Traveling to Costa Rica for a destination wedding is an opportunity to turn a few days of celebration into an unforgettable vacation. Between tropical beaches, lush rainforests, beautiful sunsets and outdoor adventures, there is plenty to look forward to beyond the wedding day itself.
But if this is your first time visiting Costa Rica, you might be wondering what to pack, what to expect and which essentials you shouldn’t leave at home.
As wedding planners, we help couples create memorable celebrations while also making sure their guests have a wonderful experience throughout the wedding weekend. Over the years, we’ve learned a thing or two about what makes traveling around Costa Rica easier and more comfortable.
Whether you’re joining us for a beach wedding in Guanacaste, a celebration in Manuel Antonio or a tropical getaway somewhere in between, here’s our practical guide to preparing for your trip.
1. Understand the Weather Before You Pack
Costa Rica is a tropical country, but the weather can vary considerably depending on the region and time of year.
The dry season generally runs from December through April in much of the Pacific region, while the green season typically brings more frequent rainfall. However, weather patterns can differ between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, as well as between coastal areas and the mountains.
If you’re attending a wedding during the green season, don’t let the possibility of rain discourage you. Tropical showers are part of the experience, and they often pass quickly. Just make sure you’re prepared with a few practical items.
Even during the dry season, it’s worth having something handy for an unexpected shower, especially if you’re planning excursions or spending time outdoors.
A compact travel umbrella. Costa Rica’s weather can change throughout the day, especially during green season. Having a small umbrella in your backpack or beach bag can be useful when you’re heading out for dinner, exploring a new town or moving between wedding events.
Our pick: Seniny Windproof Automatic Travel Umbrella – a practical travel companion to keep handy when a tropical shower catches you by surprise.
2. Sun Protection Is a Must
This is probably one of the most important things to remember when traveling to Costa Rica.
The tropical sun can be strong, even when the sky is cloudy. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, taking a boat trip, exploring the coastline or attending an outdoor wedding, sun protection should be part of your everyday routine.
Bring sunscreen with a high SPF and remember to reapply it throughout the day, especially after swimming or sweating. A water-resistant option is particularly useful for beach days and excursions.
A few products worth considering:
Everyday face sunscreen. Choose something comfortable enough to wear every day, whether you’re exploring a town or spending the afternoon outdoors.
Our pick: CeraVe Sunscreen – an easy addition to your daily sun-protection routine.
Travel-size body sunscreen. If you’re planning boat excursions, beach days or outdoor activities, having a smaller sunscreen that fits easily into your bag is always useful.
Our pick: Oars + Alps SPF 50 Travel Body Sunscreen Spray – a convenient travel-size option for keeping sun protection close while you’re out exploring.
Don’t forget SPF lip balm. It’s easy to remember sunscreen for your face and body, but your lips need sun protection too. Between beach days, boat excursions and hours spent outdoors, an SPF lip balm is a simple essential to keep in your beach bag or backpack.
Our pick: Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm – a handy addition to your Costa Rica sun-protection essentials.
A good pair of polarized sunglasses. Between the bright tropical sunshine, the reflection off the ocean and long afternoons outdoors, sunglasses are one of those essentials you’ll use every day in Costa Rica.
Our pick: LINVO Classic Rimless Polarized Sunglasses – a lightweight, versatile option for beach days, boat excursions and exploring the coast.
One thing we always tell guests: don’t wait until you arrive to buy your sun protection. It’s much easier to have everything ready before your trip.
3. Pack the Right Shoes
You probably don’t need as many shoes as you think, but choosing the right ones will make a difference.
Costa Rica is a place where you might go from a beautiful beach to a rainforest trail, then straight to dinner. Comfortable footwear is essential.
We recommend bringing:
- Comfortable sandals for everyday use.
- Flip-flops for the beach and pool.
- Sneakers or walking shoes for exploring.
- Hiking shoes or sturdy trainers if you have outdoor adventures planned.
- Dress shoes or elegant sandals for the wedding celebrations.
Flip-flops for the beach and pool. These are a must-have for a Costa Rica getaway. Whether you’re heading down to the beach, walking around the pool or getting ready for a boat excursion, a lightweight pair of flip-flops will quickly become one of your most-used travel essentials.
Our pick: threepurple Women’s Lightweight Non-Slip Flip-Flops – an easy, practical pair to slip on for relaxed beach days and poolside afternoons.
If you’re planning to visit waterfalls, national parks or nature reserves, avoid relying on delicate sandals. Some paths can be uneven, muddy or slippery, so comfortable shoes with good grip are a better choice.
And remember: you don’t need to bring your entire shoe collection. A few versatile pairs will usually be enough.
4. Don’t Forget Your Beach Essentials
If you’re traveling to Costa Rica for a destination wedding, there’s a good chance you’ll spend some time enjoying the ocean, the pool or a beautiful tropical beach.
A few things worth packing:
- Swimsuits (more than one, if you plan on swimming every day).
- A lightweight beach cover-up.
- A beach bag.
- A reusable water bottle.
- A hat or cap.
- A quick-dry towel, if you prefer bringing your own.
A practical beach bag. You’ll probably spend quite a bit of time by the ocean or pool during your stay in Costa Rica, so a roomy beach bag is one of those things you’ll be happy you packed. Look for something lightweight with enough space for your sunscreen, sunglasses, towel, water bottle and a change of clothes.
Our pick: DailyChic Sandproof Beach Bag – a practical option for carrying all your beach-day essentials while keeping everything together.
A reusable water bottle is particularly useful when spending long days outdoors. Staying hydrated is important in the tropical heat, especially during excursions.
You may also want to bring a small waterproof pouch for your phone and valuables during boat trips or beach activities.
5. Be Prepared for Outdoor Adventures
One of the best things about Costa Rica is how much there is to experience beyond the beach.
Depending on where you’re staying, you might have the opportunity to go ziplining, explore a national park, visit a waterfall, take a catamaran cruise, go snorkeling, try surfing or enjoy an ATV adventure.
If you’re planning to participate in outdoor activities, a little preparation goes a long way.
Bring insect repellent. Mosquitoes and other insects are part of tropical life, particularly around lush areas, gardens and near the water. It’s a good idea to pack repellent and use it when needed, especially in the early morning and evening.
Our pick: OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent – a practical item to keep in your travel bag when exploring Costa Rica.
Other useful things to bring for excursions include:
- Comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
- A swimsuit and a change of clothes.
- A lightweight shirt or cover-up.
- A small backpack.
- A reusable water bottle.
- A waterproof phone pouch.
If you have a catamaran or boat trip planned, remember your sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. For ATV tours or other active adventures, wear appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes when required by the activity provider.
And if you’re visiting waterfalls or rainforest areas, don’t forget that paths can be wet and slippery. Choose footwear accordingly and always follow your guide’s instructions.
6. What to Wear for a Costa Rica Wedding
Now for the fun part: wedding outfits!
Costa Rica weddings are often set in beautiful outdoor locations, from beachfront venues and tropical gardens to private villas overlooking the ocean.
The setting is part of the experience, and your outfit should feel comfortable while respecting the couple’s dress code.
Before packing, always check the wedding invitation for the requested attire. Beach formal, cocktail attire, garden party and tropical chic can mean different things depending on the couple and venue.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Lightweight and breathable fabrics are ideal for warm weather.
- Outdoor ceremonies may take place on grass, sand or stone pathways.
- Stilettos can be difficult to wear on the beach or uneven surfaces.
- Evenings can feel breezy, especially near the ocean.
- Choose shoes that you can comfortably wear throughout the celebration.
For women, elegant sandals, wedges or block heels are often practical choices for outdoor venues. For men, lightweight suits, linen shirts and breathable fabrics can be comfortable options, depending on the dress code.
And one important reminder: don’t assume every Costa Rica wedding is a beach wedding. Some celebrations take place in gardens, restaurants, private estates or mountain venues, so always check the location before choosing your outfit.
7. Bring a Few Travel Essentials
There are a few small items that can make your trip much easier, especially when you’re moving between hotels, spending a full day exploring or joining excursions.
A portable power bank. Between taking photos, using Google Maps, checking travel details and staying in touch with family, your phone battery can run out faster than expected when you’re exploring Costa Rica. A portable charger is especially handy on long excursion days, boat trips or when you’re away from your hotel for several hours.
Our pick: Miady 10,000mAh Portable Charger – a convenient travel essential to keep your phone charged while you’re out discovering Costa Rica.
Other useful travel essentials include:
- Your phone charger and charging cables.
- A travel adapter, if needed for your devices.
- A small first-aid kit with basic personal essentials.
- Any personal medications you may need.
- Copies of important travel documents.
- A lightweight day bag for excursions.
Keep important documents and valuables somewhere safe, and consider having digital copies of your travel documents accessible on your phone.
8. A Few Things to Know Before You Arrive
A little local knowledge can make your arrival and first few days in Costa Rica much smoother.
Currency: The local currency is the Costa Rican colón, although US dollars are widely accepted in many tourist areas. Credit cards are also commonly used, but carrying a little cash can be helpful for small purchases, tips and local businesses.
Language: Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken in many tourism areas, hotels and restaurants, but learning a few basic Spanish expressions is always appreciated.
Transportation: Distances in Costa Rica can be deceiving. A destination that looks close on a map may take longer to reach because of road conditions, traffic or winding mountain roads. Always allow extra time when planning transfers and excursions.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and many restaurants, but if you plan to explore independently, consider arranging mobile data before or after arrival.
Water: Tap water is generally considered safe to drink in many parts of Costa Rica, but conditions can vary by location. If you’re unsure, ask your hotel or local host.
Tipping: Service charges are often included in restaurant bills, but additional tips are appreciated when you receive great service.
9. Make the Most of Your Wedding Weekend
A destination wedding is more than one celebration. It’s an opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family while discovering a new place.
If you’re traveling all the way to Costa Rica, we always recommend leaving a little room in your schedule to enjoy the destination.
Depending on the wedding location, you could spend an afternoon on a catamaran, explore nearby beaches, visit a waterfall, book a fishing trip, enjoy a sunset cruise or simply relax by the pool.
Some couples choose to organize group activities for their guests, while others prefer to leave everyone free to explore independently. Either way, it’s worth asking about local experiences before you arrive.
At Mil Besos, we can help couples plan more than just the wedding day. As part of our travel support, we can assist with organizing guest experiences, coordinating excursions, arranging reservations and helping guests make the most of their time in Costa Rica.
From catamaran trips and adventure tours to relaxing beach days and group experiences, we can help plan and coordinate activities that fit your wedding weekend.
Our goal is to make the experience feel effortless, so you can spend less time figuring out logistics and more time enjoying Costa Rica with the people you love.
10. Our Ultimate Costa Rica Packing Checklist
Before closing your suitcase, here’s a quick checklist of the essentials we recommend bringing for your trip.
Clothing
- Lightweight everyday outfits.
- Wedding attire and appropriate shoes.
- Swimsuits.
- Beach cover-up.
- Comfortable clothes for excursions.
- A light layer for breezy evenings.
Shoes
- Everyday sandals.
- Flip-flops.
- Sneakers or walking shoes.
- Hiking shoes or sturdy trainers, if needed.
- Wedding shoes.
Sun & Beach Essentials
- Face sunscreen.
- Body sunscreen.
- SPF lip balm.
- Polarized sunglasses.
- Hat or cap.
- Beach bag.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Waterproof phone pouch.
- Quick-dry towel.
Outdoor & Adventure Essentials
- Insect repellent.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Small backpack.
- Lightweight umbrella.
Travel Essentials
- Passport and travel documents.
- Phone and charger.
- Portable power bank.
- Travel adapter, if needed.
- Personal medications.
- Basic first-aid essentials.
- Copies of important documents.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Costa Rica is a beautiful destination, and whether you’re coming for a wedding, a few days of relaxation or a longer adventure, the right preparation will help you enjoy every moment.
Pack light, bring the essentials, leave room for adventure, and don’t forget to enjoy everything beyond the wedding day.
And if you’re joining us for a Mil Besos celebration, we can’t wait to welcome you to Costa Rica!
Pura Vida!
Posted in Inspiration, Shop, Wedding Planning Tips, Wedding Weekend Events
