Thinking about tying the knot in Costa Rica’s capital city? First of all—yes, do it! Second of all—buckle up, because planning a wedding in San José is nothing short of a tropical love story waiting to unfold. Picture this: cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, jungle peaks in the distance, and that perfect afternoon breeze rustling through palm leaves while you say “I do.”
If you’re dreaming of an adventurous yet soulful wedding in a city that buzzes with art, life, and pura vida, San José might just be your perfect match.
🌿 Why Get Married in San José?
San José is where urban vibrance meets mountain serenity. It’s got museums, murals, music… and then boom—you’re 20 minutes from a cloud forest. The city itself is often overlooked in favor of beaches and volcanoes, but that’s exactly what makes it a hidden gem for destination weddings.
Plus, it’s super convenient—there’s an international airport right there, lots of great accommodations, and enough local charm to fill your love tank for years to come.
💒 Best Wedding Venues in San José
Finding the right place to say “I do” is like falling in love—you just know. Here are some stunning options:
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Costa Rica Marriott Hacienda Belén
Nestled on a coffee plantation, this venue oozes colonial elegance. Lush gardens, mountain views, and hacienda vibes? Yes, please.
👉 Check it out
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Hotel Grano de Oro
A Victorian mansion in the city center with twinkling lights, tile mosaics, and lush courtyards. It’s romantic, intimate, and quietly luxurious.
👉 Visit the site
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Finca Rosa Blanca
Just outside the city, it’s a boutique eco-hotel with artistic flair and coffee fields galore. Perfect for boho-chic ceremonies.
👉 Explore here
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Museo de Arte Costarricense
Art lovers, rejoice! Host your wedding surrounded by Costa Rican masterpieces in one of the most creative venues imaginable.
👉 Museum details
📜 Legal Requirements for a Wedding in Costa Rica
The paperwork part might not be sexy, but it’s essential. Luckily, Costa Rica makes it refreshingly simple.
Here’s what you need:
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Valid passports for both parties
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Two non-family witnesses (with ID/passports)
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If previously married, divorce decree or death certificate
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A local lawyer or officiant to conduct the ceremony legally
📝 Pro tip: Most destination wedding planners or photographers (🙋♂️ hey, it’s me!) can connect you with a bilingual attorney to handle it all.
🌦️ When’s the Best Time to Get Married in San José?
Ah, the weather. Costa Rica dances to its own rhythm, but here’s a rough guide:
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Dry Season (Dec–April): Sun, sun, and more sun. Great for outdoor weddings—but book early!
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Green Season (May–Nov): Think lush greenery, fewer crowds, and occasional afternoon rain (read: romantic drizzle during your first dance).
☔ Bonus: July and August often have a mini dry spell—locals call it veranillo—perfect for budget-savvy couples wanting dry weather without the peak-season price tag.
🧉 Add Local Flavor to Your Celebration
Skip the cookie-cutter and infuse some pura vida into your day:
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Serve a local “casado” dish—rice, beans, plantains, and grilled fish or chicken. Your guests will thank you.
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Hire a marimba band or even a folkloric dance troupe for some Costa Rican sparkle.
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Use native flowers like orchids, ginger, and bird-of-paradise for tropical bouquet magic.
🧳 What to Do in San José (Besides Getting Married)
Weddings are great, but your guests will want more than cake and vows. Good thing San José is full of adventures:
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Visit the National Theatre or Gold Museum for a taste of culture.
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Stroll through Barrio Escalante, a hip neighborhood full of indie cafes, craft beer, and fusion food.
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Day trip to volcanoes or waterfalls (Poás and La Paz are both nearby).
Or honestly? Just sip coffee in a garden courtyard and breathe it all in.
📸 Let’s Talk Photos (aka Forever-Memories)
If you’re going through all the trouble of flying to Costa Rica and looking your best… you better get those moments captured right.
I’m Serg, the guy behind the lens at Your Happy Moments. I specialize in destination weddings like yours, where natural emotion and breathtaking backdrops come together in a documentary-style visual story.
🏆 In Summary…
Getting married in San José isn’t just a ceremony—it’s a chapter in your love story written with color, culture, and creativity. With dreamy venues, simple legal steps, and local charm by the truckload, it’s one of Central America’s most underrated wedding destinations.
💌 Let’s Create Your Wedding Story
If you can already picture that dreamy San José moment—the light hitting your dress just right, the mountain mist hanging in the air—I’d be honored to capture it for you.
✨ Explore my recent weddings on the blog
📷 Discover my photography packages right here
📩 Want to chat about your vision? Reach out through my contact page
Let’s make magic together in the heart of Costa Rica. 🌺
