Best Places to Get Married in Costa Rica 2026. Costa Rica is small, about the size of West Virginia, but incredibly diverse. You can choose between Pacific beaches, Caribbean coastlines, misty cloud forests, volcanic landscapes, or lush rainforests. The key is matching the location to your wedding vibe and your guests’ comfort level.

Best wedding venues costa rica

Here are the most popular regions, each with its own personality:

Guanacaste (Northwest Pacific Coast): The most popular choice for destination weddings. Think sunny beaches, luxury resorts, and reliable dry-season weather. Towns like Tamarindo, Papagayo Peninsula, Playa Flamingo, and Nosara offer everything from all-inclusive resorts to intimate boutique hotels. If you want guaranteed sunshine and easy logistics for guests, this is your safest bet.

Manuel Antonio (Central Pacific): Jungle meets ocean. This region offers dramatic coastal views with rainforest backdrops. It’s more humid and lush than Guanacaste, with excellent wildlife (monkeys, sloths, toucans crashing your ceremony is not uncommon). Perfect for couples who want that “Jurassic Park” tropical vibe.

Arenal/La Fortuna (Northern Highlands): Volcano weddings with hot springs. If you’re drawn to misty mountains, waterfalls, and dramatic volcanic views, Arenal is stunning. Keep in mind it’s rainier here year-round, but the landscape is unmatched for adventurous couples.

The Caribbean Coast (Puerto Viejo/Cahuita): Laid-back, bohemian, and colorful. This side of Costa Rica has a completely different culture, reggae vibes, Afro-Caribbean influence, and a slower pace. It’s less developed for weddings but perfect for couples seeking something unconventional.

Guanacaste vs manuel antonio wedding

This is the big decision most couples face:

Guanacaste: Drier, sunnier, more resort options, easier airport access (Liberia International Airport). Best for larger weddings and guests who want convenience.
Manuel Antonio: More lush and dramatic, smaller-scale venues, slightly more adventurous. Best for intimate weddings and couples who prioritize scenery over predictability.

Jungle wedding venues

If a rainforest ceremony is calling you, look into places like:

Pacuare Lodge (remote eco-lodge accessible only by raft, seriously epic)
Finca Rosa Blanca (organic coffee plantation near San José)
Hacienda Guachipelín (working ranch near Rincón de la Volcán)
Rio Perdido (canyon views with natural hot springs)

These venues are ideal for couples who want total immersion in nature and don’t mind trading beach sunsets for waterfall backdrops.

Pro-Tip from Your Costa Rica Wedding Photographers: I’ve shot weddings all over Costa Rica, from Guanacaste’s golden coastlines to Monteverde’s cloud forests, and I love returning to familiar spots where I know exactly how the light falls. That said, I get genuinely excited about new locations because they push me to see things with fresh eyes and create something completely unique for you. If you’ve found an off-the-beaten-path gem, I’m all in.