Thinking About Eloping In Costa Rica?

Thinking of eloping in Costa Rica? Here’s what most couples ask—and what they don’t (but definitely should).

If you're dreaming of skipping the big production and doing something intimate, meaningful, and surrounded by nature—Costa Rica might be the perfect place.

We've walked alongside couples who've exchanged vows surrounded by trees, near quiet beaches, and at spots they never thought they'd find on a map. Every one of them just wanted something real—and a little adventure.

Here’s what we’ve learned helping people bring those moments to life.

Can you legally get married in Costa Rica?

Yes—and it’s more doable than you might think.
Here’s what you’ll need if you want the marriage to be legally recognized:

• Valid passports for both of you

• Two adult witnesses

• A licensed officiant—usually a bilingual lawyer who handles the paperwork

After your ceremony, the officiant submits everything to the Civil Registry. The paperwork then goes through Costa Rica’s Foreign Ministry and gets sent to your embassy or consulate. Once processed, your marriage certificate will be mailed to you, and it’s legally valid back home.

A lot of couples skip this and go for a symbolic ceremony here—then do the paperwork at home. It’s still meaningful, still beautiful, just without the legal logistics.

Best time to elope in Costa Rica?

Depends on your priorities:

• Dry Season (December–April): Sunny, easier travel, but also more tourists and higher prices.

• Green Season (May–August): Fewer people, lower rates, vibrant green landscapes, and occasional afternoon rain (think moody skies, not downpours).

If privacy, cooler temps, and lush scenery sound good to you, green season is lovely. If you want clear skies and beach time, dry season’s your friend.

Costa Rica isn’t just one kind of beautiful. The vibe changes depending on where you go. Some places are quiet and wild, others are full of color and rhythm. Here are some of the places we share most with couples—because they actually mean something.

Where should you go? (Places we love sharing with couples)

Real recommendations—from people who live here and actually explore this country

We don’t just send couples to postcard-perfect spots. We guide them to the kind of places that make you feel something. Here’s a look at some of our favorite areas—each one with its own vibe, challenges, beauty, and personality.

Uvita – Southern Pacific Coast

This place feels sacred. Locals know it for the Whale’s Tail at Marino Ballena, but it’s the calm beaches, jungle-backed coastline, and raw beauty that make it special. It’s humid, yes—but you might get married with Macaws overhead and howler monkeys cheering you on. Want to feel like it’s just the two of you in the world? Come here.

Montezuma – Nicoya Peninsula

This town is small, artsy, and full of soul. Think barefoot mornings, natural tide pools, a waterfall just outside town, and ocean sunrises. The roads can be bumpy, the vibe is slow, and you’ll likely run into the same smiling faces all week. It’s low-key and beautiful in a way you can’t fake.

La Fortuna – Northern Highlands

This is where the jungle meets the volcano. You’ll get views of Arenal almost everywhere - if you’re lucky, plus hot springs, waterfalls, and hanging bridges. It’s touristy, yes—but still magical. There are spots just outside town where it’s quiet enough for a private ceremony with views that don’t even look real.

Bajos del Toro – Central Highlands

If you want pure nature with no crowds—this is the spot. A tiny village surrounded by waterfalls you can reach by hikes. Cloud forest air, blue rivers, and trails you’ll often have to yourself. Few people make it out here, which makes it even more special.

Puerto Viejo & Cahuita (Limón) – Caribbean Coast

Totally different vibe. Here, you’ll hear reggae on the beach, smell coconut rice in the air, and feel like time moves slower. Elopements here are vibrant and warm. Locals are friendly, the food is incredible, and nature surrounds everything—sloths, sea turtles, coral reefs.

La Cruz – Northern Guanacaste

Overlooked and quiet, this town near the Nicaraguan border has cliffs with panoramic ocean views you’ll never forget. If you're dreaming of a sunset elopement with no one else around, this is one of the few places left that still feels untouched.

Osa Peninsula (Drake Bay / Puerto Jiménez)

This one’s for the wild hearts. Dense rainforest, remote beaches, and the kind of wildlife you usually only see in documentaries. It's more effort to get here—but if you're up for it, it’s unforgettable..

Monteverde – Cloud Forest

Cool, misty, and full of mossy trails. It’s not tropical in the classic sense—it’s moody, quiet, and full of nature sounds. You’ll find hanging bridges, hummingbirds, and views that fade into the clouds. It’s beautiful in a calm, grounding way.

Bonus tip:
In remote areas like Bajos del Toro or Osa, download Google Maps offline before your trip. Cell service isn’t guaranteed.

Travel tips you’ll be glad you knew

• If you want go to La Fortuna Waterfall book in advance, especially in high season. There are around 530 steps down—and yep, you’ll be climbing back up. Good shoes make a big difference.

• Omio is your friend for buses and shuttles—it’ll save you hours of confusion.

• Use Airalo eSIMs if you want to stay connected — it makes navigating and communicating way easier here.

Bonus tip:
In remote areas like Bajos del Toro or Osa, download Google Maps offline before your trip. Cell service isn’t guaranteed.