Planning Timeline for Your Wedding in Costa Rica

You’ve already picked a date. You’re going to Costa Rica for the wedding of your dreams. It’s time to start planning. There are so many things to consider, especially if you select a venue that isn’t all-inclusive and doesn’t have onsite vendors. A destination wedding is no easy feat to pull off on your own. Hiring an experienced destination wedding planner is one of the best decisions you can make. If you decide to go it on your own, you have a lot of work ahead of you. We’ve put together a wedding planning timeline to help guide you through the planning process. It’s important to remember that every wedding is unique, and planning details will be different depending on a lot of factors. (Another reason hiring a destination wedding planner is a good idea).

Bride and Groom image on a Costa Rica beach by SilverSparrowWeddings.

9 to 12 months before your wedding

Some things you will need to do personally:

  • Set a budget

  • Hire a destination wedding planner

  • Create a guest list

  • Apply for or Renew Passports

Without a Wedding Planner

  • Choose & secure the venue

  • Reserve your suite and block off a set of rooms for guests

  • Wedding insurance is always recommended

  • Research marriage requirements/paperwork/license

With a Destination Wedding Planner

Meet with your destination wedding planner to talk about the initial planning details of your destination wedding. A destination wedding planner will be familiar with the venue and local area and will be able to help you make decisions that you are happy with as well as give you details about the marriage requirements.

9 to 11 months before your wedding

Some things you will need to do personally:

  • Choose your wedding party

  • Decide on your wedding dress

  • Set up a wedding website

Without a Destination Wedding Planner

  • Send out Save the Dates

  • Book your flights

  • Find vendors if the venue is not all-inclusive

With a Destination Wedding Planner

Meet with your destination wedding planner to talk about the details of your destination wedding. A destination wedding planner has built relationships with local vendors and can help you navigate contracts and deposits.

6 to 8 months before your wedding

Some things you will need to do personally:

  • Initial wedding dress fitting

  • Choose wedding party attire

  • Order and send invitations

Without a Wedding Planner

  • Decide on a menu

  • Review vendor contracts

  • Finalize guest list and send invites

  • Finalize honeymoon plans

With a Destination Wedding Planner

Meet with your destination wedding planner to talk about the menu options, floral arrangements, wedding decor, etc. You can review the vendor contracts together, confirm the invitations were sent out - destination wedding guests need 6-months notice to plan travel, and go over the details of your honeymoon.

3 to 5 weeks before your wedding

Some things you will need to do personally:

  • The shot list for the photographer

  • Required vaccines for the area

  • Check that all legal documents are finalized

  • Final dress fitting

Without a Wedding Planner

  • Finalize and confirm flight & hotel bookings

  • Review guest RSVPs and reach out to those that haven’t responded

  • Make final payments for vendors and accommodations

  • Wedding day timeline

  • Reception timeline

  • Packing list - Pack your wedding attire, rings, and anything else of value in your carry-ons. You don't want lost luggage to ruin your wedding day.

With a Destination Wedding Planner

Meet with your destination wedding planner to review the final details (listed above) and make sure everything is coming together and handle any unexpected issues that might come up - and they do.

1 to 2 weeks before your wedding

Some things you will need to do personally:

  • Pick up your wedding dress

  • Start packing

  • Assemble a wedding emergency kit

  • Tips for vendors

Without a Wedding Planner

  • Finalize seating arrangements

  • Confirm flight numbers and arrival times for the wedding party and parents

  • Check with the wedding party to make sure they picked up their attire

  • Deal with any last-minute issues that might pop up.

With a Destination Wedding Planner

Meet with your destination wedding planner for any last-minute details that come up. Take some time to get pampered with a spa treatment because you know your wedding planner has everything under control.

Read more about planning a destination wedding in Costa Rica

Wedding Planner Packages for Your Wedding in Costa Rica

What to Expect From Costa Rica Wedding Planners on Your Big Day

How to Plan the Perfect Costa Rica Wedding

Travel Tips and Tricks From Our Costa Rica Wedding Planners

Expert Destination Wedding Planner Tip

We know the perfect place to host your Costa Rica destination wedding. Rancho Haas is a gorgeous beach mansion tucked away among the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Take a virtual tour and see for yourself. 


Here at Blue Linden, we are experienced destination wedding planners familiar with all the options Costa Rica offers. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you avoid the stress and hassle that can come with planning a wedding from afar.