Ask.CostaRica

This small wedding had the ceremony at the Zephyr Palace indoors (it rained but then stopped) and then had the reception at Terraza Mirador. Here are some photos to get an idea: andrea & juancarlos zephyr palace, villa caletas costa rica 2010

El Hicaco Restaurant has been there for years. Great place, good local food, great reviews.Wedding parties, corporate groups love this place. Make reservations. here is the number: 011 (506) 26433226. For a different experience completely, you can drive to the Bijagual Waterfall (Pura Vida Gardens) and dine at a place with spectacular views, macaws flying by and one of CR's tallest waterfalls in view. Here's the site: Adventure Dining | Restaurant Jaco Costa Rica

Part of the magic is knowing that you get married on the spot, right after the kiss. In any case, once you sign the docs in Costa Rica you get your certificate within 2-3months (registered at the US Embassy/respective embassy). You can expedite by paying and additional fee. Best in the country is Marcelo Galli (costa rica weddings). Beautiful ceremonies, perfect english, quick & simple. You can modify ceremony as you wish. Contact him for details.

I know the place. I used to spend time in Playa Grande a couple of months out of the year from California. Playa Grande is very nice but very isolated from Tamarindo by the estuary. Playa Grande is a reserve, so not much can be built up. Not many restaurants or activities. Because you would be on the estuary side it would be buggy (we used to have dinner there a couple of nites out the week but had to deal with the mosquitoes). The beach side is not so much. Not much nite life there at all. At least in Tama or Flamingo you can get out to other restaurants, bars and activities.

Last wedding's bride at Bahia Sol offered her email so you could talk to her directly about her experience with everything. Ask Roxana to give it to you. I am emailing her with the email contact. Some of her friends stayed elsewhere as well. May have some interesting ideas for you.

Denee, Just some FYI, Playa Hermosa is set on a 800 meter total beach length, it gives you a feel of being a little enclosed (rocky coves both ends). The north end is the entrance to Villa Sol Hotel. It is a bay and the waters are extremely calm (a plus for kids and swimming), good departing point for snorkeling tours, fishing, sunset sail and water skiing. The hotel is up on a mountainside about 10min away (steep drive). A good price point hotel to stay at (for other options for your guests) Mangaby. We actually had a wedding booking at this hotel 5 years ago. The people of the hotel have had a couple of weddings. They are extremely helpful and nice. Nice restaurant with nice view.

Denee, HI. I spoke to Roxana and she said that if you were to ask her for better pricing with the rooms she could do so. She was busy with a couple of weddings, we were covering them. Here the link to the last one: debbie & robert hotel bahia sol, playa potrero guanacaste, costa rica 2010 Tamarindo Diria is in the middle of the public beach. Lots of onlookers, lots of people passing by. I little tough with photographs b/c of so many people in the pics. more than likely you will have your ceremony on the lawn. Punta Leona is a good/beautiful spot but have a planner for this place. Sylvia Chavez Costa Rica Wedding Paradise has done a few at this location. You are right about CVerde, the rooms are not much (flourescent bulbs exposed, etc.) great views and pool but that is about it. I will write you later with some other suggestions. Gotta run for now!

Jenk, How many days do you want them to stay for $2500? Flamingo Beach Resort is an all inclusive in a more budget range. They are on Flamingo Beach which is really pretty. Here's a wedding we recently had at the location: shene & micha flamingo beach resort, flamingo guanacaste, costa rica 2010 Give me some more info on number of days so I can help you find something.

Hello Denee, I will be talking to Roxana and maria Fernanda (GM) tomorrow letting them know that you will be contacting them. Transportation from SJ to Monterey would be pretty costly unless you have everyone arriving at one time (similar to Liberia airport to BPotrero). If Monterey offered pick up, then I see your point. Yes, many weddings at Tulemar, some links below. The thing is you would have to find somewhere to have your reception, Tulecafe is closed and the owner's association is abit tough about receptions at the beach. You may get some leniency to do this with Tropical Occasions, they have a very good relationship with Tulemar, Buena vista Villas and the owner's of Tulemar. To get that best services for your wedding, I would suggest you have a coordinator. both by Tropical Occasions: rebecca & dave los altos, manuel antonio costa rica 2010 They had their receoption at Los Altos. leisa & ian They had their reception at Punta Vista

Denee, We have a wedding at Bahia Sol tomorrow and just spoke to Roxana Arrieta (event manager), she said they are willing to negotiate if you want to contact them. Just an FYI

Denee, Hello. We have not had a booking at this location yet. We have several bookings in the Manuel Antonio area and will stop and check it out. The only thing I would recommend is getting the right vendors for your wedding day. Mostly DJ and legal officiate. Some of these hotels that are starting to enter the destination wedding business have the best intentions but may not know what is available as far as high quality service. A lawyer that has not performed several dest/weddings will read a very dry technical speech as opposed to (Marcelo Galli) who will bring tears to your eyes. A DJ that does not know the MO of a wedding will have you out of your seat directing him on what to do next (Facebook "Costa Rica Wedding DJ") This guy has many weddings under his belt with diff budget levels. Lastly, make sure you have the hotel serve you on time (in blood) so it does not get too late and everyone gets too tired (the heat, sun & surf put people to sleep early). We don't have daylight savings in Costa Rica, so shoot for a ceremony at 4:30pm, make sure hair & make up arrive early enough to get you ready. Walk down the aisle no later that 4:40 to have some time with photos. Esterillos is a beach with very little slope and makes for a beautiful setup. One other comment, MLK is in Jan, so you are good as far as the rains go. Central Pacific area gets more precipitation and quicker than the Guanacaste area.

Here is one of their last weddings at Villa Caletas Zephyr Palace. The wedding was for Jordan Etter (bride) which works for Event Architects in Chicago (they handle Oprah's corporate for events & incentive trips). jordan & adam zephyr palace, villa caletas herradura, costa rica 2010

Denee, Hello! Welcome! Just wanted to offer some help. Actually Bahia Sol has become a popular location recently, not only b/c of price. They serve dinner quickly (so you can get on with your dancing) and allow you to have your music go past 10pm (other hotels are strict about this). Their menu is fabulous! One of the best restaurants in the Tamarindo/Potrero/Flamingo area. The place just works! Ceremony & reception are close to each other, so, guests can hang nearby while you have your pics taken. Here are some wedding pics and a video: video: http://www.elvelophotography.com/mai...gital%20Film/3 photos: corrie & jake hotel bahia sol, playa potrero guanacaste, costa rica 2009 (this wedding made it into Eco Beautiful Weddings Magazine: Eco-Beautiful Weddings Magazine For Eco-Friendly & Eco-Couture Weddings danielle & randy hotel bahia sol, playa potrero guanacaste, costa rica 2010 Let us know if you have any questions or want info on other locations. Would be glad to be of help thru this forum.

Costa Rica has been known for its eco-friendly tourism, protection of natural resources and sustainable practices. Now, weddings are no exception. The new trend of eco-friendly weddings is starting to pronounce itself in recent weddings throughout the country. Selected wedding planners have started implementing these practices getting Costa Rica published in Eco Beautiful Weddings Magazine's spring issue. Here is the link to the online magazine: Eco-Beautiful Weddings Magazine For Eco-Friendly & Eco-Couture Weddings Congrats CR!

The first hints of rain showers are starting to show, watch the weather and plan with your coordinators on having tents/umbrellas in case. Good thing is when rains begin at this time they are short sprinkles only. We had a wedding yesterday where it sprinkled for 3min, good thing the venue had umbrellas on hand. It was a beautiful afternoon from then on.

Take a look at Los Altos as well in Manuel Antonio, it's a new location, great pool area for reception and a private beach. Since they are new, they have been very receptive to weddings. In case of rain they also have Karolas Restaurant, also a great option for a wedding reception. Here are some sample weddings (both at Karolas and the pool area). valerie & chris los altos, manuel antonio quepos, costa rica 2010 tiffany & paul los altos, manuel antonio quepos, costa rica 2010 rebecca & dave los altos, manuel antonio costa rica 2010 My only comment about Parador is having the ceremony next to the main pool, if it is planned to take place there consider that there will be other guests in it talking in the background or looking on. Otherwise, the place has spectacular views and a nice option for a reception. Make sure your dinner is served on time to have ample time to dance and before music has to be turned down due to other guests. Here is a sample wedding (start ceremony on time,this wedding ran late and they did not get a chance to do sunset photos, we did a free session with them in San Jose afterward so they could have some nicely lit photos: davis & glen hotel parador, manuel antonio quepos, costa rica 2009 Villa Caletas is a spectacular venue, you have the option of the Zephyr Palace or the Amphitheatre. This place has a lot of experience serving weddings and not much of a time limit on dancing time (specially at the Zephyr Palace). It is ideal for a wedding your size. A bit of advice, be patient when it come to getting info, they are extremely busy but will get back to you. Please feel welcome to ask us any questions you may have about the place, we have done many weddings at this location. Here is a sample of the Zephyr and Amphitheatre. sue & jeff villa caletas amphitheatre, herradura, costa rica 2010 ioana & rolfe

Here are some of the photos of Villa Hermosa for those brides wanting to get married in the Central Valley (San Jose): sara & diego villa hermosa, la garita alajuela, costa rica 2010

After being at the coast you could take a boat tour up the Tortuguero Canals and stay at one of the places out there Mawamba Lodge. After this head to Arenal Volcano Area (Observatory Lodge is my choice, quiet, intimate) or Lost Iguana/Nayara Springs Lodge these are all better budget boutique hotels. You can head to Monetverde Cloud Forest (make sure you do the Rancho Naturalista at nite) - El Establo or Belmar are my choice places there. Then Tamarindo for nite life & surf lessons or Manuel Antonio. Less likely chance of rain in Tamarindo. Let me know if we may be of more assistance.

We just had a wedding at Hacienda Villa Hermosa. We were surprised such a place existed in San Jose. The ceremony took place under a huge Guanacaste tree. For those brides who don't want beach wedding, check this place out (Villa Hermosa). Another beautiful location in San Jose is Finca Rosa Blanca (Finca Rosa Blanca Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation & Inn).

KJW, We have had several weddings on that side of the country (few and far between) but we love the area. Here are some of the places we have had weddings at: La Diosa in Cahuita (sweetest, most helpful people you will meet) Shawanda (own by Mao-she is french, place is pricey but definitely beautiful) Casa Viva (right on the beach Punta Uva) self sustained bungalows Le Cameleon beautiful new place in Puerto Viejo. Cariblue Cocles Beach, very nice, nice venue for reception. Azania Bungalows, next to Cariblue, similar set up. We have had receptions at Amimodo Restaurant (italian) in view of the famous surf break, great food, great family business. Let me know how else we may help.

Dawn, We will be sending you some info shortly. Thank you!

KJW, Hi. $4000 does sound steep but do the math to make sure they won't end up staying at a less expensive place and making it more expensive in food & booze. Typically breakfast is $15 -20pp or maybe included, lunch $25 - 30 and dinner $35 -40 + booze. It may end up making the bill steeper (per day: $90 accommo + $50 lunch + 80 din din + $40 booze/drinks) than paying a set price for food & booze. There are some condos that come with chef included (this may be a good option) and then you just market for booze, etc. Let us know if may be of more help.

FYI for you brides and grooms + family & friends coming to Costa Rica. As of March 1st the new traffic laws have been passed. Traffic tickets are exorbitant! Over the speed limit (50mph): $380+ No seat belt: $300+ Passing on right in school zones, bridges: $350+ Laws used to be very lax but not anymore, please pay attention to road signs/road markings (in bad condition) to not get caught. Locals will flash lights signaling cops ahead. There are appeals to these new laws and pricing, until then.......

RWSNW, Hello. We wanted to mention that we have worked with them on several occasions. They are among the top companies in CR. Here is the latest wedding we did with them. Megan & Brent in Malpais: megan & brent casa march, malpais nicoya peninsula, costa rica 2010

The highway is great, gets you into San Jose from Orotina in 25min. (used to be 1hr.15min). We recommend tourists avoid it on sunday afternoons or holidays (the toll booths can't handle the volume and they back up). Just an FYI