Discover the best destination wedding resorts in Costa Rica, from luxury beachfront properties in Guanacaste and Papagayo to all-inclusive resorts surrounded by tropical landscapes and the Pacific Ocean.
Costa Rica is an excellent destination for couples who want more than a traditional Caribbean-style resort wedding. Its combination of Pacific beaches, tropical forests, volcanoes, wildlife and luxury resorts creates opportunities for weddings that feel connected to nature while still offering professional event services.
The Guanacaste province is particularly popular for destination weddings. The northwestern Pacific coast is home to several luxury resorts with dedicated wedding planners, oceanfront venues, gardens, terraces and event spaces. Other couples choose destinations such as Manuel Antonio, Jacó, Tamarindo or the Central Pacific for a more boutique wedding experience.
Why Choose Costa Rica for a Destination Wedding?
Costa Rica offers a combination that is difficult to replicate in a typical beach-resort destination. A wedding can take place beside the Pacific Ocean, in a tropical garden, beneath rainforest vegetation or overlooking a bay, while guests can spend the rest of their vacation surfing, hiking, visiting waterfalls or exploring national parks.
🌴 Tropical Scenery
Costa Rica’s beaches, forests, mountains and tropical vegetation provide natural backdrops for ceremonies and wedding photography.
🌊 Pacific Beach Weddings
Guanacaste and the Pacific coast offer beachfront venues with ocean views, sunsets and tropical landscapes.
🦥 Nature & Adventure
Wedding guests can combine the celebration with rainforest excursions, wildlife experiences, surfing, ziplining and other activities.
💍 Luxury Wedding Venues
Costa Rica has luxury resorts capable of hosting everything from intimate ceremonies to large destination wedding celebrations.
Best Areas for a Destination Wedding in Costa Rica
| Destination | Best For | Wedding Style |
|---|---|---|
| Guanacaste | Beach weddings and luxury resorts | Pacific beachfront and tropical |
| Papagayo | Luxury destination weddings | Exclusive, scenic and upscale |
| Tamarindo | Couples seeking a lively beach town | Casual, tropical and social |
| Manuel Antonio | Nature-focused weddings | Rainforest, ocean and wildlife |
| Jacó | Groups and accessible Pacific weddings | Beach, nightlife and adventure |
| Central Pacific | Boutique and private weddings | Relaxed tropical atmosphere |
Best Destination Wedding Resorts in Costa Rica
1. Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort
Luxury Papagayo Large Weddings
Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort is one of the standout choices for a luxury destination wedding in Costa Rica. Located on the Papagayo Peninsula in Guanacaste, the resort combines Pacific Ocean views with tropical forest and a highly customizable wedding program.
The resort’s official wedding information lists several event spaces. El Jardin can accommodate up to 500 guests, while Casa de Playa can accommodate up to 300. Studio 1 is an indoor option with capacity for up to 200 guests. The property also offers poolside event spaces and smaller studios for intimate gatherings.
Andaz also provides wedding planning support for different celebration formats and cultural ceremonies, making it a particularly flexible choice for international destination weddings.
Best for: Luxury weddings, large groups, oceanfront ceremonies and couples seeking a sophisticated Costa Rica experience.
2. JW Marriott Guanacaste Beach Resort
Luxury Beachfront Guanacaste
JW Marriott Guanacaste Beach Resort is located on the Pacific coast of Guanacaste and offers an upscale setting for destination weddings. Marriott highlights beachfront ceremonies, tropical gazebo settings, lawn events and rooftop celebrations.
The property has multiple event spaces and a largest event space capacity listed at 600 guests, making it suitable for substantial wedding groups as well as smaller celebrations. Marriott also provides certified wedding planners who can assist with budgets, menus, décor, florals, photography, music and entertainment.
Best for: Luxury beachfront weddings and large destination wedding groups.
3. The Westin Reserva Conchal
All Inclusive Beachfront Family Friendly
The Westin Reserva Conchal is one of the most interesting choices for couples looking for an all-inclusive destination wedding in Costa Rica. The resort is located in Playa Conchal in Guanacaste and combines a Pacific beach setting with extensive resort amenities.
Marriott lists more than 8,500 square feet of event space and nine separate venues. Wedding options include garden and beach ceremonies, while all-inclusive wedding packages can include elements such as an outdoor ceremony, flowers and a wedding cake.
The property can also offer special guest rates when groups meet the applicable room-booking requirements, which may be useful for destination weddings where many guests stay at the same resort.
Best for: All-inclusive weddings, families and couples who want a traditional resort wedding experience.
4. Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Adults Only All Inclusive Papagayo
Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica is an adults-only all-inclusive option located on Papagayo Bay. The resort has a particularly distinctive setting, with volcanic sand, tropical vegetation and mountainous scenery surrounding the bay.
Its wedding program includes complimentary and customized wedding packages, with options for ceremonies at the gazebo, beach and other resort venues. The resort also offers support for South Asian wedding celebrations.
For couples planning a wedding and honeymoon combination without children, an adults-only all-inclusive resort can simplify the experience because accommodation, dining, entertainment and wedding events can be organized around the same property.
Best for: Adults-only weddings, honeymoon combinations and all-inclusive celebrations.
5. Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica
All Inclusive Family Friendly Beachfront
Dreams Las Mareas is located in the northern Guanacaste region and offers couples a combination of tropical scenery and all-inclusive resort services.
Dreams resorts offer complimentary and customized wedding packages, wedding coordinators and ceremony options that can include beachfront or sunset gazebo settings. The brand also caters to families, making its properties suitable for destination weddings where children are part of the guest list.
Best for: Family-friendly all-inclusive weddings and couples who want a tropical resort environment.
6. El Mangroove, Autograph Collection
Boutique Style Guanacaste Beach
El Mangroove offers a different style of Costa Rica destination wedding. Rather than choosing a massive resort, couples can opt for a more intimate property with contemporary architecture and a beachfront environment.
Marriott lists six event rooms and a largest event capacity of up to 300 guests. Wedding options include a ballroom and an Ocean Terrace overlooking the beach, with certified Marriott wedding planners available to assist with the celebration.
Best for: Couples looking for a modern, stylish and less traditional resort wedding.
7. Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo
Ultra Luxury Papagayo Exclusive
Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo is an option for couples prioritizing luxury, privacy and personalized service. Its location on the Papagayo Peninsula provides access to Pacific coastal scenery while placing guests within one of Costa Rica’s most upscale resort areas.
The resort is especially relevant for couples planning an upscale destination wedding weekend where accommodation, dining, spa treatments, excursions and private events are all part of a premium travel experience.
Best for: High-end destination weddings, intimate luxury celebrations and exclusive wedding weekends.
8. W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal
Luxury Modern Guanacaste
W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal provides a more contemporary alternative for couples who want a stylish destination wedding in Guanacaste.
The resort’s design and location make it appropriate for couples who want something more modern than a conventional tropical wedding resort, while still giving guests access to the beach and other Guanacaste attractions.
Best for: Modern weddings, younger guest groups and couples looking for a design-focused resort.
9. Dreams® Los Cabos? No — Choose Costa Rica’s Boutique Alternatives
Costa Rica is different from destinations such as Cancun or Punta Cana because couples are not limited to large all-inclusive resorts. Boutique hotels, private villas and rainforest properties can create a more intimate wedding experience.
This is particularly attractive for smaller wedding groups that prefer a private celebration, customized menus and local experiences rather than having hundreds of resort guests around them.
Best for: Intimate weddings, private celebrations and couples who want a more personalized Costa Rica experience.
Quick Comparison of Costa Rica Wedding Resorts
| Resort | Area | Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andaz Peninsula Papagayo | Papagayo | Luxury | Large luxury weddings |
| JW Marriott Guanacaste | Guanacaste | Luxury beachfront | Large and upscale weddings |
| The Westin Reserva Conchal | Playa Conchal | All-inclusive | Families and resort weddings |
| Secrets Papagayo | Papagayo | Adults-only all-inclusive | Couples-only weddings |
| Dreams Las Mareas | Guanacaste | All-inclusive | Family destination weddings |
| El Mangroove | Guanacaste | Boutique luxury | Modern weddings |
| Four Seasons Papagayo | Papagayo | Ultra luxury | Exclusive celebrations |
| W Costa Rica | Reserva Conchal | Modern luxury | Contemporary weddings |
All-Inclusive vs. Luxury Resort Weddings in Costa Rica
One of the most important decisions when planning a Costa Rica destination wedding is whether to choose an all-inclusive resort or a traditional luxury hotel.
All-Inclusive Wedding Resorts
Resorts such as The Westin Reserva Conchal, Dreams Las Mareas and Secrets Papagayo can simplify the trip because many vacation expenses are bundled into the resort stay.
This can make budgeting easier for guests and couples who want everyone to eat, drink and socialize at the same property.
Luxury Resort Weddings
Properties such as Andaz Peninsula Papagayo and JW Marriott Guanacaste offer extensive wedding venues and customized event services.
These resorts can provide greater flexibility for couples prioritizing luxury accommodation, customized menus and a premium wedding experience.
How Much Does a Destination Wedding in Costa Rica Cost?
The cost of a Costa Rica destination wedding varies widely depending on the resort, number of guests, wedding date, accommodation category and level of customization.
Unlike destinations where large all-inclusive resorts dominate the market, Costa Rica also has boutique hotels, villas and luxury properties where wedding expenses may be separated into accommodation, venue rental, catering, décor and entertainment.
Main Wedding Expenses to Budget For
- ✓ Resort accommodation
- ✓ Flights for the couple
- ✓ Guest accommodation
- ✓ Wedding ceremony
- ✓ Reception venue
- ✓ Catering and beverages
- ✓ Wedding cake
- ✓ Flowers and décor
- ✓ Photography and video
- ✓ Music or entertainment
- ✓ Hair and makeup
- ✓ Airport transportation
- ✓ Wedding planner
- ✓ Excursions and group activities
Best Time of Year for a Costa Rica Destination Wedding
Costa Rica has different microclimates, so wedding weather depends heavily on the region. Guanacaste is particularly attractive for couples who want a Pacific beach wedding because the region has a pronounced dry season.
December to April
The dry season is popular for weddings in Guanacaste. Outdoor ceremonies, beach photography and sunset receptions are generally easier to plan during this period, although demand for popular resorts can be higher.
May to November
The green season brings more rainfall but also lush vegetation and potentially different resort pricing. Couples choosing these months should work with a venue that has a reliable indoor or covered backup plan.
September and October
These months can be wetter in many parts of the country. Couples considering these dates should pay particular attention to regional climate patterns and have contingency plans for outdoor events.
Guanacaste vs. Papagayo for a Wedding
| Factor | Guanacaste | Papagayo |
|---|---|---|
| Beach Weddings | Excellent | Excellent |
| Luxury Resorts | Many options | Strong luxury focus |
| All-Inclusive Options | Several | Selected properties |
| Large Weddings | Many choices | Excellent at major luxury resorts |
| Nature | Beaches and dry tropical landscapes | Forest, bay and Pacific scenery |
| Atmosphere | Broad range of resort styles | More exclusive and upscale |
How to Choose the Best Costa Rica Wedding Resort
1. Decide How Many Guests You Will Invite
Your guest count should influence the resort you choose. A boutique property may be perfect for 20 or 30 guests but difficult for a wedding with 150 or more people.
2. Decide Whether You Want All-Inclusive
All-inclusive resorts can make the financial planning process easier, especially when many guests are traveling internationally. Traditional luxury resorts can provide greater customization but may require more detailed budgeting.
3. Choose the Wedding Setting
Costa Rica gives couples several options: beach, garden, poolside, terrace, ballroom, rainforest and ocean-view venues. Think about your preferred photography style as well as your ceremony itself.
4. Ask About Rain Plans
Even during the dry season, weather can change. Ask the wedding coordinator exactly where the ceremony and reception will move if rain affects the original plan.
5. Review Vendor Rules
Some resorts use preferred vendors or impose fees for outside photographers, DJs, planners and entertainment. Confirm these rules before booking outside suppliers.
6. Think About Guest Activities
A destination wedding is also a vacation. Consider what guests can do before and after the ceremony. Costa Rica offers surfing, rainforest tours, wildlife excursions, ziplining, volcano trips, snorkeling and spa experiences depending on the destination.
Why Guanacaste Is Popular for Destination Weddings
Guanacaste combines several characteristics that make it especially attractive for destination weddings: Pacific beaches, luxury resorts, tropical landscapes, relatively reliable dry-season weather and easy access to vacation activities.
It also provides a broad range of accommodation styles. Couples can choose an all-inclusive property, a luxury resort, a boutique hotel or a private villa depending on the size and style of their wedding.
For couples interested in large celebrations, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo and JW Marriott Guanacaste have particularly substantial event infrastructure. Andaz lists venues accommodating up to 500 guests, while JW Marriott lists a largest event space capacity of 600.
Costa Rica Destination Wedding Checklist
- ✓ Choose your Costa Rica region
- ✓ Set your wedding budget
- ✓ Estimate guest numbers
- ✓ Choose an all-inclusive or luxury resort
- ✓ Select your wedding date
- ✓ Check seasonal weather
- ✓ Compare room rates
- ✓ Request wedding packages
- ✓ Confirm venue capacity
- ✓ Ask about rain backup plans
- ✓ Review outside-vendor policies
- ✓ Arrange airport transfers
- ✓ Check marriage requirements
- ✓ Plan guest activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular choices include Andaz Peninsula Papagayo, JW Marriott Guanacaste, The Westin Reserva Conchal, Secrets Papagayo, Dreams Las Mareas, El Mangroove and other luxury resorts throughout Guanacaste and the Pacific coast. The right property depends on guest count, budget, resort style and preferred wedding setting.
Yes. Costa Rica offers beachfront resorts, tropical forests, luxury hotels, all-inclusive properties and boutique venues. It is especially attractive to couples who want to combine a wedding with nature and adventure experiences.
Guanacaste and the Papagayo Peninsula are among the most popular choices for Pacific beach weddings because of their resort infrastructure, beaches and luxury accommodation options.
Yes. The Westin Reserva Conchal, Dreams Las Mareas and Secrets Papagayo are examples of resorts offering all-inclusive experiences and wedding services. Availability and package inclusions should be confirmed directly with the resort.
Costa Rica has several luxury wedding resorts, particularly around Papagayo and Guanacaste. Andaz Peninsula Papagayo, JW Marriott Guanacaste and Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo are examples of properties suited to upscale destination wedding celebrations.
Yes. Pacific coast resorts offer beachfront ceremony options, including properties in Guanacaste and Papagayo. Couples should confirm the exact venue, privacy arrangements and weather backup plan with the resort.
For a Pacific beach wedding in Guanacaste, the dry-season months from December through April are popular. However, the ideal month depends on the exact region, budget, resort availability and weather preferences.
Costs vary significantly. The total budget depends on the resort, number of guests, accommodation, catering, wedding package, décor, photography, entertainment and travel. Requesting an itemized proposal from several resorts is the best way to compare the real cost.
Plan Your Costa Rica Destination Wedding
From the beaches of Guanacaste and Papagayo to intimate tropical venues, Costa Rica offers destination wedding options for couples looking for luxury, nature, adventure and unforgettable Pacific coast scenery.
Compare Costa Rica Wedding Resorts