Benefits of Doing a Venue Site Visit Before Your Destination Wedding in Costa Rica
Planning a destination wedding in Costa Rica is one of the most exciting adventures of your life, but it can also feel like a leap of faith when you’re making decisions from thousands of miles away. You’re picking venues, menus, and vendors based on photos, emails, and recommendations, without truly experiencing them in person.
That’s why I always encourage my couples to invest in a venue site visit before the big day, it’s one of the most valuable steps in the planning journey.
I’m Jenifer Hernández, a luxury wedding planner in Costa Rica, and me and my team have guided countless couples through this process. Every time, they walk away not only more confident about their choices, but also more connected to the vision of their wedding.
And yes, many even say it’s the moment when their wedding dream finally feels real. Here’s why a site visit is worth every moment:
1. Seeing the Venue in Person
Photos are beautiful, but they can never fully capture the energy of a space. When you step into your venue, you’ll feel its atmosphere, the way the breeze carries through the terrace, the sound of the waves in the background, or the intimacy of a tucked-away garden. This moment helps you instantly know and feel the iconic THIS IS IT moment.
2. Meet Vendors Face-to-Face
Emails and calls are helpful, but nothing builds trust like meeting your wedding team in person. From photographers and planners to chefs and make-up artists, you'll be able to experience first hand the quality and service of vendors. From getting your bridal hair & makeup trial, to booking a menu tasting in your venue and also capturing your love story with an engagement session with your photographer.
A site visit allows you to connect, share ideas, and feel the confidence that these are the people who will bring your vision to life. It will give you the chance to have a glimpse of what your big day will look like. IIt transforms vendors into partners who are invested in your love story.
3. Test the Guest Experience
One of the best parts of a site visit is stepping into your guests’ shoes. You’ll see the rooms they’ll stay in, try the transport routes from the airport, and experience the service firsthand. This helps you anticipate and plan for their comfort, ensuring your loved ones feel pampered and cared for from the moment they arrive.
4. Taste the Menu & Drinks
Food and cocktails are such a big part of your celebration. It’s the experience guests will talk about long after the wedding ends. A tasting lets you explore flavors, finalize your menu, and maybe even add a personal twist like a signature cocktail inspired by your love story. This is when the dining experience becomes uniquely yours.
5. Visualize Your Wedding Design
Pinterest boards and moodboards are great, but nothing compares to seeing the actual space where your flowers, lighting, and décor will come together. During a site visit, you can walk through the layout, imagine where you’ll exchange vows, and even test how the sunset light will hit during golden hour. It’s the moment your vision stops being abstract and becomes tangible.
6. Review Logistics On-Site
This is where my planner brain kicks in. Our team and Senior Coordinator will guide you andl walk through timelines, plan set-ups, talk about backup weather options, and identify the best spots for photos. By handling these details in advance, you’ll avoid surprises and ensure your wedding day flows smoothly.
7. Peace of Mind
One of the biggest benefits? You’ll leave your site visit with complete clarity. You’ll know you’ve chosen the right venue, vendors, and design direction and that confidence allows you to actually enjoy the rest of the planning process without second-guessing.
8. Make It a Romantic Trip
And here’s the fun part: a site visit doubles as a mini pre-honeymoon! Imagine spending the day planning and then unwinding with sunset cocktails, spa treatments, or a little adventure with your partner. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate your engagement while also preparing for your big day.
A venue site visit is so much more than a planning step—it’s an experience that connects you to your wedding in Costa Rica on a deeper level.
It gives you confidence, clarity, and joy, transforming planning from a task into a memory you’ll cherish.
Want to get the most out of your venue visit? I’ll curate every detail! From venue tours, tastings, vendor meetings, and even romantic downtime—so you leave feeling inspired and completely at ease. Explore my portfolio to see how I’ve helped other couples, and book a consultation call today. Together, we’ll make sure your destination wedding in Costa Rica feels effortless, unforgettable, and authentically you.