Getting married in Costa Rica in December

Quick Take: Celebrate in sunny dry-season weather with holiday spirit, but plan early for high demand.

Pros:

• Dry season: excellent weather.
• Escape from northern winter.
• Holiday spirit: combine wedding with Christmas / New Year.

Cons:

• High demand: flights, hotels, venues busy.
• Peak prices; early booking essential.
• Guest logistics challenging for non-holiday attendees.

December: A Festive Start to the Dry Season

December marks the official start of the dry season in Costa Rica, making it a popular and festive time for weddings, and one of the favorites for this Costa Rica Destination Wedding Photographer. With clear skies, warm temperatures, and a holiday atmosphere, it’s a beautiful time to celebrate your special day. This Costa Rica Wedding Guide December will tell you why

Costa Rica wedding guide December

Weather Through My Lens

Photographer’s Tip: The clear skies and consistent sunshine create excellent lighting conditions for photography throughout the day. The golden hour sunsets are particularly stunning.

• Perfect Weather: Enjoy sunny, clear skies ideal for outdoor weddings.
• Holiday Spirit: Your guests can combine your wedding with a holiday vacation, enjoying the festive atmosphere.
• Accessible Venues: Most venues are fully operational, offering a wide range of options.

• Book Early: Due to the high season, venues and vendors book up quickly.
• Higher Costs: Prices for accommodations, flights, and some services may be higher during the holiday season.

• Guests can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and explore Costa Rica’s natural beauty.
• The festive atmosphere adds to the overall experience.

Season Fruit:

• Abolition of the Army Day (December 1st): This important national holiday celebrates Costa Rica’s commitment to peace and the decision to abolish its army in 1948.
• El baile de los diablitos and La danza de los negritos: Ancestral tradition of The Boruca Indigenous Tribe

• Weather Concerns: Excellent weather with minimal rain and plenty of sunshine.

• Tourist Season and Crowds: High tourist season due to the holidays.

• Local Events or Holidays: Abolition of the Army Day, Festival de la Luz, and Christmas/Holiday celebrations.

• Venue Availability: Book well in advance due to high demand.

• Travel Logistics: Book flights and accommodations early as prices tend to be higher.

• Unique Local Touches: Incorporate holiday themes, local Christmas traditions, or elements related to the Abolition of the Army Day into your wedding.

• Guest Comfort: Advise guests to pack light clothing for warm days and a light jacket for cooler evenings, especially in the highlands.

December Booking Bonus

December combines festive energy, warm light, and once-in-a-lifetime celebrations.
For couples planning a December wedding, I include a Fine Art Album Credit, encouraging you to preserve your story in a handcrafted heirloom designed to last for generations.

Available for a limited number of weddings

Check December availability

Check out other months’ wedding guides:

Getting married in Costa Rica in October

Quick Take: Quiet month with lush scenery, low crowds, and low travel costs.

Pros:

• Cheap flights & hotels.
• Very few tourists, private weddings.
• Lush green landscapes.

Cons:

• Heavy rain & possible Caribbean storms.
• Guest travel schedules may be limited.

October: Embracing the Heart of the Green Season (and Celebrating Coffee)

Costa Rica Wedding Guide October. Typically the wettest month in Costa Rica, offering a truly immersive green season experience. While rain is frequent and often heavy, the landscapes are incredibly lush, and the lack of crowds provides a peaceful and intimate setting to work as Costa Rica Destination Wedding Photographer. It’s a month for couples who truly embrace nature and don’t mind a little (or a lot) of rain. And, importantly, it’s a month to celebrate Costa Rica’s rich coffee heritage!

Costa Rica wedding guide October

Weather Through My Lens

Photographer’s Tip: While October brings heavy rains to most of the country, the Caribbean coast offers excellent photography conditions with reduced humidity and rainfall. Along the Caribbean, you’ll find clearer skies and more stable weather, perfect for outdoor shoots. However, if you’re shooting in other regions, embrace the dramatic rainy conditions – capture reflections in puddles, vibrant greens against dark clouds, and misty atmospheres for unique images. Waterproof your equipment and have indoor backup locations ready when working in the rainy areas.

• Central Valley: While rain is very likely, the gardens and haciendas are incredibly lush and green, creating a beautiful backdrop. Prioritize venues with good indoor spaces.
• Highlands (Monteverde, San Gerardo de Dota): The cloud forests are enveloped in mist, creating a truly magical and ethereal atmosphere.
• Caribbean Coast: While traditionally very rainy, October 2025 is predicted to be less rainy than usual here, which might make it a more viable option.

• Private Atmosphere: With the fewest tourists, your wedding will be incredibly intimate and peaceful.
• Beautiful Greenery: The rain makes Costa Rica’s rainforests, beaches, and waterfalls incredibly scenic.
• Affordability: You’ll find the most budget-friendly options for venues, services, and accommodations.
• A Celebration of Coffee: October is International Coffee Month, a perfect time to celebrate Costa Rica’s world-renowned coffee culture.

• Frequent and Heavy Rain: Prepare for consistent rain, especially in the afternoons. An indoor venue or a very reliable covered outdoor space is absolutely essential.
• Humidity and Mosquitoes: Humidity is very high, particularly on the coast, so prioritize lightweight and breathable clothing. Mosquito repellent is a must.

• Guests should be prepared for rain and humidity.
• Focus on indoor activities and enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings.
• Coffee Experiences: Take advantage of International Coffee Month by incorporating coffee tours, tastings, or coffee-themed favors into your wedding festivities.

Season Fruit:

• Day of the Masquerades (Día de las Mascaradas): Celebrated on October 31st.
• Limón Carnival: Celebrated during the second week of October.
• International Coffee Day Celebrations: Look for local coffee farms or cafes hosting special events or promotions in honor of International Coffee Day (October 1st).

• Weather Concerns: Expect the most rain of the year. A solid backup plan is absolutely crucial.

• Tourist Season and Crowds: Lowest tourist season; expect a very private experience.

• Local Events or Holidays: Fiesta de las Mascaradas, local harvest festivals, and International Coffee Day.

• Venue Availability: Easiest to find availability and potentially the best prices.

• Travel Logistics: Flights and accommodations are generally the most affordable.

• Unique Local Touches: Incorporate local harvest traditions, Halloween-themed elements (if your wedding is near the end of the month), and, most importantly, coffee-related elements to celebrate International Coffee Month.

• Guest Comfort: Advise guests to pack rain gear, waterproof shoes, insect repellent, quick-drying clothing, and layers for cooler evenings in the highlands.

October Booking Bonus

October brings bold skies, cinematic moods, and editorial storytelling opportunities.
For couples planning an October wedding, I include a Blue Hour Mini Session, a short portrait experience just after sunset when the sky turns deep blue and the atmosphere becomes cinematic.
Available for a limited number of weddings

Check October availability

Check out other months’ wedding guides: