Celebrating a wedding in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has been an established tourist destination for decades. Activities such as surfing, hiking, nature watching, canoeing or just lying on a beach are the main reasons for tourists to come to our country.
However, from a few years ago until today, Costa Rica became a destination for getting married. Especially, after the constitutional court declared unconstitutional the prohibition of equal marriage. This in 2020.
With this declaration, it was legalized that two people of the same sex can get married in front of a notary or judge.
Since then, Costa Rica has become a destination for all kinds of couples looking to get married and have their honeymoon in the same place.
Let’s review some of the reasons why this Central American country can be ideal for weddings and similar events.
Wedding Costs
The costs of the ceremony and everything involved can be much lower than in many other countries. Venues, catering services, food, live music and even lawyers can be less expensive in Costa Rica.
Lodging for guests may be less expensive, but you would have to add the cost of airline tickets that vary according to the season.
There are hotels that have rooms and houses for several people, which reduces the cost per person. For transportation within the country there are bus services with economic prices.
A ceremony with about 20 to 50 guests can be very low cost and maintain a quality that ensures that the activity will be unforgettable.
Stunning views
It doesn’t matter if you are a fan of the mountains, the beach or the forest. Your civil wedding can be wherever you like, in a hall or outdoors.
Some event halls have a combination of nature and protection from the weather elements. The wedding can be celebrated in contact with nature without necessarily being exposed to rain or strong winds.
This is great if you are planning to have a party after the wedding celebration. After the wedding party your honey moon can be just some steps away.
Flexible requirements
Costa Rica has a secure but flexible legislation regarding marriage.
Since a birth certificate can be difficult to obtain depending on the country, the parties must sign a legal document stating that they are not married in another country and that they are who they say they are.
In addition to that document, they must have a valid passport or id, not expired.
Both parties must be of legal age and of full cognitive capacity.
Of course, for the union to have legal value, they must be married in presence a lawyer or notary. This with two witnesses who must also provide a valid identification document.
Reasons why a marriage could be denied in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica you cannot get married if you meet any of these characteristics:
1- You are already married to someone else.
2- You have a close blood relationship with your partner, such as siblings or parents and children.
3- You are adopted and:
A) Your partner is your adoptive mother or father.
B) Your partner is your adoptive brother or sister.
C) Your partner is the biological son or daughter of your adoptive parents.
Marriage between first cousins is permitted.
Serenity Event Room for your wedding
We have this page where we provide more details about our event hall, plus this article explaining its features that will make your wedding a success.
In addition, we can offer you legal advice and the judge or notary who will carry out the ceremony.
We also have recommendations for services such as catering, chair and table rental, live music, and photography.
If you are interested do not hesitate to contact us without obligation, by call or WhatsApp.
Notice: This article was written by a human being. For this article, the author interviewed a lawyer with experience in marriage.
