Wedding in Arenal & Volcano Region

The Arenal region around the 1,670-metre Arenal volcano is Costa Rica's most dramatic wedding destination, combining active volcano, hot springs, rainforest and an azure lake in a setting that produces ceremony photography no Caribbean resort can match. The area sits inland, 3 hours north-west of San José, and offers something entirely different from the country's coastal regions: weddings here revolve around volcanic backdrops, geothermal bathing and lodge atmosphere rather than sand and sea.

The journey is the longest of Costa Rica's regions: fly to San José (14 to 17 hours via connection from London; 5 to 6 hours direct from US East Coast; 25 hours from Sydney), then drive 3 hours north. Alternatively, fly to Liberia and drive 2.5 hours east. No visa required. Arenal has two main seasons: dry season December to April with clear volcano views, and rainy season May to November with dramatic clouds but a real risk the volcano is obscured. February to March weddings have the highest probability of clear visibility.

Arenal's wedding offer falls into three categories. Luxury hot-spring resorts such as Tabacón Thermal Resort, Nayara Springs and The Springs Resort & Spa offer weddings with the volcano as backdrop and private hot springs included in the guest experience. Tabacón has more than 100 individual hot pools across its grounds and a signature thermal-water canal flowing through the property. Wedding packages from EUR 270 per guest. Nayara Springs is adults-only and small (50 villas), with rooms from EUR 860 per night and wedding packages from EUR 430 per guest.

The second category is jungle lodges and eco-resorts. Arenal Observatory Lodge sits within the national park with the volcano just 2 kilometres away, offering unobstructed views from the ceremony location. Lost Iguana Resort and Volcano Lodge offer more rustic alternatives from EUR 145 per guest. The third category is private villas and haciendas around Lake Arenal, available for full buy-out for wedding groups of 30 to 60.

The most spectacular venue is The Springs Resort's private waterfall amphitheatre, a natural rock formation 8 metres below ground level with the volcano in the distance and a 10-metre waterfall heard but not seen during the ceremony. Weddings here cost from EUR 3,800 in venue fee excluding food and beverage. Symbolic ceremonies dominate; legal marriage requires lawyer registration. Activity options during the week include volcano zip-lines, jungle hanging bridges and moonlight hot-spring bathing.

Highlights in Arenal & Volcano Region

• Volcano backdrop
• Hot springs
• Rainforest canopy
• Eco-luxury

Who is Arenal & Volcano Region for?

Adventurous couples wanting unique nature experience

Wedding costs in Arenal & Volcano Region

80 000 - 200 000 kr

Our tips

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

Our recommendation for Arenal & Volcano Region

We recommend Arenal for adventurous couples wanting a wedding with dramatic nature as a central element, with volcano views, rainforest and hot springs as the framing. Ideal for 30 to 70 guests and couples staying a full week to enjoy adventure activities.

Editorial team, Wedding Abroad · Last updated May 2026