Let’s go!

It’s no secret that Costa Rica has become a big part of us. Our first trip to Costa Rica was in 2014 and we have been hooked to the Pura Vida lifestyle since. We live simply at home so that we can travel as often as we can. Seeing and feeling nature and culture is what fuels this attachment to traveling and documenting moments around the world. Choosing to host your celebration in a destination based place creates an opportunity for you and your favorite people, destination weddings are for togetherness and memory making and we’re here for it. It’s not just one day, it’s a week of trying new foods, meeting locals, feeling the warmth and a freeing mind. You’re all celebrating life and the present. So, if you’re considering packing up your suitcase and getting married in paradise, eloping in Costa Rica is for you.

Eloping In Costa Rica

So, why Costa Rica? We keep going back because we love the people and the lifestyle. There’s a calmness and a no hurry atmosphere to CR. You come as you are and just live, not live for material things. There’s a new beach in every town and each feel unique, the air is pure and the ocean is healing. This makes Costa Rica the perfect elopement destination. It is safe, you can walk to restaurants or grocery shops, bike to beaches or for ice cream. You can ask locals for directions or recommendations. You can visit waterfalls or drink your Costa Rican coffee with warm sand on your feet (highly recommended) You are not bound to one spot, you can explore and be part of a really beautiful town and experience. The ocean, the sunsets, the sand, those are your wedding decorations. Put that $ towards experiences, you can be minimal, grab some local flowers and just enjoy.

A Peek At A Costa Rican Wedding:

We photographed our first wedding in Costa Rica during our third trip back. Their immediate families all rented a beach house to stay the week. They had a pool on the property and the ocean in their backyard. The group arranged fun things throughout the week (zip lining, out to dinner, karaoke night, sunset catamaran, etc.) where guests chose to join in or not join in, taking their trip at their own pace. Their wedding took place on Potrero Beach in front of Bahia Del Sol. Guests enjoyed dinner oceanside and danced all night under the stars. It was the best. A beach cow even came to check it out.

 

 

Costa Rica Elopement/Wedding Recommendations:

Most venues or resorts will have a spot on the beach or the property for you to host your ceremony. You can stay right on site, or look into house rentals close by and head to your venue for the wedding day. Our friends at Special Places Costa Rica are a great resource for home rentals. They are also a great resource for local recommendations and other rentals as well. We love to rent a golf cart when we’re there to zip around to beaches 🙂

Adventours Costa Rica is our go-to for shuttle transportation (airport, to excursions, etc.) We love the staff here! If you want a guided tour for adventures like rafting, visiting the volcano, hanging bridges, etc. they are your people!

If you’re wedding planning from a distance, I love working with Randy at Costa Rica Wedding Celebrations. She’ll help you take care of flowers, an officiant, setup, etc.! 

My Favorite Venues/Hotels for Weddings in Costa Rica:

Bahia Del Sol was a beautiful resort and venue spot in a great location across from The Sailing Center, a bar/restaurant (with live music often and a campfire at night) and where you can rent toys for the ocean. Walking distance to the fruit stand and one heck of an ocean view. You’ll find Bahia Del Sol on Potrero beach.

Las Catalinas is a new “Italian Village” in Costa Rica. I had the opportunity to photograph an engagement session there last year and wow, is it just colorful and charming. It feels old world with all of the modern conveniences. Your jaw will drop when you see this area/community and all of the amenities. Located on Danta Beach.

 

 

 

Conchal is an amazing place! We love to visit Playa Conchal every trip. You can barely see the hotel from the beach or the road, it’s a tucked in paradise. Get a luxury experience on the hotel property, and buy local trinkets from beach vendors or get yourself a $10 massage at “shell beach”. That’s right, it’s a beach made of crushed shells.

Paradise Flamingo Beach is on Flamingo Beach and it checks all the boxes. This would be a great option if you have a big group. There’s a long pier that would be great for a ceremony surrounded by water. Flamingo has restaurants, shops, a new marina and we love to go to their little night markets on Mondays.

Cala Luna is a boutique hotel close to Tamarindo, a town full of shops, restaurants, and some of the best surfing in the world. It is family run and they pride themselves on giving guests a relaxing, zen experience. The quiet and relaxation of the hotel along with nightlife and a poppin’ beach town accommodates all. Located by Tamarindo Beach and Playa Grande.

We’re Your Costa Rica Elopement Wedding Photographers (and we have your back!)

We are wedding photographers who live in Wisconsin but travel to Costa Rica any chance we get. We love people the most and love to document personalities and natural happenings in natural spaces. Costa Rica is a home base for us. If we’re not already there for your date, we will do our best to be! Shoot us a message and let’s get you married at the beach.