Planning a 2018 Costa Rica Wedding? We Show You How!
Planning an exceptional 2018 Costa Rica wedding and adventure honeymoon? Read on to discover all the ins and outs of planning and enjoying your BIG day in one of the most sensational destinations on earth.
From finding the right venue to choosing the right planner, plus legalities, etiquette and more: your 2018 Costa Rica wedding guide will ensure your wedded bliss will kick off in the most sensational way possible.
Planning your 2018 Costa Rica destination wedding – where to start?
First things first: in such a diverse country as Costa Rica, the first thing you should decide is what kind of wedding sets your heart aflutter. Will it be a barefoot sunset ceremony on a stretch of startling beach? Or do you dream of exchanging your vows immersed in a magnificent jungle? Costa Rica offers honeymooners a bevy of choices, from luxury beach resorts to breathtaking jungle eco-lodges and, because weddings are so popular here, many of them offer wedding packages that include the ceremony, reception lunch or dinner, flowers, cake and accommodation for you and your wedding party.
The most popular choices are in and around the Manuel Antonio and Arenal National Parks as well as the Gulf of Papagayo, which is particularly suited to stunning 5* beach-side weddings. Once you’ve set your sights on your ideal setting, it’ll be time to start planning in more detail. Costa Rica wedding season kicks off in January yet the best months for weddings are April and May, when the big holiday crowds are gone and prices drop dramatically. Although Costa Rica weddings are renowned for being great value for money, they’re even more so in these two months. The weather will still be ideal (it’s still dry season!) but high temps will have dropped slightly, making a wedding and active honeymoon just perfect. Having said this, do note that Costa Rica enjoys a ‘little dry summer’ even during rainy season so you can certainly enjoy a sensational wedding even outside of the prime months. Read our Wedding Guide – How to Time it Right for more information on what you can expect – in terms of availability and climate – at different times of year.
Finding the right venue for your 2018 Costa Rica wedding
Few countries offer couples the kind of wedding venue choice that Costa Rica offers. From jaw-dropping private villas to all-inclusive luxury resorts, boutique eco-lodges and even luxury private yachts: your choice of wedding venue in this stellar destinations is limited only by your budget and your imagination. Read on to discover Unique Wedding Venues and the Top 3 Luxury Venues for 2017.
Other considerations when planning a 2018 Costa Rica wedding – wedding packages, legalities & local planners
Many couples mistakenly believe that planning a Costa Rica wedding is a lot of work yet what most don’t realize is that this country is the poster-child for destination weddings so help is always at hand. Wedding packages are extremely popular and almost every luxury hotel, resort and lodge offer the added help of a wedding planner along with all the other extras.
Local wedding planners will help you with the legalities and logistics of getting married in Costa Rica so they are rather invaluable, even if you choose a resort or wedding venue that doesn’t include one. Read our guide to Finding the Perfect Wedding Planner before you start planning your big day in paradise.
What makes planning a Costa Rica wedding easy is the fact that the legalities needed to make your ‘I do’ official are so straightforward. There’s no need to apply for an expensive license or provide a dossier of documentation to get married here: just a copy of your passports and a few personal details are enough, especially if you’re planning to get married in church. If you prefer a non-religious ceremony, your wedding planner will organize for a lawyer to be present, who’ll submit a certificate on your behalf. Details of your intention to marry should be passed on to your planner or resort about a month before the ceremony and the marriage certificate will be mailed to you once all is finalized.
You may also be interested to read our guide to Costa Rica Wedding Etiquette, which details a few aspects of a wedding abroad that you may not have considered. From who to invite to what you should pay for, how far in advance you should send your invitation and how best to organize for your loved ones to join you, our guide is meant to guide and assist you along the way.
How much should you budget for your 2018 Costa Rica Wedding?
Costa Rica offers couples a wide array of choices when it comes to wedding budgets. Whilst the sky’s the limit for luxurious affairs in some of the country’s premier private villas, you’ll be surprised to learn that, generally speaking, most wedding packages offered in stunning resorts and eco-lodges start from as low as USD 5,000. Merely a fraction of what a day of celebrations would cost you at home! Moreover, most packages include all big-ticket items, such as private venue and reception dinner, celebrant, flowers, photos, wedding cake and, in many cases, even entertainment.
Planning your exceptional Costa Rica adventure honeymoon
If there’s one thing that could ever possibly outshine a Costa Rica wedding, it would have to be a Costa Rica adventure honeymoon. Because nothing spells TRUE LOVE FOREVER like a once in a lifetime adrenaline-packed adventure with your dearly beloved, in some of the most pristine wilderness on earth. From the excitement of whitewater rafting and kayaking to days spent mountain biking, surfing, zip lining, snorkeling, horse riding and mountain bike riding: a Costa Rica honeymoon is the ideal way to celebrate the biggest commitment of your life.
Visit our honeymoon adventure packages page for inspiration and itinerary ideas, and to learn more about all the adventures that await you in Costa Rica and, as always, contact us for more information.