The Best Places to Get Married in Costa Rica: A Local Photographer's Honest Guide
We were born and raised in Costa Rica, and we have spent more than ten years photographing weddings across this country. So when couples ask us where they should get married, our answer is never generic. It comes from standing on these beaches at every hour of the day, in every season, watching how the light falls.
These are the places we recommend again and again, and why.
Tamarindo: The Classic for a Reason
Tamarindo gives you everything in one walkable town. Long golden beaches, sunset ceremonies that feel painted, restaurants and hotels for every guest budget, and an easy 1 hour drive from Liberia airport.
Best for: couples who want their wedding week to feel like a shared vacation with their guests.
Photographer's note: the north end of the beach near the estuary gives you empty backgrounds even in high season, and Playa Langosta next door is our secret for portraits.
The Papagayo Peninsula: Pure Luxury
Home to Four Seasons and Andaz, the peninsula is where Costa Rica meets five star service. Private beaches, jungle covered hills falling into calm turquoise bays, and staff who anticipate everything.
Best for: luxury celebrations of any size, and couples whose guests expect comfort at every step.
Photographer's note: the peninsula faces west and northwest, so sunset ceremonies here get a golden light that lingers longer than almost anywhere else in Guanacaste.
Playa Flamingo and Reserva Conchal: Elegance on the Gold Coast
This stretch of coastline holds some of the most beautiful sand in the country, plus venues like W Costa Rica and Westin Reserva Conchal that combine resort convenience with real natural beauty.
Best for: mid size weddings of 40 to 100 guests who want both a stunning beach and reliable infrastructure.
Nosara and the Nicoya Peninsula: Barefoot Soul
Nosara is where the yoga world meets the surf world. Weddings here happen in private villas like Hacienda Barrigona, surrounded by jungle, with monkeys as uninvited but welcome guests.
Best for: couples who want intimacy, nature and a wedding that feels like nowhere else on earth.
Photographer's note: one of the most meaningful weddings we ever photographed happened at Hacienda Barrigona, with the couple's baby stealing every scene. The light in those hills at 5 pm is something we cannot describe, only show you.
Why Costa Rica, and Why Now
Forbes named Costa Rica the Best Nature Destination of 2026. Direct flights from the US take 3 to 6 hours. Your money goes further than in Hawaii or most of the Caribbean. And the Pura Vida spirit is real. Your guests will feel it the moment they land.
If you are choosing between these places and want honest advice about which one fits your story, write to us. We know every one of these beaches like home, because they are.
