Riu Guanacaste is situated along the shores of Matapalo Beach and is surrounded by the exotic nature that Costa Rica is famous for. The beachfront resort offers something for all ages, whether you’re planning a family-friendly vacation, a romantic getaway or your destination wedding. 

Cool off by the sprawling pool complex’s swim-up bar or try out complimentary non-motorized water sports like sailing and kayaking down by the beach. Kids – and kids at heart – will love testing out the exciting slides at the brand-new ‘Splash Water World’ water park, with unlimited complimentary access included in your stay. 

The property is also perfect for nature and animal-lovers, with a sea-turtle hatching taking place seasonally, and many off-site adventures waiting to take place. 

Travel costs will range based on the seasonality.  Lowest rates, excluding hurricane season, are often found in November and early December. Good winter pricing can be found in January & April, with the highest rates occuring over holidays (ie. Christmas, New Years, March Break) as well as the peak winter month of February. 

Civil weddings in Costa Rica are presided by a lawyer.

Requirements:
• 2 witnesses to attest that they know the couple and that they are each entering marriage by their own will and are each legally able to be married 
• passports for the couple and each witness (valid throughout your stay in Costa Rica)
• occupations
• current address
• names and addresses of both of the couples’ parents
• if divorced, a Certificate of Divorce
• if widow/widower, a Certificate of Death for the former spouse

According to local law, women do not change their last name when they marry. In the legal documentation and in the marriage certificate, names will read as they currently appear on the passports. 

There is no minimum stay period for visitors to marry in Costa Rica. 

Once the marriage license is recorded, they must translate it to English and have it authenticated by the country of residence’s consulate, then mailed to the couple. One antiquated but still upheld law in Costa Rica to be wary of; there is a 300-day wait period between divorce and a new marriage for women.

Riu offers three main wedding packages, Classic, Royal and Caprice.  Riu weddings include semi-private dinners, often to a max of 40 guests, with the option of upgrading to a private event for an extra cost. 

Each package includes a set amount of guests (10/20/40) however, extra guests can be added for a fee.  

Free weddings are available at Riu Resorts, subject to seasonality and some restrictions.  

Please note free weddings will still incur an administration fee as well as the legal fees for the judge and/or minister.  

View all wedding package options below.