Travel and Leisure is taking us tropical with their Destination of the Year 2024: Costa Rica! Costa Rica, a rain-forested and volcanic Central American escape, is known for its lush biodiversity and jaw-dropping scenery. Nearly a quarter of the country is a protected jungle, not to mention the diverse selection of world-class beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. RAD. We love our couples that choose adventure elopements, and when you elope in Costa Rica it will be an adventure like no other! Keep your heels at home and your hiking boots packed, we are not just monkeying around!
How to Get There
Costa Rica has two major airports with nonstop flights from the U.S.: the more central Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José (SJO) and the more northern Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR). While San José is the capital with the largest airport in the country, Liberia may actually be more convenient.
If you’re traveling to the Caribbean, Central Pacific, or all of southern Costa Rica, San José is your best bet. Meanwhile, if you’re making your way to Guanacaste’s beaches or the stunning Peninsula Papagayo, you’ll want to fly into Liberia.
Can a US Citizen Legally Get Married in Costa Rica?
At this point in our destination elopements, we are experts in knowing if Americans can elope in another country. While you can always have a symbolic ceremony, we understand that for some couples legally getting married in another country affects their decision on where to go.
Good news – it’s pretty damn easy to get married in Costa Rica. Especially considering some of the other countries we looked into! Side eyeing the Netherlands here for their LACK of letting our charming couples legally tie the knot over there.
To get married in Costa Rica you have to have the basics – be at least 18 years of age, bring a passport, have your birth certificate, etc. In addition, you’ll need to take a few extra steps to ensure that your marriage certificate is recognized as legal in the U.S.
- Have your marriage certificate translated into English by an official translator approved and verified by the Ministry of Foreign Relations.
- Have your marriage certificate notarized by a Notary Public.
- Have your marriage certificate certified and signed by your Embassy’s Consular Section.
Good ‘ole Costa Rica will actually HELP you find an official translator, notarize your documents, and guide you through the embassy certification process. Check out the website to learn more.
What is the best month to get married in Costa Rica?
Typically, the summer dry season runs from December through April and is the priciest time to visit. Winter, or the wet or green season, falls May through November and is usually more affordable. The best month depends on what YOU are looking for! If you aren’t sure, let’s talk about it! We can break out an old fashion pros and cons list that could rival Rory Gilmore’s.
How Much Does it Cost to get Married in Costa Rica
The Knot is a great resource for ballpark figures for elopement cost. They share that “while weddings in Costa Rica will probably be less than their equivalent in the US, don’t expect to be getting luxury without the price tag. The truth is that your destination wedding cost will vary — and it will be something. If you’re interested in stretching your budget, sacrifice some of the quality for a cheaper price tag. Costa Rica has a wide variety of gorgeous locations and venues. No matter your budget, there are wonderful options available at every price point. Especially, if you’re willing to be flexible with the location and season.” Weddings in Costa Rica are about 30% cheaper than in America, but you still need to factor in the travel costs you may not be spending if you stay stateside.
Add ons
While we help with the planning, if you are looking for a dedicated Costa Rica local guru, Mil Besos is ready to help! Their approach to planning your destination elopement experience is collaborative. They believe communication is key. Forming a genuine relationship with their couples, guests, and vendors will result in a more enjoyable planning process.
We love that they adapt to YOUR planning style. Want a BFF in Costa Rica to enjoy the planning process with? Want a guide to lead the way? Or do you want to hire a professional to handle the details for you? They fill any of these roles and adapt to your needs.
A Resort Option When you Elope in Costa Rica
Escape to paradise at Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort with an elopement on the beach. Say your vows in an intimate ceremony by the shimmering shoreline, with the gentle waves as your witnesses. Their dedicated team will handle all the arrangements. This allows you to focus on each other and create cherished memories in this secluded paradise.
Tamarindo Beach Resort is located in the heart of the charming beach town of Tamarindo. It is also placed directly on Playa Tamarindo, one of Costa Rica’s most famous beaches. Make the most out of your destination elopement by exploring the vibrant beach town life. Make a stop at a local restaurant, bar, or shop.
Tamarindo Diria offers a truly welcoming hospitality. They base their service on Costa Rica´s main slogan “Pura Vida”, which translates to PURE LIFE! Stay at the Tamarindo Diria, get married, and make the country your oyster!
Elope in Costa Rica at a National Park
If you’ve been following us for a while you know that Honeybee Weddings and National Park, go together like sugar and coffee. At Manuel Antonio National Park there are so many good spots for you and your honey to break away and share your vows off the beaten path.
This extraordinary park is a mix of rainforest, pristine beaches, and coral reefs, creating a sanctuary of natural beauty. The beaches, considered among the most picturesque in Costa Rica, are fringed by dense, green forests, offering one of a kind snorkeling opportunities in their clear waters!
The forest itself has an impressive array of wildlife, including sloths, iguanas, squirrel monkeys—a species rarely seen elsewhere—along with white-faced monkeys and countless vibrant crabs that add a splash of color to the landscape. The trail weaving around Punta Catedral affords hikers breathtaking panoramic views, further enhancing the park’s allure. Are you ready to elope in Costa Rica yet??
Elope in Costa Rica at Lake Arenal
The massive Arenal Volcano and lush rolling hills in the background, make Lake Arenal an incredible area to elope in Costa Rica! Exchange your vows on the shores of the lake or in front of one of the incredible waterfalls. At Lake Arenal you’ll find activities such as hiking, horseback riding, wildlife spotting and photography. The surrounding hotels, spas, hot springs and tourist towns make Lake Arenal and the Arenal Volcano one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica. Hike + Lake is what Honeybee Weddings excel in! After many Lake Tahoe Hiking Elopements, we promise you we will make sure your elopement is nothing short of EPIC!!
Our pick on where to stay is Lake Arenal Hotel & Brewery and not just because we are a sucker for a good brewery! Their vision is to create a hub for socializing, relaxing, and enjoying the enchanting views of the lake. Ornate paintings and walls of bright, inviting colors such as green and yellow set the Lake Arenal Hotel apart and add a unique Costa Rican flair. All the paints that illuminate their walls and ceilings are ochre, made of natural pigments native to this area. Pretty freaking cool.
Check out the brewery and benefit from their commitment to healthy, fresh food. The hotel grounds include a 15-acre organic farm, which supplies many of the ingredients for the delicious food in the restaurant. This includes freshly made milk and cheese from their cows. Embrace Costa Rica with the local options such as the typical mixed plate known as a casado, as well as their take on comforting, nutritious dishes from around the world.
Dominicalito Beach
Plan a ceremony at Dominicalito Beach when you elope in Costa Rica! This is the beach section to visit if you are looking for a quiet, intimate ceremony. The only people you’ll find in the water are swimmers and surfers which have far less traffic than the beaches with paddle boarders, snorkelers, and other water activities.
Say your vows with your toes in the sand and then take a short walk to Del Mar Taco Shop. We are in full support of having your elopement YOUR way, and hey, that may even include a celebratory taco. After Cali and Efron’s Mexico Wedding in Puerto Penasco, we are all about sandy beaches and savory tacos for a wedding experience!
Stay at the Pacific Edge Eco Lodge, five miles away from Dominicalito Beach for a luxury experience. Be on the “edge of paradise” where the foothills of Costa Rica’s tallest mountain, Mt. Chirripo,(12,533 ft) meets the Pacific Ocean. This isn’t just something they sensationalize, due to Pacific Edge’s intimate nature, tranquil surroundings and being built on the side of a steep mountain ridge, they are unable to accommodate children under the age of 12!
This unique Costa Rican eco resort is perched 600 feet above the breathtaking coastal white water surf line. The other side is a densely wooded primary rainforest wildlife sanctuary, alive with the cry of Howler Monkeys and Toucans, backgrounded with the sound of the crashing surf below. Enjoy a tequila sunrise while watching the sun come up. We know our couples will love this serene sanctuary off the beaten path!
Elope in Costa Rica at Cloud Forest
Ready to feel on top of the world? Take a drive to the coast and experience the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, a 3.6-mile loop trail near Puntarenas. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 50 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding and hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are November through April.
Find a secluded spot nestled in front GIANT trees, among monkeys, quetzals, birds, or beside roaring waterfalls. This is THE place for our adventure elopement couples who are looking for a true experience to kick start their marriage.
Stay at the Cloud Forest Lodge and enjoy the perfect combination between isolating yourself in nature and staying close to all Monteverde´s facilities. They are located within the Bellbird Biological Corridor, two kilometers from the main town – literally in the middle between the Monteverde Reserve and the Santa Elena Reserve. We can picture our couples cuddled up by their fire pits overlooking the forest. The most romantic way to end your elopement!
If you’re ready to elope in Costa Rica, or basically anywhere, we gotchu. Contact us and share your love story! Can’t wait to see how we can help you on pretty much the COOLEST day of your fuckin life.
Be the first to comment