Hey there! If you're thinking about eloping in Costa Rica, then let me tell you - you're in for a treat. Costa Rica is the perfect destination for a fun, relaxed, and adventurous elopement. From beautiful beaches to lush rainforests, Costa Rica has it all. And as a professional photographer, I'd be honored to capture your special day!
First things first, let's talk about the best time of year to get married in Costa Rica. The dry season is from December to April, which means it's the perfect time for a beach wedding. However, keep in mind that this is also peak tourist season, so you might want to plan ahead to secure your preferred location. May to November is the rainy season, but don't let that scare you away. The rainforests are at their lushest during this time, and you can always opt for a waterfall elopement or another location with cover if you're concerned about rain. Also, keep in mind how dreamy photos are in the rain! Rain creates a nature-made “moodiness” to the day! Seriously, I love photographing in the rain so I am ready to get wet if you are!
Keep in mind, too, that the photos on this blog were from when I visited in October-November! It rained off and on but it was always a very light rain! It didn’t start pouring until after the sun had set. The photos turned out so dreamy and it was (in my opinion) the perfect time to visit! No tourists! It felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.
Now, let's talk about some of the amazing locations where you can get married in Costa Rica.
Manuel Antonio National Park - This park is located on the Pacific coast and has beautiful beaches, lush forests, and stunning views. It's the perfect place for a beach wedding or a ceremony in the forest.
Arenal Volcano National Park - Arenal Volcano is an active volcano located in the northern part of Costa Rica. This park has hot springs, waterfalls, and amazing views of the volcano. It's a great location for a romantic elopement.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve - This reserve is located in the mountains of Costa Rica and has amazing views of the cloud forest. It's the perfect place for a nature-inspired elopement.
Now, let's talk about some fun activities you can do while you're in Costa Rica.
Ziplining - Costa Rica has some of the best ziplining in the world. You can zip through the rainforest and feel like you're flying.
Surfing - If you're a fan of the beach, then you have to try surfing in Costa Rica. The waves are perfect for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
Wildlife Watching - Costa Rica is home to some amazing wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and toucans. You can take a guided tour and see them up close and personal.
ATVing - ATVing felt like the perfect way to see the lush landscapes and have an exhilarating ride all at the same time.
Before you start planning your Costa Rica elopement, it's important to understand the legal requirements for getting married in the country. Here's what you need to know:
Residency Requirements: There are no residency requirements for getting married in Costa Rica, which means you can get married as soon as you arrive in the country.
Paperwork: You will need to provide the following documents to get married in Costa Rica:
A valid passport
A birth certificate
A single status affidavit (a document that certifies you are not currently married)
If you have been married before, you will also need to provide a divorce decree or a death certificate.
All documents must be translated into Spanish and authenticated by the Costa Rican consulate in your home country.
Witnesses: You will need two witnesses to sign the marriage certificate. They can be friends or family members, but they must be over 18 years old and have a valid passport.
Ceremony: The ceremony must be performed by a Costa Rican lawyer or notary public. The ceremony can be held at a location of your choice, as long as it is authorized for legal ceremonies.
Timing: It's important to start the paperwork process at least a month before your wedding date to ensure everything is in order.
By following these requirements, you can ensure that your Costa Rica elopement is not only memorable but also legally recognized. Don't hesitate to seek the advice of a local wedding planner or your embassy in Costa Rica if you have any questions about the process.
A lot of couples also opt to get married legally where they are from (like the United States, for example) for an easier experience and have their “wedding ceremony” in Costa Rica!
PRO TIPS:
The main roads are pretty great, but once you step into the outer cities and more rural side of the country, the roads are very rough and full of pot holes! Keep a look out and you’ll be fine.
Costa Ricans are so friendly! Try learning some basic phrases in Spanish as it will be super appreciated by locals.
Be aware of potential traffic, especially in the busy season! Lots of the roads only have one lane, and if there’s any kind of issue on the road, traffic will take FOREVER.
You will see so many cats and dogs, it will take everything in you not to take one home.
PRO TIP: If you’re planning on licking your partner up and down, be prepared for a mouth full of bug spray. (Worth it, though.)
LGBTQ+ couples looking to get married in Costa Rica:
In 2020, same-sex marriage was legalized, making it the first country in Central America to do so. This means that LGBTQ+ couples can legally get married in Costa Rica and have their marriage recognized by the government.
The legalization of same-sex marriage in Costa Rica is a major step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in the country. However, it's important to note that some people in Costa Rica still hold conservative views on LGBTQ+ issues, and discrimination can still occur. It's always a good idea to work with a wedding planner or other local experts who are familiar with the local culture and customs to ensure that your wedding day goes smoothly.
In my opinion, there’s so many lush areas to have a more “private” experience. Especially if you go in the off-season! You won’t have to worry about too many onlookers and could 100% have a beautiful LGBTQ+ elopement here in this country.
With its beautiful landscapes, warm climate, and friendly locals, it's no wonder that Costa Rica is becoming a popular destination for destination weddings and elopements for all couples, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
If you're a LGBTQ+ couple planning your wedding, you might be interested in reading my blog post on 10+ Locations Around the World Where LGBTQ+ Couples Can Get Married. CLICK HERE to read it!
If you're looking for a fun, relaxed, and adventurous elopement, then Costa Rica is the perfect destination. And as a professional photographer, I'd love to be there to capture every moment. Let's make your elopement unforgettable!
