dec-April. Parador Resort and Si Como No popular. Monkeys as guests!

Wedding in Manuel Antonio →

Arenal & Volcano Region

Arenal volcano with hot springs, rainforest bridges and luxury eco-lodges.

Volcano backdropHot springsRainforest canopyEco-luxury

PRICE RANGE€7,000 - €17,000

BEST FORAdventurous couples wanting unique nature experience

Tips: Nayara Gardens and Tabacon Hot Springs popular. Combine with zipline, rafting.

Wedding in Arenal & Volcano Region →

Beach Wedding in Costa Rica

Tropical beach meets rainforest and volcanoes. Manuel Antonio and Guanacaste sunsets.

Popular beaches: Manuel Antonio, Guanacaste, Tamarindo

Read our complete beach wedding abroad guide →

Timeline & Checklist

An overview of important milestones

12-18 months before

✓Choose region

✓Book wedding planner

✓Start guest list

9-12 months before

✓Book flights

✓Arrange accommodation

✓Research documents

6-9 months before

✓Book catering and music

✓Choose photographer

✓Send save-the-dates

3-6 months before

✓Confirm vendors

✓Send invitations

✓Book activities

1-3 months before

✓Final confirmations

✓Detail planning

✓Packing list

Related guides

Everything you need to know before planning a wedding in Costa Rica

Continue exploring Costa Rica

Get answers to common questions or start planning step by step.

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FAQ about weddings in Costa Rica

Everything about legal requirements, documents, local traditions and costs.

Read FAQ →📋

Plan your wedding in Costa Rica

8 steps from first idea to wedding day — tailored to Costa Rica.

Start planning →

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