In May 2020, Costa Rica made history by becoming the first Central American country to legalize same-sex marriages. This landmark decision has turned Costa Rica, especially the vibrant town of Manuel Antonio, into a sought-after destination for gay weddings. Known as Costa Rica’s gay capital, Manuel Antonio boasts a welcoming atmosphere and stunning scenery, making it an ideal spot for memorable nuptials.
When news of Costa Rica’s progressive stance on same-sex marriages spread, many of my gay friends eagerly began planning their weddings there. Some opted for intimate ceremonies, while others envisioned larger celebrations. They frequently sought my advice on venues, legal requirements, and the essentials of planning a gay wedding in Costa Rica and what gay clubs they can hold bachelor eve’s party..
In this article, I’ll share key insights to help you plan the perfect gay wedding in this beautiful country. From understanding the legalities to choosing the best venues, here’s everything you need to know to make your special day unforgettable.
Key Takeaways
A wedding is a significant event in your life. It is essential to plan to ensure the day is as colorful and memorable as you want it to be. In this article, I highlight the key takeaways when preparing for the best gay wedding in Costa Rica.
- You’ll require a lawyer to do the paperwork, whether you have an officiant or not. Church weddings are also possible, but you must fly in an officiant if you are not a Christian.
- Before your wedding day, you must work with a wedding planner to avoid last-minute hitches. Fortunately, most venues have reputable wedding planners.
- Costa Rica offers perfect spots for gay weddings, including beach resorts, haciendas, mountain retreats, eco-lodges, luxury villas, and botanical gardens.
- Most countries recognize marriages conducted in Costa Rica as long as they comply with all the legal requirements. Your marriage certificate will be ready within 4-6 weeks.
Legal Requirements For Costa Rica Gay Weddings
It’s possible to plan and get married as same-sex foreigners in Costa Rica. Please note that, whether gay or not, both parties must be 18+ to get married in Costa Rica. Costa Rica has no waiting period; you can get married when you get the necessary documents. You must also meet several requirements.
These requirements ensure that your Costa Rica wedding is legally recognized locally and internationally. If you need further details, consult with a local wedding planner or legal advisor who can help streamline the process and ensure all paperwork is correctly handled.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Same-sex marriage has been legal in Costa Rica since May 26, 2020. |
| Age Requirement | Both parties must be at least 18 years old |
| Identification | Valid passports for both parties. |
| Residency Requirement | There is no residency requirement; foreigners can marry in Costa Rica. |
| Witnesses | Two witnesses are required; they must provide valid identification and be over 18 years old. |
| Marriage License | Must be obtained from a local civil registry office. |
| Prenuptial Documents | Birth certificates, single status affidavits, and divorce or death certificates, if applicable,. |
| Language Requirement | If you are not fluent in Spanish, an official translator may be needed. |
| Officiant | The ceremony must be performed by a legally recognized officiant, such as a judge, notary public, or a Catholic priest. |
| Ceremony Location | It can be held at a civil registry office or another approved location. |
| Marriage Certificate | Issued by the civil registry, it must be registered with the Costa Rican National Registry. |
Legal Officiant
In Costa Rica, a lawyer can officiate a gay wedding. A lawyer will also file the paperwork, even if you want to fly in an officiant. You can contact the lawyer directly or request recommendations from a wedding planner or venue you plan to use. I recommend contacting your officiant well in advance before your wedding day.
If you prefer a church wedding, it’s possible, but remember that most churches have their own set of requirements. Getting a Christian pastor is possible, but you might have to bring an officiant if you belong to another religion. However, a lawyer or a judge must be present to officiate the wedding.
Engaging a lawyer specializing in matrimonial law or handling wedding ceremonies for foreigners is essential. You receive a smooth legal process for your wedding in Costa Rica.
Documents
You will need your passports, which should be valid for six months. Remember to carry your divorce or death decree if you have been married. You cannot use a driver’s license or social security number for identification.
A couple of weeks before your wedding day, your officiant will send you a form to fill out with details such as personal data, details of the parents, and occupation. Return the form to your officiant weeks before your wedding.
Two Witnesses
You will need two witnesses to provide their essential names and contact information, and they must have valid passports. The two witnesses to the third degree should have no relation to you. Traveling just the two of you? There is no need to worry; most staff at the wedding venue are happy to act as witnesses.
The lawyer is left to register your documents at the Civil Registry of Costa Rica. Your country of origin consulate translates and authenticates the marriage certificate. In approximately 4-6 weeks, you will get an authenticated copy of the marriage certificate through your official email.
Determining which additional steps are needed to make the marriage official in your home country is essential. Alternatively, you can have a symbolic wedding in Costa Rica and handle all the paperwork back in your country.
Key Points When Planning A Destination Gay Wedding
If you plan to have the wedding between July and early December, there is a high probability of some rainfall. Fortunately, most wedding venues have a covered area backup just in case it rains. However, it is also essential to engage an inventive professional photographer.
The cost of your wedding in Costa Rica will depend heavily on the season. Planning a wedding during the high tourist season (December to April) might cost more than during the low season. Venue prices and everything else are higher during the high season. However, October has the most rainfall and might not be ideal for an outdoor wedding.
Costa Rica has some lovely shopping places to get suits for your wedding. Alternatively, you can fly in with your wedding clothes and have the venue laundry services straighten them up.
Best Gay Wedding Venues In Costa Rica
The beauty of Costa Rica is that it has the most magnificent views. No matter where you want your wedding, there is a perfect spot. If you want a beach wedding near a jungle, rainforest, or park, it’s possible in Costa Rica.
Here are the factors you should consider before selecting a gay wedding venue in Costa Rica:
When choosing a gay wedding venue in Costa Rica, there are several important factors to consider to ensure your special day is everything you’ve dreamed of. Here’s a table summarizing these factors:
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| LGBTQ+ Friendliness | Ensure the venue and its staff are welcoming and supportive of LGBTQ+ weddings. |
| Location | Choose a venue that offers the desired setting, whether it’s a beach, rainforest, or city. |
| Accessibility | Consider the ease of travel for your guests, including proximity to airports and transportation options. |
| Budget | Ensure the venue fits your budget, including hidden costs like event fees and deposits. |
| Services and Amenities | Check if the venue offers necessary services such as catering, decorations, and accommodations. |
| Legal Requirements | Confirm the venue is equipped to handle the legalities of same-sex marriage in Costa Rica. |
| Capacity | Make sure the venue can comfortably accommodate your guest list. |
| Weather Considerations | Consider the climate and weather conditions at the time of your wedding. |
| Privacy | Ensure the venue offers the level of privacy you desire for your ceremony and reception. |
| Reviews and References | Look for reviews or ask the venue for references from previous LGBTQ+ weddings. |
Selecting the right venue involves balancing these factors to meet your needs and preferences. Costa Rica offers many beautiful and welcoming venues, making it a great choice for a gay wedding.
Here are our selections of the best Costa Rican venues for gay marriage:
Dreams Las Mareas Guanacaste
It’s a private property in Playa El Jobo. Dreams is an all-inclusive private property, 90-minute drive from Liberia International Airport. The resort is on a white-sand beach with a rainforest all around. There are 447 suites at Dreams, each with a hot tub on the terrace or balcony.
Dreams Las Mareas has eight restaurants and eight bars. The resort offers customizable wedding packages, with venues at the beach or any location. There is even an on-site wedding coordinator.
Villa Punto de Vista
It’s a luxurious villa tucked away near Manuel Antonio National Park. Villa Punto de Vista is on 2.5 private acres in the jungles of Manuel Antonia. A few minutes from the estate are four different beaches. Villa Punto de Vista offers a six-passenger beach buggy should you wish to visit the nearby beaches.
The villa can accommodate 30 people, while the nearby villa, Villa La Isla, can accommodate another 18. Their onsite concierge services will offer you and your guests shuttle services from the San Jose Airport.
Villa Punto de Vista has a wedding planner to make the work easier. You only need to communicate your preferences. The estate has considered facilities for all ages and any unique needs you might have. Here are some extra perks you and your guests will enjoy.
- Complimentary breakfast
- Baked goods from the chef
- There is an event table for special occasions if your group is under 25.
- A ballroom for the after-the-wedding party and every other night you are at the villas.
Manuel Antonio: Classic Elopment
I cannot miss mentioning a wedding at Manuel Antonia Beach, Considering Manuel Antonio is the gay capital city in Costa Rica. Several venues offer beachfront views. Some are small for that intimate wedding, and others choose a larger hotel with more amenities.
An elopement wedding does not necessarily mean that it’s just the two of you. You can still opt to have a handful of guests.
If you’re more adventurous, you can hike to a waterfall or have your wedding on the mountaintop. Elopement ceremonies are short; within a few minutes, you can exchange vows, and the party can begin!
Playa Bejuco
Bejuco Beach is a perfect venue as it is quieter than the other tourist attractionOur wedding party might be the only visitors to the beach, even on weekends. It’s a long beach with beautiful views and color reflections on the wet sand. The sand is brown, and the surrounding area has an abundance of wildlife.
It’s a perfect spot for a sunset wedding. The beach is immaculate and has diverse budget accommodation options. Playa Bejuco has several top local restaurants, such as Los Almendros Restaurant and Mar y Sol, for seafood.
Rancho Pacifico
It is the perfect hideaway for an intimate wedding. Set on Cano Island, this 5-star Boutique Hotel can accommodate 24 people. If you book for 20 people, you can have the whole property yourself. Rancho Pacifico has five suites and five villas surrounded by the blue Pacific Ocean and jungle trails.
You have an ideal location near a waterfall, rushing stream, rainforest, cloud forest, and the beach. The ranch specializes in small weddings or elopements, and its team handles all your wedding logistics. Rancho Pacifico can also craft a full wedding package that includes local activities for guests after the wedding.
If you’re looking for more LGBTQ+ experiences in Costa Rica post your gay wedding ceremony, you should check out our honest review of the Best Gay Saunas in Costa Rica.
Conclusion
Having attended several gay weddings in Costa Rica, I was amazed by how beautiful they were. Surprisingly, most couples shared that having a wedding in Costa Rica, including the air tickets, was more cost-friendly than in their home countries. Costa Rica is so diverse that you can have a wedding and a honeymoon.
Are you planning to have a gay wedding in Costa Rica soon? I hope you’ll find our guide helpful. If you have had or attended a gay wedding ceremony in Costa Rica, please share your experience.
About Michelle Schmidt
Born in California, Michelle traveled extensively through the USA and Europe before moving to South Florida during the pandemic. Her career in Marketing has taken her all across the world. Her favorite country is France but she'll never turn down a beach vacation!
