Hi, We would like to get married in Costa Rica and we would like some advice. My sister has been to Villa Caletas and said it was beautiful but it is already booked up for Dec.31/03 our hopeful wedding date. Can anyone suggest a hotel that would be comparable? Any other suggestions on weddings in Costa Rica? We will be going with a group of at least 15 people.

A friend of mine just got married last week at Villa Caletas. It was fantastic, too bad they are booked for your dates. I guess you know your time frame is the busiest time in Costa Rica, but maybe try Punta Islita? It's also a very nice place and popular for weddings and honeymoons. The only down side would be that it's fairly isolated. At lease Villa Caletas is near the town of Jaco to get out and explore, where as there is nothing around Punta Islita. But maybe that doesn't matter to you? You might also want to check out Makanda By The Sea in Manuel Antonio, but I'm not sure that they would have room for all of you. Good luck..if I think of more places I'll post again, but as I said, for your time frame you better find something FAST! A lot of places are already booked!

Hi Alene,<BR><BR>Another possibility would be to get married in the Central Valley area when you arrive in CR. Then you could explore the other areas of CR for the &quot;honeymoon&quot; portion of your trip.<BR><BR>Both the Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn and Xandari Plantation are situated in beautiful areas and both offer wedding services. ( believe their websites have wedding photos.)<BR><BR>Just a thought,

My wife and I got married in Limon in February 2001. I had made all the arrangements for the certification of documents before I left Canada. We found a lawyer in Limon that could perform weddings. We went to see him then came back a week later (time is needed for the processing of paperswork) and got married in Sloth Park. It was great to not have to worry about reception, family members accommodation etc. It was a perfect spot...especially since we were staying in Puerto Veijo.

Dave,<BR>It's great to hear that everything went so well for you. (My fiance and I will be getting married in Dominical on Nov. 17.<BR><BR>How long did it take you to get your certificate of marriage after the ceremony?<BR><BR>Terri T

Terry......it took about six weeks. In Costa Rica all marriages have to be registered at the central government office in St. Jose rather than a municipal office in a town. I believe it was a two step process. Our lawyer had told us that when we were in his office.

Six weeks is not bad at all...I had heard it could take months...the lawyer we've been working with asked us to stop by his office when we get into San Jose, so I guess he'll cover all that when we see him!<BR><BR>Cheers,<BR>Terri T

Alene<BR>I would highly recommend MAKANDA BY THE SEA in Manuel Antonio. We stayed there for our honeymoon and thought the property was beautiful and secluded. There was a wedding on the property the weekend before we arrived (read it in the guest book <BR>I think they have 10 or so villas but I know a few of them are studios and can sleep more than just 2 people.<BR><BR>Good luck with your wedding plans! We were thinking of how beautiful it would be to get married in such a beautiful place!