Vows with a View: VistaNova’s Recipe for ‘I Do’ Perfection in Costa Rica Destination Weddings
- VistaNova Team
- May 8
- 8 min read
Costa Rica destination weddings are no small feat, but when you choose paradise and a great team – specifically Tamarindo and VistaNova – the magic unfolds almost effortlessly.
Think toes in the sand, tropical breezes, panoramic villa views, and our dedicated concierge team, who treats your big day (and all the days before and after) like their very own. Consider this your all-access pass to how to plan unforgettable Tamarindo weddings – from legal logistics to venue inspiration and trusted planning partnerships. We’ve got every detail covered.
Costa Rica Destination Weddings FAQ
Before we jump into the fun stuff, let’s talk questions, logistics, and concerns.
Q: What do we need to get legally married in Costa Rica?
A: For non-Costa Ricans marrying in Costa Rica – the requirements change for Costa Rican citizens – the primary requirement is a valid passport for each partner.
However, to ensure your marriage is legally recognized, you'll need to work with a Costa Rican lawyer or notary public who can officiate the ceremony and handle the necessary legal documentation. This includes preparing a marriage deed and a sworn statement confirming your eligibility to marry.
After the ceremony, your marriage certificate will be registered with Costa Rica’s Civil Registry. The whole process takes about 6-8 weeks, after which you'll receive your official marriage certificate, complete with an apostille stamp, making it valid internationally.
Q: Do we really need a lawyer?
A: Yes. In Costa Rica, only judges, lawyers, and Catholic priests can legally officiate a marriage. Even if you opt for a religious ceremony, a lawyer is essential to handle the legal aspects and ensure your marriage is recognized both in Costa Rica and your home country.
Q: Can we have a symbolic or religious ceremony instead?
A: Absolutely! And in fact, many couples choose to do the legal part at home and host a symbolic ceremony in Costa Rica. (Catholic weddings can be performed here but require additional church permissions and planning.) Our wedding couples often opt for spiritual, non-religious, or customized symbolic ceremonies – typically, post-legal marriage back home – on the beach or in one of our villas overlooking the Pacific.
Q: Who can officiate?
A: We can point you in the direction of seasoned, bilingual officiants who can legally marry you or lead symbolic ceremonies tailored to your vibe – romantic, adventurous, traditional, or totally out-of-the-box. If you’re bringing your own officiant, that’s welcome too!
Q: How do we make our marriage legal back home?
A: After your ceremony, your Costa Rican lawyer will submit the necessary documents to the Civil Registry. Once your marriage is registered, you'll receive a marriage certificate, which your lawyer can help translate and apostille for recognition in your home country.
Q: When should we start planning?
A: Begin planning 12 to 18 months in advance. This timeline allows for securing your preferred venue, vendors, and accommodations. Early planning also provides ample time for guests to make travel arrangements.
Q: Where can we host our ceremony and reception?
A: Costa Rica offers diverse venues: beachfront ceremonies, luxury villas with ocean views, tropical gardens, and more. In Tamarindo, VistaNova's villas like Villa Serenidad, Casa Leo Loco, and Compass House provide stunning settings for both ceremonies and receptions. These venues offer flexibility, accommodating various group sizes and preferences.
Q: What are the options for beachfront weddings Costa Rica?
A: Tamarindo’s beaches are world-famous for a reason: the sunsets, the ocean breeze, the natural beauty that doesn’t need much dressing up… You can plan or coordinate ceremonies directly on the sand or on a beachfront platform, if you’d prefer. As Costa Rica’s beaches are all public, most couples opt for beachfront weddings Costa Rica followed by villa receptions – it’s the best of both worlds.
Q: Should we hire a wedding planner?
A: Yes, absolutely. Costa Rica destination weddings involve navigating local customs, vendors, and logistics. A local wedding planner will provide invaluable assistance, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
Q: What about a wedding photographer?
A: Capturing your special day is essential! Costa Rica boasts talented photographers experienced in destination weddings. With the help of your wedding planner, it's essential to choose someone whose style aligns with your vision.
Q: And the florist?
A: Costa Rica's tropical climate supports a wide variety of vibrant flowers year-round. Local florists can create stunning arrangements featuring exotic blooms, often at a fraction of the cost compared to other countries. With the help of your wedding planner, collaborating with a local florist ensures fresh, beautiful floral designs tailored to your preferences.
Q: Can I bring my own wedding décor or vendors?
A: While it's possible, it's generally recommended to source décor and vendors locally. Shipping items internationally can lead to delays or customs issues. Local vendors are familiar with the area's logistics and can provide services tailored to the setting.
Q: What are we likely to forget?
A: Common oversights include:
● Passports: Ensure yours are valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, as this is a requirement to enter Costa Rica.
● Travel Insurance: Don’t skip this! Insurance protects against unforeseen circumstances.
● Local Transportation: Arrange for guest transfers between venues and accommodations.
● Weather Considerations: Costa Rica has a dry season (December to April) and a rainy season (May to November); both can host spectacular weddings, but you do need to plan accordingly.
Costa Rica Destination Weddings with a View: Choosing the Right Venue
One of the perks of working together? The venue is where you stay. Our curated collection of luxury villas doubles as stunning wedding backdrops, with unique spaces for welcome cocktail hours, morning-after brunches, and everything in between.
And while every VistaNova villa is wedding-friendly, guest-favorite venues include:
30 guests | 15 bedrooms | 13 bathrooms
If you’re dreaming of an intimate wedding celebration with a touch of modern luxury and unforgettable views, Villa Serenidad may be your match. Perched high above the golden shores of Tamarindo, this sprawling villa is designed to impress – all sleek lines, natural textures, and seamless indoor-outdoor living.
The magic begins with its sweeping 180° ocean views and minimalist-chic architecture. Here, ceremonies on the terrace feel cinematic, framed by the Pacific horizon and bathed in golden light. It’s a venue made for mid-sized, meaningful weddings – elopements, micro-weddings, and vow renewals that prioritize quality and memories.
From poolside cocktails at sunset to elegant, catered dinners under the stars, Villa Serenidad brings a quiet kind of grandeur to your big day. It’s refined, romantic, and wonderfully personal – the kind of place where lifelong memories begin.
12 guests | 6 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms
For couples who want beachfront beauty with a twist of whimsy, Casa Leo Loco is a Tamarindo treasure. This architecturally unique 6-bedroom villa perches above the waves with panoramic Pacific views and direct beach access (golf cart recommended!) – the perfect combo for barefoot ceremonies and sunset vows.
What makes Casa Leo Loco so unforgettable is its character: curved lines, vibrant accents, and open-air living areas that flow from terrace to pool to the ocean beyond. It’s joyful, it’s organic, and it’s full of personality – much like the celebrations it inspires. Go ahead – you can now dream of poolside receptions with local musicians, open-air dinners with twinkle lights, and beach bonfires to close out the night.
Casa Leo Loco is ideal for small weddings that want to feel laid-back and luxurious, all at once. It’s that rare kind of venue that’s both deeply relaxing and endlessly photogenic – a true one-of-a-kind.
18 guests | 9 bedrooms | 9.5 bathrooms
Sophisticated, spacious, and seriously stunning, Compass House is one of Tamarindo’s most iconic homes – and a breathtaking venue for a modern, high-end destination wedding. With room to host larger gatherings, this villa is a favorite for couples who want to make a statement while keeping their event personal and private.
Compass House’s design is all clean lines and coastal minimalism, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame some of the most jaw-dropping views on the coast. Picture this: a ceremony overlooking the ocean, a chef-curated dinner on the poolside deck, and a dance floor under the stars with the waves as your soundtrack.
This villa is an ideal canvas for upscale weddings with stylish touches – we’re envisioning custom florals, private chefs, and live music. And with its full staff and high-touch amenities, Compass House makes it easy to feel like you’ve stepped into your own private resort.
Of course, our team will help you select the villa that fits your guest count, style, and vision – and yes, we can walk you through every one of them via video chat if you can’t visit in person.
Guest List Goals: From Intimate Elopements to Big Celebrations
From spontaneous elopements to 60-guest Costa Rica destination weddings, VistaNova can accommodate and help you plan. Our villas range in size and setup:
● Elopements & Micro Weddings (2–20 guests): Cozy ceremonies on a terrace or by the pool, candlelit catered dinners, and personal touches everywhere.
● Small & Midsize Celebrations (20–60 guests): Full villa takeovers with room for your wedding party and family. Think sunset toasts, plated dinners, and dance floors under the stars.
Want more space or a different vibe? We also coordinate with local venues for off-site ceremonies or larger gatherings – always with a seamless transition between ceremony, celebration, and guest accommodations.
Planning Support You Can Count On
Here’s where VistaNova shines: we offer ultra-personalized concierge service that includes wedding coordination support, but we don’t stop there.
We’ve spent years partnering with the very best and are happy to connect you with trusted wedding planners, photographers, and other vendors in the area. And we’re proud to be connected to one of the very best: Luna Weddings isn’t just a recommendation – they’re part of our extended family.
Founded by our very own Kate, Luna Weddings is a Tamarindo-based wedding planning service that makes magic. From floral designs and photographers to musicians and menus, they’re one of our area’s go-tos for executing every flawless detail.
What We Handle vs. What They Handle
● VistaNova: We help you select your villa, coordinate layout options, connect you with a planner, and ensure your villa experience is seamless.
● Your Wedding Planner: Handles full-service wedding planning including timelines, vendor contracts, design, and day-of coordination.
Think of us as your home base and them as your creative director.
Little Luxuries & Big Moments
Costa Rica destination weddings are about more than just the day. They’re about the experience, the people, and the memories. And at VistaNova, we work to elevate every moment with signature services that make your stay unforgettable, including:
● Private chef services for rehearsal dinners or morning-after brunches
● In-villa spa treatments for the bride(s), groom(s), wedding couple, or the entire group
● Adventure tours and transportation for your guests
● Welcome baskets, local coffee tastings, and curated itineraries
We offer a very curated selection of villas because we believe in quality over quantity – so every guest, every wedding, every moment gets our full attention.
The VistaNova Experience
We’ve helped couples from around the world turn their Tamarindo weddings and dreams into stunning reality. Our villas aren’t just beautiful spaces – they’re the backdrop to your love story. Our Tamarindo community isn’t just scenic – it’s overflowing with warmth and pura vida charm. And our team isn’t just helpful – they’re committed partners in planning.
Hi, we’re Kate, Samantha, and Erin – three industry leaders with more than 15 years of collective experience curating Costa Rica’s most memorable weddings and villa stays.
We invite you to experience Costa Rica as it was meant to be with VistaNova – an exclusive, white-glove villa experience where every moment is curated to elevate your journey. At VistaNova, we redefine luxury travel with an approach that balances exceptional service, unparalleled amenities, and authentic, local insight to ensure you feel fully embraced by Costa Rican beauty and hospitality.
Imagine your own private villa, seamlessly orchestrated to cater to every detail, from pre-arrival planning to personalized in-stay services. Indulge in daily breakfasts, curated itineraries, beach-ready essentials, and even the option for private chefs and unique experience bundles. Whether you're here to unwind or explore, our small team of local experts is committed to making every aspect of your wedding stay effortlessly extraordinary.
Let’s make your day as unique as your love. VistaNova is here to help you every step of the way.
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