Best Places to Elope in Costa Rica
When is the Best Time of Year to Elope in Costa Rica?
NOW! But actually, any time of year is basically the best time to elope in Costa Rica. Personally, I love this country in the “winter” – January/February – it’s the dry season here, and if you’re traveling from a particularly wintery place it is the perfect break from the cold. Costa Rica in the winter months is a consistent 75-85 degrees on the beaches, and not much colder in the mountains. Since November was the end of the rainy season, the plant life is still lush and green, whereas it’ll be more dry & brown by April/May.
4 Reasons You Should Consider A Destination Wedding in Costa Rica
The Beaches
There’s a good reason people travel to Costa Rica and can contently spend their whole time at the beach – the beach communities around this country are incredible! From Tamarindo to Puerto Viejo, you have endless stretches of sandy paradise to lounge/explore/watch the sunsets.
The Volcanos & Hotsprings
There are 9 active volcanoes in Costa Rica and hundreds that are dormant or offshore. As a result, there are higher elevation landscapes with entirely different ecosystems that are worth the hike to see. Plus, all the volcanic activity results in a LOT of hot springs – some of which have been domesticated into resort spas, whereas others are simply natural springs & pools.
The National Parks
There are quite a few national parks and reserves throughout Costa Rica – each is uniquely beautiful, and you have dozens of hikes to choose from at every skill level. Depending on where you go, you might see a lot of wildlife on these hikes, or incredible natural formations (like the caves in Barra Honda).
The Wildlife
If you’ve never been swimming with bright yellow fish, watched spider monkeys dance through the trees, or a coati attempt to steal your lunch – you’re in for a treat! The first time I went to Costa Rica, I didn’t have to explore far at all to begin seeing animals I’d never seen before. The iguanas that came over to eat hibiscus at our rental soon became commonplace, and the 8 sloths we saw on our first “sloth hike” sealed the deal that these are the cutest creatures ever!
Answering Your Costa Rica Questions
❶ Do we Need to Know Spanish?
Technically, no. However, it would be extremely helpful to know a few phrases for getting around, ordering food, etc. Not everywhere in Costa Rica will you find English to be commonly spoken by service-industry professionals – that’s especially true when you get outside the more “touristy” places. But, even if you’re not the best at speaking Spanish, everyone I’ve met here is extremely kind & patient with trying to communicate. Also, there’s often someone nearby who does know English & can help out.
❷ How Easy is it to Get Around the Country?
Navigating is a little harder when you get outside the major cities. In fact, sometimes even the big cities are lacking in signage. Give yourself more time than Google Maps suggests, & avoid driving at night to a new place because it’s easy to miss a turn. My first visit I was surprised by how much longer it actually takes to travel, so I ended up staying closer to “home” throughout my time there. Also, expect the occasional road block & traffic stop.
❸ Explain More About the “Rainy” & “Dry” Seasons?
Since Costa Rica is so close to the equator, the typical seasons we think of in the US don’t physically occur – like, the weather & sunset times don’t drastically change throughout the year. Instead, there is a 6-month rainy season (May-November) & a 6-month dry season (November-May). Though, the name of these “seasons” is pretty deceiving – parts of the country actually get the most sunny days during the rainy season, & of course it does rain during the dry season. The biggest difference is actually in agriculture – what foods are freshly available depend on the more static growing schedule, and what plants you’re likely to see while hiking around will change a bit depending on the time of year.
❹ Can We Legally Get Married in Costa Rica if We’re From the US?
Technically, yes. It is possible, though there are quite a few more hoops to jump through to make this happen. My first recommendation for couples who want to elope in Costa Rica is that they consider getting legally married back home, while still sharing their vows in a ceremony at their chosen location. This act of getting getting married legally at a different time than what you’d consider your ceremony is called a “commitment ceremony.”
Volcano Elopement Locations
Arenal Volcano National Park
My favorite spot for an volcano elopement in Costa Rica is Arenal – get an Airbnb on the lake & hike up to a spot overlook this mountain at sunset!
Beach Elopement Locations
Tamarindo
This city is alive! There is so much. to see & do here – the beach is stunning at sunset and there are incredible rentals, restaurants, and activities to keep you occupied for weeks!
Montezuma
The beach here on the Nicoya Peninsula is much quieter than some of the more populous places. But it is gorgeous! Not far from the beach itself is a series of waterfall hikes you should definitely check out.
Waterfall Elopement Locations
La Fortuna
The hike down to this waterfall is trek – 500 stairs I think the sign said? But you can easily go swimming in the pool during the dry season, or just a few hundred feet to the left of the main waterfall trail is access to the river.
Steps for Planning An Elopement:
❶ Pick a Date & Season – This will inform your day timeline, your clothing choices, & what activities you can do based on the time of year!
❷ Connect with Vendors – You don’t need all the same vendors as a traditional wedding, but we do recommend these: photographer, officiant, florist, food & drinks, & videographer.
❸ Figure out the Details – Book an Airbnb, acquire any necessary permits, finalize a location-specific packing list, etc.
Elopement Inspiration– applicable to any destination in the world!
Ready to Plan Your Costa Rica Elopement?
Whether you want the beaches, the rainforests (or both!) Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful & peaceful places you could travel for your elopement. Reach out and let’s begin planning the places you must visit, and discuss ways to make this adventurous experience perfectly you.
I can’t wait to hear more about your vision for your dream wedding!
Photos to inspire your Costa Rica elopement plans
