The Perfect Itinerary for a Destination Wedding in Costa Rica

Songbird
23 hours ago
4 min read

Planning a destination wedding isn’t just about choosing a beautiful venue, it’s about creating an entire experience your loved ones will remember for the rest of their lives. And after traveling to Costa Rica for the International Association of Destination Wedding Professionals (IADWP) Conference, we saw firsthand why Costa Rica is one of the most magical places in the world to get married.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a destination wedding that feels like a tropical vacation and a celebration all in one… this is exactly what your weekend could look like.

Day 1: Arrival & Welcome Party

Imagine your guests stepping off the shuttle and being greeted by warm breezes, lush mountains, and fresh tropical air.

Once everyone settles in, your wedding weekend officially begins with a warm welcome party overlooking the ocean. Your guests feel relaxed. You get to greet everyone in a beautiful setting. Coconut cocktails, soft guitar music, and stunning sunset photos, and the tone is set for a weekend that feels like a luxurious vacation.

Day 2 Morning: Excursions Guests Will Love

Costa Rica is a dream for couples who want their guests to have a culturally rich experience. Whether they’re adventurous, wellness focused, or simply want to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.

During our visit, our team experienced some incredible excursions, each one giving us ideas for what your guests could enjoy too!

Excursion Highlight #1: Yacht Tour + Snorkeling (MWS’s favorite)
This was the experience that made us fall in love with Costa Rica!
We boarded a private yacht and spent the day exploring four different beaches and islands. The water was shockingly calm, barely any waves, which made the ride smooth and peaceful. We played music, danced with the ocean breeze, and felt like we were inside a postcard.
We saw sea turtles, sting rays, puffer fish, schools of flying fish… and at each stop, guests could jump into the crystal-clear water to snorkel or swim. Some of the beaches even had hidden caves to explore.
Fresh fruit, salsa, and chips were served on board. And the best part? The feeling.Laughter, sunshine, music, and a sense of pure freedom.That is the Pura Vida spirit.

Excursion Highlight #2: Sound Bath + Cacao Ritual
For wellness loving guests who crave rest, healing, or mindfulness, this experience is unforgettable.
We laid on soft yoga mats with towels over our eyes while the instructor played instruments that created deep, soothing vibrations, some sounded like ocean waves, some like water droplets, some like fairy chimes. Many people fell asleep from how relaxing it was.
At the end, we were served warm natural cacao in handmade clay mugs and learned about its meaning in Costa Rican culture.
It was grounding, emotional, and deeply calming. A perfect morning for your mom, bridesmaids, or anyone needing a peaceful moment before the wedding day.

Other Excursions to Consider
Depending on your group, couples can choose from: • Hanging bridge rainforest tour • Coffee plantation tasting • Beach bike rides • Spa day with volcanic mud treatments • Kayaking or paddle boarding • Private cooking classes using local ingredients
Any of these options are sure to make your guests have an elevated and unforgettable experience!

Day 2 Evening: Rehearsal Dinner in the Jungle

As the sun sets, imagine an intimate candlelit dinner tucked inside a lush tropical garden or forest clearing surrounded by warm lights, soft music, and a menu inspired by Costa Rican flavors.

Think fire dancing performers, your favorite people bonding, laughing and eating while locally sourced delicious Costa Rican sea food.

Day 3: Wedding Day

Your special day is finally here! This is where a lot of brides need the most help, and as professional wedding planners with 10 years of experience, where we absolutely love to help! Learn more about how we can help you create a seamless wedding day HERE

Ceremony: Golden hour by the ocean or overlooking a cliffside, tropical florals, soft breeze, waves in the background.
Cocktail Hour: Poolside ceviche stations, local musicians playing boleros, craft cocktails with guava and passion fruit.
Reception: Open-air ballroom under the stars, twinkle lights, lush greenery, farm-to-table menu, and dancing all night to Latin, American, Vietnamese, and Chinese music blends so everyone feels represented.

This is the kind of celebration guests never forget.

Day 4: Farewell Brunch

A relaxed brunch with tropical fruit, Costa Rican coffee, and a made-to-order gallo pinto station helps guests wrap up the weekend with comfort and connection.

It’s the perfect time for thank-you cards, Polaroids, and lingering over warm memories before heading home.

Practical Things Couples Should Know

If you choose us as your destination wedding planner we will take care of the logistics, but here are the guest-focused tips we recommend:

✔️ Time your trip around dry season (Nov–April) Perfect for yacht days, beach ceremonies, and beautiful sunsets.

✔️ Book private transportation for guests Ubers are not widely legal in Costa Rica, private shuttles or DMCs are the safest and easiest options.

✔️ Check how walkable your resort is Some properties require shuttles to move between areas.

If you’d love a longer list of things to consider for a costa rican wedding you can read our blog “Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Destination Wedding in Costa Rica” HERE

If You’re Unsure About Costa Rica, Here’s What We’d Tell You

Costa Rica is one of the most friendly, stress-free destination wedding locations you can choose. It’s the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, ocean, mountains, rainforest, and warm hospitality.

Guests don’t feel like they’re simply “attending a wedding.”They feel like they’re on a shared experience bonding, laughing, and making memories together.

It’s the kind of place where your guests will thank you for choosing it.

✨ Ready to Plan Your Costa Rica Wedding?✨

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! 💍✨