Costa Rica Wedding Tips

Costa Rica has recently become a very popular destination wedding locale in the past few years. So far for 2011 I have 2 brides confirmed getting married in Costa Rica and one that is pending. The only downfall I find about Costa Rican Destination Weddings is the fact that tour operator's only service this destination for about 4-5 months out of the year and only run on weekly charter service. Right now Sunquest Vacations and Nolitours/Air Transat operate from Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Toronto, usually beginning about mid December and running until mid to late April. Air Canada Vacations also services Costa Rica as well. (excepts of this article from Destination Bride online)

Tips for Planning a Wedding in Costa Rica

1. Make sure you plan your wedding during the dry season—December through April. If you go in September or October, chances are you’ll have a soggy wedding; rain can be very heavy during the wet, or “green” season.

2. Plan on orchids...it would be a shame not to incorporate them since they are so unique to the area. Another gorgeous flower in Costa Rica is the Alamanda, which I have seen in yellow and purple.

3. Make sure you plan your wedding during the dry season—December through April. If you go in September or October, chances are you’ll have a soggy wedding; rain can be very heavy during the wet, or “green” season.

4. Plan on orchids...it would be a shame not to incorporate them since they are so unique to the area. Another gorgeous flower in Costa Rica is the Alamanda, which I have seen in yellow and purple.

5. You should be able to find the linens you need there; don't burden yourself with schlepping linens. You will be pleasantly surprised by the rental options in linens, chairs, entertainment, photographers and other items.

6. Make sure you hire an officiate who knows how to assist foreigners with their marriage license. Make it a priority to clarify, and meet, the legal requirements. You will need to send all personal information to civil registry at least one month before your ceremony.

7. Remember that Costa Rica is close to the equator, so the sun rises and sets early....around 6 am and 6 pm. Plan your ceremony and photos around the sunset.

8. Bring bug spray and sunscreen. The bugs did not bother me, but some people seem to be more ‘appealing’ to bugs than others. You’ll want to have bug spray on hand, though if you use an herbal variety that has eucalyptus, citronella, verbena or lavender in it, they are often just as affective and you will still smell nice on your wedding day! Be sure to have plenty of sunscreen too, for you and your guests.

9. Plan on humidity. Costa Rica can be humid, so keep that in mind when planning on hair products. Humidity makes my hair flat and my daughter's very curly; figure out what you’ll need to make sure your wedding day is NOT a “bad hair day”! You will also want to make sure that your dress is light and airy, and that some portion of the event will include an indoor, air-conditioned place to go. Even if just to rest up and cool off between dances.

Costa Rica Travel Info

Climate: As a tropical country, Costa Rica's climate is defined less by summer and winter seasons than it is by wet and dry seasons. The rainy season is May through November, and the dry season is from December through April. Temperatures vary by elevations, with averages in the 70's F in the Central Valley, lower 80's F on the Atlantic coast, and high 80's F on the Pacific coast. Get current weather for Costa Rica. Currency: Costa Rican Colon International calling code: +506

Marriage requirements: Embassy of Costa Rica Events & Tourism: Visit Costa Rica