Costa Rica is becoming a popular choice for a destination wedding. Here are six stunning resorts for your dream nuptials.
1. Villa Caletas
Located in Punta Leona, Villa Caletas is a family-friendly, luxury boutique hotel. You and your guests will love staying more than eleven hundred feet above the vibrant Central Pacific coast with a lush tropical jungle surrounding you.
This intimate resort has only forty-three rooms. Have a truly unique experience in one of seven themed suites at Zephyr Palace. The rest of the resort offers a private beach, pool and spa.
Instead of a classic beach wedding, say, “I do,” in the faux Roman amphitheater with a stunning seaside cliff as your backdrop. Keep the party going with a plated dinner and then late-night dancing at the disco. Check out these incredible bridal testimonies about their experience at Villa Caletas.
“I recently got married here at Villa Caletas, and the entire experience was absolutely incredible. From the very first conversations with the coordinators, they were very professional, accommodating, and responded quickly. If you’re thinking of planning a stay or wedding at Villa Caletas I would highly recommend it. Our entire group said it was the most amazing wedding experience they’ve ever had.” – Alli E.
“Within 6 months, Larissa and her team helped me put together the wedding of my dreams—with some very unique requests (fusion ceremony, larger guest list, special events at multiple locations). I never thought I could have a wedding as amazing as I did, and both my rehearsal dinner at the Marriott and wedding day at Villa Caletas/Zephyr Palace exceeded all of my expectations.” – dattchic
2. Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
This next resort is a perfect adults-only option and it’s all-inclusive! Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica is surrounded by lush mountains and sits on a black volcanic sand beach. It’s close to the airport and just thirty minutes from downtown Liberia. The oceanfront resort has more than two-hundred spacious bungalows—some with a private terrace or patio.
With so many amenities to choose from, your guests are sure to have an amazing experience. No reservations are required at the five restaurant options. Plus, top-shelf spirits are served at five chic bars. Other activities include water aerobics, beach volleyball, water sports, cooking lessons and a top-rated spa.
Secrets Papagayo offers three intimate wedding packages ranging from ten to twenty guests. If you’re staying at the resort for your honeymoon, you also have two newlywed packages to choose from. Here are what former brides had to say about their wedding at Secrets Papagayo.
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about this resort. The food served for the wedding was fabulous. Everyone had a wonderful time. It was honestly a dream come true. This was my dream vacation and I legitimately feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have been married at Secrets Papagayo.” – michellerwelton
“The wedding was even more magical than I anticipated. Jenny, the wedding coordinator did a wonderful job. The food was some of the best wedding food I’ve had, it made me really proud that it was at my wedding. The ceremony was romantic, with the most beautiful backdrop of the beach and ocean. I could seriously go on and on reliving it. We will definitely go back for an anniversary in the future.” – Miranda Urquilla
3. Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica
If you’re looking for a resort that has it all, then look no further than Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica. This all-inclusive resort is family-friendly and has a kids’ club, but also caters to adults-only weddings with a casino and great nightlife options. Guests will also love the resort’s latest addition—a water park!
Leading up to the big day, you and your guests have access to four swimming pools, a hot tub, gym, tennis courts, a sauna and wellness center. For beach lovers, the resort is located right along the edge of the beach of Matapolo.
Riu Palace offers five wedding packages—perfect for any wedding imaginable. Each package includes dinner, cake, wine and a wedding specialist.
Want a fun-filled reception? Dance the night away at the resort’s night club “Pacha”. Here are some highlights from these former brides.
“This was the best vacation I have had to date. The wedding was great, and everything went off without a hitch. Susan Hernandez was a great wedding coordinator and made communication very easy throughout the whole process. I couldn’t have imagined it any better.” – Cydnee E
“My husband and I came out to the Riu Palace for our wedding with 30 family and friends. The resort itself was gorgeous! We loved our room (we did upgrade as it was our wedding). Food was available at all times and was delicious. We had Italian for our wedding dinner, and it was fantastic. The staff overall at the resort was wonderful and accommodating. I would highly recommend this resort to anyone planning a trip, and especially a destination wedding.” – anthrolady80
4. Occidental Grand Papagayo
This luxury resort is a very popular option for couples wanting an all-inclusive setting in the Gulf of Papagayo. Bonus: it’s adults-only! Make the most of the numerous activities offered such as diving, cycling, kayaking, guided tours and more.
The food options are endless between three unique restaurants and four bars. Dance the night away at the resort’s disco or take a day to relax and restore at the U-spa. You and your guests may also opt for some pool time or a short walk to the beach!
Occidental Grand Papagayo is a great choice for weddings with about twenty guests. Book ten or more rooms for a four day weekend and receive a free wedding package including an on-site coordinator, floral arrangements, cake, champagne and more. More packages are available and totally customizable. These brides have great things to say about how their dream wedding came to life.
“We had our wedding here at Occidental Papagayo. It was absolutely amazing and worth our stay. I would definitely recommend staying here. The staff was great, we got upgraded to the honeymoon suite and got our own private golf cart. The views are spectacular.” – Genevieve L
“My husband and I chose this resort for our wedding ceremony and reception and we are very happy we did. Our group was a large one – there were 43 of us total – and the staff did a great job accommodating everyone. If you’re looking for a beautiful setting on the water with great accommodations and a very helpful staff, this place gives you a great value and unforgettable experience.” – HeatherMarie23
5. The Springs Resort and Spa
A five-star Hollywood-inspired wedding is totally attainable at The Springs. This luxury resort provides amazing views of the Arenal volcano and valley. Fun fact: this resort hosted The Bachelor in 2011!
Living up to its name, The Springs features seven natural hot spring pools. A number of massage and beauty treatments are offered at the world-class spa, including a floating water massage and body wraps using therapeutic volcanic clay. Guests will also enjoy nearby river tubing, horseback tours and rock climbing.
The resort offers an elopement package and a wedding celebration package. Both packages include tropical flower décor and an amazing ceremony space located near the lush rainforest. These brides were blown away with their destination wedding at The Springs.
“This place is magical especially for a wedding!! The minute you step into the resort perched on a hill through a private road is like you were transported to another place. The view of the volcano is seen everywhere and is awe inspiring!! The whole staff was very helpful and accommodating to our large family. All in all, I would definitely come back here and possibly spend our anniversary!!” – Nina R
“There are really not words that can properly describe the overall beauty of this magnificent hotel. The views, the staff, the cleanliness, the food, and the location are just perfect. We stayed in a Honeymoon Vista, which was perfect for my husband and I. The staff did an amazing job with the wedding location, which consisted of an arch covered in flowers and overlooked the Arenal Volcano.” – elainehfc
6. Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica
This vibrant beach getaway resort is perfect for couples and families. You and your guests will enjoy all the inclusions of an unlimited luxury escape. Lush green mountains surround the resort and a sugar-white sand beach is just steps away.
With eight restaurants, six bars and a night club, your guests will never be bored or hungry! The resort also hosts themed parties and live nightly entertainment. Younger children will love spending time at the Explorer’s Club and teens have their own sports area where they can mix and mingle.
As far as wedding packages go, you have a number of options to choose from at Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica! Each of the four packages have unique differences and are customizable to fit your dream wedding. If you’re staying for your honeymoon, the Dreams Eternity honeymoon package is a must.
“We had a beautiful and amazing wedding. Daniel was our coordinator, and everything went perfect. I would recommend the Dreams Las Mareas to anyone. Thank you to the Dreams for making our wedding AMAZING while having a great trip!” – Jessica K
“When it comes to service, I have nothing but high remarks for the staff at Dreams Las Mareas. Rodrego at preferred club, Melvin the bellhop, and Claudia our wedding coordinator were truly greathearted individuals who went above and beyond the call of duty on numerous occasions. Our wedding was the best day of my life.” – Christina L
