Queer Costa Rica Destination Wedding

Two brides stand on a forest path, holding hands and gazing at each other, surrounded by lush greenery.

Queer Costa Rica Destination Wedding

CATEGORIES

February 28, 2025
Words by Lauren Ertl
Photos courtesy of Sylvia Guardia

Lush greenery, an incredible culinary scene, and proximity to the Caribbean islands where the couple resides compelled Jenna and Ruth to tie the knot, Pura Vida style! A Costa Rica destination wedding couldn’t have been a better fit for these brides.

“We love Costa Rica for its chilled vibes and great food,” Ruth says. Right from the start, the couple knew they had one important requirement for their ideal venue: a private setting where their guests could stay together.

Two women in red dresses face each other, with a scenic ocean view. A table with red candles is near a window. Other images show a tea set and people gathered outside.

“We took advice from our planner and could not have been happier with Punto de Vista!” The villa not only provided luxurious accommodations but also an expert concierge team that managed travel logistics, ensuring a seamless experience for their guests.

Jenna and Ruth’s wedding beautifully blended their diverse backgrounds—Jenna, of Chinese heritage, and Ruth, with Caribbean and British roots. One of the most meaningful traditions they incorporated was a Chinese tea ceremony, a cherished custom symbolizing respect and gratitude for their families.

Outdoor venue with ocean view, decorated with flowers. A photo below shows White flowers. Another photo features the book "milk and honey" by Rupi Kaur with pens on a surface.

Further personalizing their celebration, the brides chose to read aloud poems that spoke to their love and devotion in place of written vows. “Our friends officiated our ceremony, which made the whole thing very personal and perfect,” the couple says. The setting—a sunlit terrace with panoramic ocean views—only enhanced the intimacy and magic of the moment.

Food was another key element of Ruth and Jenna’s Costa Rica destination wedding. “We really wanted a menu that incorporated both cultures,” Jenna says. “Chef Desiree did an amazing job creating a fusion menu.” Guests delighted in a culinary experience that reflected the couple’s rich cultural backgrounds, bringing everyone together over shared flavors and traditions.

Two women in white dresses getting married, standing under floral decorations. Another woman in pink reads from a paper. Forested landscape visible through windows in the background.

As the sun sunk down over the ocean, the celebration transitioned into an elegant outdoor reception. Tables adorned with flowers, candles, and twinkling string lights set the mood for a joyous evening of dining and dancing. Their guests—just 36 close friends and family members—felt not just welcomed but truly celebrated. “The staff at Punto de Vista made everyone feel like VIPs for the duration of our stay, even leaving sloth toys as gifts for the children,” the brides share.

Two women in white dresses walk hand-in-hand on a forest path. One set of images shows them holding up their dresses and walking together. Dense green foliage surrounds them. A wooden outdoor dining setup with multiple tables and chairs, decorated with flowers and candles. Twinkling lights hang overhead, and a scenic view of water and hills is visible in the background.

With live music from Nablo Vibes, a top-tier menu from Costa Dez, and a lively atmosphere curated by Costa Rica DJ, the night unfolded as a true reflection of Jenna and Ruth’s love—filled with a carefree vibe and an undeniable sense of togetherness.

While the day was nearly flawless, one minor hiccup threatened to derail things—Ruth accidentally got black eyelash glue on her dress just before the ceremony. “Thankfully, Karen (our planner) worked magic in 10 minutes!” Jenna says, highlighting the importance of having a skilled team by your side on your wedding day.

Two brides in white dresses holding hands under string lights at a decorated venue; guests in formal attire celebrate during the reception with dancing and smiling.