How Much Does a 50 Person Destination Wedding Cost in Costa Rica? A 50-person destination wedding in Costa Rica typically costs between $35,000 and $55,000 in 2026, depending on venue type, catering style, and overall production level.

For most couples, 50 guests is the tipping point where the wedding starts to feel like a full-scale event rather than an intimate gathering. At this size, venue and catering usually account for about half of the total budget. With catering averaging $100–$300 per person, food and bar alone can range from $5,000 to $15,000.

Beyond that, you’re looking at:

– Photography: $4,500–$9,000
– Wedding planner: $5,000–$15,000
– Florals & design: $2,000–$6,000
– DJ or live band: $1,500–$3,500
– Legal fees and permits: $500–$1,200
– 13% IVA tax on most services

I photographed a 50-guest wedding in Guanacaste last year that landed around $47,000 total. They hosted a welcome dinner the night before, had a plated dinner reception, and invested in a strong planner and lighting design. It felt polished but still relaxed. The couple chose local tropical florals instead of importing peonies, which saved them several thousand dollars without sacrificing impact.

The biggest misconception is that doubling guests only doubles catering. In reality, fixed costs like planning and photography stay the same. That’s why reducing guest count from 50 to 35 can significantly shift the overall feel and flexibility of your budget.

My advice as Costa Rica wedding photographer who documented weddings of this size for years: if you’re inviting 50 people, commit to doing it well. Don’t stretch the budget thin trying to accommodate everyone. Either trim the guest list or fully invest in the experience. A 50-person wedding in Costa Rica can feel incredible, but it needs thoughtful planning.

Done right, it becomes a multi-day experience your guests will never forget.

Can Americans Get Legally Married in Costa Rica? Yes. Americans can legally get married in Costa Rica, and the process is more straightforward than most couples expect.

You do not need residency. You do not need to live in the country. There is no mandatory waiting period once documents are approved.

To marry legally in Costa Rica as a U.S. citizen, you’ll need:

– A valid passport (minimum six months validity)
– Apostilled birth certificate
– Apostilled proof of civil status (single, divorced, or widowed) issued within one month of the wedding
– Two adult witnesses with valid ID
– A licensed Costa Rican notary public to officiate

The notary registers your marriage with the Civil Registry. After processing, you receive an official marriage certificate that can be apostilled and translated for recognition in the United States.

I recently photographed a couple from California who were initially planning only a symbolic ceremony because they thought legal paperwork would be complicated. With a local planner and notary, the legal side was handled in advance. On the wedding day, it felt seamless. The documents were signed right after sunset, barefoot on the beach in Guanacaste.

One thing couples often misunderstand is the difference between symbolic and legal ceremonies. A legal ceremony requires the notary and witnesses physically present. A symbolic ceremony can be led by anyone, anywhere, but has no legal standing.

My advice as wedding photographer in Costa Rica: if you want it legally recognized, hire a local planner or law firm early. Costa Rica’s legal system is organized, but documents must be apostilled and translated properly. Mistakes usually happen when couples try to manage everything remotely without guidance.

The process itself is not difficult. The key is preparation.

And once it’s done, your marriage is legally valid worldwide.

What Is the Average Cost of a Destination Wedding in Costa Rica?

Planning a destination wedding in Costa Rica usually starts with one simple question: what is the real number?

In 2026, the average cost of a destination wedding in Costa Rica falls between $25,000 and $45,000 for celebrations with 20 to 50 guests. Elopements typically range from $7,500 to $21,000, while luxury multi-day experiences with 70+ guests often exceed $80,000–$100,000.

What surprises most couples is that the total isn’t driven only by guest count. Many of the most important services are fixed costs. Photography, planning, legal officiants, and venue buyouts stay relatively constant whether you invite 25 guests or 60. Catering and bar service are the biggest variables, usually ranging from $100 to $300 per person depending on style and venue.

For example, I photographed a 42-guest wedding in Manuel Antonio last season. The couple spent around $38,000 total. Roughly half went to venue and catering. Photography and video were about 15%, planning another 12%, and the rest was split between florals, entertainment, and guest transportation. It felt elevated but relaxed. Nothing excessive. Just thoughtful choices.

The biggest budgeting mistake I see? Couples focus on decor trends instead of experience. Imported flowers that wilt in the humidity. Custom installations that look good for 20 minutes of daylight.

My advice as someone who has photographed weddings here for over 15 years: reduce the guest list before you reduce quality. A 35-guest wedding with a strong planner, great light, and experienced vendors will always feel better than a stretched 80-guest event trying to cut corners.

Costa Rica is not the cheapest destination in Central America. But when you compare it to a $36,000 ballroom wedding in the U.S., you’re trading a hotel conference room for jungle cliffs, beaches, and volcano views.

That difference is why couples choose it.

Wedding photographer pricing varies widely, and most couples struggle to understand what they’re actually paying for. In this guide, I explain how wedding photography pricing works, what factors really affect the cost, and how to evaluate packages without getting lost in confusing comparisons.

How much do wedding photographers cost? On average, professional Costa Rica wedding photographers charge between $2,800 and $3,500 for six hours of coverage, a typical baseline for destination weddings in Costa Rica. This pricing typically includes a single photographer, professional editing, and a digital gallery with download rights. However, pricing varies considerably based on experience level, style specialization, and what’s included. As a Costa Rica photographer with over 15 years of experience, my packages are positioned to offer exceptional value with comprehensive coverage, often including elements other photographers charge extra for such as travel throughout Costa Rica, extensive hours, video highlights, and print rights. When budgeting for your Costa Rica wedding, remember that photography represents an investment in the only tangible elements remaining after your celebration ends. Quality coverage from an experienced photographer in Costa Rica ensures your memories are preserved beautifully for generations.

Costa Rica Elopement Packages for Two 2026. If you’re dreaming of saying “I do” with just the two of you, a waterfall backdrop, and zero guest-list stress, you’re in the right place. Elopements in Costa Rica have exploded in popularity, and for good reason: they’re adventurous, intimate, affordable, and incredibly romantic.

I’m a Costa Rica Elopement Photographer, and over the years I’ve helped couples from the US, Canada, and Europe plan and photograph elopements all over the country. Everything in this guide is based on real elopements, real costs, and real logistics, not generic package promises.

All-Inclusive Costa Rica Elopement Packages: What’s Actually Included

True elopements (just the couple) in Costa Rica typically cost $3,000–$6,000 and include:

• Symbolic ceremony with an officiant or celebrant of your choice
• Professional photography (this is where most of your budget goes, and should)
• Florals: A bridal bouquet and boutonniere
• Private celebration dinner at a romantic restaurant or your villa
• Transportation/coordination: Someone handling logistics so you can just enjoy

Some packages add extras like a small cake, champagne toast, hair/makeup, or a short video highlight reel.

Important note: Most “all-inclusive” elopement packages offered by resorts or third-party planners include generic photography, often a resort staff photographer with limited time and creativity. If stunning, artistic images are a priority (and they should be, it’s the only thing you take home), budget separately for a professional elopement photographer you actually love.

This is why many couples choose to build their elopement experience around a photographer who specializes in elopements, rather than a pre-set resort package. It gives you flexibility with locations, better timing for light and weather, and a much more personal experience overall.

Waterfall Elopements in Costa Rica: Locations, Permits, and Access

Waterfall elopements are one of the most requested experiences I photograph in Costa Rica, and each location comes with very different access, permit, and timing considerations.

This is the dream, right? And Costa Rica delivers. Some of the most epic waterfall elopement spots include:

Nauyaca Waterfalls (Dominical/Uvita area): A two-tiered, 200-foot waterfall surrounded by jungle. You can hike or horseback ride in. Absolutely cinematic.

La Fortuna Waterfall (Arenal region): Iconic 200-foot cascade with a turquoise pool. Requires a steep hike down (and back up), but worth every step.

Rio Celeste Waterfall (Tenorio Volcano National Park): Otherworldly bright blue water caused by volcanic minerals. One of the most unique landscapes in the country.

Llanos de Cortés (Guanacaste): Wide, gentle waterfall perfect for an intimate ceremony. Less crowded and easier to access.

Montezuma Waterfalls (Nicoya Peninsula): Tiered waterfalls with natural pools. Bohemian, adventurous vibe.

Permit tip: Some waterfalls are in private propertier, so you’ll need permits for professional photography and ceremonies. A good elopement photographer or planner should handle this for you. When I help couples plan waterfall elopements, permits and access are always handled in advance so there are no surprises on the day.

What makes elopements different from small weddings?

Elopements aren’t just “small weddings”, they’re a completely different experience:

• It’s an adventure, not an event: You’re exploring Costa Rica together, stopping for photos at viewpoints, hiking to hidden spots, maybe ending the day in hot springs.
• Flexible timeline: No cocktail hour, no reception schedule. You can get married at sunrise, spend the afternoon zip-lining, then have a private dinner under the stars.
• Focus on experience: The day is about the two of you and the place, not entertaining guests or managing logistics.

This is the approach I take when photographing elopements. Instead of building the day around a ceremony, I help couples design the experience around the places they want to explore, the light, and how they want the day to feel. Think of it as a hybrid between a wedding and an epic honeymoon day.

A Pro Tip From a Costa Rica Elopement Photographer:

My elopement packages aren’t just about showing up with a camera. I help couples plan the entire experience, from choosing the right location and handling permits, to building a timeline around Costa Rica’s best light and seasonal weather.

I also recommend where to stay, connect you with trusted local vendors if you need a celebrant or florals, and help you plan the rest of your trip around your elopement day. The goal is for everything to feel simple and intentional, not rushed or overwhelming.

What you’re really getting is local knowledge, planning support, and documentary-style photography that reflects the place and the experience, not just a ceremony. You focus on each other. I handle the logistics and the details in the background.

After photographing elopements all over Costa Rica, I’ve noticed that most couples fall into a few clear styles of experience. Some want to explore multiple landscapes in one day, others want to slow down and fully immerse themselves in a single place, and some simply want beautiful documentation without help planning every detail.

These elopement packages are built around those real preferences, not arbitrary coverage hours.

How Far in Advance to Book Costa Rica Wedding 2026. The timeline for booking your Costa Rica wedding depends on your chosen season, venue type, and how flexible you are with dates. But here’s the general rule: the earlier you start, the more options you’ll have.

Wedding booking timeline costa rica

For Dry Season weddings (December–April):

If you’re planning a wedding during Costa Rica’s peak season, when weather is most predictable and demand is highest, here’s what to expect:

• Venues: Popular beach resorts and boutique hotels book 12–18 months out, sometimes longer for prime dates (Christmas week, New Year’s, Valentine’s weekend).
• Photographers & Videographers: The best ones are often booked 12–18 months in advance for Dry Season dates.
• Planners & Caterers: 9–12 months is usually safe, though top-tier planners can book earlier.
• Florists & DJs: 6–9 months typically works, as they can handle multiple events per weekend.

For Green Season weddings (May–November):

You have significantly more flexibility:

• Venues: Often available with just 6–9 months notice, sometimes less.
• Vendors: Most photographers, planners, and other vendors have better availability and may offer discounted rates.
• Last-minute bookings: I’ve seen couples pull together beautiful Green Season weddings in 3–4 months when they’re flexible and decisive.

How long to plan destination wedding

The realistic planning timeline:

Most couples spend 9–15 months planning a destination wedding in Costa Rica, but this varies wildly:

• 18+ months: If you want a specific luxury resort on a holiday weekend in February, start here.
• 12 months: The sweet spot for most Dry Season weddings. You’ll have good vendor selection without feeling rushed.
• 6–9 months: Totally doable for Green Season or if you’re flexible on venue/date.
• 3–6 months: Possible for smaller weddings, elopements, or if you’re working with a planner who has strong vendor relationships.
• Under 3 months: Rare but not impossible, especially for intimate celebrations or elopements.

Keep in mind: Destination weddings actually require less planning than traditional weddings in many ways. You’re not coordinating 15 different vendors across a city, most Costa Rica venues offer packages or preferred vendor lists that streamline decisions.

What to book first

If you’re starting the planning process, prioritize in this order:

1. Venue (this determines your location, capacity, and often your date)
2. Photographer (especially if you have a specific style in mind, good ones book fast)
3. Wedding planner (if using one, they’ll help coordinate everything else)
4. Legal requirements/attorney (if doing a civil ceremony, start the paperwork early)
5. Everything else (florals, music, hair/makeup, transportation)

Pro-Tip from Your Costa Rica Wedding Photographer: I intentionally take on a limited number of weddings each year because I want to give every couple my full attention and creative energy. What this means for you: if you fall in love with my documentary style and want to lock in your date, you can book a year or more in advance and have total peace of mind. But here’s the flip side, because I’m selective rather than overbooked, I’m often available even on shorter notice. If you’re planning a last-minute elopement or your original photographer fell through, reach out. I’m flexible and can usually make it work, regardless of your timeline.