Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Destination Wedding in Costa Rica
- Songbird
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
If you’ve ever dreamed of exchanging vows in front of a beautiful ocean view surrounded by lush and tropical nature, Costa Rica might be the perfect place for you! As destination wedding planners, we recently spent a week at the IADWP Destination Wedding Conference at JW Marriott Guanacaste and Hacienda Pinilla connecting with local vendors, exploring venues, and learning from the world’s top experts in destination celebrations.
This guide brings together what we learned and what we believe every bride-to-be should know about planning an unforgettable wedding in Costa Rica, from travel logistics to guest experiences and insider planning tips.
What You Should Know Before Having a Destination Wedding in Costa Rica?
As planners, we know a wedding is a day filled with all kinds of emotions. That’s why we always view destinations through both an emotional as well as a logistical lens, and Costa Rica shines in both.
The vendors were professional, friendly, and experienced in working with international couples. Many spoke English fluently and made communication easy, and many local businesses accepted U.S. dollars, which made transactions much simpler. Many resorts also offer fantastic additional services, from transportation and excursions to resort restaurants.
Still, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
Book group transportation early. Some resorts are a bit far from the airport, so we recommend prearranged shuttles.
Prepare for the weather. The tropical climate is gorgeous, but humid. We recommend lighter fabrics and natural hairstyles that hold well in moisture.
Always have a rain backup. Even in the dry season, a quick tropical shower can surprise you, so we always recommend securing a covered alternative.
Skip the stilettos. Between sand, cobblestone walkways, and grassy venues, wedges or block heels are much more practical for you and your guests.
Photos: 1. JW Guanacaste website, 2. El Mangroove Website
Which Costa Rica Wedding Venue is Right for You?
We had the pleasure of visiting two of Costa Rica’s most beautiful venues, JW Marriott Guanacaste and Hacienda Pinilla, and both offered something unique for destination weddings.
JW Marriott Guanacaste is a stunning resort on the shores of Playa Mansita that blends luxury with tropical beauty. You can exchange your vows on the sand with a serene ocean view as the background. Between the oceanfront spa, elegant dining, and tranquil rooms, this resort feels like the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and romance.
JW Marriott Guanacaste Website:
Hacienda Pinilla is a tropical hacienda ranch style estate that offers intimate beachfront ceremonies as well grand celebrations under the stars. Guests can enjoy things like hiking trails, golf, spa days, or simply unwind by the infinity pool at the Beach Club. Hacienda Pinilla creates a wedding experience that feels unique and unforgettable.
El Mangroove
El Mangroove offers a boutique luxury experience that immerses you in Costa Rica’s natural beauty. Located on the Gulf of Papagayo, this property is ideal for couples who want something intimate yet elevated. It offers multiple event spaces to match different styles. One of our favorites is The Garden Plaza, a courtyard surrounded by greenery that creates a tropical romantic atmosphere for ceremonies and receptions.
Costa Rica has so many breathtaking venues, and we’d love to help you find the one that feels best for you. Reach out HERE and we’ll help you research, scout, and book the location that matches your dream wedding vision.
What Makes Costa Rica a Unique Place for a Destination Wedding?
One of the things that makes Costa Rica so special is its rich local culture. Here are a few ideas as to how we can incorporate the lifestyle into your wedding day.
Floral Design: The tropical florals are unlike any others, from vibrant orchids, heliconias, and anthuriums that can instantly elevate your wedding. (Wedding planner pro tip: while some flowers like peonies are beloved in the U.S., they’re rare and difficult to source locally in Costa Rica due to import restrictions, so it’s best to plan for local alternatives.)
Music & Atmosphere: Live Latin bands create an energetic atmosphere that your guests will love!
Cuisine: Since Costa Rica is a coastal, tropical country with rich farmland, you can expect everything from fresh seafood to locally grown produce and world-renowned coffee. The local cuisine makes every meal feel fresh and flavorful.
Lifestyle: “Pura Vida” is a common saying in Costa Rica, it is a mindset that reminds couples and guests to slow down, enjoy the moment, and let the joy of the day sink in.
If you are curious about our design or planning services you can learn more HERE.
What Makes Costa Rica Special for Friends & Family?
From the warm hospitality to the natural excursions, every guest can find their perfect pace. Some will lounge by the pool, while others explore the beaches or take part in group adventures like yoga, biking, or kayaking. The resorts make it easy to arrange group meals, excursions, and transport, so your guests always feel cared for.
For couples planning multi-day celebrations, Costa Rica’s setting makes every event, from the welcome dinner to the farewell brunch, feel like part of a luxurious tropical vacation.
We’ll be posting an in-depth blog about what exactly you can do in costa Rica later this month so follow us on social media here to stay updated! HERE
Photo: Ku Studio
What We Learned at the IADWP Destination Wedding Conference
Attending the IADWP Destination Wedding Conference in Costa Rica gave us an insider’s perspective on what Costa Rican weddings are like and what couples can expect.
Here’s what stood out:
Boutique Hotels Over All-Inclusive Resorts Unlike other latin American destinations, Costa Rica leans more toward boutique properties that host smaller, more intimate weddings. While some venues like El Mangroove can accommodate up to 250 guests, most spaces are designed for celebrations of 100 or fewer giving each event a relaxed, private feel.
A Standout Vendor: Realce Rental Realce Rental impressed us with their full-service approach. They don’t just provide rentals, they handle custom installations, production, lighting, entertainment, and florals. For brides looking for cohesive, elevated design, that kind of offer is incredible for an overall seamless wedding experience.
Going Above and Beyond for Clients One session that left a deep impression was “How to Attract and Book the Luxury Client” with Aimée Nicole Monihan. She taught us about what it means to go above and beyond for your clients and fellow vendors. With this new knowledge, now more than ever are we going to strive to make sure our clients and partners feel seen, heard and valued.
Making Travel Seamless for Our Couples One of the most valuable lessons we took away from this trip was how important it is to simplify the travel experience for our couples and their guests. Coordinating flights, hotel room blocks, and group transportation can quickly become overwhelming, so we’re now looking to expanding our services by looking into joining a travel host agency to help make that process easier for our clients!
The Biggest Lesson: “Pura Vida” Beyond the logistics and the learning, the trip was a reminder to slow down and connect. As one of our favorite takeaways put it: Pura Vida! In a fast-paced life, remember to slow down to connect, reconnect, breathe, and observe the life inside and all around you.
As wedding planners, we can confidently say that Costa Rica is one of the most rewarding destinations to plan a wedding. Between its breathtaking venues, exceptional vendors, and the pure Pura Vida spirit, it’s a place for unforgettable celebrations!
If you need expert guidance to bring your vision to life, our destination wedding planning team is here to help. We specialize in Chinese-American & Destination Weddings! We will help you from choosing the perfect venue to coordinating every detail, we make the process seamless so you can enjoy the journey. Reach out to us to start planning your dream wedding today! 💍✨
For more personalized information, book a consultation
For Inspiration and advice follow us on Instagram
Comments