There is nothing quite as romantic as having a destination wedding! You get a memorable location in an exotic place, your guests get to enjoy a lovely vacation, and you can combine your honeymoon with your wedding without having to make another trip. Costa Rica is a popular and highly romantic location for destination weddings. If you’re thinking of having a Costa Rica destination wedding, these all inclusive resorts will make your Big Day perfect!
- Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica
- Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
- Riu Palace Costa Rica
- Barcelo Tambor
- Occidental Tamarindo
More on Our Costa Rica Destination Wedding Resorts
Costa Rica offers something truly special for couples planning a destination wedding. With stunning Pacific coastlines, lush rainforests, and a warm tropical climate, it is one of the most beautiful and unique wedding destinations in Central America. Here is a closer look at some of our favorite Costa Rica wedding resorts to help you find the perfect fit for your celebration.
Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica
Surrounded by white sand beaches and lush jungles, this resort has “exclusive” written all over it. Live entertainment, outdoor bars, and lounges under the clear skies await you. Every room has a private balcony or terrace, and a Jacuzzi bath. Seven different types of restaurants are on-site. There are even private swimming pools, poolside and beach wait service, and activities for kids. With six different on-site wedding packages to choose from, this resort offers you a wedding experience you will never forget.
Book your wedding at Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica
Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, this resort sits on gorgeous black volcanic beach sand. With 202 suites, all with private balconies or terraces, you will be in walking distance of several nature adventures for your guests and honeymoon. Five on-site restaurants, five on-site bars, and round-the-clock room service await you. Live entertainment, private pools, and a spa complete your wedding experience at this resort.
Book your wedding at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Riu Palace Costa Rica
This is a new hotel with all the modern amenities. Four swimming pools (one of which has a wet bar), a Jacuzzi, a wellness spa, and an on-site gym add to the luxury. Several different top-notch gourmet restaurants are here, as are the finest spirits at the resorts bars. The resort also offers a variety of sporting activities. The area where this resort is located is less humid than the rest of the country, and instead of jungle, you will be near savannahs and plains, where old-fashioned cowboys still drive their flocks. It is a trip to remember.
Book your wedding at Riu Palace Costa Rica
RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Getting Married in Costa Rica
Barcelo Tambor
With 402 colonial-style guest rooms, this resort is surrounded by the most gorgeous native tropical flora and fauna. Three restaurants, three bars, and two pools (connected by a waterfall) give you every reason to stay and relax. There is even a nightclub and a spa, as well as kids’ activities, and eco-adventures offered by the resort. This is the place to go for an adventure wedding at its best.
Book your wedding at Barcelo Tambor Beach Resort
Occidental Tamarindo
Surrounded by well-kept gardens and tropical landscapes, this 198 room resort two restaurants, two bars, a pool, and an on-site spa. Outdoor activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and beach volleyball are arranged by the resort. You will get a terrific view of the jungle or beach with every luxurious suite. There is even a nightclub, activities for kids, and live entertainment to keep you and your guests happy.
Book your wedding at Occidental Tamarindo
More Information for Planning Your Destination Wedding in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the most rewarding destinations for a wedding, but planning from afar takes some preparation. From budgeting to travel logistics, here is what you should know before you start booking.
Costa Rica Destination Wedding Cost
The cost of a destination wedding in Costa Rica depends on the resort, the wedding package, the time of year, and the size of your guest list. On average, couples can expect to spend between $3,000 and $10,000 on the wedding package itself. Flights from the U.S. typically range from $300 to $600 per person, and all-inclusive resort stays start around $150 to $250 per night. Choosing an all-inclusive resort helps keep your total spending predictable because meals, drinks, and entertainment are bundled into one nightly rate.
Costa Rica Destination Wedding Packages
Most Costa Rica wedding resorts offer tiered packages to fit a range of budgets and styles. Entry-level packages generally include the ceremony setup, an officiant, basic decorations, a small wedding cake, and a sparkling wine toast. Higher-tier packages add extras like a cocktail hour, private reception dinner, live music, professional photography, and spa treatments for the couple. Some resorts even offer complimentary packages when you meet a minimum room night requirement. A Certified Destination Wedding Specialist can help you compare packages across resorts and find the best value for your needs.
Costa Rica Destination Wedding Travel Information
Costa Rica is easy to reach from most major U.S. and Canadian cities, with direct flights landing at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose or Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia. Liberia is the closer option for resorts on the Guanacaste coast, including many popular wedding destinations. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays of 90 days or less, but a valid passport is required. The local currency is the Costa Rican colon, though U.S. dollars are widely accepted at resorts and tourist areas. Costa Rica is in the Central Standard Time zone year-round, making it convenient for guests traveling from North America.
Costa Rica Destination Wedding FAQs
When Is the Best Time to Get Married in Costa Rica?
The best time to get married in Costa Rica is during the dry season, which runs from December through April. During these months, you can expect warm temperatures, clear skies, and low humidity, which is ideal for an outdoor beach or garden ceremony. The Guanacaste region on the Pacific coast tends to be the driest area in the country. The rainy season runs from May through November, with afternoon showers being common. However, mornings are often clear, and resorts are experienced at working around the weather. Booking during the rainy season can also save you money on both resort rates and flights.
What to Look for in a Resort in Costa Rica for a Destination Wedding?
When choosing a resort in Costa Rica for your destination wedding, start with the venue options and guest capacity to make sure the property can accommodate your celebration. Look for resorts that offer all-inclusive wedding packages with an on-site wedding coordinator, as this makes planning from home much easier. Check the dining options, especially if you want a private or semi-private reception dinner for your guests. Consider the resort’s location and how easy it is to reach from the nearest airport. Finally, look into the surrounding area for group activities and excursions your guests can enjoy during the trip, like zip-lining, hot springs, or nature tours.
What Does a Costa Rica Destination Wedding Package Normally Include?
A typical Costa Rica destination wedding package includes the ceremony setup, an officiant, basic floral arrangements for the couple, a wedding cake, and a sparkling wine toast. Most packages also include the services of an on-site wedding coordinator who handles the details from planning through the day of the event. Higher-tier packages often add a private or semi-private dinner, a cocktail hour, professional photography, live music, and spa treatments. Some resorts offer complimentary base packages when you book a certain number of rooms, giving you a solid starting point that you can customize with add-ons. Working with a Certified Destination Wedding Specialist is the best way to find a package that matches both your vision and your budget.
Let’s Recap Our Costa Rica Destination Wedding Resorts
A Costa Rica destination wedding is perfect for any couple looking for a lush garden or beach ceremony. What’s stopping you from tying-the-knot in paradise?
For more destination wedding inspiration, visit our website and fill out our wedding planning form to get started!
About the Author
Maggie Sabin
Maggie started as the SEO Manager at DestinationWeddings.com in 2024, where she works to drive organic traffic and conversions while creating meaningful, SEO-optimized content for the website. Previously, Maggie's career spanned from Human Resources & Recruitment to teaching at international schools for almost 10 years. Maggie spends her free time traveling, learning new languages, reading non-fiction books, working out, going to the beach and spending time cuddling her dog, Lola!
