My fiance and I have decided to tie the knot in Costa Rica next February. We will have 12 friends joining us. We are leaning towards Ylang Ylang in Montezuma, but were wondering if any of you Fodorites had any other brilliant ideas? We are lovers of nature, will have just spent 5 nights at Bosque del Cabo, so are looking for a beach/nature spot. We are laid back and unpretentious, so the 4 seasons or Punta Islita would not work for us. Smaller, intimate and friendly seems to work for us. Any Suggestions?

Have you looked into Manuel Antonio? There are some very pretty views there. I've seen people get married at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens as well, but that wouldn't offer you the beach element.

Wow--there are a huge number of choices, depending on what appeals to you most.

Beach or forest?

Many of the nice hotels on lovely properties in the central valley offer wedding packages. Finca Rosa Blanca, Villa Blanca, Peace Lodge,etc.

Case Turire, down near Turrialba, SW of San Jose, would be a gorgeous location.

Many of the high end hotels in Manuel Antonio offer packages as do the high end hotels all over the country.

Congratulations and good luck!

FABULOUS!!

We too had visited CR and then decided to get married there. We were married on the public beach at Manuel Antonio, at sunset. Our witnesses were 2 of our friends from home, a lot of monkeys, a rainbow in the sky, some beach vendors and beach visitors. Six years later the memory is still awesome! Robbie Felix at Hotel California helped me with all of our arrangements.

We stayed at Ylang Ylang in 2004, when it was still El Sano Banano Beach Bungalows. We did very much enjoy this area. We were a little bit concerned that we would be the oldest people around, which we were on occasion. With 12 friends, you all will take up a large portion of this property, Which I would think would really be an awesome time.

As has already been stated, there are awesome locations throughout CR. You will drive yourself nuts trying to decide which is best. (I know, I almost did!) Just do it! Choose one and go with it. If Ylang Ylang and Montezuma is what you are looking for, it will be fine. BUT February books incredibly early and with 7 or so bungalows needed, best to act early. (BTW Pat Hewitt, who sometimes posts here, helped to arrange this particular trip, we were going all over the country and logistics was becoming a nightmare. Pat made it simple, easy and wonderful!)

While we were in Montezuma, we went to Tortuga for snorkeling, took a horseback tour, hung out on the beach and in town alot. There are many other areas to explore. One thought, it is a 10 - 20 min walk to town, a lot depends on tide. Is everyone in your group up to this? We were there during a full moon and the walk back from dinner was very enjoyable.

Why am I so excited!?!?!

We were married Feb 9th, what date are you looking at?

I was looking into renting villa cascada for my wedding. Renting out the whole villa and flying everyone down. Very nice location but I haven't been to the place so I can't recommend it. Here is the link:

http://www.villa-cascada.com/villa_photos.htm

Mike

Hi Donna, I somehow missed that detail. Didn't realize you were almost a newlywed!

Hope you are having some nice warm spring weather in TN!

Hi Jill, yep 6 years now! Of course you also know I have 3 college age children, so YES it is a second marriage.

Weather has been off and on. Tomorrow 75 !!!! Golf anyone? Loving it! Just wish I were in CR.

You know we both fell in love with CR our first trip. Soon after decided it was time to actually take that leap in to marriage again. CR just seemed like the perfect place. Jennifer (have to look up the last name) one of the owners of Mono Azul is a minister, she performed the ceremony. After the very small intimate ceremony, we went back up to a open air, local soda, toasted our wedding with the owners, friends, strangers and Robbie. It was just so simple and perfect. Robbie Felix asked about a reception, I had to tell here that it would just be us and two friends, so certainly no need for a reception! Unexpectedly, she surprised us with a wedding cake anyway!!!! It was a perfect day. I am still smiling.

Hey Donna-thanks for your great information on getting married in CR! Who was the woman who married you? Do you still have her contact info? Would she come to Ylang Ylang to perform a marriage?
Your wedding sounds exactly the vibe I am hoping for! I have been to CR 6 times(first went there in the early 80's when there was only one hotel on the beach in Jaco!!)
and I have never found another country that compares. What is it about that place? I thought I was the only addict, but after reading all these forums, it looks like I am in good company! Shilmac and Volcanogirl also have an incredible wealth of knowledge, and I always look forward to their take on issues, too.
Let me know about the woman who married you! Am so excited!

Well, congratulations costaricalover. I am really happy for you! I love being married, so I'm always thrilled when someone finds their soul mate - yay for you! I hope you find your dream spot.

Donna, what a beautiful story. And how perfect the soda, the toast, the cake. The warmth of the Costa Rican people blended right into your special day. Exactly what you were looking for, I am sure.

Yes, costaricalover, there is a whole "cult" of us! Very hard to describe to one who hasn't been "what is it about that place?" as you say. I've given up trying. Our family members just nod and smile. Husband's brother and wife have found their dream world at Sanibel Island in Florida. I wouldn't fit there for a lot of reasons--although it is a delightful place to visit. I'd miss my Ticos!

You guys are great!Thanks for all your very kind best wishes. By the way, this is my husband to be's 3rd marriage (although we've been together 16 years) and my first! I turned 50 this year, and although we've been engaged for 12 years(seriously), I could never decide on how and where I wanted to get married. When I went back to CR this year after an absence of 5 years, it dawned on me that this was the spot I was waiting for!
And thanks Shillmac, I feel not so alone in my CR obsession after learning there are others out there just like me!

Pura vida!

Just have to say that I didn't find Punta Islita at all pretentious or uppity or snooty... We were there during the 'green season' though so the total amt of guests though didn't total more than 20 and we spent much of it alone.

I am looking forward to heading back to CR but so many other places keep getting in the way