The month of May marks an incredibly special milestone: six years since our unforgettable destination wedding in Costa Rica.
To celebrate, I’m sharing how we planned it, the lessons we learned along the way, and why it turned out to be one of the most magical experiences of our lives.
If you’re dreaming of getting married abroad, I hope our story inspires you to turn that dream into reality!
Why We Chose a Destination Wedding
We first had a traditional wedding ceremony back home, surrounded by everyone we loved.
But deep down, I always dreamed of something different — saying “I do” with my toes in the sand, the sound of the ocean in the background, and a sunset painting the sky.
Since our hometown sits right in the heart of Brazil, far from any coastline (and by then we were living in Panama), we decided to create a second, more intimate celebration.
It would be a beautiful fusion of travel, love, and pure adventure, shared with just our closest family and friends.
When I started researching options, places like Cancun and Punta Cana came up immediately. However, the idea of a “package wedding” — something mass-produced — just didn’t feel authentic to us.
We wanted a celebration that felt personal, meaningful, and ours.
How We Found the Perfect Destination in Costa Rica
I literally opened Google Maps, zoomed into Central America, and started searching for boutique hotels.
That’s how we discovered Casa Conde Beach Front Hotel in Liberia, Costa Rica.
From the very first email, their team was warm and welcoming — even with my basic Spanish at the time!
The hotel wasn’t a luxurious five-star resort, but it had everything we were looking for: a gorgeous beachfront, cozy boutique charm, and an authentic sense of hospitality that made all the difference.
Fun fact: The massive resort next door was three times the price, but we genuinely loved our hotel even more!
Planning the Guest List and Logistics
One of the natural beauties of a destination wedding is the intimate guest list.
We invited close family and friends — and 27 people made the journey to celebrate with us!
Everyone paid for their own flights and accommodations, and we organized some fun group activities during the trip to maximize our time together.
We also booked the hotel one year in advance and kept our guests updated with flight deals, itineraries, and packing tips.
Communication is key when planning a destination wedding!
To show our gratitude, we prepared personalized welcome bags with essentials like Band-Aids, facial masks, mini sewing kits, pain relievers, and cute Panama hats — a little nod to Playa Panamá, where we stayed.
Vendors and Wedding Details
We brought our own photographer and wedding planner from home, covering their travel expenses.
For everything else — ceremony setup, music, catering — we trusted the hotel’s recommended local vendors.
Two weeks before the big day, I decided to upgrade our ceremony décor and rent a new altar and furniture.
Best decision ever.
If something feels important to you, don’t settle. You’ll never regret investing in the wedding of your dreams.
The Wedding Experience
Our suite felt like a private apartment, complete with a kitchen, living room, two balconies, and breathtaking ocean views.
The food was amazing, the service was top-notch, and the warm-hearted people of Costa Rica made us feel right at home.
Each day included a mix of fun activities: beach luaus, group dinners, and excursions — but we still had plenty of time to relax and explore.
It wasn’t just a wedding — it was a once-in-a-lifetime vacation surrounded by the people we love most.
Looking Back on Our Destination Wedding
Planning a destination wedding had its challenges, but every effort was worth it.
It was authentic, joyful, and completely true to who we are.
If you’re dreaming about getting married somewhere breathtaking, my advice is simple: Go for it.
You don’t need a huge budget or a giant guest list — just love, good planning, and the courage to make it your own.
We’ll forever be grateful for those magical days in Costa Rica — and even more for the beautiful life we’ve built since.
5 Must-Know Tips for Planning Your Dream Destination Wedding
- Choose a Location That Speaks to Your Heart Don’t pick a place just because it’s popular. Choose a destination that feels meaningful and special to you.
- Visit (or Research Thoroughly) Before You Book If visiting isn’t possible, dive deep into reviews, videos, and real wedding stories to make sure the venue matches your vision.
- Keep Communication Clear With Your Guests Send regular updates, share flight deals, hotel information, and helpful travel tips early on.
- Hire a Local Coordinator or Trusted Vendors Whether you bring your own team or hire locally, having someone on-site to manage details is priceless.
- Remember: It’s About the Experience, Not Perfection Things might not go 100% as planned — but that’s the beauty of a destination wedding. Embrace the adventure!
Looking Back: Would We Do It Again?
Absolutely.
Planning a destination wedding comes with its challenges, but it was worth every second. It was joyful, authentic, and uniquely “us.”
If you’re considering getting married somewhere far away and magical, my advice is simple: Go for it.
You don’t need a huge budget or a massive guest list — just a little bit of planning, a lot of heart, and a beautiful destination.
We’ll forever be grateful for those five magical days in Costa Rica — and even more grateful for the beautiful marriage that followed. 💛
