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.
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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°–90°F
1 rain days (0.4")
February
73°–92°F
0 rain days (0")
March
74°–94°F
2 rain days (0.9")
April
74°–95°F
7 rain days (2.7")
May
75°–91°F
18 rain days (14.1")
June
73°–87°F
22 rain days (15.7")
July
73°–88°F
15 rain days (9.4")
August
73°–87°F
22 rain days (15.4")
September
73°–87°F
24 rain days (15.8")
October
72°–85°F
27 rain days (20.1")
November
72°–85°F
15 rain days (10.3")
December
72°–88°F
1 rain days (0.9")
Weather data: Open-Meteo Historical Weather API (2019-2023 averages). Hurricane risk: NOAA historical data. Last updated: 2026-04-15.
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. Two witnesses are required to sign the marriage deed. 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
Comparing resorts is the biggest early decision. We filter for 4-5 star properties rated 8.0+ by verified guests — the kind of places that actually host weddings well.
Luxury Wedding Resorts in Costa Rica
4-5 star resorts rated 8.0+ by verified guests. Filter by all-inclusive, beachfront, wedding-friendly amenities, and free cancellation.
Free cancellation on most properties. No booking fees.
Search Costa Rica ResortsWhere will your guests stay?
Most Costa Rica couples have 20–50 guests traveling. We secure a group rate at the resort of your choice — locked-in pricing, a private booking link for guests, and complimentary perks based on your room count. Free to you — the resort covers our fee.
Trip Protection for Your Wedding Party
International flights, non-refundable deposits, and tropical weather all carry real risk. Cover your entire guest list with cancel-for-any-reason options designed for destination weddings.
A+ rated insurer. Group plans available for wedding parties.
Compare PlansBook a Local Photographer in Costa Rica
Professional photographers who know Costa Rica's best light, angles, and hidden spots. They handle permits, backup plans for weather, and deliver within weeks.
3 million+ photos taken. 100% happiness guarantee.
Find a PhotographerVetted vendors in Costa Rica
Find Costa Rica wedding vendors
Wedding-Week Activities in Costa Rica
Snorkeling, sunset cruises, food tours, and more. Book group activities your guests will actually remember — with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Mobile tickets.
Browse Costa Rica ActivitiesReady to plan your Costa Rica wedding?
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