Yes — you can get legally married in Costa Rica, and it's more straightforward than most couples expect. Costa Rican civil marriages are recognized internationally, so you can say your vows in paradise and come home legally wed. Here's exactly how it works.
Is a Costa Rica marriage legal back home?
Yes. A civil marriage performed in Costa Rica is legally valid and recognized in the United States, Canada, the UK, and most other countries. A licensed Costa Rican attorney (acting as a notary) performs and registers the marriage, and your certificate is then apostilled — an international authentication — so it's accepted at home. No second ceremony required.
What you'll need
- Valid passports for both partners.
- Two witnesses who are not immediate family (your planner or caretakers can often help).
- A sworn statement of your names, ages, occupations, and marital status (your attorney prepares this).
- If either of you was previously married, divorce or death documentation.
There's no residency requirement, no blood test, and no waiting period — one of the reasons Costa Rica is such a popular destination-wedding country.
Legal vs. symbolic ceremonies
Some couples choose a symbolic ceremony in Costa Rica (for the setting and the celebration) and handle the legal paperwork at home; others do the full legal ceremony on-site. Both are completely valid choices. If you want the legal marriage done in Costa Rica, plan for the attorney and paperwork in advance — it's easy, but it isn't same-day.
How Bella Vista makes it simple
At Bella Vista Private Resort, our on-site manager helps coordinate the officiant, the notary/attorney, and the paperwork, so the legal side is handled while you focus on the celebration. You can get married right on the estate — ceremony, reception, and lodging all in one private place for up to 80 guests.
Entry and marriage requirements can change — always confirm the current rules with your attorney or our team before finalizing plans.
Start planning your Costa Rica wedding
See everything on our Costa Rica wedding venue page, learn how to plan the whole thing step by step, or check what a Costa Rica wedding costs. We've hosted more than 50 weddings here — we'd love to help with yours.