Do not navigate away from this page or close your browser whilst your request is being processed
Central America is one of the world’s most romantic regions — and yet it remains a well-kept secret compared to the Caribbean or Europe.
Stretching from Belize to Panama, this tropical strip of paradise offers beaches, jungles, volcanoes, historic towns, and hidden luxury resorts that make it ideal for couples planning a destination wedding or honeymoon.
For couples seeking both romance and adventure, Central America delivers an unforgettable mix of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and affordable luxury. Whether you dream of barefoot vows on a private beach, saying “I do” beneath rainforest waterfalls, or exploring vibrant colonial towns, you’ll find the perfect setting here.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top Central American destinations for weddings and honeymoons — including Belize, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Panama — with a special spotlight on Rancho Santana in Nicaragua, one of the region’s most breathtaking luxury escapes.
Couples are increasingly turning to Central America for romantic getaways. Here’s why:
ROMANTIC VARIETY – From luxury beachfront resorts to remote eco-lodges, there’s a destination for every couple.
CULTURAL RICHNESS – Spanish colonial towns, Mayan ruins, Afro-Caribbean culture, and vibrant traditions add depth to your celebrations.
EASY ACCESS – Direct flights from the US, Canada, and Europe make travel seamless.
AFFORDABLE LUXURY – You can enjoy five-star experiences at a fraction of the cost of many Caribbean islands.
If your dream wedding or honeymoon involves turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and world-class diving, Belize is your paradise.
Highlights include:
PRIVATE CAYES for barefoot ceremonies and honeymoons in seclusion
GREAT BLUE HOLE DIVING & REEF SNORKELLING for adventurous couples
JUNGLE ECO LODGES offering Mayan-inspired ceremonies and nature immersion
✨ Featured Stay: Chabil Mar Villas in Placencia, Belize offers an intimate guest-exclusive beachfront resort, perfect for couples seeking a luxurious and romantic Caribbean escape.
Costa Rica is world-renowned for eco-luxury and adventure honeymoons. Imagine starting your wedding with a beach ceremony at sunset, then escaping into the rainforest for a honeymoon of hot springs, cloud forests, and adventure tours.
Highlights include:
ECO LUXURY RESORTS that combine sustainability with indulgence
HOT SPRING SPAS in Arenal, with views of the iconic volcano
ADVENTURE HONEYMOON — zip-lining, waterfall hikes, whitewater rafting
✨ Featured Stay: Luna Lodge on the Osa Peninsula offers one of the most romantic and secluded rainforest retreats in Central America. Perfect for couples seeking both nature and wellness.
Often overlooked, Nicaragua is one of the most romantic destinations in Central America. Think charming colonial cities, volcanic lakes, and endless stretches of unspoiled Pacific coastline. And at its heart is one of the most spectacular resorts in the region:
Set between the wild Emerald Coast of the Pacific Ocean, Rancho Santana is a luxury resort that blends barefoot adventure with timeless romance.
FIVE BEACHES to explore — perfect for sunset weddings and private picnics
LUXURY VILLAS & OCEAN VIEW SUITES for honeymoon and holiday seclusion
WORLD CLASS DINING featuring fresh, farm-to-table cuisine
ENDLESS ACTIVITIES: horseback riding, surfing, hiking, yoga, spa treatments
WEDDING VENUES that range from intimate oceanfront chapels to grand open-air terraces
✨ Why we love it: Rancho Santana is where wild natural beauty meets luxurious romance — making it ideal for weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries, or simply a romantic escape.
👉 View full details, packages and enquire
Beyond Rancho Santana, couples can also explore:
GRANADA – one of Central America’s most romantic colonial towns
LAGUNA de APOYO – a volcanic crater lake, perfect for unique wedding photos
Guatemala offers a blend of culture, history, and natural wonder that few destinations can match.
Highlights include:
COLONIAL ANTIGUA – cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and dramatic volcano backdrops
LAKE ATITLAN – considered one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, surrounded by indigenous villages and mountains
MAYAN RUINS at Tikal for adventurous honeymoon day trips
✨ Featured Stay: Pensativo House Hotel in Antigua, Guatemala is a boutique luxury retreat perfect for couples looking for a romantic blend of colonial charm and modern elegance.
Panama is where modern luxury meets exotic island life.
Highlights include:
PANAMA CITY – skyline weddings and luxury hotels overlooking the Pacific
BOCAS del TORO – laid-back Caribbean vibes, perfect for barefoot honeymoons
SAN BLAS ISLANDS – authentic and remote escapes for couples seeking privacy
✨ Featured Stay: La Concordia Boutique Hotel in Panama offers a super-romantic escape, blending historic architecture with contemporary luxury in the heart of Casco Viejo.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: The dry season (December–April) is ideal, but the green season (May–November) offers fewer crowds and lush landscapes.
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS: Each country has different marriage laws. Many couples choose symbolic ceremonies abroad combined with a legal ceremony at home.
TRAVEL LOGISTICS: Most destinations are within a few hours’ flight from major US hubs. Hiring a romance travel planner ensures smooth logistics for you and your guests.
Whether you’re dreaming of tropical island vows in Belize, eco-luxury in Costa Rica, or a wild yet refined escape at Nicaragua’s Rancho Santana, Central America offers endless opportunities for unforgettable weddings and honeymoons.
Q: What’s the best country in Central America for destination weddings?
A: Belize for private islands, Costa Rica for eco‑luxury, and Nicaragua’s Rancho Santana for dramatic oceanfront romance and five beaches.
Q: Is Nicaragua good for honeymoons?
A: Yes—secluded beaches, colonial towns like Granada, volcanic lakes, and luxury resorts such as Rancho Santana make it a standout.
Q: When is the best time to visit Central America?
A: Dry season (Dec–Apr) is most popular; green season (May–Nov) is lush, quieter, and often better value.
Q: Can we have a legal ceremony in Central America?
A: Laws vary by country; many couples do a symbolic ceremony abroad and handle the legal paperwork at home.
Q: How much does a Central America destination wedding cost?
A: Budgets vary widely; couples often save versus the Caribbean while upgrading to boutique or eco‑luxury venues.
👉 Start planning today: BROWSE ALL DESTINATIONS HERE