Why Manuel Antonio Wins Every Time
A comparison of Guanacaste vs Arenal vs Manuel Antonio for your dream destination wedding
Costa Rica is one of the most romantic places on Earth to say “I do.” With golden beaches, lush rainforests and remarkable wildlife, it’s a paradise that keeps couples and guests enchanted long after the last toast. But not all Costa Rica wedding destinations are the same. If you’re scouting for a location that blends breathtaking setting, unforgettable experiences, and infrastructure that makes planning a breeze, you’ll see why Manuel Antonio and Hotel Parador Nature Resort & Spa stand at the top of the list.
Why Costa Rica Is a Top Wedding Destination
Costa Rica may be small in size, but it boasts nearly 6 percent of the world’s biodiversity and a stunning variety of landscapes, from pristine beaches to misty rainforests. This natural wealth creates romantic backdrops perfect for weddings, and invites guests to explore a tropical world full of life and beauty.
Manuel Antonio: Romance Meets Biodiversity
A Setting Like No Other
Manuel Antonio is uniquely positioned on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, where lush rainforest meets sparkling ocean. The nearby Manuel Antonio National Park protects one of the richest ecosystems in the country, home to over 100 species of mammals and nearly 200 species of birds, including monkeys, toucans and colorful tropical life.
This means your wedding photos can feature not just ocean sunsets and sandy shores, but also vibrant wildlife and jungle foliage. The natural beauty here feels almost magical, with wildlife and landscape acting as your backdrop without effort.
A Boutique Feel with Big Destination Vibes
At Parador, your wedding becomes a full experience. Set on 12 oceanfront acres, the resort’s expert planners help you create a celebration from barefoot beach ceremonies to elegant garden receptions, all with panoramic Pacific views and lush rainforest surrounds.
Parador’s wedding team takes care of everything, from legal paperwork and décor to menus and photography, so couples can focus on the joy of the moment. With multiple venue choices, including private gardens, oceanfront terraces and indoor spaces for larger gatherings this flexibility makes planning stress-free.
Guanacaste: Sun-Drenched Beaches and Reliable Weather
Guanacaste on the northern Pacific coast is famous for its sunny weather, wide sandy beaches and developed resort infrastructure. Because this region has one of the driest climates in Costa Rica, it’s popular for beach weddings where clouds are less likely to interrupt outdoor celebrations.
The vibe here tends to be more beach resort focused, with easy airport access to Liberia International Airport and a long coastline of beautiful locations. This makes it ideal for couples envisioning a classic beach wedding under sunny skies.
However, while Guanacaste’s beaches are spectacular, the experience can feel more resort-centric, with fewer opportunities for jungle and wildlife integration compared to Manuel Antonio.
Arenal: Adventure, Volcano Views and Warm Springs
Arenal offers something different entirely. Here, wedding celebrations unfold in the shadow of a majestic volcano (now dormant) with access to world-class adventure experiences like hot springs, hanging bridges and waterfall hikes.
This region is perfect for couples who want nature and adventure to be a part of the wedding weekend. But don’t expect the ocean views and beach ceremonies that make Manuel Antonio weddings so unique.
Why Manuel Antonio and Parador Stand Out
A Complete Experience
Manuel Antonio combines ocean, rainforest and wildlife in one destination. Guests can enjoy world-class beaches, explore national parks filled with wildlife, and return to a resort that matches natural beauty with comfort and luxury. Parador sits high above the Pacific with elegant spaces for both large celebrations and intimate moments.
Natural Beauty Everywhere
In Manuel Antonio, couples and guests don’t just get a ceremony backdrop. They get experiences from spotting monkeys and sloths to sunset cocktails overlooking the ocean, woven into the very fabric of their celebration.
Easy Planning and Infrastructure
Parador’s wedding services cover the full spectrum of needs, including venue setup, catering, décor and even excursions for guests. So, your wedding celebration feels effortless and curated, without long logistics or multiple vendor searches.
Choosing What’s Right for You
If your dream wedding includes luxe nature, world-class wildlife and tropical beauty that feels alive, Manuel Antonio and Parador are hard to beat. Couples seeking pure beach weather year-round might lean toward Guanacaste, while adventurous spirits might choose Arenal. But for the perfect blend of romance, biodiversity and unforgettable experiences, Manuel Antonio shines every time.
Your destination wedding should be more than beautiful. It should reflect your love story, your sense of adventure and your dreams for the future. With its breathtaking natural setting, flexible wedding options and expert planning services, Manuel Antonio and Hotel Parador Nature Resort & Spa offer an unmatched canvas for celebrating love in Costa Rica.
Ready to explore wedding packages or book your scouting trip to Manuel Antonio? Contact Parador’s wedding team and start shaping the celebration you’ve always imagined.
