We're Getting Married · León & Las Peñitas, Nicaragua

Our Story

How we got here

We met in June 2021 at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, and Sam proposed in the same spot in April 2026.

When Lisbeth moved back to Paris that October we started living together, and have been more or less inseparable since. We like our life here: having friends round, winding each other up, and rarely a dull evening.

Our friends are spread across the UK, Denmark, Nicaragua and the US, and we suspect a shared fondness for a drink is part of why we all get on. Getting everyone in one place felt like reason enough for a wedding. The rest we'll keep for the vows.

We'll marry on the beach at Las Peñitas, then carry on into the night in León. We'd love you there.

Good to Know

Things to know about Nicaragua

The Pacific coast

The coast is long and quiet, good for surfing, with the sun setting into the sea. Las Peñitas, where we're marrying, is one of these beaches.

Volcanoes

A line of volcanoes runs down the country. You can climb them, look into the craters, and at Cerro Negro, near León, sledge back down the ash.

Colonial cities

Two old colonial cities and long-time rivals: León, where we're marrying, and Granada on Lake Nicaragua. Both are worth a day.

Food & drink

Good beef, fresh fish and gallo pinto, with Flor de Caña rum and cold Toña and Victoria beer to go with it.

Weather in February

The dry season — warm and sunny, around 28–32°C, with little rain. Bring light clothes, swimwear, sun cream and a hat.

Money

The currency is the córdoba, though US dollars are widely accepted. Carry some cash; cards work in towns and resorts, less so in rural areas.

Language

Spanish is the main language, and a few words are appreciated. English is spoken in most hotels and tourist spots.

Plugs & phones

Power is 120V with US-style two-pin sockets, so UK and European guests need an adapter. A local SIM or eSIM is cheap if you want data.

Safety

Nicaragua is one of the safer countries in Central America, with a violent-crime rate below the regional average. The usual travel sense applies.

Getting There

Travel & stay

Fly in

Fly to Managua (MGA). León is about a 1.5–2 hour drive west. We'll suggest shuttle and rental options closer to the date.

Stay in León

Best for the celebration and exploring the city. Boutique hotels and guesthouses around the centro — see our hotel picks on the Wedding page.

Stay at the beach

Las Peñitas has beach houses and small hotels — good if you want surf and sunsets, about 20 minutes from León.

Getting around

León to Las Peñitas is roughly 20–30 minutes by car or taxi. We'll arrange transport between the ceremony and the dinner.

Coming from abroad? There are fuller trip ideas and itineraries and a flights guide for the rest of your time here.

Sam&Lisbeth