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.