So we've decided to get married in Costa Rica

Amanda+Dave · August 6, 2010

The FI and I have always wanted to go to CR. But when my sister and her husband honeymooned there, we though, no way would we get married there.

But, since we both have always wanted to go there, we have decided not to let that stand in our way.

They had their honeymoon at the Riu resort, so we want to stay away from that area. Any suggestions?

Ask.CostaRica · August 7, 2010

Personally, we don't think that The Riu is a good representation of a destination wedding location in Costa Rica, too large. There are so many charming boutique hotels/unique rentals that would give you a more intimate experience.

We recently had a wedding at Villa Marrakech with an intimate and quiet ceremony at Cala Luna Point in Tamarindo:

http://web.me.com/crwphotographystudio/CRW_&_El_Velo_Client_Websites/shana_%26_jason.html

Hotel Bahia Sol is also another fav of ours. Small cute hotel, great menu, great costarican hospitality and an easy location for a wedding. This location and wedding got us into Eco Beautiful Weddings Magazine:

http://web.me.com/crwphotographystudio/CRW_&_El_Velo_Client_Websites/corrie_%26_jake.html

The publication: http://www.eco-beautifulweddings.com/spring2010/

Sugar Beach Hotel is ideal for a wedding of over 60 guests. Great prices since you are taking over the hotel. Private cove, private beach and a great setting:

http://web.me.com/crwphotographystudio/CRW_&_El_Velo_Client_Websites/melissa_%26_andy.html

There are so many places. Once you investigate some more let us know, we would be glad to give you feedback on areas.

Good luck & thank you for choosing Costa Rica!

Amanda+Dave · August 7, 2010

Thanks for the advice. We are looking for something all inclusive. Any suggestions for that?

Ask.CostaRica · August 7, 2010

Hi there Amanda & Dave,

Actually, the latest thing is a lot of hotels are going AI. I got news that Tamarindo Diria is about to. It is a nice location but the hotel is right in the middle of the public beach (lots od on-lookers). This wedding was in off season. We did Photoshop several people out of the shots but it gives you an idea (best to do lawn ceremony)

http://web.me.com/crwphotographystudio/CRW_&_El_Velo_Client_Websites/cher_%26_tim.html

Or have the ceremony somewhere else while staying at the Diria:

http://web.me.com/crwphotographystudio/CRW_&_El_Velo_Client_Websites/amber_%26_seb.html

Flamingo Beach Resort is nice but make sure it is a low tide and not a weekend (lots of locals come out and park in front of the hotels and set up for the afternoon. Check the tide charts for your date.

Here's a high tide wedding so you get and idea:

http://web.me.com/crwphotographystudio/CRW_&_El_Velo_Client_Websites/shene_%26_micha.html

http://web.me.com/crwphotographystudio/CRW_&_El_Velo_Client_Websites/erin_%26_ryan.html

Paradisus Playa Conchal had issues with the municipality and some vendors, they had stopped doing weddings on the beach but the has been resolved. The location is great, no problem with plan B's in case of rain and tides are not an issue. The only thing I advise is to be patient with your wedding planner. They handle so much volume and get so back up that it takes them time to get to your email requests (but they do). It is a beautiful beach and most clients we talk to (we do a lot of weddings there) come out very happy.

http://web.me.com/crwphotographystudio/CRW_&_El_Velo_Client_Websites/bonnie_%26_tim.html

http://web.me.com/crwphotographystudio/CRW_&_El_Velo_Client_Websites/candace_%26_mike.html

Occidental Gran Papagayo only with a low tide:

http://www.elvelophotography.com/main.php#Galleries/Locations/occ%20g%20papagayo/1

http://web.me.com/crwphotographystudio/CRW_&_El_Velo_Client_Websites/jennifer_%26_donald.html

Hope this helps.