Hallmark’s romantic comedy film, “A Costa Rican Wedding,” is directed by Colin Theys. The movie tells the story of Emily, who gets the chance to be the maid of honor at her best friend’s wedding in a beautiful destination. But things take an unexpected turn, and Emily, known for her clumsiness, finds herself in a tricky situation. To her surprise, her charming rival, Ryan, is also at the wedding. As the story unfolds, viewers get curious about the locations where the film was shot since most of the story happens in Costa Rica.
Where was “A Costa Rican Wedding” filmed?
To make sure the film felt real, the production team decided to shoot “A Costa Rican Wedding” in various parts of Costa Rica. They chose places like Puntarenas and San José to capture the beauty of the country. The filming began in March 2024 and was completed within the same month, taking just a few weeks to finish. According to Marysela Zamora from the National Film Commission, “Usually, Hallmark movies are not filmed outside the United States, but the director loved our country.” Reports say that around 60 Costa Ricans were hired to help with different tasks like camera work, transportation, and catering.
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
A major part of the movie was filmed in the Costa Rican province of Puntarenas. The production team used the stunning natural scenery of Punta Leona for several beach and jungle scenes. Director Colin Theys even hiked through the forest by himself to find the perfect locations for the jungle scenes. In addition to this, the district of Jacó was transformed into a film set, where they shot scenes in a restaurant and on the beach, capturing the surfing action. During the shoot, the crew encountered a real fer-de-lance viper on set, which they decided to include in one of the shots.
Rhiannon Fish, who plays the lead role of Emily, shared her experience with TV Fanatics, saying, “Going to Costa Rica was magical, and it made shooting the film feel so real. We used real animals like a spider, a tarantula, and a snake.” She also mentioned that the waterfalls and beautiful scenery in the background were real too. She was so impressed with Costa Rica that she said, “I would love to get married in Costa Rica. The place is beautiful, and the people and culture are amazing.”
Other Locations in Costa Rica: The production team didn’t just stick to one location. They also traveled to other parts of Costa Rica for filming. It seems that they filmed some scenes in the city of San José. The scenes with the volcano view camp were likely filmed at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa, while the volcano and airport scenes were shot in La Fortuna, a small town known for its volcano. For the waterfall and bridge scenes, the cast and crew went to Sarapiqui, a canton known for its natural beauty.
In the beginning, they filmed some river scenes on the tidal banks of River Tarcoles. However, due to unexpected tides, the director had to find another spot quickly to finish the scene. The team had to hike down a trail and cross a river in a raft to reach the perfect location for the wedding scenes.
Cast of A Costa Rican Wedding
Rhiannon Fish plays Emily in “A Costa Rican Wedding.” You might recognize her from other Hallmark movies like “When Love Springs,” “A Picture of Her,” and “You’re Bacon Me Crazy.” She also starred in “The Christmas Retreat” and “A Royal in Paradise.” Christopher Russell plays Ryan, Emily’s love interest in the film. Christopher has had a successful acting career, appearing in various TV shows like “Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency,” “Murdoch Mysteries,” and “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce.”
The film also features a talented supporting cast, including Brittany Carel as Phoebe, CJ Hammond as Jamal, Kourtney George as Tyesha, Maureen Kedes as Sue Clark, Gregory M. Mitchell as Harold, Jon Briddell as Bruce, Jodi Beck as Bonnie, and Pedro Jose Sanchez Rovira as Esteban. Juliana Wimbles plays Camille, while Fernando Bolaños portrays Shane.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – A Costa Rican Wedding
Q: Where was “A Costa Rican Wedding” filmed?
A: “A Costa Rican Wedding” was filmed in various picturesque locations in Costa Rica, including Puntarenas, San José, Punta Leona, Jacó, and Sarapiqui. The film captures the natural beauty of Costa Rica with scenes shot on beaches, in jungles, and near volcanoes.
Q: When was “A Costa Rican Wedding” filmed?
A: The filming of “A Costa Rican Wedding” took place in March 2024. The entire production was completed within the same month, taking just a few weeks to wrap up.
Q: When was “A Costa Rican Wedding” released?
A: “A Costa Rican Wedding” was released by Hallmark on August 1, 2024.
Q: Who are the main cast members of “A Costa Rican Wedding”?
A: The main cast of “A Costa Rican Wedding” includes Rhiannon Fish as Emily and Christopher Russell as Ryan. They are supported by a talented cast, including Brittany Carel, CJ Hammond, Kourtney George, Maureen Kedes, Gregory M. Mitchell, Jon Briddell, Jodi Beck, and Pedro Jose Sanchez Rovira.
Q: What is the story of “A Costa Rican Wedding” about?
A: The story follows Emily, who is excited to be the maid of honor at her best friend’s wedding in Costa Rica. However, things take an unexpected turn, and she has to rely on her charming rival, Ryan, to help her navigate the challenges that arise during the wedding festivities.
