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Kevin Heslin | Costa Rica Wedding Photographer

Weddings at La Mariposa Hotel in Costa Rica (With Video!)

Home / Best Wedding Venues in Costa Rica / Weddings at La Mariposa Hotel in Costa Rica (With Video!)

Mariposa Hotel Wedding Costa Rica
Weddings at La Mariposa Hotel in Costa Rica

Updated May 7, 2023

La Mariposa Hotel (or butterfly for those of you that don’t speak Spanish) is just as beautiful as the delicate creature that is its namesake. The hotel is perched atop Manuel Antonio’s highest point, like the loveliest jewel in the crown. And this jewel is most certainly lovely. From the hotel’s wraparound infinity pool to its carefully maintained tropical gardens, everywhere you look there is something to delight your sense of sight.

  • view from the sky of La mariposa hotel with wraparound infinity pool
  • view from the sky of La Mariposa Hotel
  • view from the sky of La Mariposa Hotel

La Mariposa hotel was originally built back in the 1970’s and was one of the first hotels to be built in this now-popular tourist destination. Which means, it is sitting on one of the prime pieces of real estate in the area. From it’s perch high atop a hill, the hotel has nearly 360 degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Manuel Antonio National Park, and the surrounding rainforest. 

And don’t let the date fool you, there are no orange and green shag carpets at this place! In fact, the hotel recently underwent extensive remodeling that was finished in December of 2022. Now guests can enjoy one of the oldest and most modern hotels in Manuel Antonio at the same time!

  • entrance to la mariposa hotel

Accommodations

Mother of bride with wedding dress
Mother and daughter enjoying the view from the honeymoon suite.

The honeymoon suite at La Mariposa Hotel is pretty sweet, if you’ll excuse the pun. The whole top floor of the hotel is dedicated to this luxurious space so, as you might guess, the epic view is not obstructed by anything. The suite consists of a room with a king sized bed and an extra futon, an ample living area and private balcony.

  • bride standing in a glass doorway
  • bride hugs her mom
  • bride admires her dress

The space makes for a great staging area to get ready in before the ceremony. With lots of light and such a beautiful view of the ocean you’ll feel refreshed and revived. Psychology tells us that blue is a calming color so it will even help calm your nerves as you prepare for the most exciting day of your life!

  • bridesmaids see the bride for the first time
  • groom sees the bride for the first time
  • closeup of the bridal bouquet

Once all the excitement is over, it’s also a comfortable romantic nook to come back to. Spend the evening winding down in your own private Jacuzzi on your own private balcony. It’s the perfect way to end the day either after the big event itself or a day of adventuring.

Be sure to head up to the room early at least one evening to enjoy a spectacular sunset in private with your love. After all, that’s part of the reason you came to paradise to get married, right?

bride and groom taking a selfie with the view from La Mariposa Hotel

As for your guests, they can enjoy luxurious surroundings and views as well. Taking advantage of it’s unique location, nearly every room in the hotel offers a stunning view of the ocean or rainforest and many rooms on the west side offer spectacular views of the sunset. And if there are sunrise lovers in your party, they can choose a room on the east side of the hotel to enjoy the warm golden sunrise — a rarity here on the west coast of Costa Rica.

  • view from a hotel room at la mariposa hotel
    View from a hotel room
  • bride posing in the greenery at la mariposa hotel
  • monkey peeking in for a look at guests at la mariposa hotel
    The wildlife popping in!
  • bride coming down a staircase in the jungle at la mariposa hotel

Many of the rooms come equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer unobstructed views of the tropical oasis outdoors. Keep your eyes peeled, it is not uncommon for guests to catch glimpses of scarlet macaws, toucans, sloths, and monkeys right from their rooms!

Ceremony Locations

Almendro tree at La Mariposa Hotel
Ceremony under the great almendro tree.

Mariposa Hotel Wedding Ceremony

For your ceremony you have two fantastic options at the hotel itself for where to say “I do”. First, you can choose to get married under an umbrella-like “almendro” tree beside the stunning wraparound infinity pool. The shade from this magnificent tree keeps the tropical sun out of your eyes allowing you a clear view to see the love in the eyes of your partner while you make your promises to each other. This spot has ample room for plenty of guests.

  • ceremony space awaiting the wedding
  • epic view for the wedding ceremony
  • ceremony scene at la mariposa hotel
  • bride and grrom at the arbor during the ceremony
  • bride and groom coming back down the aisle
  • bride and bridesmaids pose with arbor and spectacular view
  • bride and groom with the view at la mariposa hotel

The hotel offers another gorgeous ceremony spot for more intimate gatherings on its restaurant terraza. Remember that the hotel is located at the highest point in Manuel Antonio? From it’s perch not only is there an epic view of the brilliant green rainforest, but also the vast blue of the Pacific Ocean rolls out for miles.

  • family photos with the view at la mariposa hotel
  • image of the bride

This ceremony spot is positioned perfectly to take advantage of that spectacular view. Check out this simple but gorgeous little wedding arbor that perfectly frames the tiny island off the coast of Manuel Antonio. Nature’s gifts are oh-so-beautiful!

Wedding ceremony set up at La Mariposa
Ceremony set up on the restaurant terrace
Hotel Mariposa Wedding Costa Rica
Ocean View at wedding in Costa Rica

To take it up a notch, plan your ceremony to coincide with the sunset for an unforgettable display of fiery colors to serve as your breathtaking backdrop. Just imagine the epic ceremony photos you can get from up there!

  • silhouette of the bride and groom at sunset
  • silhouette of bride and groom at sunset

La Mariposa offers one other option, equalling as amazing as their hotel spots. They can arrange for you to have your special moment on the world famous Manuel Antonio Beach. The beach is easily accessible and located a mere 5 minutes away from the hotel. This is the perfect option for those dreaming of making their wedding promises to the sound of the surf and with sand between their toes.

bride and groom dancing in front of the spectacular view
bride and groom posing in front of the spectacular view
groom cries at seeing the bride
groom sees his bride during the ceremony

Reception Location

La Mariposa continues its butterfly obsession with the exquisite restaurant Le Papillon (butterfly in French). The open-air restaurant is a fabulous place to hold your reception. It’s covered so you don’t have to worry about the rain, but there are no annoying walls to block out the spectacular view. You get to enjoy partying by the pool and feasting your eyes on nature’s brilliance while you’re feasting!

  • the table is set for guests at le papillon restaurant at la mariposa hotel
  • bride and groom dance at la mariposa hotel
  • bride and groom dancing at le papillon restaurant
  • bride and groom dancing at le papillon restaurant
  • send off for the bride and groom
  • send off for the bride and groom
  • wedding guests dancing at le papillon restaurant

And what a feast it will be! The restaurant has many offerings including local and international flavors. Whether you choose a delightful menu filled with fresh seafood and succulent tropical fruits or opt for a vegetarian version, prepare to have your taste buds amazed by the delicious preparations offered by the master chef.

After the Wedding

One of the best parts about a destination wedding is that you don’t have to pack up and go anywhere afterwards, you’re already on your honeymoon! La Mariposa makes it easy to enjoy your time exploring Costa Rica and enjoying the sort of activities and adventures that will make your honeymoon special and memorable.

  • bride and groom stroll through the greenery at La Mariposa Hotel
  • bride and groom laughing together
  • epic view from La Mariposa Hotel
  • bride and groom smiling at each other

Treat yourself and your sweetie to the honeymoon suite package that includes the highlights of things to do in Manuel Antonio. It even includes a 60-minute couples massage and a romantic dinner, both on your private honeymoon suite terrace. Of course, you can always opt for a customized version to create a trip perfectly tailored to you and your new spouse.

  • pool bar at la mariposa hotel
  • view from le papillon restaurant
  • la mariposa emblem at la mariposa hotel

In short, you can’t go wrong if you choose to hold your destination wedding at La Mariposa Hotel. Whether you are dreaming of an intimate affair with just your closest friends and family or a full-on wedding bash, the staff at La Mariposa will make it happen just the way you want.

Want to see a video from a wedding at La Mariposa? Just click on the video below:

Wondering about the weather in Costa Rica? Check out this resource to learn about the weather!

La Mariposa Hotel is top of my list for best wedding venues in Costa Rica. To see the complete guide just click below:

Best Wedding Venues in Costa Rica
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Kevin Heslin Photography

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

tel: +506 89354974

info@kevinheslinphoto.com

Costa Rica Photographer | Kevin Heslin Photography

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