Destinations

Destination wedding in Costa Rica: a guide for your guests

Costa Rica mixes surf beaches with volcanoes, hot springs and wildlife, so guests can turn a wedding weekend into an adventure on the Pacific coast.

1 destination covered · 12 activities · 12 restaurants

Where to get married in Costa Rica, from your guests' point of view

Costa Rica

Guanacaste & Tamarindo · best December to April

Surf beaches, volcanoes, hot springs and rainforest on the Pacific coast, with a relaxed pura vida pace. Guests can mix beach days with zip lines and wildlife.

  • Getting there: Liberia (LIR) in Guanacaste is about 1h15 from Tamarindo and 30 minutes from the Papagayo Peninsula. San José (SJO) is 4 to 5 hours away by road.
  • Car needed: Mostly yes, or book drivers
  • Activity prices: Mid-range
  • Group favorites: rincón de la Vieja day: hot springs, mud bath and waterfall; canopy zip line tour; group surf lesson in Tamarindo

Things to do · Weekend itinerary · Where to stay · Welcome dinner

Good to know for guests in Costa Rica

  • Currency: Costa Rican colón (CRC). US dollars are widely accepted.
  • Tipping: A 10% service charge is included on restaurant bills by law. Extra tips are optional. Tip guides and drivers.
  • Dinner time: Dinner is early, often from 6 to 9 pm, because the sun sets around 5:30 to 6 pm all year.
  • Group dinners: Beach restaurants in Tamarindo can host groups. Book early for December to April, the busy dry season.
  • Power plugs: Type A and B plugs (same as the US), 120 V.
  • Entry rules: Passport and visa rules depend on nationality. Ask guests to check their own government's travel advice early.

Comparisons

Costa Rica vs Tulum Costa Rica vs Maui Bali vs Costa Rica

Questions couples ask

When is the best time for a wedding in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica: December to April.

Do wedding guests need to tip in Costa Rica?

A 10% service charge is included on restaurant bills by law. Extra tips are optional. Tip guides and drivers.

What time is dinner in Costa Rica?

Dinner is early, often from 6 to 9 pm, because the sun sets around 5:30 to 6 pm all year.

What currency and plugs do guests need in Costa Rica?

Costa Rican colón (CRC). US dollars are widely accepted. Type A and B plugs (same as the US), 120 V.

What should guests budget for a wedding in Costa Rica?

Flights and accommodation are usually the biggest costs, followed by meals and activities. Our free destination wedding guest budget calculator adds it all up per person and per day.

Plan the costs: guest budget calculator · how to set up a room block · guest etiquette

Getting married in Costa Rica?

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