Planning a Wedding in Las Catalinas: A Celebration in Motion

Planning a wedding begins with a vision, but it’s the setting and activities that bring that vision to life. At Las Catalinas Doorway, Mariela Oviedo, our certified local wedding planner specializes in helping couples turn their ideas into experiences, using the unique rhythm of this walkable, car-free beachside town to create weddings that feel intimate, connected, and deeply personal.

Las Catalinas itself is picturesque and purposeful. Everything is designed for connection—between guests, between experiences, and between nature and architecture. Every corner of town invites gathering, and all paths lead somewhere beautiful.

A natural rhythm unfolds when everything is within reach. Guests don’t need cars, maps, or complicated schedules. They walk. They explore. They run into old friends on the way to breakfast or wander down to the beach for a quiet moment before the festivities begin. Las Catalinas Doorway is here to help orchestrate it all, so you can focus on celebrating.

A Town Built for Connection

From the moment guests arrive, a sense of ease pervades the atmosphere. There are no logistics to navigate, no transportation to coordinate, just cobblestone pathways, ocean swims, and natural gathering places where ceremonies, receptions, and activities happen organically. When a bridal party all stays in town, it's not uncommon to pass a family member picking up coffee or share a morning swim with an old friend. Town encourages these serendipitous collisions.

Venues Shaped by Nature

For couples who want their ceremony to feel integrated with the natural world, Mariela‘s experience in town means knows her way around Las Catalinas’ unique combination of landscapes. From expansive beachfronts, views of the surrounding tropical dry forest, and plazas framed by timeless architecture, these venues and event spaces not only accommodate ceremonies but also enhance their meaning through their surroundings.

Plaza Agave and Plaza Surf open directly onto the sand, where the ocean provides a soundtrack and the horizon stretches behind your vows. Of the two, Plaza Agave is a top pick for large groups, with the capacity to accommodate up to 60 guests comfortably. Its layout allows for flexible seating arrangements and ample room for both ceremony and celebration. The Rooftop Terrace at Santarena Hotel lifts your intimate celebration above town, with a 360-degree perspective that captures the sea, the mountains, and the gentle geometry of the buildings below, ideal for up to 30 guests.

One especially poetic option is Plaza Lucia, which centers around a living tree, an ancient species sacred in Costa Rican culture. Holding a ceremony beneath its canopy brings a sense of continuity and reverence that resonates far beyond the day itself.

Should weather be a concern, The Conservatory and The Study combined offer refined, covered spaces with elegant details and architectural character, featuring plenty of windows to take in the natural surroundings. Outdoor plazas can also be tented to blend protection with openness. No matter the venue, nature is always part of the experience; it's something to celebrate.

Where to Stay (and Stay Together)

One of the hallmarks of a Las Catalinas Doorway wedding is proximity without uniformity. The couple might select a high-altitude villa—like Casa Brewer, a stunning beachfront  villa featured in our Amazing Ocean Views collection—with inviting social spaces, large pool and vistas that offer both perspective and retreat.

Guests, meanwhile, can tailor their accommodations to fit their preferences: a flat for a couple, a home for a family, a boutique hotel room for solo travelers. Santarena Hotel provides traditional hospitality, while private rentals offer domestic rhythm and privacy.

This decentralization, paired with walkability, allows the wedding weekend to unfold as a fluid series of encounters. Meals become impromptu reunions, and quiet mornings are as valued as the celebration itself.

During their free time, guests can mountain bike through the tropical dry forest trails that surround town or cool off with a dip in the ocean. Dining is equally effortless, whether it's a quick coffee run, a casual lunch, or finding something satisfying for picky kids, town offers a full spectrum of restaurant options all within easy walking distance. 

With Mariela and her team guide you through every step, from selecting the ideal venue within the community to coordinating with trusted local vendors, and booking the appropriate lodging for your group, all you’ll have to do is arrive.

Make It Active, Make It Yours

Instead of a conventional rehearsal dinner, Las Catalinas was a personalized experience. Newlyweds Meghan and Donovan began their weekend with a welcome dinner at Casa de Tom, a private villa near Playa Danta. Local house moms prepared traditional Tico breakfast  and snacks, infusing the morning with hospitality and culture.  The groomsmen's trip was a fishing excursion, and the rehearsal dinner even included some fresh fish they had caught. For those foodies looking for something more gourmand, an outstanding team of private chefs is also available to create a premium dining experience. 

The following day, the bridal party headed out on a hike. It was a quiet, shared moment above town that set the tone for the celebration to come. They brought along a photographer and videographer to capture some non-traditional bridal party shots, during which some other guests who had arrived earlier could wander barefoot to the beach and enjoy lunch in town.

Eat, Wander, Celebrate

Between events, guests are free to engage with town on their own terms. A quiet breakfast on a terrace, an afternoon spent exploring the reserve, or a spontaneous beach picnic with new acquaintances—these intervals are as much a part of the experience as the main events.

Town’s design supports this autonomy. Without cars or distances to account for, guests can fully inhabit the wedding weekend. A glass of wine at dinner doesn’t require arranging transport. A morning swim is as accessible as stepping out your front door.

Those who extend their stay can delve deeper into what town offers, like snorkeling, spa treatments, mountain biking, or simply the rare luxury of idleness.

Let’s Start Planning

Weddings in Las Catalinas are less about spectacle and more about intentionality. The architecture, the geography, the community—all conspire to create an atmosphere that is grounded, joyful, and deeply human.

Las Catalinas Doorway is here to bring your vision into focus, with the expertise, access, and thoughtful planning that help every detail fall into place.

Reach out to begin. Whether it’s a sunset ceremony beside the sea or a multi-day gathering threaded through town, let Mariela and the team at Las Catalinas Doorway use their extensive experience and deep knowledge of the area turn your wedding dreams into reality, creating memories that will last a lifetime.