The Art of the Luxury Elopement in Costa Rica: Why a Private Villa Beats a Resort for Just Us Ceremonies
Gone are the days when eloping meant running away in secret to avoid a fuss. Today, the modern luxury elopement in Costa Rica is a deliberate choice. It is a decision to prioritize intimacy over obligation, exchanging the stress of a 200 person guest list for a curated, deeply personal experience where the only thing that matters is the two of you.
But once you decide to elope, the question becomes: Where?
While many couples default to a luxury resort, they often find their intimate moment interrupted by onlookers in swimsuits or the noise of a crowded hotel bar. At Villa Punto de Vista, we offer something different: A private world.
What defines a luxury elopement in Costa Rica? Unlike a standard micro wedding, a luxury elopement in Costa Rica typically involves just the couple (or fewer than 6 guests) seeking a high end, all inclusive experience without the logistics of a large event. It combines the ceremony and honeymoon into one seamless narrative, characterized by private chefs, exclusive venues, and bespoke adventures in Manuel Antonio.
The Privacy Factor: Just Us Means Just You
Imagine saying your vows on a panoramic rooftop deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean. At a resort, this private deck is often just a roped off section of a public area.
At Villa Punto de Vista, the entire estate is yours.
- No Spectators: No strangers are watching from a nearby balcony. The only witnesses are the monkeys in the canopy and the ocean breeze.
- Total Freedom: Want to have your first dance barefoot by the pool at midnight? Or a sunrise ceremony on the beach? With no other guests to disturb, the schedule is entirely up to you.
“Everything was beyond perfect. Every view, room, and feature is completely breathtaking… Many tears were shed at checkout as we were sad it had to end, but so very happy it happened.”
— Alexander, Villa Punto de Vista Guest
Designing Your Day: Bespoke Ceremony Spots
One of the main reasons couples choose a luxury elopement in Costa Rica is the backdrop. Manuel Antonio offers some of the most photogenic scenery in the world.
Because you don’t have to seat 100 people, your ceremony location options expand dramatically:
- The Golden Sands: A simple, elegant exchange of vows on the beach, just steps from your villa, coordinated by our concierge staff.
- The Penthouse Terrace: Perfect for sunset. You are literally married in the clouds, eye level with the rainforest canopy.
- The Vertical Jungle: Use the villa’s unique architecture to frame your photos with lush greenery without ever getting your dress muddy.
Check out our guide on great places to take photos to visualize your album.
Culinary Intimacy: A Dinner for Two
Forget the Private Romantic Dinner on a resort beach where waiters are running back and forth to a main kitchen.
Here, your private chef designs a menu exclusively for you.
- The Experience: A candlelit dinner on your private balcony.
- The Menu: Fresh catch from the Marina Pez Vela, tropical fruits, and wine pairings selected just for your palate.
- The Service: Discreet and intuitive. Our staff knows exactly when to pour the champagne and when to disappear to let you enjoy the moment.
From Ceremony to Honeymoon: A Seamless Transition
The beauty of a villa elopement is that the moment you say I do, your honeymoon begins. There is no travel day, no repacking.
You wake up the next morning in a luxury suite, enjoy a couples massage on the open air deck, and then head out for an adventure. Whether it’s a private catamaran charter or a hike through Manuel Antonio National Park, your concierge handles all the logistics.
Couples planning a luxury elopement in Costa Rica should consider Green Season (May November) dates. Not only does the rainforest come alive with vibrant colors for photography, but the privacy levels are at their absolute peak, offering a truly secluded romantic escape.
Legalities: Making It Official
A common concern for couples traveling from the US or Canada is the paperwork. Is it legal?
Yes. We make it simple, following all guidelines for marriages in Costa Rica.
- The Lawyer: We connect you with trusted local officiants who handle all legal requirements.
- The Witnesses: If it is truly just the two of you, our staff is honored to stand in as witnesses (a service we have joyfully provided many times).
- The Paperwork: The marriage certificate is processed and mailed to your home country, fully recognized legally.
For a deep dive on the requirements, read our guide for Americans getting married in Costa Rica.
Elopement vs. Big Wedding: A Value Comparison
It is not just about saving money; it is about where you spend it.
| Feature | Traditional Wedding (100 Pax) | Luxury Villa Elopement (2 Pax) |
| Budget Focus | Catering for others, Venue Fees, Rentals | Experiences, Upgrades, Photography |
| Stress Level | High (Seating charts, family dynamics) | Zero (Relaxation focused) |
| Time with Partner | 5 minutes alone (if lucky) | 24/7 Quality Time |
| Outcome | A blur of hosting duties | A deeply shared memory |
FAQs About Eloping in Costa Rica
Can we combine an elopement with a small family trip?
Absolutely. This is often called a micro wedding. You can book the 8 bedroom Villa La Isla for immediate family, have a small ceremony, and then stay for a week long family vacation.
What happens if it rains on our elopement day?
One of the benefits of our villa architecture is the abundance of covered, open air spaces. We can shift your ceremony from the open deck to the sheltered ballroom or covered terrace in minutes, keeping the ocean view without the rain.
Do we need a wedding planner for an elopement?
While you don’t need a full scale planner for just us, our Pre Arrival Concierge acts as your coordinator, helping with flowers, officiants, and photographers. For more complex setups, we can recommend top wedding planners.
The Verdict: Choose You
Your wedding day shouldn’t be a performance for others. It should be a celebration of your love. A luxury elopement in Costa Rica at Villa Punto de Vista ensures that the start of your marriage is as peaceful, private, and beautiful as you hope your life together will be.
Ready to run away with us? Check availability and start planning your intimate escape.
Christien Johnson is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Villa Punto de Vista Estate, an award-winning private resort in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. With nearly 20 years in luxury hospitality, he has helped make the estate a benchmark for private villa experiences, earning 700+ five-star reviews, 13 consecutive WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards (an achievement only secured by the top 3% of venues worldwide) and a vote as the #1 wedding venue in Costa Rica, as well as recognition from Architectural Digest, Condé Nast Johansens, and the Global Choice Awards as the Best Villa in Central America.
Christien also founded and manages Vista Destinations Luxury Travel Agency, Costa Rica Weddings, and Costa Rica Chefs, and advises brands worldwide on automation and AI in luxury hospitality, shaping the next era of high-touch, personalized travel as a trusted voice in private-estate and transformational travel.
