Hello well traveled folk:
My fiance and I are going to Costa Rica in late October to get married. We have been looking at some of the more well-known places like Peace Lodge, Xandari, Flor Blanca, and Tulemar. . .we would like any feedback anyone has on these places and/or any other suggestions on a good place to get married. Thanks a bunch, Christina and Mike

You can search for my trip report (Peace Lodge - Arenal - Tamarindo - Alajuela Trip Report) from early/mid July time frame. I can't recommend Peace Lodge enough - however I haven't seen or stayed at any of the other places you mentioned. Having met the owners at PL too, I can tell you that they will really go out of their way to make certain your stay is what you expect. It was the most romantic & relaxing place my husband & I have ever stayed - and we have traveled all over the world. The friends who were with us had recently completed an around the world trip & agree that it was by far the coolest place they've seen in terms of accommodations. We liked that it was small & quiet - the bus tour folks can't go past a certain section so they don't bother you noise wise when you're in your room. We had the deluxe room & our friends had the standard. I'd pay the extra money for the deluxe. Dinner prices are high for the area, but we enjoyed our meals. We had breakfast delivered as room service which was included in the rate & a very nice touch. We were only there 1 night but wish we had been there longer. Not sure if this will be a pro or con in your opinion, but the owners are Americans which may or may not be helpful in planning your wedding details (matter of opinion).

Mike

The places that you mentioned are nice and are worth a look. Another idea would be to rent a villa for yourselves. You could have the ceremony completely on your own instead of in the midst of a working hotel.

There are lots of places in the Tamarindo Area. Don't know if you will be joined by any guests, but some villas are quite large.

Just a thought

Hi
I've only stayed at Florblanca and loved it. Beautiful beach/surf and great hotel/resort setting. More of that than mountain/rainforest/natural setting - which is also awesome in Costa Rica. Guess it depends on your preference. Congrats!
Leslee

Have I congratulated you?

And good for you in choosing Costa Rica. I think you will be happier with this decision. I PROMISE you won't be sorry. Your entire family will ooh and awww, not just about the wedding, but also this gorgeous country and its lovely people!

The villa idea is pretty cool. There are certainly some fantastic ones available--probably for good rates in October. Good luck and have fun planning!

Congratulations!
Of the two you mention, I think Peace Lodge or Flor Blanca would be best. But just to make you decision harder, you might also want to look at Villas Caletas and Punta Islita. I have friend who was married at Villas Caletas and it was very nice.

Thanks all! If the CR travelers are this happy I can only imagine the Ticos.

The variety of people is making itinerary (and wedding location) a challenge. The four parents are two relaxers, a timid but curious one, and an adventure daredevil.

We want to have something for everyone without spending most of the time on the road and tiring all for the wedding day. Please comment on this if you would:

Either the first two days or the last two at SJ, taking a coffee tour at Britt or Doka and seeing Sarchi and the mercado.

Spending two days in the Arenal area. Is there anything in the vicinity outside of the volcano and the thermal pools? I hear that a lot of folks aren't lucky enough to see the lava.

Spending three days at either Tamarindo or MA, relaxing/surfing/fishing.

Would those who know recommend an inland or beach scene for wedding? Xandari seems like the choice inland (mainly because we originally wanted to marry on a coffee plantation) and we've been looking at Costa Verde II for the beach. We are currently also looking into the villa idea. I saw them online and swooned a little but never considered it for a wedding! Great ideas.

Our bonus: We are taking a two-month trek throughout CR and central america after the wedding, so we'll see a whole lot and probably stay at a lot of the places which are missed Wedding week. For the festivities we just want to have a fun yet relaxing time with family.

Long-distance planning is tough but I haven't known a soul who did not love a trip to Costa Rica.

Outrageously expensive, but should I consider doing same, I would go to Hambleton Inn in the UK.
After nearly 28 years of marriage and now nine years single: never again!
M