Advice for wedding in Costa Rica....
 

My Fiance and I would like to have our small wedding in Costa Rica, but neither one of us has been there. Does anyone have any advice on an area and resort that would accomodate ~40 guests? Right now we are leaning towards the Cala Luna hotel near Playa Lagosta Beach, El Parador in the Manuel Antonio area or Si Como No in that same area. If anyone has any specific information on any of these resorts or any other suggestions for a wedding site your help would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!

They also do them at Costa Verde .

We held our wedding on the beach at MA. Robbie @ Hotel California helped with all the arrangements.

There are many absolutely stunning locations to hold a wedding in CR.

If I can answer any specific questions, feel free to email [email protected]

I suggest you also check out Villa Caletas. Cala Luna is very pretty but lacks an ocean view. Si Como No has an ocean view but in my opinion lacks charm. Villa Caletas sits high on a promontory overlooking the sea, has charm galore, many rooms to accomodate your guests, and great beauty.
Carol L

My son and his wife just returned from eight day/night self-planned first trip to CR. (Their 'puter's "down" so I'm responding.) They loved Si Como No: the helpfulness and friendliness of staff and musicians; magnificient views; lovely, airy suite, with monkeys playing atop the roof. Of the two restaurants there, they thought the more "casual" (Rico Tico?) was better-tasting food.
Another place they loved was Xandari, which would accomodate your 40 guests. They said the villas are stunning (each individuallly decorated--they stayed in two diffferent ones, on each end of the trip) the food is delicious, the property (on a coffee plantation) is beautiful, with hikes , waterfalls, mountain views. Located in the Central Valley, its proximity to CR's main airport SJO might be an advantage for your guests.
Congratulations and many good wishes on your upcoming event!

I think Xandari is an excellent suggestion. Did you particularly want a beach wedding? The central valley is so beautiful!

Search on this board, under this topic, from a few months ago:
"Was to marry in Grand Cayman- need to change to Costa Rica- please help!"

Peace Lodge may also be a nice option.
http://www.waterfallgardens.com/

Thank you all for your response. We are looking into all of these options and we may have more specific questions in the future. Looks like we have our work cut out for us...

Another thought - if you are looking forward to a wedding at a beach site, Xandari cannot be the place, given it is inland. It is a gorgeous and well run facility, however.
Two winters back, the owner of Xandari told us he had purchased beachfront property somewhere in the vicinity of Jaco and was going to be building another hotel there. You might want to check that out.
Carol L

For general infor: The owners of Xandari also are working on a property near Arenal, I think?

That's great advice! We were leaning towards a beach wedding, but we have heard great things about Xandari. We definately will check into their new beach resort, and keep Xandari in mind for a few nites of the honeymoon. Thanks for all your help!

My vote for a truely great wedding location would be the Peace Lodge also. Don't count it out...

It's not the beach, but the most stunning (albeit different) view in Costa Rica is at the White House perched atop a mountain in Escazu, a wealthy suburb of San Jose, overlooking the twinkling lights of the City below. My fiancee and I just returned from our self-planned honeymoon 2 days ago, where we stayed our last three nights at the hotel/spa. Over and over again we kept saying what a fantastic place it would be for a small wedding. The owner just reopened the hotel after putting a truckload of money into it - the place is gorgeous, secluded, and perfect. If you can forgoe the touristy aspects of the beach this place is for you! We felt like royalty there. the website is www.whitehousecostarica.com.

oops I meant to say my WIFE and I. Still need to work on that I guess!