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Central America
WEDDINGS AWAY
Dreaming of warm sunshine, deep blue waters and a tropi-
cal background for your big day? All that—plus wallet-
friendly prices—can be found in the vibrant countries of
Central America. Just a short flight from many major U.S.
cities, you’ll also get authentic Latin culture and flavors, gorgeous
coastlines with postcard-perfect scenery and resorts that can deliver
whatever type of ceremony you envision.
Las Catalinas, Costa Rica
This seaside development on Costa Rica’s lush Guana-
caste peninsula is designed to be a sustainable town,
with residences, retail and restaurants. The first hotel
will open late in 2016, but currently guests can enjoy
the welcoming vibe in the apartments, bungalows and
villas. Scenic spots for ceremonies include tucked-
away green spaces, plazas with fountains and a silver-
sand beach that has spectacular sunsets. Receptions
can be held on the beach, which fronts the Limonada
restaurant, or at the new Beach Club, a three-level spot
with an infinity pool that can be converted into a dance
floor. On call are event planners and local vendors to
give your wedding a special Costa Rican touch. Take part in a flower
workshop and make your own arrangements out of tropical blooms
like orchids and ginger blossoms or order food trucks serving gallo
pinto, the national dish of rice and beans. Mid-reception mini-car-
nivals are a Tico tradition: Guests don masks and traditional skirts
and toast the couple with bubbles and sparklers. Buffet starts at $35
per person; prices include location fee, basic equipment and staff;
lascatalinascr.com.
The Westin Playa Bonita, Panama
On a private cove 20 minutes from downtown Panama City, this
661-room resort sits on a powder-sand beach with sweeping
In every issue, we scout special locations perfect
for tying the knot away from home. by Sandra Ramani
Sunset on Costa Rica’s Guanacaste shoreline.
One of the residences at Las Catalinas.
Infinity pool at The Westin Playa Bonita Panama.
Rancho Santanain Nicaragua.
>> BRIDALGUIDE.COM Explore more of the best destination wedding spots around the world at bridalguide.com/weddinghotspots
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Pacific views from The Westin Playa Bonita lobby.
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Pacifi c Ocean views, plus a Clarins spa
and over 20 indoor and outdoor event
spaces and venues. Hold your cere-
mony in the gardens or near the beach
with views of ships waiting to enter the
Panama Canal in the distance. Indoor
ceremonies are held in the Arrecife Room
or the Seascape Ballroom, both of which
boast views of the ocean and rainforest.
For the largest celebrations, the garnet-
and-gold-hued Grand Ballroom can
host up to 1,500 for cocktails or 900 for
a seated meal. This year, another option
was added to the mix: the breathtaking,
25,000 square-foot Casa Naga private
villa. Inspired by Balinese architecture,
this stunning house can host up to 250 in
its elegant, high-ceilinged living spaces,
terraces with ocean views and the infi nity
pool deck. Base packages start between
$9,000-$15,000 and include linens, basic
furnishings, outdoor location fee, photo
shoots, a Renewal Suite for the wedding
night; starwoodhotels.com.
Rancho Santana, Nicaragua
This 2,700-acre community on Nicara-
gua’s unspoiled Pacifi c coast features
private apartments and homes and a
lovely 17-room inn. The resort has fi ve
simply stunning beaches, each with its
own unique character: some are great for
surfi ng, some for long, quiet walks or sea
turtle spotting, others for sunsets. Prime
ceremony spots include the green lawn
overlooking Playa Santana beach near
the main clubhouse or close to a dramatic
lava rock shelf at Playa Rosada. The lawn
at Casa Los Perros, backed by the cliffs
and ocean, is another favorite. Surprise
your guests by making a memorable
post-vows exit on horseback, and liven
up the party with mariachi appearances,
ballet folklórico (Mexican folk dancing)
performances and a Nicaraguan beach
feast. Then top the whole night off with
a spectacular fi reworks display. A maxi-
mum of 100 guests can be accommodat-
ed, and buyouts of the inn are available.
Venue rates can range from $400-$1,200
depending on the time of year; fees in-
clude furnishings, linens, fl atware/glass-
ware and lighting; ranchosantana.com. �
WEDDINGS AWAY
LEGALLY WEDDED
In Costa Rica, your certifi ed birth cer-
tifi cate and other personal information
must be authenticated at a consulate or
embassy, and Las Catalinas has a list of
approved lawyers who can assist cou-
ples. The same applies in Panama, and
couples must present their documents
to the Marriage Courts a few days be-
fore the ceremony to obtain a marriage
license. In Nicaragua, it’s best to have a
civil ceremony at home before holding
your wedding on site.
A guest suite at the Inn
at Rancho Santana.
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Poolside seating for two at
The Westin Playa Bonita.
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