The dreaded "B" word......Budget!

Every woman dreams with her wedding day, with that dress that makes her look like a princess, with the perfect place to say I do, and especially to find that special person with spend the rest of her life.

However, these dreams may be affected by one small detail: The budget.

There are so many things to organize, and most of the time you don´t know where to start, but a very important point is to know how much money you are going to set apart to organize the wedding of your dreams, without having to empty your pockets.

Here I’m going to give you some advice in making your wedding a great experience, without wondering if there will be any left for the honeymoon!

·         First step is to talk with your groom about the details that you think are most important for your wedding

·         Set the budget. This is the most important step because the other details are going to depend of it.

·         Decide the style of wedding you would like.

·         The wedding has a lot of details, like the invitations, "memories" for guests, etc. Try to save costs by making them by yourselves, its fun, involve family and friends, and you could take that money for something else (like those great flip flops you always wanted to wear under your wedding dress)!.

·         Celebrate the ceremony, reception and honeymoon in one place, which will save you much money. Obviously...Hilton Papagayo is a great option.

The place where you will be having the big day is very important… Only imagine yourself, at the seashore, with a cooling breeze, while all of your guests are amazed at such a breathtaking backdrop of a sunset, that creates a silhouette of a match made in heaven. Sounds perfect doesn’t it? Like if we were talking about a scene out of The Notebook!? In Hilton Papagayo is possible, and you could be the stars!

We know that one’s budget is key, which at times to minimize the options that you always wanted, but it is also true that your wedding is YOUR WEDDING, and it may be something you have been dreaming every so long! So we have very attractive options that you should check out…

We want your wedding to be better than you ever dreamed, and that’s why we are open to see how we can provide options that fit into your budget.. this is what we refer to customizing your wedding to fit your budget.

Therefore never be afraid of the "B" word... we are here for you!

Getting Married in Costa Rica...Is it really that easy?

We have received questions from couples asking how easy is it to get married in Costa Rica. Its as easy as saying "I Do!". Unlike countries like Mexico and Jamaica, where you require to present blood tests, length of stay prior to the wedding, and maybe even your birth certificate.... You might as well give them your social security number and your most recent family photo!... For Costa Rica the procedure is simple... all you will need is the following:

1.    Scanned copies of current passports for Groom, Bride and Witnesses (obligatory / copies needed beforehand).

2.    Two witnesses at the ceremony. Anyone serve you as witnesses even your close family or the Hotel employees (In case you do not have any witnesses the attorney’s office can provide them for you without any additional costs).

3.    Fill out a simple wedding questionnaire (obligatory / needed beforehand)

Well that's easy! Isn't it?

After the ceremony, you will be given the marriage statement sent to the Costa Rican Civil Registry (the governmental institution which records the marriages in Costa Rica), officially translated into English. Therefore you would be able to submit this document to your Marriages Record Office and get your marriage filed in your Country once you get back home, without waiting for the registration process in Costa Rica to be concluded. 

The registration process of a Civil Marriage in Costa Rica takes approximately three months after the wedding day. The official marriage certificate issued by the Costa Rican Civil Registry Office will be sent to you.

The marriage in Costa Rica is recognized in U.S.A. and Canada, and is considered a legal union anywhere in the world.

So whats taking you so long to come down and get married in paradise... were expecting you!

Should I have a full blown wedding or a sweet and simple elopement?

It all depends. Our property is really a great place to do any of the two, but the most important thing, is your intention for having the wedding. Of course that you are getting married because you plan to spend the rest of your life with your “honey bun” “hubby” or “krispy crème” (so many nicknames!), but on the day of… there is a way you can choose to start it! 

A large wedding is a great opportunity not only share your memorable experience with others, but also to thank all those friends and family, especially “Uncle Jimmy” (you know you have one in your family!). You can have so much fun at this type of wedding, because once you say I do, it’s time to enjoy a few drinks, eat great food and dance like a wild monkey! Its Costa Rica after all…

For elopements, its more about an intimate moment between the bride and groom, not having a worry in the world! If your “happy tears” start coming out a bit earlier than expected, and your mascara starts running a bit, it’s ok… If you start walking down the aisle and you forgot the bouquet back in the room while you are getting ready, it’s ok… if you tripped on the sand (without a cause in sight!) as you were gazing at your future husband, ITS OK! It’s your day, and you are sharing it with the only person that loves to see you just the way you are!

So as you can see, it all depends what you are looking for. After all, it is YOUR day! should somebody tell you different?

2012 Wedding packages: Spread the word!

Our new 2012 Wedding Packages are finally here! 

Here's the link to download the new Costa Rica weddings brochure.

Let your friends, family or your future husband/wife (wink wink) take a peek, and we will be helping you decide where on the beach you would like your ceremony to be in no time!

Look forward to hearing from you all. Remember you can email us at sjopa-salesadm@hilton.com, or visit the Hilton Papagayo Resort website for more information.

I finally found the one…but is Costa Rica the one?

So why is Costa Rica better than any other place in the WORLD to get married? Let me give you some top 5 picks….

1.      Miles away from bowties and fancy designer purses, this is one stress free wedding that will definitely make others jealous (spending only ½ the price!)

2.      Why go with the plain jane white sand beach, where you literally see EVERYWHERE. Instead, get married in a volcanic sand beach, where towering green trees, exotic birds and the gentle Costa Rican sun may not have been on your guest list....but they are definitely welcome!

3.      You can land in Costa Rica, and get married on the same day….and you thought Vegas was fun.

4.      We give away free kisses on the cheek, even before we know the person’s name! We love to see your guests blush…

5.      The PURA VIDA lifestyle. If you don’t know what this means, you don’t even know what you are missing!