Costa Rica - Green Season - Beach Wedding Manuel Antonio

[paulavieira]

Hi

My FI and I were wondering whether anyone has been looking at Manuel Antonio to get married on a beach, which beach would you recommend to be the nicest?

 

We are looking to have the reception at the villa which we are looking at numerous at the moment to accomodate around 20 people. The wedding itself will have around 30 guests.

 

Does anyone have have any links to photos of weddings held at villas and also on the beach?

 

Many thanks

Paula

[Amanda+Dave]

Hi Paula

 

My Fi and I are considering the exact same thing.

I love the idea of renting a villa, it is so much more personal, and they seem to be reasonably priced. We haven't contacted any of the villas yet, but we have come across some amazing villas.

We are also looking at Manuel Antonio and the central and southern parts of Costa Rica. We are very much outdoorsy people and would rather spend our trip enjoying nature than soaking it up by a pool (although there will be some of that too).

I look forward to hearing about your planning progress.

Good luck.

 

Amanda

[Ask.CostaRica]

Pualavieira,

 

Hello and welcome!

In Manuel Antonio there are a few options for ceremony on the beach. The main beach (Playitas & Espadilla) are public, so count on people being around. Consider if you will have a high tide as well (check on that).

On the south end (Espadilla next to the National Park):

http://web.me.com/crwphotographystudio/CRW_&_El_Velo_Client_Websites/michelle_%26_nicholas.html

A little bit north (800 meters from the National Park is Hotel Karahe. We have had many ceremonies at this location:

http://web.me.com/crwphotographystudio/CRW_&_El_Velo_Client_Websites/beth_%26_andrew.html

Further North (1km) Playitas:

http://web.me.com/crwphotographystudio/CRW_&_El_Velo_Client_Websites/lahryn_%26_brent.html

 

Beisanz Beach

http://web.me.com/crwphotographystudio/CRW_&_El_Velo_Client_Websites/penny_%26_jamie.html

 

Private Beaches (Los Altos,Tulemar, Buena Vista Villas, Casa de Las Furtas)

http://web.me.com/crwphotographystudio/CRW_&_El_Velo_Client_Websites/tiffany_%26_paul.html

http://web.me.com/crwphotographystudio/CRW_&_El_Velo_Client_Websites/valerie_%26_chris.html

http://web.me.com/crwphotographystudio/CRW_&_El_Velo_Client_Websites/leisa_%26_ian.html

[paulavieira]

Hi Amanda

I will definitely keep you posted and let you kno how I am getting along.

 

Are you organising the wedding yourself or getting a wc?

 

Paula

[Amanda+Dave]

We'd like to plan it ourselves to keep the cost down. Bit not sure how well that will work out.

You?

[paulavieira]

We are looking to get a wc just to get a bit of help and get some more ideas around Manuel Antonio.

[Ask.CostaRica]

Get day-of coordination to get the vendors to you and set up a few things and then just let your wedding go, This should keep WC down if you keep your wedding simple.

[LazyBride]

hi all

I am a wedding planner here and I strongly recommend hiring a planner as finding reliable vendors, speaking the language, making sure things run smoothly are priceless.  All the planners I know of offer full-service coordination only.  As we have 8 years experience and have worked with almost all the vendors in the country, we have narrowed down our vendor list to only a select few who have proven themselves to be reliable and professional. For this reason, we do not take on day-of coordination as the few times we've had brides bring in their own vendors, it's been less than stellar results.

While a planner may seem like an 'expense', they will save you a lot of headaches as they know the area, they know the vendors, they know what does/doesn't work in various locations and will ultimately save you money. And if you're having a wedding at a villa, remember that you will need to bring in rentals (tables, chairs, glassware, etc.) have extra cleaning staff, extra staff to move the furniture, etc.  Being a beach town, Manuel Antonio has very limited services (ie no rental shop, only 1 flower shop that is very basic) so many items have to come in from San Jose.

Costa Rica is an amazing place for a wedding but it's still a 'developing' country and industry - some vendors do not have websites and a few don't even have email!

A planner will take care of everything so you can relax and enjoy your time here, rather than running about, wondering where the wedding cake is or if the florist has set up the flowers for the ceremony.

[Costaricanbride]

Hello, 

 

You suggested getting a wedding coordinator the day of the wedding. We are getting married in Manuel Antonio at Punto de Vista and have been doing the planning ourselves. We almost have everything planned it seems silly to hire a wedding planner, so do you have any suggestions for day-of coordinators in that area??

 

Thank you in advance for your help!

 

Abbie

[HelenaCo53]

Hey Abbie,

 

I am in the same boat. I am also having my wedding at Punto de Vista in June 2014 but I am just looking for a wedding coordinator. Do you have any advice??

 

Helena Cortes