My fiance and I are planning on getting married in Puerto Viejo May 2006. We are staying at Azania Bungalows. Anybody have any info. on this hotel or the area? Can anybody tell me anything about the logistics of getting married in Costa Rica? Or reccomend a restaurant in the area for a reception dinner for about 25 people? We are so ecited about this trip and cannot wait to experience all things Costa Rica. Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!

cykelley....We got married in Limon (we were staying in Peurto Viejo, 30 minute drive south) on the Atlantic side in February 2001. We provided our CR lawyer notarized copies of our passports, birth certificate, and attestation that we were both single. It took 1 week for the lawyer to register the documents in San Jose (not sure how our lawyer sent the documents...mail, bus?). The following week he performed the marriage at a spot we had chosen in Sloth Park. The proceedings were conducted in Spanish. Our marriage certificate is in Spanish (I have had it translated). It took 6-8 weeks for us to receive the marriage certificate. One thing to note when looking for a lawyer...all notories are lawyers, not all lawyers are notories. You need to find one that is both

Hi There,

We are getting married in Tamarindo in about a month. We hired a wedding coordinator (she lives in CR). She's been very helpful and wonderful so far. She's even planned activities and transportation etc. for my family. It got a little confusing with communication at times, but all in all I think that she's been indispensible. It eliminates some of the mystery and allows you to enjoy the event itself. let me know if you want her contact info...Good Luck!

Just got back from CR and stayed a few nights in Shawandha Lodge. We ate at Animado (among others) and thought it was fabulous. It is a big place so I can't imagine they would have trouble accomodating a party of your size. The language barrier may be a little tough though. Good luck. You are going to love it there.

Thank you all for your info. We are so excited about this experience. There is a lot of research to do but that's half the fun!!