Costa Rica: The Perfect Wedding Destination

Around 25 percent of couples choose to travel to exotic destinations to have their wedding.  Costa Rica has become one of the most popular choices for grooms and brides-to-be, with its stunning landscapes and abundant nature and wildlife.

Costa Rica’s more than 1,300 miles of coastline along the Caribbean and Pacific coasts are perfect for beach weddings. Between those coasts, couples can find green mountains, pristine lakes, majestic volcanoes, dense jungles, and a wide variety of other settings that can be suitable for a beautiful Costa Rican wedding.

The most popular wedding options in Costa Rica are the following:

• Resorts with extensive gardens and natural surroundings
• Beachfront condos or villas
• Beaches
• Near volcanoes, lakes or other stunning geographical features

Deciding to hold a destination wedding in Costa Rica means you won’t be around to monitor every detail of the ceremony.   That’s why finding a resort or hotel that can coordinate and organize all aspects of your wedding, is probably your best bet.  From all-inclusive resorts to small and intimate hotels, Costa Rica has what it takes to fulfill every couple’s needs.  Some of the most attractive Costa Rica wedding hotels are the following:

• Marriott Los Sueños Resort – Playa Herradura, Costa Rica
• La Mariposa Hotel – Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
• Paradisus Playa Conchal Resort - Guanacaste, Costa Rica
• Cala Luna Hotel & Villas – Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica
• Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort – Arenal area, Costa Rica
• Arenal Volcano Inn – Arenal area, Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s weather can be potentially unpredictable.  The country’s rainy season is from May to November, which coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season.  If you’re choosing a beach or beach resort as your ceremony destination, take into account that tropical temperatures can be uncomfortable during the summer months, so be prepared and dress appropriately to enjoy the climate and most importantly, your wedding.

Marriage Requirements
The process of getting legally married in Costa Rica is simple.  The requirements are mainly a sworn statement attesting your civil status, date and place of birth and parents’ names.  Blood tests and birth/civil status certificates are not required. 

Weddings performed outside of a Catholic church require the presence of a lawyer.  The lawyer must file all legal documents with the Costa Rican Civil Registry, as well as the Embassy of your country, plus ensuring your marriage is legally recognized internationally.
The authenticated documents are usually sent to you within 90 days from the day of the event (via Fedex or certified mail).

Costa Rica Wedding Packages
Costa Rica wedding packages ease the worry of wedding planning.  There are plenty of Costa Rica wedding packages available that include the ceremony’s organization along with an unforgettable honeymoon in one or several Costa Rica’s popular destinations.  Couples can also customize their preferred wedding package along with coordinators that offer expert assistance.