Tips for Planning a Wedding in Costa Rica

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.