Costa Rica Destination Wedding
Costa Rica · Central America
Costa Rica is for adventurous couples who want a wedding surrounded by extraordinary natural beauty — howler monkeys, tropical birds, active volcanoes, and jungle waterfalls, all minutes from pristine Pacific beaches. The Guanacaste and Nicoya Peninsula region (dry season accessible) is the most popular for destination weddings, with excellent resort infrastructure and stunning sunset views.
Avg Cost
$10k–$35k
Best Season
November – December
Visa Required
Usually No
Legal Wedding
Yes — legal
Guest Score
7/10
Best time to get married in Costa Rica
January
73°–89°F
1 rain days
February
73°–90°F
1 rain days
March
74°–91°F
1 rain days
April
75°–91°F
3 rain days
May
75°–89°F
12 rain days
June
74°–87°F
14 rain days
July
74°–88°F
11 rain days
August
74°–88°F
13 rain days
September
73°–86°F
16 rain days
October
73°–86°F
17 rain days
November
73°–87°F
9 rain days
December
73°–88°F
3 rain days
What it costs your guests
Guest-Friendly Score
How easy and affordable it is for your guests to attend a wedding in Costa Rica.
Estimated per-guest cost: ~$1,200 (flight + 4 nights)
Legal requirements
Legal ceremony is straightforward
Costa Rica allows foreign nationals to legally marry. The ceremony must be performed by a licensed notary public or authorized religious celebrant. You need apostilled copies of birth certificates and, if previously married, proof of divorce. No blood test or residency requirement. Most wedding planners handle all document requirements and notary coordination.
Always verify current requirements with local authorities or your wedding planner before finalizing plans.
Where in Costa Rica?
Each area has a distinct character — the right choice depends on your style and guest count.
Guanacaste
luxuryThe 'Gold Coast' — Pacific dry forest, world-class resorts, and the most predictable dry season in Costa Rica
Best for:Larger weddings where reliable weather and resort infrastructure matter
Nicoya Peninsula
bohoSurf towns, yoga retreats, and wild Pacific beaches — Santa Teresa and Nosara
Best for:Free-spirited couples who want a wellness-oriented, barefoot celebration
Manuel Antonio
adventurousNational park where rainforest meets the ocean — monkeys, sloths, and dramatic jungle-beach scenery
Best for:Nature-loving couples who want wildlife and jungle as their ceremony backdrop
Arenal
adventurousActive volcano, hot springs, and cloud forest — the most dramatic inland setting in Costa Rica
Best for:Couples who want a non-beach destination with volcano views and adventure activities for guests
Top resorts for Costa Rica weddings
Affiliate disclosure: BeachBride may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Vetted vendors in Costa Rica
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