So you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in Costa Rica and you have no idea where to start and how it works. Luckily, getting married in Costa Rica is very easy.
But, of course, I’ll go more in detail about how to get married in Costa Rica as well as other important information to bring your vision to life.
Hint: a lot of it is the fun stuff, so I’m pretty sure that–if you’re still on the fence about this gorgeous country–it’ll be quite easy to persuade you.
But before we dive into all the wedding bliss, here are a few of the many reasons why you should get married in Costa Rica.
Perks of Getting Married in Costa Rica
Minimal Red Tape = Less Stress
As I previously mentioned, getting married in Costa Rica is super simple. In other words, less red tape means way less stress and anxiety for you.
It’s an Exotic Location
Despite only being a 3-6 hour flight from many of the major cities in the U.S. Costa Rica wows its visitors because of its uniqueness. It’s home to outstanding fauna and flora as well as exotic species of flowers (such as over 1200 species of orchids). That, plus all of the many romantic backdrops, like the gorgeous beaches, lush mountains, and wild jungles, you’ll be able to have a wedding that’s distinctive of your taste and passion brought to life.
After-Wedding Activities
If you’re inviting your nearest and dearest to your destination wedding in Costa Rica, there’s an abundance of activities for them (and you!) to enjoy post-wedding. From ziplining, horseback riding, driving ATV’s, surfing, whale watching, enjoying waterfalls, kayaking and more, there’s something for everyone.
But let’s focus less on talking about after the wedding, and get stuck in on your most important day, and what you want out of it!
Experienced Tourism and Care
Costa Rica has an experienced tourist industry so you’ll surely experience top-notch service and care. This will undoubtedly include assistance in accommodation, transport, flower arrangements, catering, events, and more. Plus, there are many trendy locations with an eco-friendly flair. In fact, the country is considered a Blue zone. (regions in the world where people are claimed to live longer than average.)
What Kind of Destination Wedding Do You Want in Costa Rica?
Because of the wonderfully unique diversity of Costa Rica, there are a slew of different landscapes in which to have your best destination wedding. So, what is it that you fancy?
A beach destination wedding in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is not just a beautiful location…the weather is fantastic almost all-year-round. So why not take advantage of that and have yourself a fairytale beach wedding, soaking up the coastal landscapes and romantic atmosphere?
Here are a few tips: if you prefer a more private affair, go for an early morning ceremony, around 8 a.m. On the other hand, there are a few more secluded spots if you’re looking for a weekend or afternoon wedding, or something a bit more off-the-beaten-track. (let’s chat about it!). As for your wedding photography, around 6 or 7 a.m. or 4 or 5 p.m. may offer the best lighting.
A jungle or rainforest destination wedding in Costa Rica
Looking for more of a thrill on your wedding day? One made up of wild greenery, exotic animals, and the true essence of nature? Costa Rica is the spot for a jungle or a rainforest destination wedding. It’s considered one of the world’s most eco-friendly destinations, which means that it’s committed to sustainability and preserving its natural surroundings, including its wildlife.
For those who don’t know: what’s the difference between the jungle and the rainforest? The jungle is much denser and it has tree roots and vines covering almost everything. The rainforest however is all about the trees and how they create an almost canopy thus resulting in a greenhouse-like effect.
A high end resort destination wedding in Costa Rica
If you choose to tie the knot at a high end resort in Costa Rica, you can rest assured that you will be very well looked after. As you may well know, high end resorts worldwide simply have that magical touch to make any stay or special event absolutely perfect. Plus, Costa Rica is a location that’s fairly fluent in English, so that can help immensely when it comes to planning.
Why else might a high end resort destination wedding in Costa Rica be up your alley? For your guests who are flying in! You can offer them accommodation on-site.
And then when it comes to catering, you can simply coordinate with your resort as opposed to an outside company, removing any stress. In fact, many high end resorts offer catering, bar service, and other necessities such as linen, tables and chairs, flower decorations, in-house wedding planners, and more.
A boutique hotel destination wedding in Costa Rica
If you’re envisioning a small, quaint, and intimate destination wedding in Costa Rica that’s magical, has a touch of local, yet is not too wild (think the jungle!) then a boutique hotel could be a real charming winner.
Choosing to say your sweet “I do’s” here means receiving ultra-personal service and being able to have a truly unique experience. And in doing so, you’ll reap many of the same benefits as if you were to choose a high end resort wedding venue.
But actually, what is the difference between a high end hotel and a boutique hotel? A high end hotel offers a distinct personality, top notch amenities, and opulence while a boutique hotel offers a more personalized service, attention to each guest, and may just be more “Instagram-worthy”.
In more detail, high end hotels are often spacious with luxurious furnishings, high quality linens, and state-of-the-art technologies. The attention to detail is flawless, from the grand entrance lobby to the fine dining restaurants.
Boutique hotels have distinct design elements that often reflect the local culture or theme. The aim is for the hotel to give their guests a memorable stay while creating a peaceful and exclusive ambience.
A garden destination wedding in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is absolutely thriving when it comes to greenery. Their exotic plants, enormous trees, and palms (some of which blossom beautifully during different times of the year) are simply breathtaking. And that’s why choosing a garden destination wedding may just be the perfect choice for lovers of lush greenery as almost all resorts’ grounds are covered in tropical gardens.
It’s also an easier and possibly safer option for those who want to have that jungle-like/forest feel without having to go there. Plus, unlike a jungle wedding, you can get creative with your catering and reception plans.
Finding Your Dream Wedding Location in Costa Rica
Considering the various types of destination weddings you could choose from in Costa Rica, what about wedding venues? Have you started researching? Lucky for you, I’ve already put together a list of the 12 best wedding venues in Costa Rica.
This short, concise, and informative blog gives you the rundown on some of the most amazing venues for brides and grooms-to-be.
From luxury resorts, beach weddings, and mediterranean-style wedding locations, to all-inclusive resorts, surf and boho chic spots, private villas, and high end hotels, these wedding venues are definitely swoon-worthy.
Paperwork, Legalities, Admin etc Made Easy: Everything You Need to Get Married in Costa Rica
This subheading may suggest that there are a lot of things required of you if you’d like to get married in Costa Rica, but as I’ve mentioned, it’s pretty darn easy. Plus, your marriage is legal internationally!
Simple requirements to get married in Costa Rica
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- A valid passport from your country used to verify your identity for your marriage certificate so that it can be registered in the Civil Registry.
- Two witnesses.
- An officiant who is a lawyer (there are many experienced officiants in Costa Rica who are lawyers. They’re usually very laid back, know the ritual, can answer all of your questions, and take care of any paperwork).
Having said that, there is also the option to have a symbolic wedding in Costa Rica. This kind of ceremony is more focused on the promise partners make to one another without the formalities of a religious or civil ceremony.
Wedding Planners: Why is it Important to Have a Wedding Planner at Your Costa Rica Destination Wedding?
Having your own personal wedding planner in Costa Rica will definitely give you a big leg-up—trust me. And while it’s not mandatory, it will undoubtedly make your life a lot easier, so I do recommend it.
Some of the benefits of hiring a personal wedding planner in Costa Rica include:
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- A wedding planner takes care of everything–all the hard work. They know all the local vendors plus a few hidden gems (and can probably get you some discounts), they understand the culture of Costa Rica, they’re well-versed in the wedding industry, and they know what to do and when to do it, creating a seamless wedding timeline for you.
- A wedding planner can negotiate prices with multiple vendors, covering all the different aspects that go into planning a wedding. This results in less or no costly mistakes that may occur when couples decide to plan their wedding solo.
- A wedding planner can be present on the day of your wedding, making sure that the day is running smoothly. And if any issues may arise, they are there to deal with them. Things such as a change in weather to flowers not arriving, a wedding planner has you covered.
- A wedding planner’s job is to learn about your creative vision and then bring it to life. To sit down with your wedding planner means explaining what you want and having them do the hard work for you as opposed to you trying to convey your aesthetic to multiple suppliers.
Now just to be clear, I’m not a wedding planner… but I am a wedding photographer. And in this position I have worked alongside many great wedding planners. If you’re looking for any recommendations, feel free to reach out!
Wedding Photography in Costa Rica
And last but not least–wedding photography in Costa Rica… and that’s where I come in! I’m Kuba Okon, a Costa Rica wedding photographer who focuses on destination weddings.
And with my experience and passion for this industry I can indeed tell you that all of the above is true… that Costa Rica really is one of the most magical spots to have your destination wedding.
And what better way to immortalize it than to have incredible wedding photos?
A couple Q and A’s that couples may have about wedding photography in Costa Rica
What’s the best time of the day to take wedding photos in Costa Rica?
I previously mentioned an early morning ceremony, around 7 a.m. or an afternoon wedding at around 3 or 4 p.m. is great to catch some incredible lighting for your wedding photography. So essentially, the golden hour (which happens twice a day) is what’s the most magical. The golden hour is the first hour of light after sunrise and the last hour of light before sunrise. Does it last for one whole hour? In Costa Rica, sadly not. Golden hour lasts for about 30 minutes. So, be warned: everyone simply must be on time in order to catch the elusive golden hour.
For how many hours should I hire my Costa Rica wedding photographer?
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- A minimum of eight hours will allow for an array of different photographs from candid and heartfelt to more relaxed, fun, and playful.
- If you’d like to have video coverage of your special day, you should factor in a bit more time.
- If you’re having a smaller, more intimate event, six hours should be more than enough.
- If you’d like to capture the essence of your experience of a destination wedding in Costa Rica, you could opt for a few days of photographer/videographer coverage.
And so, if any of these ideas or suggestions have caught your eye, or you’d just like a bit more information about wedding photography in Costa Rica, I’d be more than delighted to chat with you! Let’s get in touch!
