(PRWEB) January 30, 2014
Globalization is a phenomenon that reaches every facet of modern day life. As the world flattens and international travel becomes easier, taking significant events such as reunions, anniversaries, and weddings abroad becomes more and more appealing. Travel shows, websites and publications have opened the entire world to new visitors, and stimulated the imaginations of the new generation. No longer is it wild and exotic to get married in such well-known places as the Bahamas or Hawaii. Adventurous fiancées are now looking beyond the garden hedge to stage the most significant events of their lives.
These days one out of every four to six weddings is held abroad—and most of these in exotic and tropical areas. While the Bahamas, Hawaii, Mexico and Cayman Islands have long been known for destinations weddings, Costa Rica is just now making the hot list—and is moving up quickly. For Google searches in the U.S. for destination weddings, Costa Rica now ranks 9th—just behind Florida.
Costa Rica represents a different sort of destination for weddings. Unlike the assembly-line wedding machines like Sandals in the Bahamas, Costa Rica is something more rugged and exotic. There are tropical beaches aplenty, but also an omnipresent natural beauty which stems from the rainforest and mountains. Areas such as Manuel Antonio bring together a perfect combination of elements—pristine beaches, a world-famous national park, vivid rainforest, wildlife and upper-end accommodations. Brides-to-be have a perfect stage upon which to capture the moment—sunsets over the pacific, verdant green jungle, and monkeys swinging through the trees.
A jungle wedding doesn’t mean it has to be difficult, however. Professional wedding coordinators, travel agencies and vacation rental concierges are experienced in creating the perfect event in the tropics, and can take the worry and risk out of the picture. Many couples choose to rent a luxury, ocean-view vacation villa in which both families can stay—providing not only accommodations, but also a venue for the wedding or reception. Vacation villas such as the VP Private Resort, in Manuel Antonio, offer not only a great setting for the event, but beds for 20, a private chef and concierge all in one. Villa Vigia offers a rainforest setting with backdrop of the beach, ocean and national park.
John Williamson, a professional wedding photographer in Manuel Antonio, has noted the increase in beach weddings over the past two years. “Now I see people from all over getting married here—Americans, Canadians, English, Argentinian, Indian, Asian—you name it. There are some really beautiful ceremonies.” Estela Ramirez, owner of Manuel Antonio Rental Properties has also noted the spike: “2014 is certain to be a big year for weddings,” she claims. "I expect as much as a 50% increase in our bookings from last year."
Given that a wedding is one of the most important events in a person’s life, setting the stage is key to making it a memorable one. Costa Rica is affluent in its natural beauty, and is quickly becoming one of the most popular destination wedding countries in the tropics. Manuel Antonio brings all of the elements together—from beaches and rainforest to gourmet restaurants and wedding venues.