Obsessed with planning a destination wedding in Costa Rica? Us too! Read on to find out the very best months for unforgettable weddings in the land of dreamy beaches and ridiculously beautiful rain forests…
You may have noticed we’ve become a little obsessed with planning destination weddings in Costa Rica of late. This past month alone, we’ve given you a lowdown on what you should expect to budget for a wedding down our tropical shores and helped you pack for your unforgettable but also adventurous wedding in paradise.
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Why the obsession, you ask? Well, because we are in the heart of wedding season in Costa Rica right now!
Getting the timing right of your destination wedding in Costa Rica is about a lot more than ensuring your day is sunny and perfect. After all, seasonal changes in our luscious lands, although not as dramatic as elsewhere in the world, can make a huge difference to your day.
The month you choose will likewise determine how easy it will be for your cherished few guests to join you for a Costa Rica adventure vacation, how expensive flights (and everything else will be), and also what your desired ‘destination’ in the country will be like. The east and west coasts boast opposing rainy seasons – but not entirely and certainly not everywhere.
Here are a few things you should know when deciding which month to plan your destination wedding in Costa Rica.
The exact spot for your destination wedding in Costa Rica is more important than you think
Costa Rica may seem like a small and compact country yet the diving central mountain range, and two opposing coastlines (Pacific on the west, Caribbean on the east) means it boasts over a dozen micro-climates, each with its own weather nuances. When researching the best months to plan your wedding, hone in on a specific place – say, your chosen wedding venue or closest town. Even a search as wide as an entire province is not detailed enough!
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There is a very general guideline, however, as to the best overall months
While you may want to research specifics, there are a few months of the year deemed to be ‘the most perfect’ at least where the climate is concerned – they are:
- January
- February
- March
- April
As well as from about mid-November to December
Costa Rica is at its driest during these months and, given all the possible ‘downsides’, it seems torrential rain is the one most couples wish to avoid.
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The dry season does NOT mean it will not rain at all
The fact that Costa Rica is so ludicrously luscious is probably one of the main reasons that destination weddings are so very popular. Yet a country does not get this gorgeous on exceptionally dry weather – at any time of year. No matter which month you choose to get married, do know that a dry day is never guaranteed.
However, (the good part!) dry season months carry risks of short-lived showers only so, no matter what, the overwhelming part of your wedding day will be astonishingly sunny nevertheless. The rare rains during the dry season are usually not a hindrance, neither to the wedding nor the bevy of adventurous activities you can indulge in, so don’t worry too much and enjoy the beautiful tropics!
The northern Pacific Coast is drier than the south
While the western half of Costa Rica enjoys its driest months at the beginning of the year, it’s worth noting that there are considerable differences along this side. The far north is much drier than the south – the Guanacaste is actually the driest province of all, one of the reasons it’s coveted by coupled planning their destination weddings and honeymoons in Costa Rica. The rain season starts later here and doesn’t last nearly as long as in other regions.
Meanwhile, in the southern Osa Peninsula, November is usually quite wet still and rainfall is more intense. The peninsula hosts the Corcovado National Park, the most bio diverse in the entire country and an extraordinary place to explore. The peninsula receives over 16’ of rain every year! Wonderful news for the endemic flora and fauna varieties and, in turn, anyone who wants to truly experience the pristine tropical wilderness.
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The Caribbean coast is, by and large, wetter than the Pacific coast
The easter coastline of Costa Rica receives a lot more rain than the western side – however, in a genial turn of fate thanks to those spectacular central mountains, the two sides play a game rainy-season-tag and boast opposing seasons. When one side is wet, the other is dry! This brings us to the next truly priceless point…
No matter which month you choose, there will always be a dry destination!
Costa Rica’s climatic diversity means there is always a dry spot in the house – this means you can actually plan your destination wedding here in reverse. Rather than choosing a venue and picking the best month for that area… choose the best and most convenient month for you and your guests to fly out to Costa Rica, and then find the driest region to suit. Either way, a magnificent experience is always guaranteed!
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Dry also means hot. Like, seriously steamy!
The driest months are naturally also the hottest ones so weddings in Costa Rica, during the first four months of the year, should keep the formalities short and sweet. Making grandma sit out in the sun, wearing her Sunday’s best, for an hour and a half is probably not the best idea. You can mitigate heat by heading up into the cloud forests of Monte Verde or simply choosing higher elevation – weddings in the mountains of Costa Rica are absolutely glorious and help keep everyone cool as well, especially if you’re planning a more formal affair.
Don’t dismiss the mid-year months – they can be quite perfect too
So, here’s a little inside tip: getting married in Costa Rica in June, July and August is actually pretty awesome. Sure, you will experience some rain BUT it will actually be a very manageable amount, and holy moley, the benefits! Fewer tourists, cheaper prices, more choices, and fantastical options for outdoor activities, the wildlife will be more active (because they’re not hiding away from the intense heat) and everything will be so luscious that the wilderness will look like it’s been filtered by Instagram.
Most wedding planners and venues will include a ‘backup plan’ in case of last-minute downpours, which often adds a whole level of unforgettable memories to the mix. Magic.
The only rainy months to avoid are May, September, and October
We’re huge proponents of rainy season adventures in Costa Rica and we think the rewards far outweigh the downsides. Having said that, the three above-mentioned months do see consistent downpours, the kind that can last a few days straight. Given you have nine other months to choose then, they’re quite easy to avoid.
Other considerations when choosing the best month of a Costa Rica destination wedding
There are other considerations, aside from the weather, that you need to know about when planning your BIG day on our neck of the rain forest. Local holidays. The busiest and most expensive time of year for destination weddings are during local holidays – the Christmas/New Year period and Easter, in particular, sees a surge of both local and international tourism movement. Would you have an awful wedding if you can only plan it then? Certainly not, but you will pay more and will have to contend with higher crowds than at any other time of year, that’s all.
Plus, Costa Rica boasts innumerable options to get off the usual tourist path and that means you will always find a quieter nook to hold your precious destination wedding and have an amazing adventure vacation to boot.
And we can help!
Plan Your Costa Rica Destination Wedding Today!
At Costa Rica Rios, we can help you plan an outstanding Costa Rica Adventure Vacation around your destination wedding. We can time it just right and help you work out the logistics when choosing the very best month to hold your wedding.
Contact us to know more.
Costa Rica is a safe, glorious, warm, welcoming and drop-dead-gorgeous country, one where stunning wilderness and beautiful wildlife takes center stage. The beauty of a Costa Rica destination wedding, therefore, is that you don’t NEED to impress your wedding guests with unnecessary extras.
Because although you are getting married IN Costa Rica, you are essentially planning 1) a wedding and 2) a Costa Rica adventure vacation.
The Nayara group of luxury hotels barely needs any introduction: this is one of Costa Rica’s most exquisite boutique hotels group, revered for its attention to details, impeccable service and magnificent properties. If you’re a couple looking for a unique, upscale and totally private experience, then the Nayara Springs is the one you ought to check out. This adults-only hotel is set within the luscious landscapes of the Arenal Volcano tropical rain forests.
Cala Luna may not be as grand as Nayara Springs but it is by no means any less enchanting. This glorious property is set along a beautiful stretch of beach in Tamarindo and its understated elegance and luxury offer couples just as much comfort and beauty but in a much more intimate setting. The laid-back vibe perfectly suits its seaside location and if it’s an intimate beach side ceremony you dream, with all the bells and whistles of a world-class boutique resort, then you won’t be left disappointed.
Remote, secluded and incredibly good value for money, the luxurious Paloma Lodge offers an all-inclusive adventure wedding experience you won’t find anywhere else. This is the kind of place you head to when you have more time up your sleeve, a bit of extra funds in your pocket and a fervent desire to get away from it all and enjoy a truly special vacation in your life with the most beloved people in your life.
Nestled in the heart of the wonderful cloud forests of Monteverde, the Hotel Belmar oozes romance and decadence at every turn, making it an ideal Costa Rica wedding venue for couples who seek a unique experience immersed in pristine mountainous nature. A selection of stunning and spacious chalet rooms, all beautifully decorated and infinitely cozy, can cater for large wedding parties and the added treats of hot tub, wellness spa and a terrace affording breath-taking forest views will surely captivate you all.
Manuel Antonio, the most visited area in the country, is awash with spectacular hotels and resorts set amidst dense jungle cover, and facing the pristine Pacific coast. Yet very few can boast the honeymoon sundowner effect of La Mariposa.
The sky over Uvita seems to take on a life of its own at sunset, and infinite shades of red drench the entire landscape. It’s simply magical. And you know what else is magical?
Just to prove a point, we’ve found a stunning location that’s not on the coast but still rewards you with an incredibly spectacular sunset. The place? The stunning Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa, a remote and gorgeous resort set on the foothills of Costa Rica’s most revered peak.
To highlight the fact that Costa Rica dishes up sensational sunsets no matter where you go, here we have a local low-key favorite that’s all about the views. Nogui’s is set right on the beach in the vibrant seaside town of Tamarindo and serves local specialties right by the seaside.
But let’s be honest, honeymoon sundowners should probably be a bit special, right? Then head down to Dominical, in the lesser-visited southern Pacific Coast and you can soak up startling sunset views in one of only a few select hotels which boast spectacularly elevated settings.
Anyone who’s ever planned a wedding will attest to it being a tad stressful. There are 101 things to think about, all simultaneously, and 101 more that’ll slip one’s mind until the time it becomes obvious that they have been all but forgotten. When you plan a wedding abroad, however, you can just about quintuple the stress! Not only do you have countless things to think about and organize, but you and your wedding venue manager, cake maker, florist, make-up artist and string quarter are in different countries. How on earth does one organize a seamlessly beautiful and breathtaking Costa Rica wedding?! With a fantastic wedding planner, that’s how.
Trusting the most important day of your life to a complete stranger may be daunting, we know. Yet there are plenty of things you can do to ensure you catch yourself a priceless ally. Someone who understands you, knows your likes and dislikes and totally gets where you’re coming from. Someone on your wavelength. To this end, here’s our list of tips and hints to help you find that perfect Costa Rica wedding planner match made in heaven:
Planning a destination wedding to Costa Rica is one of the most enjoyable things to look forward it. Considering the country is brimming with exceptional wedding venues and experienced planners, you’d be surprised how seamlessly easy the whole process can be. Yet no ‘wedding planner magician’ can possibly solve all the conundrums you’ll inevitably face. Who will you invite? Who should you invite? What are you expected to pay for…and what should you leave up to your guests?
Whether you wish to enjoy a superb adventure-filled honeymoon or simply dreaming of a romantic vacation, Costa Rica is your incomparable destination choice. But don’t just take (admittedly subjective) word for it!
Manuel Antonio National Park is arguably the most popular destination for active romantic vacations and honeymoons, as it’s only a 2-hour drive out of San Jose and is, above all else, a superlative natural haven. Brimming with wildlife and offering a multitude of options for adventure-filled days, Manuel Antonio is the kind of place where you can enjoy a thrilling white water rafting trip in the morning, enjoy a delectable gourmet lunch in an exclusive lodge, delight in a romantic afternoon horse ride on a pristine beach, and end the day with a swoon-worthy candle-lit dinner under a canopy of stars.
Not to be outdone, dormant Arenal Volcano offers an equally outstanding backdrop for soaks in therapeutic 
Want to feel like there are just the two of you in the world? Then the Nicoya Peninsula is your honeymoon destination of choice. You’ll find fewer people here, fewer tourists in general, and a much more remote and exclusive experience awaits you. Remote and spellbinding, the Nicoya is idyllic for couples who want to get away from the rest of the world, for just a little while. Outstanding resorts are set amidst verdant hills, overlooking sapphire and emerald waters. Quiet coves, endless stretches of pristine beaches and oodles of isolated dream spots is what makes the Nicoya Peninsula a top choice for those seeking romance and intimacy.
You’re taking the plunge. It’s all set. You and your beloved have decided to get married at one of the many destination weddings locations in Costa Rica… Wooo hoooo! Kudos to you both! This is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting times in your life.
Well, logistics may not be all that romantic, we know, but we still need to get them out of the way! There are several reasons Costa Rica is such a popular wedding venue, and much of this has to do with just how easy the whole process is for foreigners. You need not apply for a marriage license in Costa Rica, need not have your documents translated into Spanish and there are no waiting periods either. Plan it well and, if you wanted to, you could get married on the same day you arrive.
Forget those astronomically expensive weddings many people have at home! In Costa Rica, your ‘average’ wedding, with about 50 guests, can set you back only about $5,000! This will include celebrant, venue, celebration lunch/dinner, flowers, photographer, entertainment and a delicious cake! Of course, you can certainly splash out on a super luxurious venue and uber-gourmet food, but a Costa Rican wedding need not cost an arm and a leg. The landscape, atmosphere and culture will be the highlights here…not the bling.
Although it would be impossible to plan a destination wedding in Costa Rica all on your lonesome, we dare say the time consuming factor ought to not be taken too lightly. Moreover, the overwhelming majority of wedding hotels and resorts have their own in-house coordinators and their services are included in your ‘wedding package’, making their help totally priceless.
Well, this depends on what you like! Destination wedding are big business here in Costa Rica, and you’ll be surprised how many inclusions many of the fantastic resorts will offer, to lure you in. Just to give you an idea, the stellar 
