A destination wedding sounds dreamy — and a little daunting. Where do you start? How do the legalities work? What about your guests? Here's a simple, step-by-step guide to planning a Costa Rica destination wedding without the stress.
Step 1 — Pick your season
Costa Rica is beautiful year-round, so you have flexibility most destinations don't. The dry season (December–April) is the classic choice, but don't overlook the green (rainy) season — the country is at its lushest, mornings and evenings are typically clear, and rates and crowds both drop. Many of our couples marry in the green season on purpose.
Step 2 — Choose your venue model
This is the decision that shapes everything else. Your options: an all-inclusive resort (convenient but shared, with per-guest fees), a beach venue (gorgeous but hot and often public), or a private-estate buy-out where the whole property is yours. The private-estate model keeps everyone together — ceremony, reception, and lodging in one place, no shuttling, no strangers. That's exactly what Bella Vista offers: a gated mountaintop estate for up to 80 guests, with on-site lodging for your closest 28.
Step 3 — Legal or symbolic?
Good news: you can be legally married in Costa Rica, and Costa Rican civil marriages are recognized internationally. A local attorney (notary) performs and registers the marriage; you'll generally need valid passports and two witnesses who aren't immediate family — there's no residency requirement and no blood test. Afterward your certificate is apostilled for use back home. Many couples choose a symbolic ceremony in Costa Rica and handle legal paperwork at home; either works. At Bella Vista, our on-site manager helps coordinate the officiant and paperwork so it's handled.
Entry and marriage requirements can change — always confirm the current rules with your attorney or our team before you finalize plans.
Step 4 — Sort out your guests
Decide who stays on-site and who comes just for the day. Bella Vista sleeps up to 28 of your inner circle across four private houses, while the celebration itself can host up to 80 — day guests are welcome. Most groups fly into San José (SJO), about 1h20 away; here's exactly what to expect at the airport, and our caretakers can arrange group pickups so everyone arrives together.
Step 5 — Line up your vendors
Catering, flowers, photography, cake, music — in Costa Rica you can assemble a fantastic team without resort markups. Our on-site manager connects you with trusted local vendors for each. For what it all adds up to, see our Costa Rica wedding cost breakdown.
Step 6 — Build in the vacation
A destination wedding is also a trip — so use the days around it. With a five-day buy-out, you have time for a welcome dinner, the wedding, and a farewell brunch, plus day trips to waterfalls, beaches, and hot springs nearby. It becomes a shared getaway your guests will never forget.
A rough timeline
- 9–12 months out: lock your date and venue, start the guest list.
- 6–9 months: book photographer, caterer, and key vendors; send save-the-dates.
- 3–6 months: finalize menu, décor, and legal paperwork; confirm lodging.
- 1–2 months: final headcount, timeline, and vendor confirmations.
Start planning
See everything on our Costa Rica wedding venue page, or check dates for the whole estate. We've hosted more than 50 weddings here — we'd love to help you plan yours.