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Originally Posted On: https://www.bluelindenweddings.com/wedding-blog/what-brides-wish-they-knew-before-their-wedding-in-costa-rica/

While planning a wedding can be exciting, celebrating in a distant location comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some tips for soon-to-be brides that will help make planning a dream wedding in Costa Rica a little less challenging from our Blue Linden team of destination wedding experts.

Where to Find Reliable Information on Costa Rica

Everything you need to know about traveling to Costa Rica is on VisitCostaRica.com. Here you will find valuable information about the digital health form you’ll need to fill out before flying, activities to do, climate, culture, and getting around the local area. It’s essential to stay on top of COVID travel restrictions and requirements so you can share this information with your guests. And this website can help you decide what fun activities to enjoy in the days around your ceremony.

Hire an Independent Destination Wedding Planner

When you’re looking for wedding planning support for your process, you have a couple options. When you look for venues, many options may have a venue coordinator who works with you on-site. Whereas an independent planner takes the time to get to know you and how you envision your perfect day to work with you from start to finish. An experienced planner who knows the area around your destination can suggest multiple venue options for your wedding, from a beachfront vacation rental home to a large resort venue and everything in between.

Another benefit of hiring a wedding planner is that their relationship with local vendors allows them to present you with many different options for reliable florists, musicians/DJs, rentals, photographers, caterers, etc. Your wedding planner can also share tips for booking flights and reserving lodging for you and your guests. Having a knowledgeable resource while you plan a wedding from afar makes the planning process smoother and less stressful.

Talk to Your Photographer Before Deciding on a Time for the Ceremony

Time of day is an often forgotten component of planning your ceremony, but it can have a big impact on your overall experience. For beach weddings, the classic sunset picture is a popular request from couples for their photography, but sunset is a difficult time for a photographer to shoot because the sun is harsh at this time of day (and it can be quite hot). Keep in mind your guests and photographer will have the sun directly in their eyes if you choose to hold your ceremony with the sunset as your backdrop. Discuss this in advance with your photographer before deciding on the time of day. An experienced photographer will make suggestions for the best time of day to capture the most amazing photos of your beautiful ceremony.

Locally Purchased Vehicle Rental Insurance is Required in Costa Rica

This tip is one we know from our many experiences traveling for weddings in Costa Rica! When renting a vehicle, insurance must be purchased when you arrive in Costa Rica. U.S. insurance is not accepted regardless of what your rental agent may tell you. AND insurance is very expensive, so be prepared to pay $50+/day! A great alternative is renting a golf cart if you don’t plan on exploring the area beyond 5 km of your accommodations.

These are just a few of our tips to help make planning a dream wedding in Costa Rica a little less challenging. For more insight into the planning process, we can help you figure out all the moving pieces of your destination dream wedding in Costa Rica. Contact us to begin your journey!