Planning your Costa Rica elopement is exciting, but figuring out what to pack can feel overwhelming. Between the tropical climate, adventurous activities, and romantic settings, packing the right essentials is key to ensuring your day goes off without a hitch. This destination wedding packing list for Costa Rica brides will walk you through everything you need, from wedding day attire to practical items for exploring Costa Rica’s beautiful landscapes.
Day Of Destination Wedding Packing List Essentials
Your wedding day outfit is undoubtedly the centerpiece of your elopement, but there are a few other key items to include in your destination wedding packing list that will make your day as magical as you’ve envisioned.
For the Bride
a. A lightweight wedding dress – Costa Rica’s tropical climate calls for a breathable, flowy dress that will keep you cool and comfortable. Look for fabrics like chiffon, tulle, or silk and avoid fabrics made from plastic like polyester, nylon, and rayon. Ask the bridal shop or look up the designer of the gown(s) you are interested in to confirm the fabric, as some dresses will combine natural and synthetic fabrics.
Wedding dress designer suggestion: Grace Loves Lace wedding dresses are high quality and perfect for outdoor settings. They have 26 shops worldwide, 20 of which are located in the USA.
b. Comfortable shoes: if your ceremony takes place on a beach, opt for flat sandals or even barefoot sandals. For rainforest or mountain elopements, consider hiking boots or shoes.
Sandals and Boots Suggestion
For the beach bride, barefoot sandals like the Forever Soles Eclipse – Pearl Barefoot Sandals are perfect to let you dig your toes in the sand or run on the beach with your new husband.
If you’re a beach bride whose beach has rocks and other terrain, a sandal will work well for your shoe choice, such as those made by Yvolla Shoes on Etsy.
Want to hike through the jungle to a volcano or to a waterfall? Waterproof hiking boots are the way to go, and I recommend the Oboz Cottonwood Low B-DRY Hiking Shoes for women.
c. Accessories: stick to minimalist jewelry (avoid heavy or bulky items). You could have a floral crown made by a local florist to save packing space, or bring a simple veil that packs easily.
Tip: make sure that you will have access to a steamer for the dress and veil!
For the Groom
a. A breathable suit or outfit – A lightweight linen suit or casual dress shirt and slacks work well for Costa Rica’s weather. Avoid heavy fabrics like wool.
Banana Republic is a great source for men’s linen suits, dress shirts, and slacks!
b. Dress shoes that can handle a variety of terrains, such as leather loafers or water-resistant dress shoes, are great for beach elopements or adventure elopements that don’t require a lot of hiking. Waterproof hiking boots or shoes are recommended for elopements that involve trekking through the jungle.
Men’s Wedding Footwear Suggestion
Cole Haan Zerogrand Oxfords are lightweight and versatile, perfect for an elopement at the beach or at a resort or private villa.
La Sportiva TX4 EVO Mid GTX Approach Boots are waterproof and offer great traction.
Elopement Ceremony Accessories
Your elopement day is about promising your love to each other forever, and (usually) where you choose to elope carries significance to both of you. Make sure that the items you choose to bring enhances the experience while also highlighting your love and is representative to Costa Rica.
a. Bouquet and Boutonniere – coordinate with a local florist to have tropical flowers ready upon arrival.
Tip: tropical flowers like heliconia, orchids, and the dutchman’s pipe flower look stunning in Costa Rica’s vibrant settings and are native to the country (so you don’t have to worry about a negative environmental impact when using them!)
b. Personal Vows and Ceremony Details – pack a beautifully bound vow book for a person touch in your photos.
You can find plenty of hand-crafted vow books, but I personally like the personalized options you can get with Wood Present Studio.
Clothing for Adventure Days
Costa Rica is a paradise for adventurous couples, so make sure you include outfits in your destination wedding packing list for activities before or after your ceremony.
a. Casual clothes having casual, everyday clothing with you will be essential if you are planning a multi-day trip. Bring your favorite warm-weather clothing with you that you can mix and match throughout your stay.
b. Hiking Clothes – For hiking, lightweight, moisture-wicking shirts and shorts or leggings are essential for rainforest treks.
The Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail shirt is great, versatile option for different environments and settings, and is available for both men and women.
c. Swimsuit and Cover-up – whether you’re relaxing at the beach or taking a dip in a waterfall, a comfortable swimsuit is a must.
Summersalt Swimwear is sustainable, stylish, and offers supportive and size-inclusive swimsuits. Summersalt Swimwear also has swimsuit options for more coverage to protect from sunburn!
d. Waterproof Jacket – the tropical climate can be unpredictable, and rain is almost always on the radar. Bring a packable, lightweight rain jacket.
Columbia’s Women’s Arcadia™ II Jacket is lightweight, waterproof, and easily packed into its own pocket.
Destination Wedding Packing List Travel Must-Haves
Navigating Costa Rica’s diverse terrain and climate requires thoughtful travel gear. You may want to save space and make traveling as easy as possible, so some of the following items can be bought upon arrival in Costa Rica. Choose your packable items wisely.
a. Bug Spray and Sunscreen – mosquitoes are common, especially near rainforests, so be sure to have a strong insect repellent. Similarly, the tropical sun can be intense, so use reef-safe sunscreen.
Tip: apply sunscreen BEFORE you apply your bug repellent
b. Daypack – a small backpack to carry your essentials (like water, snacks, and your phones) during hikes or excursions.
The Osprey Daylite Pack is lightweight, durable, and has dual waterbottle side mesh pockets.
c. Reusable Water Bottle – stay hydrated in the heat with a high quality water bottle.
Tip: make sure your water bottle is empty before you line up for TSA security at the airport!
Hair, Makeup, and Beauty Supplies
Costa Rica’s humidity can make hair and makeup tricky, so pack products designed to hold up in tropical climates.
a. Humidity-Resistant Makeup – Waterproof mascara, setting spray, and lightweight foundation are key to keeping your look fresh all day.
Look for sweat-proof foundation, possibly with a matte or soft-matte finish that are available in mini or travel-sizes like Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Mini Pro filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation.
b. Hair Products – Anti-frizz serum and a travel-sized hairspray will help you maintain your style.
Important Documents and Extras for Your Destination Wedding Packing List
Don’t forget the essentials that make your trip (and elopement) stress-free!
a. Passports and Travel Documents – ensure your passports are valid and bring copies of important documents. Your passport must be valid for at least the duration of your stay, and at least three months after your arrival date.
The US State Department now allows US citizens to renew their passports online!
b. Marriage Documents – If you’re legally marrying in Costa Rica, coordinate with your officiant to ensure all necessary paperwork is prepared.
If you need more information for how to legally get married in Costa Rica, check out on my blog “Planning an Elopement in Costa Rica: FAQs and Answers” for more information.
c. Travel Insurance – Protect yourself against unexpected changes in your plans, but read the fine print carefully before you purchase.
Destination Wedding Packing List Tips
1. Pack light: many elopement locations in Costa Rica require some travel or hiking, so avoid overpacking.
2. Use packing cubes: These help you tay organized and save space in your luggage.
3. Leave space for souvenirs: Costa Rica is known for its coffee, handmade crafts, and unique decor items. I know you’re going to find something to bring home!
Testimonial from Torrie and Mac
“Gorgeous photos from an incredible human! We cannot recommend Sara enough for her warmth and the way her photograph always seem to capture a hint of magin in each shot. She makes you feel at ease taking photos, even if getting your picture taken is very out of your comfort zone. We have booked shoots with Sara in Kansas City, Canada, and Costa Rica. We have also gifted friends photo packages with Sara and they are always the biggest hit! Five stars doesn’t do it justice!”
Did This Destination Wedding Packing List Inspire You to Start Planning Your Costa Rica Elopement?
Packing for your Costa Rica elopement doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on lightweight, versatile items and prioritizing comfort, you’ll be ready to enjoy every moment of your big day. Remember, the goals is to keep things stress-free so that you can focus on celebrating your love in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Photography by Sara Anne | Costa Rica Elopement Photographer
I’m Sara, a Costa Rica elopement photographer who gives my whole self to photographing weddings in a style that shows raw, intimate, emotional love. You can learn all about me here! And if this destination wedding packing list inspired you to start planning your own dreamy elopement, let’s connect! I’m so excited to bring your vision to life! In the meantime, discover more Costa Rica elopement tips on the blog. I recommend starting with these resources below.
Adventure Costa Rica Elopement Guide in Uvita (Torrie and Mac are also featured in this one!)
Top Destinations for Costa Rica Honeymoons
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Costa Rica?
