How many Costa Rica brides are out there?

[binzer]

It doesn't seem like there are a ton of us, but I thought it'd be good to have an official thread where we can all meet and share our info. I'll go first!

 

I'm getting married May 5th (2009) at a boutique hotel called Rancho Pacifico. We have the whole place rented out, and it's near Uvita which is in the less-touristy southern end of the country (but still somewhat close to Manuel Antonio). Even though my hotel is up on a mountain, we're probably going to get married down on the beach (we get to scope out spots and choose our favorite when we get there).

 

We actually have the hotel booked for 6 nights, and all of our 20 guests are going to be there for the full duration, so it's more of a wedding week. My colors are blue and brown, but I think I'm adding orange! I also have a bit of a starfish theme going.

 

My photographer is Julie Comfort and my flowers are being done by the hotel. My WC is actually just one of the hotel owners, and she is arranging for my officiant and a Calypso band.

 

Anyways, I think that's all the main details! My fiance and I don't get a full honeymoon to ourselves, but we're going to stay an extra 3 days somewhere. It'll probably be in Manuel Antonio (I REALLY want to go to Mal Pais, but it's way too far) and right now we're considering Arenas Del Mar and Issimo Suites b/c both are fairly romantic and have quiet beaches that are accessible.

 

That's it for me! I'm excited to hear everyone else's plans

[elizamaria]

Hello!

 

I am officially a Costa Rica bride now!

 

I am getting married Jan. 14th 2010 in Manuel Antonio at Casa Fantastica

Luxurious Tropical Vacation Home in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica - Elegant Home for Family Vacations in Central America, Costa Rica Ocean View Villaoverlooking Manuel Antonio National Park and Playa Espadilla, Casa Fantastico

 

Its just a huge house where we can have the wedding and reception as well as stay for the whole week with 15 of our friends!

 

Haven't planned much else, but I'm pretty excited!

 

 

E

[gallopinto]

I am a Costa Rica bride! Just found this forum. I'm getting married in July in Tamarindo and still have a ton to do.

[cappucino2009]

Hello,

 

Thank you for starting this post binzer. It's nice to know that there are other costa rica brides.

 

I just booked my wedding at the Springs Resort and Spa for November.

 

The Springs Resort & Spa - Arenal, Costa Rica

 

I recognize that November is the tailend of wet season, but has anyone been there during this period? I was ok with it until our guests pointed out to us that it's hurricane season, but I've done my reading and because CR is so far south from the Carribean that it's very rare for a hurricane to hit CR. Does anyone have any feedback on this?

 

Also, binzer, have you received photography quotes yet? I'm starting to look for a photographer for our wedding and wondering what the going cost is for CR.

 

I look forward to sharing information and ideas with CR brides!

[Ask.CostaRica]

Quote:

Originally Posted by binzer It doesn't seem like there are a ton of us, but I thought it'd be good to have an official thread where we can all meet and share our info. I'll go first! I'm getting married May 5th (2009) at a boutique hotel called Rancho Pacifico. We have the whole place rented out, and it's near Uvita which is in the less-touristy southern end of the country (but still somewhat close to Manuel Antonio). Even though my hotel is up on a mountain, we're probably going to get married down on the beach (we get to scope out spots and choose our favorite when we get there). We actually have the hotel booked for 6 nights, and all of our 20 guests are going to be there for the full duration, so it's more of a wedding week. My colors are blue and brown, but I think I'm adding orange! I also have a bit of a starfish theme going. My photographer is Julie Comfort and my flowers are being done by the hotel. My WC is actually just one of the hotel owners, and she is arranging for my officiant and a Calypso band. Anyways, I think that's all the main details! My fiance and I don't get a full honeymoon to ourselves, but we're going to stay an extra 3 days somewhere. It'll probably be in Manuel Antonio (I REALLY want to go to Mal Pais, but it's way too far) and right now we're considering Arenas Del Mar and Issimo Suites b/c both are fairly romantic and have quiet beaches that are accessible. That's it for me! I'm excited to hear everyone else's plans

I'm not a bride but want to give you some advice:
1st: Rancho Pacifico is way up the mountain, amazing view just make sure you plan for an earlier ceremony (leaving the hotel by 3pm) to get to the beach by 3:30/3:45. A good spot for you wedding is Dominicalito beach, good even in a very high tide (15min away -North once you get down from the mountain).

Of the last wedding I heard of there, the hotel lawyer did not turn off his cel phone, make sure he leaves it in his car (it went off in the ceremony - has a hard time parting with it).

Stick to Arenas del Mar, it has everything MA offers; amazing views and private beach (rock barriers on both sides make it private).
Malpais is not that far really, from MA to the Ferry you are 2.5 hrs from the Ferry of Punatrenas (which now sticks to schedule) and from there you are another hour to MP. Look into Red Palm Villas in MP, I was just there - simply beautiful, self contained villas right on the beach.

[binzer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ask.CostaRica I'm not a bride but want to give you some advice: 1st: Rancho Pacifico is way up the mountain, amazing view just make sure you plan for an earlier ceremony (leaving the hotel by 3pm) to get to the beach by 3:30/3:45. A good spot for you wedding is Dominicalito beach, good even in a very high tide (15min away -North once you get down from the mountain). Of the last wedding I heard of there, the hotel lawyer did not turn off his cel phone, make sure he leaves it in his car (it went off in the ceremony - has a hard time parting with it). Stick to Arenas del Mar, it has everything MA offers; amazing views and private beach (rock barriers on both sides make it private). Malpais is not that far really, from MA to the Ferry you are 2.5 hrs from the Ferry of Punatrenas (which now sticks to schedule) and from there you are another hour to MP. Look into Red Palm Villas in MP, I was just there - simply beautiful, self contained villas right on the beach.

thanks for the tips! If we had even just one more day we'd be more inclined to head to Mal Pais, but since we have only have a few days completely to ourselves we don't want to spend minimal time in the car. We'll probably go on an anniversary trip back to CR in the next couple years though, and Mal Pais is where we'll be headed!

Do you have any advice on where to stay the night before we fly out? We have an early flight so we don't want it to be tooo far from the SJO airport, but we'd also like something somewhat romantic and secluded.

TIY! Any more CR brides out there?

[Ask.CostaRica]

Binzer,

 

Yeah, don't forget Malpais! You'll love it, nite life, great beaches, many restaurants.

 

I have been suggesting to lylalany (another post) about hotels in San Jose. Two I like are in the slopes of Alajuela mountain Finca Rosa Blanca and Xandari. They both have great views of the Central Valley. Both have great food and the honeymoon suite of Finca Rosa is a fantastic dome room up a narrow stairwell to a completely private suite. The bungalows of Xandari are intimate and all lined up for the view. I suggested Grano de Oro, beautiful rooms, great food and near SJ for things to do (Mercado Central). It is in a neighborhood just outside of downtown. You won't be here for view but for ambiance. Hope this helps.

[amcarter]

I work in the insurance industry and hurricane season is from June 1st - Dec 1st. I haven't seen any major reports about hurricanes in CR but I didn't want to take the chance. Here's a suggestion for you and your guests... ask them to purchase travel insurance and you can also get wedding insurance in the event that something happens. good luck.

[amcarter]

My wedding location is Pacifico. Wedding planner is Tropical Occasions. We're flying in our favorite photographer. I'm still looking for the perfect band, dj and i HAVE to have a delicious wedding cake.

 

Happy planning.

[Colombambina]

Hello ladies,

I'm another Costa Rican bride! getting married this November in Tamarindo.

Capuccino, there are no hurricanes in CR, but there is rainy season, which should end by mid November and then the dry season begins. I wouldn't worry about it

 

Angela