Riu Palace vs Riu Guanacaste: Which Is Better for Your Wedding?

bride and groom on the beach at riu palace costa rica

Planning a Wedding at Riu Costa Rica

Planning a wedding at Riu Costa Rica? There are actually two resorts on the same property — Riu Palace and Riu Guanacaste — and the choice usually comes down to budget. Couples see the numbers and decide based on what works for them and how many guests they’re bringing.

Both are on the same beachfront property and share the same beach. But the feel is pretty different. Riu Palace is more exclusive and more intimate. There are not as many people milling about. Riu Guanacaste is more social, more active, and easier on the budget.

Riu Palace vs Riu Guanacaste: Which Is Better for Your Wedding?

A smiling bride with long dark hair wears a white lace wedding dress and holds a bouquet of purple flowers, captured by a Riu weddings photographer as she stands in a bright hallway with white walls and arched windows.

RIU GUANACASTE WEDDINGS

Riu Guanacaste Costa Rica Wedding Guide

Planning a Wedding at Riu Guanacaste Costa Rica

Outdoor wedding ceremony on a green lawn with guests seated in white chairs, palm trees, and a large white building with domes in the background under a blue sky—perfectly captured by a Riu weddings photographer.

Riu is my top recommendation for large weddings. When you have 100 or more guests, you can’t really fit everyone into a villa rental or a boutique hotel. Riu has the space, the capacity, and the infrastructure to handle a big wedding well.

Riu Guanacaste shares the same beachfront as Riu Palace but has a more energetic feel. It’s a livelier atmosphere, which works really well for couples who want a big, social wedding experience.

A bride and groom stand separately on different floors of a white, columned building with balconies under a blue sky and palm tree, beautifully captured by a Riu weddings photographer.

A couple walks hand in hand along a sandy beach at sunset during their engagement session at Riu Guanacaste. The woman in a white dress and the man in a brown shirt with light pants enjoy gentle waves lapping at the shore, with a tree-covered hill gracing the background.

What Riu Guanacaste Is Like

OVERVIEW

Riu Guanacaste is the more budget-friendly resort on the Riu property and is a popular choice for destination weddings with larger guest lists.

It shares the same beachfront location as Riu Palace but has a more social and energetic atmosphere, which many groups enjoy.

Who Riu Guanacaste Is Best For

GOOD FIT

Riu is great for couples who want an easy wedding where their guests are comfortable and taken care of. Your guests walk from their hotel room to the ceremony without getting in a car or a van. During the week they have everything they need right there — food, drinks, pools, activities. It’s a really simple setup for a large group.

Larger guest lists

A more social and lively atmosphere

A more affordable all-inclusive option

Guests who want to stay together at the same resort

A bride in a white gown and a groom in a black tuxedo walk hand in hand outdoors, smiling, as their Riu weddings photographer captures the moment with guests seated on white chairs and a floral arch in the background.

A bride in a lace gown smiles while holding hands with a woman in a purple dress. Two people in lavender dresses hold the bride’s train as they pose for their Riu weddings photographer on a bright balcony with white columns and ocean views.

What a Wedding Day Looks Like

WEDDING FLOW

Getting ready happens in rooms spread across the property. One partner can be on one end of the resort while the other is getting ready all the way on the other side. The rooms have really nice light, so there is a lot of good space for getting ready photographs. If the bride wants to use the spa instead, that works really well too — lots of options and nice lighting there as well.
Ceremonies can be on the beach in a shaded area, or in the garden. The garden is a good option if any of your guests have mobility issues or really need shade — the heat in Costa Rica can be a lot for some people. There are also covered backup options if it rains.
After the ceremony we do family formals right there by the tree line, then couple portraits either in the gardens or on the beach. The shaded tree line next to the beach is one of my favorite spots on the property for portraits.

Weddings at Riu Guanacaste, Costa Rica

A big beach, all-inclusive planning, and a wedding designed for large groups who want everyone in one place.

A large circular floral arch, perfect for a Riu weddings photographer, is decorated with white, purple, and pink flowers on a grassy lawn behind a small white table holding a flower arrangement and a book, with trees in the background.

Things to

Consider Before Booking

Riu Guanacaste is a great option for the right couple, but it has a different feel than Riu Palace.
The resort is more active and can feel busier, especially during peak travel times, which is something to consider when choosing your wedding location.

More budget-friendly than Riu Palace

More guests and a more active atmosphere

Less private than higher-end resorts

Better for groups who want a social experience

See the ceremony, portraits, reception, and guest experience at one of Costa Rica’s most popular all-inclusive wedding venues.

Watch a Real Wedding at Riu Guanacaste

Before booking, most couples want to know what the day actually feels like. This is a real wedding I photographed at Riu Guanacaste — the ceremony setup, the beach portraits, the reception. If you are planning a destination wedding in Costa Rica, this will give you a good sense of what your day could look like here.

Why Choose Riu Palace Guanacaste for Your Wedding?

Riu Palace is the more upscale of the two resorts. It feels more intimate — there are not as many people milling about compared to Riu Guanacaste. It is currently doing a full overhaul, remodeling everything and building new buildings, so by next year there will likely be an even bigger difference between the two resorts.
It handles larger guest lists well, and the dedicated wedding team takes care of most of the planning for you.

Luxury Accommodations for Your Wedding Party

The rooms have really nice light, which makes a big difference for getting ready photographs. Some brides choose to get ready in the spa instead, which also has great lighting and a lot of options. Either way, you will have good space for the getting ready portion of your day.

One logistics thing to keep in mind: because the resort is spread out, getting ready can happen in two very different parts of the property. If you need to coordinate sending gifts or getting people to check in on each other, just plan for that ahead of time.

All-Inclusive Wedding Experience at Riu Palace

One of the main reasons couples choose Riu Palace Costa Rica is the all-inclusive wedding experience, where most of your food, drinks, and guest activities are included:

Multiple dining options including buffets and specialty restaurants
Premium beverages throughout your stay
Entertainment and activities for all wedding guests
Spa access for wedding preparation and post-celebration relaxation

For weddings at Riu Palace , this all-inclusive approach means you can focus entirely on your celebration while everything else is expertly handled.

Wedding Ceremony Locations at Riu Palace

Riu offers a few different ceremony options. The beach ceremony on Playa Matapalo is the most popular. The garden is a good alternative for couples who want more shade or have guests with mobility issues. And the terrace works well for smaller groups who want elevated views.

The Garden Wedding Experience

The garden is a good choice if you want more shade or if any of your guests struggle with heat. Costa Rica can get really warm, and a shaded ceremony spot makes a big difference for your guests’ comfort.

Beach Weddings at Riu Palace

Matapalo Beach is a genuinely nice beach — not just a beach that exists so they can put it on the brochure. There is a lot of space, and a nice tree line right where they set up ceremonies. After the ceremony we use that tree line for family formals in the shade, then walk the couple down the beach for portraits.
One thing worth knowing: the beach has a pretty strong incline. At high tide it gets unlevel, so for large family group shots on the sand there may only be one good spot where everyone can stand level. I always scout this before we start formals so we don’t lose time.
Also, there is a large land mass to the left of the beach. The sun sets behind it most of the year, so you won’t get the classic sun-on-the-horizon shot. What you do get is beautiful sky color and really amazing light at that time. It photographs really well — it’s just a different look than what you’d see at Playa Langosta or Hacienda Pinilla.

Terrace Weddings with Panoramic Views

The terrace is a beautiful reception option. It’s open air with string lights and looks amazing at night. It’s also a practical choice for guests who want to wear high heels — the terrace is a lot easier to navigate than the lawn or beach. The views looking out toward the ocean are really nice from up there.

Wedding Planning at Riu Palace

Silhouette of a couple embracing by the beach at sunset, framed by palm trees. The sun is setting on the horizon, casting a warm glow on the couple and the ocean.

Planning a wedding at Riu Palace Costa Rica is designed to be simple, especially for couples planning from abroad.

The resort provides a dedicated wedding team that helps coordinate your ceremony, reception, and timeline so you don’t have to manage everything yourself.

A wedding coordinator to guide you through the planning process
Ceremony setup, basic décor, and bouquet options
Reception dinner options based on your guest count
Music and timeline coordination for your wedding day

You can keep things simple with a standard package or customize details depending on your priorities.

Wedding Reception Options at Riu Palace

After the ceremony, couples choose between a semi-private dinner or a full private reception. Both work well depending on your group size and budget.

Smaller groups typically reserve one of the specialty restaurants. Larger weddings book a private space. The beach reception is always a hit — guests love dancing under the stars right on the sand. There are also indoor spaces with AC if your guests need that, which is a real plus for a group that isn’t used to the heat.

Food and drinks are already included in the all-inclusive, so costs are more predictable. And because your guests are already on property, they just walk from their room to the reception. No coordination, no transport, no one getting lost.

Semi-private wedding dinners in specialty restaurants including Asian “Furama,” Italian “La Toscana,” gourmet “Tucán,” or the signature steakhouse
Private reception options for larger wedding parties
World-class chefs preparing custom menus for your wedding feast
Extensive variety to accommodate all preferences and dietary needs

What Your Guests Can Expect at Riu Palace Costa Rica

One of the biggest advantages of a resort wedding is that your guests are already on vacation. They are safe, comfortable, and having a good time before your wedding even starts. During the week they have everything they need right there.

Most couples love this setup. It takes the stress off of worrying about your guests. You know everyone is taken care of, and you can focus on actually enjoying your wedding.

Resort Amenities

Multiple swimming pools including a main pool and separate kids’ pool
Complimentary sun loungers for relaxation
Evening entertainment including shows and live music
On-site discotheque and casino

Sports and Activities

Tennis courts and fully-equipped gym
Beach volleyball and water sports
Windsurfing, kayaking, and snorkeling
Introductory diving lessons

Spa Services

Steam bath and whirlpool treatments
Beach volleyball and water sports
Windsurfing, kayaking, and snorkeling
Introductory diving lessons

Best Time of Day for Wedding Photos at Riu Palace Costa Rica

The best light at Riu is around sunset. Even though the sun goes behind the land mass rather than into the ocean, the colors in the sky at that time of year are really amazing. Plan your ceremony time so portraits with the couple fall around that window. The exact timing depends on the season and the size of your wedding — I help couples figure this out once we know their date.

The balance is not starting too early when it is too hot, and not starting so late that we run out of light before we finish portraits. It is worth thinking through this early when you are picking your ceremony time.

Cost of a Riu Costa Rica Wedding

The cost of a wedding at Riu Costa Rica depends on the resort you choose, your guest count, and the package you select.

Most couples choose between Riu Guanacaste for a more budget-friendly option or Riu Palace Costa Rica for a more upgraded experience, which can affect the overall cost.

WEDDING COSTS

What You Can Expect to Spend

Average Wedding Costs at Riu Costa Rica

An outdoor event unfolds at night before a grand, illuminated building with palm trees under a starry sky, captured beautifully by a Riu weddings photographer. The audience appears in shadowy silhouettes, adding to the enchanting scene.

Wedding packages at Riu typically start around $1,500 to $5,000 for smaller weddings and can increase depending on your guest count, upgrades, and private reception options. Your total cost will also include travel and accommodations for you and your guests, which are part of the all-inclusive experience.

Riu Guanacaste is typically the more affordable option

Riu Palace Costa Rica offers a more upgraded experience at a higher cost

Guest count has the biggest impact on total pricing

Private receptions and upgrades will increase your budget

A bride in a long white gown and veil walks hand in hand with a groom in a black suit across a wide, green grassy field, beautifully captured from above and behind by a Riu weddings photographer.

A bride and groom walk hand in hand down a garden path, smiling at each other, surrounded by trees and greenery on a sunny day, beautifully captured by a Riu weddings photographer.

Riu Palace vs Riu Guanacaste Weddings

KEY DIFFERENCES

One of the biggest decisions when planning a wedding at Riu Costa Rica is choosing between Riu Palace Costa Rica and Riu Guanacaste.

Both resorts share the same beachfront location and wedding team, but the overall experience can feel very different depending on which one you choose.

Riu Palace is quieter and more refined, while Riu Guanacaste is more social and budget-friendly, which can affect how your wedding day feels.

Which Riu Resort Is Right for Your Wedding?

Riu Palace vs Riu Guanacaste

Riu Palace Costa Rica is the more upscale option, with a quieter atmosphere and a more refined guest experience. It’s a better fit for couples who want a more relaxed and elevated feel.

Riu Guanacaste is more social and budget-friendly, which makes it a strong choice for larger groups and couples who want a more energetic, all-inclusive experience.

Riu Guanacaste is more social and budget-friendly

Both share the same beach and some ceremony locations

Guests at Riu Palace can access both resorts

Guests at Riu Guanacaste cannot access Riu Palace

Rows of white chairs are arranged on a grassy lawn facing a floral arch and small table, ready for an outdoor wedding ceremony. A Riu weddings photographer is prepared to capture every moment under the clear sky with trees in the background.

A young boy in a black suit stands on a grassy hill, hands in his pockets, as captured by a Riu weddings photographer, with trees and a rocky, brown hillside softly blurred in the background.

Pros and Cons of Getting Married at Riu Costa Rica

What couples love, and what to think about before you book

Riu Costa Rica is one of the easiest places to plan a destination wedding, especially if you’re traveling with a group and want everything in one location.

At the same time, it’s important to understand the tradeoffs. The experience is more structured than a private venue, and the atmosphere can feel busy depending on the resort you choose.

A bride in a long, flowing gown and veil stands on a balcony, gazing over a scenic outdoor landscape. Captured by a Riu weddings photographer, the moment is timelessly preserved in elegant black and white.

Is Riu Costa Rica the Right Wedding Venue for You?

Riu is a great solution for an easy wedding where your guests will be comfortable and have a really good time. But I want to be honest about something: if you and your guests are the more adventurous type — if you want to see the real Costa Rica, explore local restaurants, get out into the country — then a resort wedding might not be what you are looking for.
A resort keeps everyone safe and comfortable and well-fed. But it is a contained experience. If your guests want to feel like they are actually in Costa Rica rather than at a nice hotel that happens to be in Costa Rica, you might want to look at a private venue instead. It all depends on the level of comfort you want for your guests and how much travel adventure you want built into the week.

Choose Riu Palace if you want a quieter and more upscale feel

Choose Riu Guanacaste if you want a more social and budget-friendly option

Works best for larger groups traveling together

Less ideal for highly private weddings

Riu Costa Rica Wedding Photography

I have photographed a lot of weddings at Riu — both Riu Palace and Riu Guanacaste. I know how the day flows here, where the good light is, how to work around the beach incline at high tide, and how to keep things moving when the getting ready rooms are on opposite ends of the property.

My approach is documentary. I don’t direct or stage moments. I let the day unfold and document it as it happens. You won’t be pulled away from your guests for long portrait sessions, and nothing will feel forced. See my wedding photography packages or get in touch if you have questions about how the day works at Riu.

If you are planning a wedding at Riu Guanacaste or Riu Palace Costa Rica and want photographs that feel real, get in touch. I’d love to hear about your wedding. You can also take a look at my broader guide to all-inclusive weddings in Costa Rica to see how Riu compares to other resorts.

Wedding Photography Packages

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.