Costa Rica Elopement Planning Guide [Updated for 2025]
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Why Eloping in Costa Rica is a Dream Come True
If you're dreaming of an intimate, stress-free wedding in a breathtaking destination, Costa Rica is the perfect place to elope. Imagine exchanging vows on a secluded beach with golden sands, in the heart of a lush rainforest, or with a volcano as your dramatic backdrop. Elopements in Costa Rica offer an unmatched combination of natural beauty, adventure, and romance, making your wedding day a truly unforgettable experience.
Unlike traditional weddings, elopements allow couples to focus entirely on their love story without the pressure of planning a big event. Whether you're looking for a simple beachfront ceremony or a luxury private villa experience, Costa Rica has a wide range of elopement packages to suit your vision.
Elopement in La Fortuna Waterfall
Why Elope?
Years ago, eloping meant running down to City Hall or taking a booze-fueled trip to Las Vegas or LA. But, today, many are having intimate, personal, and stylish elopements all around the world. In fact, elopement ceremonies are on the rise, especially among millennials. Here we have a short list of many reasons why to elope:
Eloping will save you a lot of money and help you stay on track with your finances (it means more money for honeymoon).
Without the extended family, elopement becomes an intimate, private experience just for the couple.
Elopements can be a lot more personal and unique than the average wedding.
Best Locations for a Costa Rica Elopement
One of the biggest perks of eloping in Costa Rica is the variety of stunning locations available. Here are some of the most magical spots for your special day:
Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste – A serene and picturesque beach perfect for a romantic sunset elopement. This coast is famous for its breathtaking sunsets, and saying your vows as the sun dips below the horizon creates a magical and unforgettable moment.
La Fortuna & Arenal – Say "I do" with the breathtaking Arenal Volcano or a waterfall in the background. Ideal for adventurous couples who love waterfalls and hot springs.
Las Catalinas – A charming coastal town with Mediterranean vibes, offering a perfect mix of elegance and tropical beauty.
Tamarindo & Langosta – Famous for its luxury accommodations, services and pristine beaches. Also, they are easily accessible from Liberia International Airport (about 1.5 hours by car), making it convenient for you and your guests to travel to the location.
Papagayo Peninsula – If you're looking for an exclusive, high-end experience, this area is home to some of Costa Rica’s most luxurious resorts and villas.
What is the best time of the year?
That being said, if you want full sunny days and guaranteed dreamy sunset I do recommend you to come during the summer season which goes from mid December to April. Negative side of this is that prices are higher in pretty much everything because we have a lot of tourist everywhere at the beaches areas.
In the other hand, if you don’t care for “perfect” weather, I could say you could go everywhere in the country. In Costa Rica between August and November we have tons of rain, specially in the central valley and towards south.
*There is an exception with the caribbean beaches that have their best time in October.
Being fully honest, the main point, since our point of view, is the couple attitude to enjoy. If you love rain and your photographer is willing to go with you whether is the best sunset or a rainy day, there is always a chance to get a good picture if you are joyful, positive and willing to do it!
How to Plan Your Costa Rica Elopement
Eloping should be an effortless and meaningful experience. Here’s how to make it happen:
First, choose a location that resonates with you as a couple. Costa Rica offers everything from secluded beaches to private jungle retreats. Once you’ve picked your dream setting, it’s time to hire a wedding planner who specializes in destination elopements. They’ll handle all the logistics, from securing the perfect spot to arranging florals, decor, and even legal paperwork if needed.
A professional wedding photographer is another essential part of your elopement experience. Your photos will be the lasting memories of your special day, capturing the intimate moments, the stunning scenery, and the raw emotions. Costa Rica’s landscapes provide the perfect natural backdrop, making every image feel like a scene from a romantic film.
Finally, consider adding special touches that make your elopement even more personal. Whether it’s a private chef cooking a celebratory dinner, a boat ride along the coast at sunset, or a post-ceremony waterfall adventure, these experiences will turn your elopement into an unforgettable getaway.
The rain is a factor to consider always!
For adventurous couples we also highly recommend to explore other places like waterfalls or rivers!
Beach or Mountain? Choosing the Perfect Setting for Your Costa Rica Elopement
One of the most exciting decisions you'll make when planning your elopement in Costa Rica is choosing between a breathtaking beach ceremony or a romantic mountain escape. Each setting offers a unique atmosphere and experience, and the right choice comes down to your personal style as a couple.
Eloping on the Beach: Romance by the Waves
Costa Rica is world-famous for its pristine beaches, golden sunsets, and the peaceful sound of waves rolling onto the shore. If you dream of walking barefoot on the sand, with a warm ocean breeze and endless sea views, a beach elopement is for you.
Some of the best beaches for elopements include:
Playa Conchal – Crystal-clear waters and unique shell-covered sand create a stunning backdrop.
Tamarindo – A lively beach town with gorgeous sunsets and excellent amenities for couples.
Santa Teresa – A bohemian paradise, perfect for free-spirited couples who love surf and nature.
Why choose a beach elopement?
Effortless, relaxed, and naturally romantic atmosphere.
Stunning golden-hour photography.
The sound of the ocean adds a peaceful, intimate touch to your vows.
Eloping in the Mountains: A Magical, Scenic Escape
If you’re drawn to lush rainforests, misty peaks, and epic views, a mountain elopement might be your perfect match. Costa Rica’s mountain regions offer an incredibly romantic and secluded experience, surrounded by waterfalls, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes.
Top mountain locations include:
Arenal & La Fortuna – Towering volcano views, hot springs, and dreamy waterfalls.
Monteverde – A mystical cloud forest filled with misty trails and lush greenery.
Why choose a mountain elopement?
Cooler climate, perfect for long wedding attire. A sense of adventure, surrounded by waterfalls and breathtaking landscapes. Private, peaceful atmosphere with fewer crowds than the beaches.
Elopement in Playa Penca
*Pro Tip: We have a bucket list in our Instagram Stories, check it out here!
Costa Rica Elopement Packages [2025 Update]
To make things easy, we offer tailored elopement photography packages designed to capture every moment of your intimate wedding. Our packages include:
Candid Love Package – Perfect for couples wanting simple yet stunning coverage of their ceremony and portraits.
Sweet & Simple Package – Includes additional time for a scenic session at waterfalls, volcanoes, or any epic location of your choice.
Chapter One Package – Full-day coverage, capturing every part of your wedding experience, from getting ready to a candlelit dinner under the stars.
No matter which package you choose, our goal is to create breathtaking, timeless images that tell your love story in the most beautiful way possible.
Top Wedding Venues in Guanacaste and La Fortuna, Costa Rica
If you're dreaming of a destination wedding in Costa Rica, Guanacaste and La Fortuna offer some of the most stunning and diverse venues. From luxurious beachfront resorts to intimate villas nestled in the heart of nature, these locations provide everything you need for an unforgettable celebration.
In Guanacaste, consider Villa Concha, Sueño de Mar or Capitan Suizo in Langosta for a romantic beachfront setting or Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica for a lavish, all-inclusive experience. Andaz Costa Rica Resort offers a chic, modern vibe with a breathtaking ocean view, while Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas provides a more private, boutique atmosphere, ideal for an intimate wedding.
Head to La Fortuna for a unique experience with Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, where you can say “I do” with a majestic volcano backdrop and natural hot springs. Arenal Springs Resort offers similar views with lush gardens and excellent service, perfect for an enchanting wedding day.
With so many options, Guanacaste and La Fortuna are the perfect destinations for couples seeking a breathtaking wedding experience surrounded by Costa Rica’s natural beauty.
We also want to share with you three venues that we think they are worth of consideration, they look awesome, don’t you think:
Testimonials
“Chris eased our nerves and made us feel comfortable in front of the camera when the shoot began. We wanted Chris to use his creativity freely, and he did just that incorporating poses and natural feelings into our photos. He never once made us feel rushed. He went above and beyond to get amazing shots.. we trekked through rain, climbed over rocks, walked up and down tons of stairs just to name a few.”
-Kayla & Jake, USA.
My Best advice
If you want to elope in Costa Rica you gotta bring:
Pack a raincoat – Costa Rica's weather can be unpredictable, and a light rain shower could pop up at any moment.
Bring bug spray – Especially if you're exploring nature; it’s always better to be safe than itchy!
Don’t forget plenty of sunscreen – With the tropical sun, it’s easy to get burned, so protect your skin.
Keep your plans flexible – Sometimes, Costa Rica’s charm is in its spontaneity, so be open to changes!
And of course, bring your Pura Vida attitude – Embrace the laid-back vibe of the locals and enjoy every moment!
Final Thoughts:
We take great pride in our beautiful country, Costa Rica, and all it has to offer. While no place is perfect, we strive to make every visit a memorable one. We ask that you help us preserve its natural beauty by keeping it clean wherever you go. Costa Rica has focused on tourism over the past few decades, and we’re committed to ensuring every guest has a wonderful experience here. Together, we can create an unforgettable and stunning elopement experience. If you’d like to connect or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out — we love meeting new people, especially when we travel!
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