Top Wedding Resorts in Central America for Large Weddings

For couples looking for large destination wedding venues in Central America, the appeal goes beyond just logistics. Its all inclusive resort scene has grown significantly in the last decade, and that growth means couples with large guest lists now have real options in the region.

Costa Rica’s Guanacaste coast and Panama’s Pacific Riviera are home to major resort brands with hundreds of rooms, dedicated group departments, and event spaces built for big celebrations. Your guests get a destination wedding experience that feels different from the standard Caribbean resort trip. There’s wildlife, volcanoes, rainforest, and a sense of adventure that make the wedding week memorable for everyone, not just the couple.

We’ve selected ten resorts across Costa Rica and Panama that have the capacity, coordination experience, and venue options to handle large celebrations. Our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists can help you compare them and manage the group logistics.

Best Resorts in Central America for Large Destination Weddings

The right resort for a large wedding needs scale: enough rooms to keep your group together, event spaces for 75 to 150+ guests, and a coordination team that’s handled celebrations at this level before. Central America’s largest all inclusive resorts check all these boxes.

Riu Guanacaste

Riu Guanacaste is one of the largest all inclusive resorts on Costa Rica‘s Pacific coast, located on Matapalo Beach in the Guanacaste province. The resort’s scale is built for big groups: hundreds of rooms, a water park, multiple pools, and a wide variety of dining options. The RiuLand Kids Club keeps younger guests entertained during adult events.

Wedding venues include beachfront and garden spaces with on-site coordination. Riu Guanacaste shares its beach with sister property Riu Palace Costa Rica, effectively doubling the room inventory for large groups. For a well-priced, large-scale celebration with proven group handling, Riu Guanacaste is one of the strongest large destination wedding venues in Central America.

Learn more about Riu Guanacaste and get a free quote today >>

Riu Palace Costa Rica

Riu Palace Costa Rica is the premium sibling to Riu Guanacaste, sharing the same beach with upgraded dining, drinks, and accommodations. For large wedding groups where some guests want a more refined experience, the dual-resort setup works perfectly. Families can book at the value-friendly Guanacaste while couples and VIPs stay at the Palace.

The Palace’s wedding venues and food quality are a step above, making it an excellent choice for the ceremony and reception location within the shared complex. Together, the two Riu properties can accommodate wedding groups well above 100 guests with ease.

Learn more about Riu Palace Costa Rica and get a free quote today >>

Riu Playa Blanca

Riu Playa Blanca is one of Panama’s largest all inclusive resorts, located on the Cocle coast about two hours west of Panama City. The property offers a substantial room count, a water park, the RiuLand Kids Club, and a wide variety of dining venues. The expansive white sand beachfront provides plenty of space for large group activities.

Wedding ceremonies take place on the beach or in garden settings, with a coordinated planning process. Panama’s competitive wedding pricing compared to Costa Rica or Mexico makes Riu Playa Blanca an excellent value option for large groups. So, for a big celebration at a great price in Central America, this property delivers.

Learn more about Riu Playa Blanca and get a free quote today >>

Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica

Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica is an adults-only, “Unlimited-Luxury” resort on Peninsula Papagayo with dramatic hillside architecture and panoramic Gulf views. The resort’s room count and range of event spaces make it capable of hosting larger celebrations, particularly for couples whose guest list skews toward adults.

Wedding venues here include beachfront, hillside terrace, and indoor options. The AMR Collection wedding team offers tiered packages with experienced large-group coordination. For an adults-only large wedding in Central America with premium service and stunning views, Secrets Papagayo is a top pick.

Learn more about Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica and get a free quote today >>

Dreams Playa Bonita Panama

Dreams Playa Bonita Panama is an all inclusive family-friendly resort on a Pacific beach just 20 minutes from Panama City. The resort’s proximity to the city gives large groups a unique advantage: guests can explore Panama City’s dining, shopping, and the Panama Canal between wedding events.

The Explorer’s Club for kids and Core Zone for teens keep younger guests busy. Multiple pools, a water slide, and diverse dining options give the resort the variety a large group needs. Wedding venues include beachfront and terrace options. For large groups who want beach resort convenience with urban access, Dreams Playa Bonita is a strong Central America option.

Learn more about Dreams Playa Bonita Panama and get a free quote today >>

Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton

Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton brings entertainment-driven energy to the Guanacaste coast. The all inclusive resort has a substantial room count, multiple pools, themed entertainment, and the PH Star Kids Club. The lively atmosphere and constant programming mean your large group will always have something to do.

Wedding venue options include a beachfront gazebo and garden settings. The Royalton wedding team handles group coordination with established systems. The Diamond Club tier also offers a premium experience for the couple and VIP guests.

Learn more about Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton and get a free quote today >>

Barcelo Tambor

Barcelo Tambor is an all inclusive resort on Tambor Bay in Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. The resort sits on a calm, wide bay surrounded by tropical forest, and the wildlife here is remarkable. The property has enough room inventory and event space to handle a large wedding group, with beachfront ceremony areas framed by the curve of the bay.

The all inclusive format covers meals, drinks, and activities, including a kids’ club and golf course. The more remote Nicoya location also means your group will feel like they have the area to themselves. So, for a large nature-immersed celebration away from the busier Guanacaste strip, Barcelo Tambor offers something different.

Learn more about Barcelo Tambor and get a free quote today >>

Occidental Papagayo

Occidental Papagayo is an all inclusive resort in the Gulf of Papagayo area of Guanacaste, set on a hillside overlooking the Pacific. The resort offers a solid room count, multiple pools, and dining variety. The tropical setting includes mature trees and lush gardens that create natural shade and beauty throughout the property.

Wedding venues include beachfront and garden spaces. The resort’s accessible price point makes it a smart choice for couples hosting a large group where keeping per-person costs manageable is a priority. For a large, budget-friendly all inclusive wedding on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, Occidental Papagayo is a practical, well-located option.

Learn more about Occidental Papagayo and get a free quote today >>

Occidental Tamarindo

Occidental Tamarindo is an all inclusive resort in the popular surf town of Tamarindo on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. The town’s restaurants, shops, and surf schools give your large group plenty to do between wedding events, and the all inclusive resort provides a comfortable home base with pools, dining, and beach access.

Beachfront wedding ceremonies benefit from Tamarindo’s famous sunsets. The resort’s accessible pricing makes it a strong value option for large groups. For a large wedding with a laid-back surf-town vibe and easy access to off-resort activities, Occidental Tamarindo is a fun, practical choice.

Learn more about Occidental Tamarindo and get a free quote today >>

Barcelo San Jose

Barcelo San Jose offers something different: a city-adjacent property near Costa Rica’s main international airport, surrounded by mountains, coffee plantations, and national parks. For large wedding groups arriving from different cities, the proximity to Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) simplifies arrival logistics significantly.

The property also features a large pool, gardens, and comfortable rooms with mountain views. Garden and terrace venues provide lush tropical backdrops for wedding ceremonies and receptions. For large groups combining a wedding with a broader Costa Rica itinerary, or groups that need an easily accessible gathering point near the capital, Barcelo San Jose makes practical sense.

Learn more about Barcelo San Jose and get a free quote today >>

More Information for Planning a Large Destination Wedding in Central America

Central America’s two main wedding destinations, Costa Rica and Panama, both offer well-developed resort infrastructure for large groups. Here’s what to know about costs, packages, and travel logistics for planning your big celebration in Central America.

Central America Large Destination Wedding Costs

On average, couples may spend anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 or more on a destination wedding in Central America. Destination wedding costs depend on guest count, resort and resort class, time of year, and package add-ons. For large weddings, per-guest reception costs and room block arrangements are the biggest budget variables. Panama’s Riu Playa Blanca tends to offer the strongest value, while Costa Rica’s Papagayo peninsula resorts command premium pricing.

The average American wedding costs $36,000. A large Central America wedding at an all inclusive resort often delivers a more complete experience at a comparable price, with the added value of a tropical vacation for your entire guest list.

Central America Large Destination Wedding Packages

Wedding packages at Central America‘s large resorts include a ceremony venue, officiant, basic décor, cake, and a champagne toast. Upgraded tiers add reception dinners, entertainment, photography, and enhanced design. Riu properties offer complimentary base packages with qualifying room night bookings. AMR Collection resorts (Secrets, Dreams) offer tiered packages with premium customization.

For large groups, ask about included guest counts and per-person fees for additional guests. Your Certified Destination Wedding Specialist can help you negotiate group rates and build the right package.

Central America Large Wedding Travel Information

Costa Rica’s Daniel Oduber Airport (LIR) in Liberia serves the Guanacaste resorts with direct flights from major U.S. cities. Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) in San Jose serves Barcelo Tambor and Barcelo San Jose. Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport (PTY) serves Dreams Playa Bonita and Riu Playa Blanca.

For large groups, send save-the-dates 9 to 12 months in advance. Most resorts arrange group airport transfers. The dry season from December through April offers the best weather for outdoor celebrations. Remind guests to ensure passports are valid for at least six months beyond travel dates.

Central America Large Destination Wedding FAQs

What is considered a large destination wedding?

A destination wedding with 75 to 100+ guests is generally considered large. At this scale, you need a resort with substantial room inventory, large venue spaces, and a coordination team experienced in managing group logistics, room blocks, transportation, and multi-event wedding weekends.

Which Central America country is best for a large wedding?

Costa Rica has the most large-scale resort options, particularly in the Guanacaste province, where multiple major brands operate. Panama offers strong value with competitive pricing. The best choice depends on your group’s budget, preferred activities, and how far they’re willing to travel. Both countries have direct flights from the U.S. and well-developed tourism infrastructure.

Start Planning Your Large Destination Wedding in Central America Today!

Central America’s largest all inclusive resorts make it possible to celebrate with everyone you love while giving your guests an unforgettable destination experience. From the Pacific beaches of Guanacaste to the Panama Canal views of Dreams Playa Bonita, there’s a resort here that fits your group’s size, style, and budget.

Ready to start? Fill out our online wedding planning form to connect with a Certified Destination Wedding Specialist who’ll help you find the right large destination wedding venue in Central America and coordinate your group.