Imagine this. You’re barefoot, standing on powdery white sand. There’s a warm Pacific breeze in your hair, and just beyond the altar—a golden sunset melting into the ocean. Your guests, slightly sun-kissed and smiling, are sipping fresh coconuts while a marimba band hums something joyful in the background. Welcome to Guanacaste, Costa Rica, your dream wedding just became a destination.
☀️ Why Guanacaste? (Besides the fact that it’s literal paradise)
Guanacaste isn’t just a province in Costa Rica—it’s a mood. A very good mood. Think warm weather all year round, golden beaches, turquoise bays, rainforests full of monkeys, and volcanoes just casually hanging out in the distance.
What makes it magical for weddings?
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The dry season (Dec–April) means beach weddings without the fear of surprise tropical showers.
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Easy access via Liberia International Airport (LIR) for guests.
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A range of venues from luxe resorts to secret beaches.
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A culture steeped in joy, nature, and romance—the local phrase “Pura Vida” says it all.
🏝 Top Wedding Venues in Guanacaste That Are Anything But Basic
All-inclusive and oceanfront, with a top-tier golf course if your partner needs convincing. Beach ceremony, spa pre-game, and sunset portraits—yes please.
Perched on a jungle cliff with Pacific views, this boutique gem is intimate, luxurious, and wildly romantic. Perfect for smaller weddings with big feelings.
Think private beachfront bliss with chic, modern vibes. Their wedding team knows how to throw a party (with class).
Big wedding energy. This resort is known for festive, all-inclusive fun—perfect if your guest list loves mojitos and midnight dance floors.
Understated luxury with toes-in-the-sand vibes. Gorgeous sunsets, phenomenal food, and a ceremony space that feels cinematic.
📅 Best Time to Say “I Do”
Dry season (December to April) is the golden ticket: sunny, warm, and predictably perfect. If you love lush greenery and don’t mind a romantic rain shower, the green season (May to November) brings lower prices and jungle magic.
Bonus tip: Sunset ceremonies in Guanacaste are peak cinematic. Schedule your ceremony an hour before sunset for that magical golden hour.
🍛 Add a Little “Pura Vida” to Your Celebration
Want to give your wedding a true Costa Rican soul?
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Have a marimba band play during cocktail hour.
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Serve gallo pinto or ceviche at your reception.
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Replace wedding favors with locally made artisan gifts.
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Get adventurous—ride in on horseback, or take photos in a nearby hot spring (yes, it’s a thing).
📸 Photography Tips (Spoiler: Guanacaste is Ridiculously Photogenic)
Your wedding photos will thank you later for choosing a place where:
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Beaches glow orange at sunset.
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Lush forests frame every candid moment.
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You can take epic post-wedding “trash the dress” photos diving into a waterfall or walking barefoot on volcanic sand.
Pro tip: Book extra time for a “first look” session before the ceremony—intimate, real, and golden-hour-perfect.
✈️ Travel & Planning Tips for a Stress-Free Experience
Getting to Guanacaste is easier than you’d think. Most couples (and their guests) fly into Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, just a short drive to the coast.
Hire a local wedding planner—seriously. They know the hidden beaches, the best vendors, and how to navigate permits and weather hiccups. Trust the pros, sip your coconut.
💸 Budgeting Like a Boss
Your wedding in Guanacaste can range from laid-back luxe to full-blown glamour, depending on your vibe.
Here’s a rough breakdown:
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Elopements or micro weddings: $3,000–$7,000
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Mid-size weddings (50 guests): $10,000–$20,000
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Larger affairs: $25,000+, especially at luxury resorts
Good news? The exchange rate often works in your favor, and Costa Rica’s value for quality is unbeatable.
💍 Real Talk: Why Guanacaste is Worth It
Here’s the thing: destination weddings aren’t just about pretty places. They’re about memories that stretch far beyond the aisle. They’re about bringing your closest humans to a place that slows down time and amplifies joy.
Guanacaste delivers that in spades. And sunsets. And sloths.
📸 Your Photographer in Paradise Awaits
Weddings like this deserve to be remembered with soul, light, and creativity. That’s where I come in. I’m Serg, the eye behind Your Happy Moments—a destination wedding photographer who believes in storytelling, sunshine, and those little in-between moments that make your heart skip.
Want to see what love looks like under a Guanacaste sunset? Peek at my portfolio. Curious about investment? Check out my photo packages. Ready to talk magic, dates, and details? Let’s chat.
Let’s make your wedding the kind of moment you’ll want to relive again and again.
