A Riu Guanacaste destination wedding takes place on Playa Matapalo — one of the Pacific coast’s most expansive stretches of dark-sand beach — at a property that completed a full top-to-bottom renovation in 2025. New rooms, redesigned pools, updated restaurants, a new multisport court, and an expanded Splash Park children’s playground mean your guests are arriving to a resort that feels genuinely current, not dated.
With 1,041 rooms and the full Fun4All family program, Riu Guanacaste is built for groups. Seven restaurants and eight bars — including three swim-up bars — keep guests occupied from morning to well past midnight. The newly added Swim-up Double Rooms with private pools, a brand-new additional outdoor pool with swim-up bar, and the Splash Water World water park give every age group something to anchor their day.
Guests staying at Riu Guanacaste also have exchange access to the neighboring Riu Palace Costa Rica, which adds the Renova Spa, a gym, and the Pacha discotheque to an already strong property-level offering. For couples planning a true destination celebration with a large group, Riu Guanacaste delivers the scale to handle it.
Three outdoor venues set directly on Playa Matapalo — click any photo to view the full gallery for each space.
| Event | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Ceremony | 200 |
| Cocktail | 200 |
| Reception | 200 |
| Event | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Ceremony | 200 |
| Cocktail | 200 |
| Reception | 200 |
| Event | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Ceremony | 200 |
| Cocktail | 200 |
| Reception | 200 |
Scroll right on mobile to see all columns
| Venue | Ceremony | Cocktail | Reception | Venue Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matapalo Beach | 200 | 200 | 200 | Included |
| Garden | 200 | 200 | 200 | Included |
| Terrace | 200 | 200 | 200 | Included |
Capacities are per the resort’s wedding planning guide and may vary based on setup style and décor. Confirm all details with the resort wedding coordinator or your 10kWedding specialist prior to booking.
The Riu Guanacaste offers the Indulgence Wedding Collection, covering every element of your ceremony and private reception in one structured package.
Additional guests: $90 USD per person over the 40-guest package limit. Legal ceremony services at additional cost. Confirm current pricing, guest limits, and applicable taxes with your 10kWedding specialist.
Get a QuoteThe Riu Guanacaste sits directly on Playa Matapalo in Sardinal, Guanacaste — Costa Rica’s sunniest province and the primary gateway for international visitors. Guanacaste Airport (LIR) in Liberia handles direct flights from major North American hubs, about an hour from the resort.
The property is surrounded by dense tropical vegetation on a stretch of Pacific coastline where dark volcanic sand meets the ocean. Playas del Coco — the area’s main beach town with shops, restaurants, and dive operators — is about 35 minutes away. The neighboring Riu Palace Costa Rica sits steps away, with guests having full exchange access between both properties.
Direct international flights from major US, Canadian, and European cities. The primary arrival point for most couples and guests.
The main beach town in the area — dining, diving, shopping, and nightlife for guests who want to explore.
The regional city with banks, pharmacies, and the main commercial infrastructure of Guanacaste.
Active volcanic national park with hot springs, zip-lining, and wildlife — a popular day trip for adventurous guests.
One of the world’s most important sea turtle nesting sites — an unforgettable excursion during nesting season.
The closest town to the resort, just minutes away — handy for last-minute essentials during your stay.
Guanacaste is Costa Rica’s driest and sunniest province, which makes it one of the most reliable settings for outdoor ceremonies. The dry season (December through April) consistently delivers clear skies and low humidity — and even in the green season, afternoons typically clear in time for golden-hour events on the Pacific coast.
The region sits within a coastline of volcanic dark-sand beaches, dry tropical forest, and one of Costa Rica’s most accessible wildlife corridors. Guests who stay an extra day or two can access Rincón de la Vieja National Park, boat tours out of Playas del Coco, zip-lining, or a half-day trip to see sea turtles nesting at Ostional.
For couples who want a destination that feels genuinely different from the Caribbean resort model, Guanacaste delivers a landscape, light, and atmosphere that can’t be replicated elsewhere in the region.
Six outdoor pools — including three with swim-up bars (18+) — plus Splash Water World water park with slides open six times per week. Sun loungers, parasols, and pool towels included.
The resort sits directly on 1.3 km of Matapalo beach. Fine, naturally dark volcanic sand surrounded by lush tropical vegetation gives it a character that’s unmistakably Costa Rican.
SUP boards, kayaks, windsurfing equipment, snorkel gear, and a complimentary pool scuba tryout are included. Open-water diving is available 50 m from the resort at an additional charge.
The Renova Spa at the neighboring Riu Palace is accessible to Riu Guanacaste guests via the resort exchange program. Massages, beauty salon, steam bath, and whirlpool available.
Full daytime entertainment program seven days a week, live music and shows every evening, and the Pacha discotheque at the RIU Resort six nights a week — free entry and drinks included.
RIU Land kids’ club for ages 4–7 and 8–12, seven days a week at no extra charge. A new Splash Park children’s playground and the water park kids’ pool with slides round out the family offering.
24-hour gym access at the RIU Resort, group fitness classes daily, a new multisport court, and a beach volleyball court — all included. Golf is available nearby at an additional charge.
Main buffet (Liberia), Italian (Papagayo), Asian (Furama), Mexican (Agave), Steak House, Pepe’s Food grill, and Tiki Taco station — plus a sports bar with All-American favorites. All included.
Following the full 2025 renovation, all rooms at Riu Guanacaste have been refurbished. The property offers standard double rooms, sea view rooms, deluxe rooms, swim-up rooms with a private pool, friends & family configurations, superior family suites, a family suite, and an accessible double — across 1,041 rooms total.
The standard room category. Two beds or one king, available in garden view and courtyard view orientations. Balcony or terrace included.
The same footprint as the standard double but positioned for direct Pacific ocean views. Balcony or terrace included. Two beds or one king.
A step up in size with garden or pool view. Two beds or one king. Sitting area included. A comfortable choice for guests who want a bit more space.
New in 2025. Direct pool access from a small private terrace pool. Two beds or one king. Garden view. Available to guests 18 years and older.
Designed for groups travelling together. One bedroom with sofa bed and an integrated lounge area. Available in standard and garden view configurations.
Two bedrooms in 58 sq m with a sofa bed and balcony. Available in garden and pool view orientations. A practical choice for families attending the celebration.
The largest family configuration. Two separate bedrooms, two bathrooms, a bathtub, and a sofa in 72 sq m — the most spacious option for families travelling together.
The top room category. Front sea views, hydromassage bathtub, bathrobe, dressing room, and a sofa. The natural choice for the couple’s room at Riu Guanacaste.
Fully adapted for guests with reduced mobility. Accessible shower, standard amenities, and sofa. Available in standard and garden view configurations.
The main dining room with live cooking stations. Breakfast 6:30–10:30 AM, lunch 12–3 PM, and dinner 6–9:30 PM with themed evenings three times weekly. Air-conditioned with terrace.
A second main restaurant serving breakfast and lunch buffet (subject to occupancy), with optional Italian dinner buffet from 6–8:30 PM. Air-conditioned with terrace.
Asian cuisine served as an optional dinner buffet from 6–8:30 PM. Air-conditioned. Reservations recommended for wedding groups.
Mexican cuisine served as an optional dinner buffet from 6–8:30 PM. Air-conditioned. A natural group dinner choice for couples with larger extended celebrations.
The only à la carte dinner option on property. Premium steaks and grilled cuts from 6–8:30 PM. Air-conditioned. Reservations recommended.
8 Bars — All Included: Tamarindo (lobby bar), Pura Vida (lounge bar with stage), La Plaza (bar), Candy (ice cream parlor), Santa Cruz, Guaro, and Filadelfia (three poolside swim-up bars, 18+), and Sports Bar / American Country (24 hours, All-American favorites à la carte 1–10 PM). Two Pepe’s Food grills and two Tiki Taco stations serve lunch and snacks 12–5:30 PM daily.
Booking your Riu Guanacaste destination wedding through 10kWedding means working with destination wedding specialists who do this exclusively. We have direct relationships with the resort’s wedding and group sales teams, which means we can advocate for your group in ways a direct booking simply can’t.
From negotiating your room block contract to managing guest bookings and coordinating with your vendor team on the ground, we handle the complexity so your planning experience stays manageable. Our fee is paid by the resort — which means your planning support costs you nothing.
We combine the technology of a modern booking platform with the expertise and personal care of a dedicated travel specialist who has been inside these resorts, met the coordinators, and knows what matters on wedding day.
Our planning services are 100% free to couples.
Simple, transparent room rates. Easy payment terms. That’s the 10kWedding commitment.
GET STARTED TODAY →10kWedding are destination wedding specialists who know this resort inside and out. We handle the room block negotiations, advocate for your group, and coordinate everything — while you focus on celebrating. Our service is always free to couples.
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