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Weddings at Planet Hollywood in Papagayo, Costa Rica

A bride and groom walk hand in hand on a sandy beach, reminiscent of a dreamy Planet Hollywood wedding. The bride dazzles in her white gown with a bouquet, while the groom looks suave in his brown suit. Lush greenery and calm water complete this serene setting.

Nestled between lush tropical jungle and pristine Pacific beaches, Planet Hollywood Costa Rica once again proved why it’s becoming one of the hottest destination wedding venues in Guanacaste. As a Costa Rica wedding photographer specializing in capturing magical moments for couples who choose our beautiful country for their special day, I was thrilled when Claudia and Jose contacted me after discovering my portfolio online.

From Insurance Office Meet-Cute to Costa Rican Paradise

Every couple has their unique story, and Claudia and Jose’s journey from Miami to the shores of Costa Rica began with a mother’s intuition and a bold ultimatum. When Jose’s mother recommended he visit a particular insurance office in Miami, little did he know he was about to meet his future bride. Claudia, working as an insurance agent at the time, made her intentions clear from the start—if Jose wasn’t serious about a relationship, he shouldn’t call her again.

But that wasn’t all. This determined bride-to-be laid down another condition for their relationship: they would both commit to completing their education. Today, Claudia works as a pharmacist, while Jose holds a master’s degree in real estate business—a testament to their mutual support and shared ambition.

Why Planet Hollywood Costa Rica for a Destination Wedding?

When planning their destination wedding for 50 guests traveling from Miami, Claudia and Jose had specific desires: luxury accommodations, all-inclusive convenience, and access to both jungle and beach settings for their wedding photography. Planet Hollywood Costa Rica delivered on all fronts, offering:

  • Spectacular Location: Situated on the gorgeous Papagayo Gulf in Guanacaste, this resort provides breathtaking backdrops where the vibrant jungle meets pristine beaches.
  • All-Inclusive Luxury: The resort’s comprehensive wedding packages take the stress out of planning a destination celebration, allowing couples to focus on creating memories.
  • Celebrity-Worthy Accommodations: With stylish rooms and exceptional service, guests experience star treatment throughout their stay.
  • Versatile Photo Opportunities: As Claudia and Jose requested, we captured stunning portraits that showcased both the tropical jungle density and the sun-kissed beaches—all within minutes of each other.

Capturing Magic: Jungle Meets Beach Photography

One of the highlights of photographing weddings at Planet Hollywood Costa Rica is the incredible diversity of settings. For Claudia and Jose, we planned a photography timeline that captured their love story against multiple breathtaking backdrops:

During the golden hour, we ventured into the nearby jungle trails, where shafts of sunlight filtered through the canopy, creating magical lighting as the couple shared intimate moments among the tropical foliage.

Later, we transitioned to the beach, where the setting sun painted the sky in vibrant oranges and pinks. The contrast of Claudia’s elegant gown against the natural textures of sand and sea created truly unforgettable images.

The Wedding Day Highlights

  • In a room with a mirror and suit hanging nearby, she adjusts his tie for the Miami Love Story event. She looks elegant in her lace dress and glasses as he stands ready in his white shirt and vest, embodying the charm of a destination wedding.
  • Two beige seashells on a dark background, each adorned with a silver ring. The left shell holds a plain band, echoing an intimate Miami love story, while the right shell dazzles with gemstones, capturing the sparkle of a destination wedding at Planet Hollywood Costa Rica.
  • In a scene reminiscent of a Miami Love Story, a man in a white shirt and brown vest has his green tie adjusted by two helpers. One, an older person adorned with glasses and a necklace, assists alongside another bespectacled helper. A decorative wall piece adds charm to the moment.
  • In a black and white photo, two men share a laugh as one adjusts his blazer and the other fixes his collar, hinting at a Miami Love Story. The room features a couch, floral wall decor, and a mirror capturing part of this charming moment.
  • A man in a brown suit with a light green tie strolls through a lush garden, reminiscent of Planet Hollywood Costa Rica. Smiling with one hand in his pocket, he walks past tall palms and vibrant plants, exuding an air of joy as if stepping into a Miami love story.
  • In a luxurious setting, a group of women in matching robes celebrates with champagne, reminiscent of a Dreamy Destination Wedding. They stand around a vanity with beauty products, and a floral portrait decorates the wall, as everyone appears joyful and festive.
  • A group of women in pajamas are celebrating indoors, holding glasses of champagne. The setting is as vibrant as a Miami Love Story, with one woman in the center dancing while others smile and enjoy the moment, creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.
  • A woman in a flowing white dress with off-the-shoulder sleeves stands in a doorway, reminiscent of a Miami love story. She smiles warmly and holds the door open with both hands. Her hair is styled in loose curls, and a chandelier glows softly in the background.
  • A black and white photo captures two women embracing and smiling warmly, exuding the spirit of a Miami love story. One wears an off-shoulder dress, while the other dons a floral design. Their joy and contentment shine against a patterned background.
  • A woman in an elegant off-shoulder wedding gown ascends stairs, holding the railing in this black and white image. With lace detailing at the top and long wavy hair, her reflection graces the wall beside her—a timeless moment from a Miami Love Story.
  • A groom with glasses and a slight smile stands in focus, wearing a brown suit and white shirt. A bride in a white dress and veil is out of focus, capturing the dreamy essence of a destination wedding against the blurred outdoor setting.
  • A black and white image captures a woman gazing thoughtfully at a man, who appears to be pondering, slightly out of focus. The setting suggests a formal occasion, reminiscent of the romantic ambiance found at a Dreamy Destination Wedding.

Ceremony by the Sea

Their ceremony took place directly on the beach, with the Pacific Ocean as their backdrop.

  • At a Planet Hollywood wedding, the bride holds a bouquet with green stems wrapped in brown ribbon. Attached are three small framed photos and a heart-shaped charm inscribed with text. Her white dress and stylishly manicured nails complete the charming ensemble.
  • Two women in formal dresses joyfully stroll along a garden path at a Planet Hollywood wedding. One wears a white gown, the other a floral dress, each holding bouquets. Trees form a lush backdrop with string lights above, and flags flutter gracefully in the background.
  • A black and white photo captures a Planet Hollywood wedding ceremony. The couple faces each other, holding hands beneath a floral arch. Guests, including two women and two men, stand nearby clapping and smiling as a string of lights twinkles in the background.
  • At a Planet Hollywood wedding, a couple kisses under a tree archway during an outdoor ceremony. Guests stand on either side, snapping photos. The aisle, lined with wooden chairs and greenery, leads to a scenic panorama of trees against an open sky.
  • At a Planet Hollywood wedding, a bride in a white dress holds calla lilies as she walks down an outdoor aisle with her groom in a brown suit. Guests eagerly take photos and smile, while trees with green leaves create a lush canopy overhead.

Family Formals and Couple’s Portraits

  • A bride and groom stand on a beach by Planet Hollywood with seven bridesmaids. The bride wears a white dress, holding a bouquet, while the groom dons a brown suit. Bridesmaids in pastel dresses hold their bouquets against the backdrop of the sea and cloudy sky.
  • A bride and groom stand on a beach with six groomsmen, all in tan suits except the groom in brown. Amidst a Planet Hollywood wedding vibe, the bride holds a bouquet and wears a white dress. The backdrop is the serene blend of water and cloudy sky.
  • A bride in a white gown and veil holds a bouquet of calla lilies, smiling as she walks along the beach. In the foreground, a man in a brown suit gazes at her, slightly out of focus. The ocean is visible in the background, evoking memories of their Planet Hollywood wedding.
  • A couple in wedding attire smiles at the camera during their Planet Hollywood wedding. The groom, in a brown suit with a white tie and glasses, stands beside the bride in an off-the-shoulder gown holding white flowers. Blurred warm lights twinkle in the background.
  • A couple in wedding attire shares a kiss near a waterfront, reminiscent of a dreamy Planet Hollywood wedding. The groom dons a brown suit with a light tie, while the bride stuns in an off-shoulder white gown and veil, softening the scene with the water blurred in the background.

When Tropical Weather Strikes: Planet Hollywood’s Perfect Backup Plan

In true Costa Rican fashion, Mother Nature decided to add her own touch to Claudia and Jose’s special day. Shortly after their beautiful oceanside ceremony, the skies opened up with a tropical downpour. While some venues might have been thrown into chaos, Planet Hollywood’s experienced wedding team seamlessly transitioned the reception to their elegant indoor ballroom.

What could have been a stressful moment became yet another charming memory in their wedding story. The floor-to-ceiling windows of the ballroom still offered gorgeous views of the rain-kissed landscape, while keeping everyone comfortable and dry. This quick pivot demonstrated exactly why having a resort with flexible indoor/outdoor options is essential for destination weddings in tropical locations like Costa Rica.

  • At a Planet Hollywood wedding, a couple shares a romantic dance at the reception, smiling at each other. The bride dazzles in a white halter neck dress while the groom looks dapper in his brown suit. Guests enjoy the softly lit ambiance from their tables in the background.
  • At a Planet Hollywood wedding, a couple twirls gracefully across the dance floor. The woman, in her elegant white dress, and the man, in his dapper brown suit, captivate the seated guests. Lush plants enhance the sophisticated ambiance of this indoor celebration.
  • At a Planet Hollywood wedding, a couple shares a romantic dance. The groom dips the bride while guests watch and clap in the background. The black-and-white image perfectly captures an intimate moment on the dance floor.
  • At a Planet Hollywood wedding, a bride and another woman share a dance on the dimly lit dance floor. Guests are seated at round tables with white tablecloths, while stars adorn the purple wall in the background, enhancing this enchanting celebration.
  • At a Planet Hollywood wedding, a woman with blonde hair gently holds a mans face with both hands at a formal event. The man, wearing glasses and a suit, looks up at her with a smile. Seated at an elegantly set table, their moment is captured timelessly in black and white.

A Grand Finale: Traditional Costa Rican “Cimarrona”

As the evening reached its peak, Claudia and Jose surprised their guests with an authentic Costa Rican cultural experience—a traditional “cimarrona” (local marching band) burst into the reception! This colorful procession of musicians and dancers in vibrant costumes brought a surge of energy to the celebration, with guests quickly joining in the festivities.

The cimarrona, featuring trumpets, drums, and other instruments, performed lively Costa Rican folk music while dancers twirled in traditional dress. It was the perfect way to blend local culture with their celebration and create an unforgettable finale to their destination wedding. These moments of cultural immersion provided some of my favorite photographs from the entire event—capturing the pure joy and surprise on the faces of their Miami guests experiencing this Costa Rican tradition for the first time.

  • A man in a brown suit joyfully dances with a smiling woman in a floral dress at their Planet Hollywood wedding. Nearby, others join the fun, with someone in the background filming. The room is warmly lit with vibrant purple and blue hues.
  • A joyful group celebration at a Planet Hollywood wedding. A man with glasses is happily hugging two women in floral dresses, while others clap and smile in the background. The room is adorned with star cutouts on a vibrant purple wall.
  • A joyful groom in a brown suit is lifted by several laughing groomsmen at a Planet Hollywood wedding reception. Their expressions are full of happiness and celebration, under colorful indoor lighting. Guests can be seen smiling in the background.
  • A woman in a white halter dress playfully squints her eyes while holding an empty glass at a Planet Hollywood wedding. Behind her, three people stand, dressed in formal attire, with star decorations on a purple wall, creating a lively, festive atmosphere.
  • A joyful woman in a white dress dances, holding a green feathered headdress, at her Planet Hollywood wedding. Beside her, women in orange and pink outfits move energetically. A musician in the background plays drums under bright lights.
  • A lively party scene unfolds at a Planet Hollywood wedding, with people dancing energetically under colorful lights. A drummer in a vibrant outfit plays in the foreground, while an elegantly dressed couple smiles and embraces, surrounded by festive decorations and joyful guests.

Check out this Sneak Peek Video from the Wedding

Your Costa Rica Wedding Photography

Every couple deserves to have their destination wedding captured in images that reflect both the beauty of their chosen location and the unique elements of their love story. Whether you’re dreaming of dramatic jungle portraits, romantic beach sunset photos, or candid moments of celebration with family and friends against the backdrop of Costa Rica’s natural beauty, I would be honored to create a visual narrative of your special day.

Want to learn more about having All Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica? Click the button below to see my complete guide.

Aerial view of the impressive Riu Guanacaste resort

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.

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