Getting Married in Nosara? Here's What to Know About Bridal Beauty in the Tropics
Nosara is one of the most magical places on earth to get married: the jungle, the surf, the golden light… even the bumpy roads. But as someone who has been working weddings in Costa Rica for over five years, I can tell you that the same things that make Nosara so beautiful can also make your wedding morning a little unpredictable if you're not prepared.
Here's what I tell every bride I work with before her Costa Rica wedding day.
Photo by Megan McCullorPhotography
1. Take the Heat and Humidity Seriously — and Plan Your Beauty Team Accordingly
This is the big one. Nosara is hot and humid, full stop. The best thing you can do is book a professional hair stylist and makeup artist who actually knows the climate — not someone who has only worked in air-conditioned salons in the US. After more than five years working weddings in Costa Rica and over ten years in bridal, I've learned exactly which products hold up and which ones don't, and how to adapt in real time when the weather has other plans.
I'd also strongly recommend booking your artist to stay with you through sunset and the end of portraits — not just for the getting-ready portion. Touch-ups in a tropical climate aren't optional; they're essential. You’ll want someone following you around with a handheld fan, an anti-humidity hairspray, and some powder for your T-zone. I keep a roll of paper towels on hand at every Costa Rica wedding specifically to dab sweat off my brides' backs before photos. It sounds unglamorous, but it's the kind of thing that makes a real difference in how you look and feel all day.
A few other heat-related tips:
Use an antiperspirant spray, not a stick. It applies more evenly and won't leave residue on your dress.
Wear a thin pair of cooling, anti-chafe shorts under your dress if your silhouette allows for it. Your future self will thank you.
2. Thinking About a Pre-Wedding Ocean Dip? Read This First.
I get it — you're getting married in Costa Rica, the ocean is right there, and jumping in before you get ready sounds like a dreamy way to start your wedding morning. If this is part of your plan, just make sure you've built in enough time to dry your hair completely before your appointment.
Any moisture left in the hair — even a little — will cause curls to fall and frizz to appear almost instantly in the humidity. We're not talking a quick blow-dry situation. We're talking fully, thoroughly, 100% dry, with tension. If there's any doubt, skip the swim and save it for the reception.
3. Your Skin Is Probably Going to Love It (With One Caveat)
Here's some good news: the humidity in Costa Rica does genuinely wonderful things for most people's skin, hair, and nails. Basically all of my brides have a major glow going before my brushes even touch their face.
The one thing to keep in mind is that heat and humidity tend to increase sebum production, which can make skin look shinier throughout the day. If you have oily or combination skin, I'd recommend switching to a lightweight moisturizer in the weeks leading up to your wedding — something that hydrates without adding weight. This small adjustment can make a big difference in how your makeup wears. I offer a complimentary 60-minute virtual skin care consultation in the months leading up to the wedding for all of my brides so we can ensure their skin care routine is optimized for pre-wedding glow and go over any changes that might need to take place once the plane lands.
4. Don't Count on Finding Nail Services in Costa Rica
Depending on exactly where you're staying, nail appointments in Costa Rica can be genuinely hard to come by. Salons are limited, appointments fill up fast during wedding season, and last-minute options are often nonexistent.
My recommendation: bring a high-quality set of press-on nails as a backup. They've gotten remarkably good in recent years, and having them on hand means a chipped nail the day before your wedding becomes a five-minute fix instead of a crisis.
5. Take Sun Protection More Seriously Than You Think You Need To
I've worked hundreds of weddings in Costa Rica, and at nearly every single one, there is at least one bridesmaid or groomsman who ends up with a serious, dermatologist-visit-worthy sunburn. It happens constantly — and it almost always happens to someone who thought they were being careful.
Costa Rica sits very close to the equator, and the UV index here is no joke. The sun is strong from the moment it rises, even on overcast days. Here's what I tell everyone in my couples' wedding parties:
Wear SPF from sun up to sun down, every day leading up to your wedding — not just on the wedding day itself.
Reapply every two hours, especially if you're near the water or sweating.
Don't rely on SPF in your makeup or moisturizer alone. Use a dedicated sunscreen underneath.
Don’t just rely on SPF; keep your body out of the sun when the sun is at its peak.
A sunburned face or shoulders on your wedding day is heartbreaking, and it's almost always preventable. Please take this one seriously.
Ready to Book Your Nosara Wedding Hair & Makeup?
I'm returning to Costa Rica for the 2027 wedding season (January through April) and am currently booking for that window. If you're getting married in Nosara, Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, or anywhere else on the Nicoya Peninsula, I'd love to be part of your day.
Lisa Boehm is a Portland, Oregon-based hair stylist, makeup artist, and esthetician with a Bachelor's degree in Identity and Adornment, a cosmetology license, and an esthetics license. She has been working destination weddings in Costa Rica for over five years and specializes in natural, skin-forward bridal beauty that holds up in any climate.