Let’s skip the cookie-cutter resorts and dive into something wilder, more soulful, more… you. If you’re dreaming of a wedding soaked in sun, dipped in ocean breeze, and wrapped in tropical magic, Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula might just be your heart’s new home.
But forget the tourist traps. This guide is all about the hidden gems — the quiet beaches, waterfall hideaways, and off-the-grid towns that whisper, “Let’s get married somewhere unforgettable.”
Whether you’re barefoot on the beach or saying “I do” next to a jungle waterfall, this little stretch of paradise is full of perfect, unexpected places to start your forever.
🌴 Santa Teresa – Where Surfers & Soulmates Collide
Santa Teresa isn’t just for wave-chasers. It’s for lovers who crave barefoot elegance, tangled hair from salty breezes, and golden hour light that makes everything (and everyone) look a little more in love.
Here, boho beach weddings are the vibe. Think: an intimate ceremony on Playa Santa Teresa, barefoot vows under a flower-draped arch, and a candlelit dinner with toes in the sand. Bonus? You might spot a monkey photobombing your first kiss.
🌐 Explore venues at Mil Besos Weddings
🌿 Nosara – Jungle Meets Ocean, and Magic Happens
Nosara is the quiet poet of the Nicoya Peninsula. It’s all green canopies, wellness retreats, and sunset-lit beaches where time slows down.
If you’ve ever dreamed of an elopement wrapped in nature’s arms, Nosara gets you. Picture this: a tiny circle of loved ones, the soft rustle of palms, the sea humming in the distance. The Nosara Beach Hotel offers the perfect retro-meets-tropical charm for a celebration that’s both stylish and serene.
🌐 Peek into Nosara’s peaceful options at Wezoree
🏝️ Samara – Where Laid-Back Meets “Let’s Get Married”
Not too big, not too remote — Samara is the Goldilocks of beach towns. It’s effortlessly charming, with friendly locals, calm waters, and golden sands just waiting for dancing feet.
A beach ceremony here is stress-free and soul-deep. Afterwards, feast with your guests at a local beachfront restaurant as the sky melts into sherbet hues.
🌐 Venue inspo via Mil Besos Weddings
💧 Montezuma – Waterfall Whispers & Jungle Dreams
Montezuma is the wild child — the kind of place where weddings feel like secrets kept between you, the rainforest, and the tumbling waterfalls.
Yes, you can get married beside a cascading waterfall. Yes, it’s as magical as it sounds. Yes, there might be howler monkeys cheering you on.
Later, dance the night away barefoot on the beach under fairy lights and fireflies.
🌐 Discover magical locations via Mal Pais Beach Weddings
🌅 Playa Hermosa – Still Waters, Big Heart
Tucked away from the crowds, Playa Hermosa (literally “Beautiful Beach”) lives up to its name. Quiet, romantic, and impossibly photogenic — it’s for couples who want elegance with a side of calm.
Sunsets here? Absolute showstoppers. Pair that with a private villa or boutique resort, and you’ve got the recipe for a peaceful, luxurious celebration.
🌐 Browse spots via WeddingWire Costa Rica
🏘️ Las Catalinas – A Fairytale You Can Actually Book
Imagine walking cobblestone streets lined with pastel buildings that look straight out of a Mediterranean postcard… but you’re still in Costa Rica. Welcome to Las Catalinas.
This car-free village is elegant, romantic, and perfect for couples who want to blend old-world charm with coastal beauty. Say your vows in a sunlit courtyard, toast your love on a rooftop, then stroll to the beach to dip your toes in happily ever after.
🌐 Find wedding magic at Kubaokon Weddings
☀️ Tips for Planning a Nicoya Wedding Like a Pro
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Best time to wed: Dry season (Dec–April) offers sun-splashed skies. Want lush greenery? Try the “green season” (May–June) — fewer tourists, romantic rain showers, and dreamy light.
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Pro tip: Sunset ceremonies are golden (literally) around 5:30–6:00 PM.
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Local flavor: Say yes to tropical florals, marimba music, and maybe even a gallo pinto brunch the morning after.
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Eco-lovers rejoice: Many venues here are deeply committed to sustainability — so your love can leave a light footprint.
📸 Capturing the Magic – Your Story, Frame by Frame
As a destination wedding photographer who’s witnessed love stories bloom under Costa Rican sunsets and beside jungle waterfalls, I live for these kinds of days. The raw emotions, the unfiltered joy, the wild beauty of it all — that’s what I capture.
Curious to see how all this magic looks through my lens?
→ Browse dreamy real weddings on my blog
→ Dive into my photography investment packages
→ Let’s chat and bring your vision to life — reach out via my contact page
Wherever your love leads you — to waterfalls, palm-lined beaches, or candlelit courtyards — let’s turn your once-in-a-lifetime day into timeless photographs that bring you right back to that heartbeat moment.
