Costa Rica Beach Weddings at Secrets Papagayo: Everything You Need to Know
Secrets Papagayo is one of my favorite resorts to work in. It has a lot of gardens, so anywhere you go you feel like you’re just walking through or getting driven in a golf cart around these really nice, luxurious gardens. The resort sits at the entrance to the Papagayo Peninsula, close enough to Playa Hermosa that your guests can go out to dinner or explore nearby beaches, but with everything a full all-inclusive resort offers right on property.
One thing to know before you book: the beach here is black volcanic sand, not white sand. It’s a different look than most Costa Rica resorts, and it photographs really well.
The resort sits inside Culebra Bay. The gardens are really impressive — everywhere you go there are beautiful green spaces. Every wedding I’ve shot here has used the ceremony lawn right on the beach. It’s a nice lawn area overlooking the ocean, with nice trees nearby, and then for portraits with the couple we just go out to the sand. It’s one of the better ceremony locations I photograph in Guanacaste.
Despite being a full resort, Secrets feels intimate. Anywhere you go, you feel like you’re just walking through luxurious gardens. You don’t feel like there’s a whole bunch of other people around you, like you do at some of the other resorts. You don’t have random guests walking by your ceremony. That matters a lot on your wedding day.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering Secrets Papagayo for your wedding.
Why Choose Secrets Papagayo for Your Wedding
Secrets is great for people who want an intimate experience but still want the full all-inclusive setup. Because it sits at the entrance to the peninsula rather than deep inside it, guests can actually leave. Playa Hermosa is just minutes away with good restaurants and bars. Other beaches are accessible for day trips.
Compare that to properties deeper on the peninsula like the Four Seasons Papagayo — those are about total immersion. You go there to never leave the property, and the facilities reflect that at a higher price point. Neither is better; it depends on the kind of week you want your guests to have. Secrets is the right choice when you want resort luxury with the freedom to explore.
Location & Scenic Advantages
Liberia International Airport is about 20 minutes away — one of the closest resort areas in Guanacaste to the airport. Guests aren’t spending half their travel day in a car.
The resort sits inside Culebra Bay, so the water is calm and protected. That matters for family formals after the ceremony — no waves disrupting group shots on the beach. The black sand beach has a tree line that goes right to the water, giving a good variety of dark sand, ocean, and greenery in every photograph.
One thing worth knowing about the light: because of the bay’s position, the sun doesn’t touch the water at the horizon most of the year. You won’t get the classic sun-sinking-into-the-ocean shot here. What you do get, when there are clouds, is genuinely beautiful sky color during the reception. It photographs well — it’s just different from what you’d see at Tamarindo or Hacienda Pinilla.
What a Wedding Day at Secrets Actually Looks Like:
The resort is spread out across hills, so golf carts are how everyone gets around. Getting ready typically happens in two different rooms in two different parts of the property. For medium and larger weddings I photograph one partner while a second photographer covers the other at the same time — that’s just how it works with a property this spread out.
After getting ready, if the couple wants a first look we find a spot in the gardens near the ceremony area. No matter where you are on the property there are really nice green spaces nearby — that’s one of the things Secrets does really well.
The ceremony spot is on the lawn right on the beach, overlooking the ocean. It’s a really awesome spot. Family formals happen right there by the tree line. Then the couple and I just go out to the sand for portraits — nothing directed, just exploring the black sand beach and the water. The reception is usually right next to where the ceremony was, so there’s no moving large groups across the property.
One practical thing to know: because there are so many gardens, it’s easy to get lost. Some resorts you can see iconic buildings and orient yourself. At Secrets it’s all gardens, so you don’t have that. If anyone loses their bearings, just call for any golf cart — somebody will come find you and bring you where you need to go. For a sense of how Secrets compares to other resorts, see my guide to all-inclusive weddings in Costa Rica.
Practical Planning Info
Best Time to Get Married
The dry season runs December through April — reliable weather, almost no rain, peak booking season. The green season from May through November brings more rain but also fewer crowds and lush green landscapes. In Guanacaste, rain typically comes later in the day so morning and early afternoon ceremonies usually work fine even in green season.
Timing the ceremony itself is a balance — not so early it’s too hot, not so late that you run out of light before portraits are done. The right time depends on the season and the size of your wedding. I help couples work this out once we know their dates.
Getting Your Guests There
Most international flights connect through San José or arrive directly at Liberia. From Liberia Airport, the resort is just 20 minutes by car. The resort can arrange transfers for your guests.
Many couples rent shuttles for their wedding party. It’s cheaper than multiple taxis and keeps everyone together. Plus, the ride becomes part of the fun.
Guest Capacity
Beach ceremonies work best with 50 guests or fewer. You want everyone to see and hear your vows clearly. The sound of ocean waves can make it hard for people in the back to listen. If you’re picturing a smaller group than that, this could also work well as a micro wedding or elopement.
Wedding Packages at Secrets Papagayo
The resort offers its own wedding packages through Hyatt Inclusive Collection, with pricing that scales depending on guest count and inclusions. These packages typically cover the ceremony setup, venue, coordination, flowers, and in-house photography. Costs can add up quickly with a larger guest list, so it’s worth getting a detailed quote from the resort’s wedding coordinator early in your planning. If you’re planning a legally binding ceremony, confirm with the coordinator that the package includes the right paperwork support.
In-house resort photography is designed to document the day efficiently. It works well for couples who want coverage without a lot of customization. If you care about genuine documentary coverage — real moments rather than directed poses, photographs that show how people actually interact — that’s where bringing in your own photographer makes a difference. I offer custom collections based on what you actually need, and I photograph every wedding personally. Before committing to any package, it’s also worth checking the resort’s policies on outside vendors, as this varies.
If you’re comparing Secrets to other all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica, the main differences are location and price point. Secrets sits at the entrance to the peninsula, close to Playa Hermosa, which gives your guests more flexibility during the week. The Four Seasons Papagayo and similar properties offer more seclusion and a higher level of service at a higher price — ideal if total immersion is what you’re after.
I’m based in Guanacaste and photograph at Secrets regularly. If you have questions about how the day flows here, what the ceremony spot looks like at different times of year, or how it compares to other venues in the area, reach out. You can also read the broader Guanacaste wedding photographer guide for more context on the region.
Ready to start planning your wedding at Secrets Papagayo? Let’s talk about photography that actually looks like your day — not a generic resort wedding template.
Contact me today to discuss how we can document your destination wedding in a way that feels true to your story.
Planning a wedding in Costa Rica? Check out my Ultimate Guide to Getting Married in Costa Rica
Check out my Guide to the Best All Inclusive Wedding Venues in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is home to an incredible variety of All Inclusive venues, offering couples the perfect setting to celebrate their love. Whether you dream of a romantic beachfront ceremony, or a secluded rainforest retreat, there are options to match every wedding style.
