How to Elope in Costa Rica — The Complete Guide by Papaya Wedding

If you’ve ever dreamed of saying your vows surrounded by waterfalls, jungle, or the sound of waves — Costa Rica is one of the most incredible places on earth to elope.
It’s wild, romantic, and full of magic — and planning an elopement here can be much easier than you think.

I’ve photographed and planned over two hundred elopements across Costa Rica, and each one has been completely unique. Some couples hike to hidden waterfalls, some exchange vows on a quiet beach at sunset, and others celebrate in a luxury eco-lodge tucked in the mountains.

Whether you’re imagining a simple sunrise ceremony, a full-day elopement, or even a multi-day adventure that takes you across different landscapes — everything is possible here.
Some of my couples have explored Costa Rica in a 4x4 with a rooftop tent, waking up to jungle sounds and finishing their wedding day in a luxury hotel like Rio Perdido or Origins Lodge. Others planned unforgettable adventures that included kayaking, hiking, or even the option of a scenic helicopter flight to a remote waterfall or mountain viewpoint — because here, adventure has no limits.

If you can dream it — we can plan it. I’m ready for anything: hike, bike, boat, helicopter, kayak — whatever makes your story truly yours.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about eloping in Costa Rica — from choosing the perfect location and understanding the weather, to picking the right type of ceremony and knowing what to expect on the day.
My goal is to make the process simple, stress-free, and unforgettable.

So grab a coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s plan your dream elopement in paradise.

Why Elope in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is made for couples who want something real — adventure, emotion, and freedom.
It’s a country where you can wake up to howler monkeys in the rainforest, exchange vows in front of a waterfall, and finish your day swimming in the Pacific Ocean under pink skies.

There’s something incredibly peaceful about eloping here. You don’t need to stress about logistics, huge guest lists, or complicated timelines. Everything feels slower, simpler, and more connected to nature.

You can make it as relaxed or as adventurous as you want — a barefoot beach ceremony, a hike to a mountain ridge, a private moment in a lush jungle lodge, or a full-day experience that blends it all together.

One of my favorite stories happened completely by chance.
A couple from Newfoundland were here on vacation with no plans to get married. By total coincidence, they met another pair whose elopement I had just photographed in La Fortuna. That couple told them, “You should do it — you’re already in Costa Rica!”
Two days later, after a bit of spontaneous planning, we made it happen — a simple, beautiful beach ceremony followed by a sunset sail on a private catamaran next day! We spent five unforgettable hours on the ocean, watching dolphins, drinking champagne, and celebrating love in the purest way.
We’re still in touch — they now have two kids — and it’s a reminder that an elopement is not just a ceremony, it’s an adventure.

Costa Rica’s diversity makes it truly unique: tropical beaches, volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs, rainforests, and highland valleys — all within just a few hours’ drive.

If you’re looking for something that feels private, natural, and elevated — Hacienda Pinilla is one of the most beautiful areas for an elopement or intimate wedding day.
Golden beaches, quiet trails, architectural villas, and slow sunsets make it feel luxurious and relaxed at the same time. It’s one of my favorite areas to shoot in, and I’d love to help you plan something unforgettable there.

And with the warm culture of “pura vida,” you’ll feel welcome everywhere you go.

When Is the Best Time to Elope in Costa Rica

For big destination weddings, there’s definitely a “high season” in Costa Rica — usually from November to May, when the weather is dry and most resorts are fully booked.

But for elopements, things are different. You’re not tied to venues, large guest lists, or event schedules — which means any time of year can be perfect. Elopements are all about adventure, flexibility, and connection, and Costa Rica offers that year-round.

If you want sunny skies, golden light, and guaranteed dry weather, plan your elopement between December and May — that’s the dry season, when days are bright, rain is extremely rare, and most beaches are calm and easy to access.

However, Costa Rica’s Caribbean side follows a completely different weather pattern. Places like Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Manzanillo, and Punta Uva often experience their driest and sunniest months between September and October, when the Pacific side can be rainy. So if you’re dreaming of turquoise water, coral reefs, and a more laid-back Caribbean vibe — that’s the time to go.

If you’re not afraid of a little tropical rain or an ocean breeze, the green season (June to November) has its own kind of magic. The jungle turns deep green, waterfalls are fuller, the light is softer, and sunsets often explode with color because of the dramatic clouds in the sky. You’ll also find fewer crowds and better hotel rates — it’s one of my favorite times to shoot.

And here’s something I’ve experienced countless times — and it still gives me chills. During the rainy season, I’ve had entire elopements where it rained while the couple was getting ready, stopped completely as we started hiking to the waterfall, stayed dry and perfect through the ceremony and portraits… and then, the moment we wrapped up, it started raining again. Over and over. Perfect timing with nature itself.

Maybe it’s luck. Or maybe it’s something deeper — after all, my name, Maciej, means “gift from nature” in Polish. 🌿

Another thing to keep in mind: Costa Rica’s tides.
Some beaches literally disappear during high tide — the same spot that looks wide and open in photos might be completely underwater at sunset on another day. That “perfect” picture you saw online probably happened when the timing of the tide and sunset aligned just right — something that only happens every few days. When we plan together, I always check the local tide charts to make sure your ceremony and portraits happen at the perfect moment.

And while most days are sunny even during the rainy season, there are also holidays and long weekends throughout the year when beaches get packed with locals enjoying time off. Privacy is a big part of what makes an elopement special, so we’ll always plan around those dates to make sure your location feels calm and intimate.

The truth is — the whole year is amazing for elopements.
But if you’re dreaming about a specific location, there are times when conditions might not be ideal — a waterfall area can be flooded, or a beach can get unexpectedly crowded during local holidays. That’s exactly why I’m here — to help you plan everything at the right time and place, so you can simply relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about the details.

Costa Rica’s beauty never stops — it just changes.
Whether you want dry-season glow or lush green jungle vibes, we’ll find the perfect timing for your story.

Heat, Humidity & Timing

Costa Rica is beautiful — but it’s not the kind of place where you walk out of your room and everything feels effortless.
It’s tropical. It’s warm. And if you’re anywhere near waterfalls, rainforests, or volcanoes, you’ll feel the humidity the moment you step outside.

That’s part of the adventure — but it’s good to be ready for it.

Some locations require a short hike, others a longer one. Even 10 minutes on a jungle trail can make you feel like you’ve been in a sauna. Bring water, good shoes, and an open mind. You’ll probably sweat, you might get a little messy, but you’ll also get the kind of light, textures, and natural beauty that you can’t fake anywhere else in the world.

To make the most of your experience, I usually plan ceremonies for early morning or late afternoon.
It’s not just about the light — it’s about how you feel. You’re not battling the midday heat, you’re not rushed, and you can truly enjoy the moment. Mornings are quiet and golden, while afternoons bring that warm cinematic glow just before sunset.

If you decide on a beach elopement, we’ll almost always aim for the cooler hours — sunrise or late afternoon — when the light is soft and the air feels calm. Morning light gives that peaceful, golden tone, while late afternoon allows us to capture those dreamy, cinematic portraits as the sun starts to set, with just enough time before it disappears below the horizon.

One of my couples once said something that stayed with me ever since:

“Choose a location that feels like an adventure, not just a backdrop.
And don’t be afraid to get a little sweaty — the best memories require movement.”

That line captures exactly what eloping in Costa Rica is about.
It’s not about staying perfectly polished — it’s about living the experience fully, embracing the heat, the breeze, and every imperfect, beautiful second of it.

Privacy & Crowds

Privacy is one of the biggest reasons couples choose to elope in Costa Rica — and it truly makes all the difference.
Like I mentioned earlier, the same beach that looks empty in photos can be completely packed on another day. During local holidays and long weekends, most Costa Ricans head straight for the coast, filling up even quiet beaches from early morning until sunset.

That’s why I always help my couples choose the right time and day for their ceremony. We’ll look at tides, local holidays, and light — all those little details that make the difference between a crowded afternoon and a completely private, peaceful moment.

If you’re dreaming of a beach ceremony, we’ll usually plan it around sunset.
That way, you can enjoy the most beautiful light of the day and still have time afterward for those dreamy golden-hour portraits — when the air cools down, the beach quiets, and everything starts to glow.

For couples who want total privacy and don’t mind waking up early, sunrise can also be an incredible option. The light is soft, the beach is empty, and the energy feels calm and intimate.

Every location in Costa Rica has its own rhythm.
Some beaches feel best in the morning, others shine at sunset. Some waterfalls are perfect on weekdays but full on weekends. My job is to help you find those hidden pockets of quiet — the right moment when nature, light, and emotion all align.

Eloping here is not about racing through a tight schedule. It’s about slowing down, feeling the air, the sound of the waves, and remembering that it’s just the two of you — and the world standing still for a little while.

Expect the Unexpected (and Embrace It)

If there’s one thing I’ve learned after years of photographing elopements in Costa Rica, it’s that nature always wins — and that’s what makes this place so unforgettable.

Maybe a monkey shows up during your vows. Maybe a curious dog walks by on the beach, or a sudden five-minute rain shower paints a rainbow across the sky. You can plan every detail, but it’s those spontaneous moments that end up meaning the most.

Sometimes it rains, then the sun breaks through just as you’re saying your vows. Sometimes the wind lifts your veil at the exact right second, or the jungle mist rolls in and turns everything into a movie scene.
Those are the moments you can’t script — and they’re the ones that make your story unique.

I’ve learned to never fight it — just go with it.
Costa Rica rewards you when you let go a little. The light shifts, the sky changes, and somehow, it all aligns exactly when it’s meant to.

Eloping here isn’t about chasing perfection — it’s about connection. With each other, and with the wild beauty around you.

What Kind of Ceremony Can You Have in Costa Rica?

Eloping in Costa Rica means your ceremony can be as personal, simple, or spiritual as you want it to be.
There are no expectations here — no big stage, no audience, no pressure.
Just the two of you, your words, and a place that feels meaningful.

Some couples choose to include an officiant and make everything official. Others exchange vows privately, without anyone else present. And some are drawn to something deeper and more symbolic — a ceremony that connects them with nature and the moment.

The most important thing is this: your ceremony should feel *like you*. Not like something you’re performing for someone else.

Legal Ceremony (Civil / Lawyer)

If you want your marriage to be legally recognized in your home country, you can sign your documents here in Costa Rica.
A local lawyer acts as your officiant and handles all of the paperwork — it’s simpler than most people imagine.

I work with a few wonderful lawyers who are not only professional, but also open to adventure. They’re happy to hike a little, meet at a beach at sunrise, cross little rivers or travel to a waterfall. So your legal ceremony can still feel natural, emotional, and connected to place — not like a courthouse appointment.

Symbolic Ceremony

This is the most popular choice for elopements.
No paperwork, no formalities — just the two of you exchanging vows in a place that feels right.

You can include an officiant who guides the moment softly — or you can keep it completely private.
My wife and I chose this when we eloped in Iceland. It was just us, our photographer and videographer, and the sound of the wind and waterfall. We signed our legal documents earlier in Costa Rica with a lawyer.

If you’re traveling with a few close friends or family, someone close to you can also lead your symbolic ceremony — which often makes it even more meaningful.

Spiritual / Shamanic / Cacao Ceremony

If you feel called to something deeper and more connected to nature, there are beautiful ceremonial options here.
I work with ceremonial guides and shamans who can offer cacao ceremonies, element-based rituals, sound, and grounding practices that turn your vows into something sacred and slow.

You might exchange vows while sharing warm cacao made from local Costa Rican cacao beans, or during a ritual honoring the surrounding land.
It’s emotional, intentional, and deeply memorable.

Vow Renewal

If you’re already married and just want to celebrate your relationship in a meaningful way — we can do everything exactly the same.
Symbolic, spiritual, cacao, shamanic — it’s completely your choice.
This is about connection, not documentation.

Multi-Day or Split Ceremony

One of the most meaningful approaches is to let your elopement unfold across more than one day.

For example:
You can have your legal ceremony one afternoon on the beach — sign your documents, exchange rings, and watch the sun set. Then, a day or two later, we meet again deeper in nature — in a rainforest, by a waterfall, or in the mountains — for a symbolic or spiritual ceremony focused only on presence and emotion.

It allows your elopement to feel like a journey instead of a single moment.

If you’re planning a vow renewal, you can also explore more inspiration here:
https://www.papayawedding.com/vow-renewal-costa-rica

Example Elopement Timeline

Every elopement is different — some are simple and slow, others are adventurous with multiple locations.
But here’s an example of how a relaxed, meaningful elopement day in Costa Rica could unfold.
Think of this as a starting point — we’ll shape the actual timeline around your pace, your energy, and the locations you feel drawn to.

Full-Day Elopement Example (Adventure + Waterfall + Sunset)

**6:00 AM** — Slow morning coffee together at your lodge
The day begins quietly. You breathe, stretch, enjoy the jungle waking up around you.

**6:45 AM** — Getting ready photos with natural light
No staging, no rushing — just real moments, real anticipation.

**7:30 AM** — Drive toward the waterfall trailhead
Windows down, warm air, first excitement.

**8:00 AM** — Short hike into the rainforest
This is where everything slows down. The sound of water gets louder. The moment becomes real.

**8:20 AM** — Private vow exchange at the waterfall
Just the two of you. No audience. Just your voices and the sound of the falls.

**9:00 AM** — Portraits + exploring river pools
Feet in the water, hair messy, clothes a bit wet — pure feelings.

**12:00 PM** — Lunch at a small local soda.
Simple food. Real conversations. Still glowing from ceremony.

**2:00 PM** — Rest / swim / hot springs / hammock time / pool
This is the part couples always remember most — the quiet after the big thing.

**4:30 PM** — Drive to a coastal overlook or a quiet beach
The light gets golden, the day softens again.

**5:15 PM** — Sunset portraits and slow wandering
No pressure. No timeline. Just existing together in the light.

**6:30 PM** — Private dinner or picnic under the stars
Champagne, music, bare feet in the sand — the world feels very small in the best way.

If you’d like help planning your elopement, I offer full guidance — from choosing the right location, checking tides and weather, connecting you with reliable vendors, arranging transportation, to creating a timeline that feels relaxed, meaningful and effortless.

You can reach out here to start planning together:FREE PLANNING CONSULTATION

See more multi-day and full-day Costa Rica elopement examples here: COSTA RICA ELOPEMENTS

How Much Does It Cost to Elope in Costa Rica

Elopements can be as simple or as elevated as you want — there’s no single “standard” price because every couple chooses a different type of experience.

Some couples keep things minimal and focus only on the moment and the photography.
Others turn their elopement into a full adventure — staying in eco-lodges, visiting multiple locations, booking private chefs, musicians, or even a scenic helicopter flight between waterfalls.

There’s no right or wrong way to do this.
Your elopement should feel like you.

Here’s how the cost can shift depending on what you choose:

What Can Affect the Overall Cost

• Photography & Videography
This is usually the core investment — because these are the memories you’ll have forever. I offer packages from simple ceremony coverage to full-day or multi-day adventure elopements. We’ll choose what fits the day you’re dreaming of.

• Officiant / Legal Ceremony
You can have:

• A lawyer who performs a legal ceremony (I can recommend amazing ones who love adventure and will hike with us)
• A symbolic officiant for a more personal ritual
• Or you can exchange vows privately and sign legal documents separately before or after
  (That’s exactly what my wife and I did in Iceland — just us, plus photography & film to remember it forever.)

• Hair & Makeup
Depending on the location, we may bring an artist to you, or choose someone local to the area you’ll be staying in — travel distance can change the price.

• Flowers
A simple, elegant bouquet or something more styled and artistic.
If needed, I can even pick up the bouquet and bring it to you on the elopement day.

• Location & Stay
You can stay in:

• A luxury rainforest lodge (like Origins, Rio Perdido, Amor Arenal)
• A boutique Airbnb tucked in nature
• A beach villa with your family
• Or a simple cabin in the mountains
  The experience is different each time — and the cost changes with it.

• Travel Between Locations
Some couples stay in one place.
Others explore multiple landscapes.
Helicopter transfers between locations are possible too — these typically start around $7K–$10K USD for private flights including waiting time when we explore. Not necessary at all — but the option is there if you want a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Your Elopement Can Be Simple or Cinematic

You can spend less than a traditional wedding, or you can invest in a multi-day adventure that becomes the most meaningful trip of your life.

There is no “correct” budget — only the experience that feels right to the two of you.

And I’m here to help with planning from A to Z:

• I’ll recommend the best locations based on season, privacy, and light
• I’ll connect you with trusted officiants, florists, musicians, hair & makeup
• I’ll help plan the timeline so everything flows naturally
• You just arrive, breathe, and enjoy

Elopement Doesn’t Have to Mean “Just the Two of You”

Many of my couples invite a small group of friends or family — and it still feels intimate, relaxed, and deeply personal.
I’ve photographed micro-weddings with 6 to 40 guests that kept the same emotional, intentional vibe as a two-person elopement.

Some couples celebrate with guests on the wedding day, and then we meet again during the honeymoon for a “trash the dress” adventure session or for extra private spiritual ceremony— hiking to a waterfall, swimming in a lagoon, or watching sunrise over the jungle.

You can have:

• Just the two of you
• A handful of loved ones
• Or a small group celebration
  All of it is still an elopement — as long as the day is built around connection, presence, and your story.

No rules.
No expectations.
Just what feels right.

Where to Elope in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a landscape for every kind of connection — wild waterfalls, cinematic beaches, misty mountain valleys, surf towns full of creative energy, and secluded luxury eco-lodges. There’s no single “best place” to elope here — only the place that feels right for you.

Below are some of the regions I love photographing in — each with its own vibe, rhythm, and personality.

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La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano

**Waterfalls · Rainforest · Hot Springs · Adventure**

La Fortuna is where rainforest meets volcano energy. It’s lush, cinematic, and full of adventure options — from sunrise waterfall vows to soaking in natural hot springs afterward. Stay at boutique eco-lodges like **Nayara**, **Amor Arenal**, or **Arenal Observatory Lodge**, or choose a wilderness Airbnb near the forest.

Perfect for couples who want:
**Adventure, waterfalls, hot springs, and dramatic jungle scenery.**

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Bajos del Toro

**Foggy Mountains · Deep Green Jungle · Quiet Magic and stunning Waterfalls**

Bajos del Toro feels *otherworldly* — canyon valleys, cloud forest mist, and waterfalls that feel hidden and sacred. It’s slow, emotional, and intimate. Think sunrise vows, slow breakfast afterward, and long, quiet walks through green.

Perfect for:
**Emotional ceremonies, intimate portraits, slow and meaningful days.**

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Uvita, Dominical & Manuel Antonio (Southern Pacific / Whale Coast)

**Jungle Cascades · Cliff Views · Whale’s Tail Beaches**

This region blends lush rainforest, dramatic coastline, and waterfalls you can swim in. You can stay in a private villa overlooking the ocean, hike through jungle to a hidden cascade, or have sunset portraits on a beach with no one else around.

Perfect for:
**Couples who want both ocean + jungle + a bit of wild romance.**

Read more about Manuel Antonio Weddings

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Santa Teresa & Malpais

**Surf Town Vibes · Golden Light · Barefoot Luxury**

Santa Teresa is warm, creative, stylish, and slow — palm trees, surfboards, golden sunsets, and barefoot evenings. It’s not staged luxury, it’s lived-in beauty.

Perfect for:
**Couples who want that “barefoot, free, we live in the sunlight” feeling.**

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Nosara & Sámara

**Boho + Wellness · Soft Beaches · Easygoing Magic**

These towns have a gentle rhythm — yoga, tide pools, quiet beaches, earthy boutique hotels, and warm community energy. You wake up slow, move slow, love slow.

Perfect for:
**Sunset ceremonies, vow renewals, and effortless intimacy.**

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Guanacaste Beaches (Tamarindo, Avellanas, Junquillal, Playa Negra)

**Sunset · Warm Water · Open Space**

This coastline gets that warm glow at golden hour that feels like a movie. Easy access, relaxed atmosphere, and endless spots to find privacy away from crowds.

Perfect for:
**Calm sunset elopements + soft romantic portraits.**

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Hacienda Pinilla

**Private Villas · Quiet Trails · Wild, Open Coastline**

Hacienda Pinilla isn’t about architecture — it’s about **privacy and space to breathe**. Rent a private villa, stay near **JW Marriott**, wander empty beaches, watch the day glow gold.

Perfect for:
**Relaxed luxury and intimate beach moments — slow, warm, and unforced.**

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Casa Chameleon & Las Catalinas

**Design · Architecture · Cinematic Clifftop Views**

These locations feel like stepping into a film set — stone paths, turquoise water, terracotta tones, rooftops, balconies, infinity pools over the ocean. If you are drawn to aesthetics and atmosphere, this is your place.

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Llanos de Cortés Waterfall

**Easy Access Waterfall Ceremony**

Close to Liberia airport + short walk to a massive lagoon waterfall. Perfect if you want a waterfall elopement without a long hike — and still want it to feel intimate and wild.

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Luxury Resort Elopements (W Costa Rica · Westin · Andaz · Four Seasons · El Mangroove · Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica · Nekajui)

**For couples who want effortless experience + world-class hospitality**

These resorts offer:

• almost private beaches
• spa experiences
• beautiful suites & ocean views
• stunning gardens and terraces for ceremonies

You get the simplicity of everything in one place — with the option for adventure sessions nearby.

Perfect for:
**Couples who want luxury without rigidity, warmth without formality.**

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If you're not sure which region fits your story — that’s normal.
We’ll talk about what you’re drawn to: jungle or ocean, privacy or community, adventure or stillness.
Then I’ll guide you toward the place that will feel like home for your elopement day.

If you’re still exploring where to elope in Costa Rica, here are some in-depth guides for the most beautiful regions:

• **La Fortuna Elopements** — Waterfalls, volcano views, hot springs jungle lodges

• **Llanos de Cortés Waterfall Elopements** — Easy access, golden light, dramatic waterfall backdrop
https://www.papayawedding.com/llanos-de-cortes-waterfall-elopement

• **Tamarindo & Hacienda Pinilla Elopements** — Sunset beaches, private villas, relaxed luxury
https://www.papayawedding.com/tamarindo-elopement-photographer

What to Wear for Your Elopement in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is warm, tropical, and beautifully alive — and your outfit should feel comfortable, breathable, and free. The most meaningful elopements here are full of movement: walking barefoot on the sand, exploring jungle paths, stepping into the water, holding each other close in the breeze.

Choose clothing that lets you move, breathe, and feel the moment — instead of fighting the climate.

Your elopement isn’t about being stiff or perfect.
It’s about being present.

Dresses & Outfits for Brides

• Go for light, breathable fabrics: chiffon, crepe, lace with stretch, silk blends.
  
• Flowy silhouettes photograph beautifully — especially in wind or near waterfalls.
  
• If we’re hiking, consider two looks:
  → one lightweight & easy-to-move-in
  → one more elegant piece to change into later.
  
• Veils look incredible in Costa Rica — especially in waterfall mist or sunset wind.
  Just make sure yours has a comb attachment so it stays secure.
  
• If your main dress is heavier, bring a short dress or slip dress for sunrise or waterfall portraits.
  

Suits & Outfits for Grooms

Humidity is very real here — and the wrong fabric can get uncomfortable quickly.

• Linen looks beautiful, but it shows sweat easily.
  Especially light colors like cream or beige. If you sweat easily or your elopement involves movement, consider:
  
  • Linen blends (linen + cotton / linen + viscose)
    
  • or lightweight unstructured wool with stretch, which breathes better and hides moisture.
    
• If you want the linen look, choose:
  
  • mid-tone colors (sand, stone, tan, olive)
    They look great in photos and are much more forgiving in humidity.
    
• Skip heavy cotton undershirts — they trap moisture.
  Instead, use a thin moisture-wicking layer (it sounds odd — but it works, and you’ll thank me later).
  
• And remember:
  Rolled sleeves, open collar, relaxed tailoring can look better here than stiff formality.
  

I’ve photographed weddings where all the groomsmen in pure linen had fully soaked trousers before the ceremony even started. Don’t worry — I’ll guide you to fabrics and colors that actually work in Costa Rica’s climate, based on location and season.

Footwear

• Waterfalls / jungle → sturdy hiking sandals or shoes you don’t mind getting wet. To some locations I recommend hiking boots.
  
• Beaches → barefoot always looks the best and feels natural.
  
• Bring a small towel to clean feet quickly before portraits.
  

Hair & Makeup

Humidity + wind are part of the experience — lean into it.

Makeup artists here know the climate well — I’ll recommend great ones in your elopement area.

For hair:

• Soft, textured, slightly undone styles work beautifully.
  
• Don’t try to fight the wind — let it be part of the moment.
  

Pro Tip

If your dress gets a little sandy, wet, or muddy — that’s part of the story.
Some of the most beautiful, emotional images happen after things stop being perfectly clean.

Getting Around Costa Rica

You can Uber in a few towns (like Tamarindo, Liberia, San José), and most popular destinations have reliable shuttle services. If you’re staying at a resort, they can usually arrange transportation for you as well.

But if you want freedom and the ability to explore at your own pace, renting a car is the way to go.

You don’t need a 4x4 for typical routes like:

• Liberia → La Fortuna
  
• La Fortuna → Tamarindo
  
• Tamarindo → Papagayo
  

Any regular SUV will do just fine.

But if you’re curious, adventurous, or want to access hidden beaches, mountain viewpoints, private waterfalls, or jungle lodges —
a 4x4 makes the journey way more fun.

And for the couples who love the idea of slow travel and waking up to jungle sounds?

→ 4x4 with a rooftop tent.
Cook breakfast under the trees. Watch stars at night. Go where most tourists don’t even know the road exists.

Costa Rica also has some unexpected landscapes that most people never experience — like the cooler mountain regions where the mornings are misty, the air smells like pine, and the clouds roll through the valleys.
Imagine:

• Eloping with temperatures at 16–20°C instead of tropical heat
  
• A-frame cabin in the mountains
  
• Ceremony in the middle of a coffee plantation
  
• Slow morning, fire pit, sweaters, steam from your coffee, jungle clouds drifting by
  

For coffee lovers — this is the dream version of Costa Rica.
And yes — I know the best spots.

Just tell me if this idea makes your heart beat a little faster — and we’ll build your elopement around it.

If you would like help planning the route, choosing where to stay, or designing a travel-friendly timeline — I can help with that too.
Every elopement I photograph includes full planning support. INQUIRE

Multi-Day Elopements — Turn Your Wedding Into an Adventure

Who says your elopement has to last just one day?

Costa Rica is full of incredible places only a few hours apart — you can design your elopement as a multi-day adventure that blends beaches, waterfalls, mountains, and jungle magic into one story.

Imagine this:

Day 1:
Sunset ceremony on the beach in Dominical, waves and golden light, barefoot and free.

Day 2:
Morning hike to Nauyaca Waterfalls — portraits surrounded by mist, sound, and pure rainforest energy.

Day 3:
Drive up to the cool mountain region of Dota, stay in a cozy A-frame cabin among coffee plantations, and finish your trip with portraits in the foggy forest, warm sweaters, and the smell of fresh coffee in the air.

You don’t have to choose between beach, jungle, or mountains —
you can have it all.

I will help you plan multi-day elopements where we can mix it all together — beaches, waterfalls, cloud forests — and create one continuous experience that feels like the most beautiful road trip of your life.
I can help you organize the logistics, recommend where to stay, plan travel times, and even drive between locations if needed.

Every day becomes a new chapter of your story.
And the best part? It’s all still just about the two of you.

Legal vs. Symbolic Ceremony — What’s the Difference?

You can either have a legal ceremony in Costa Rica or a symbolic ceremony — both are meaningful and both are real. It just depends on what feels right to you.

Legal Ceremony:
A Costa Rican lawyer (who also acts as the officiant) performs the ceremony and handles all the paperwork internationally. I can recommend lawyers who are relaxed, kind, and open to traveling or hiking to your ceremony location.

Symbolic Ceremony:
This is where you exchange vows in nature — just the two of you, with your friends and family, or completely privately. You can sign the legal documents at home before or after your trip. This option often feels the most intimate and free.

There is no “more real” option here.
Your ceremony is real because you are in it — not because of where the paperwork is signed.
Whichever path you choose, I’ll guide you step-by-step so everything stays simple and stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need permits for beaches or waterfalls?
Most beaches in Costa Rica are public and don’t require permits. Some waterfalls have small entrance fees or require arriving early for privacy — I’ll guide you based on the exact location we choose.

How much hiking is involved?
It depends on the location. We can choose something with zero hiking, a 5–10 minute walk, or a full adventure trail. Your elopement day will always be planned around your comfort and energy — not the other way around.

Can we bring family or friends to our elopement?
Absolutely. Elopements here can be just the two of you, or a micro-wedding with up to 40 guests. We keep the day intimate, relaxed, and focused on connection — no matter how many people are with you.

Ready to Start Planning Your Elopement in Costa Rica?

If eloping in Costa Rica is starting to feel like the right choice — I’d love to help you make it happen.

Whether you’re imagining a simple sunrise ceremony on a quiet beach, a waterfall adventure deep in the jungle, or a multi-day trip that blends beaches, mountains, hot springs and cloud forests — I’ll help you plan everything so it feels effortless, meaningful, and truly yours.

I’ll guide you through locations, weather, timing, tides, vendors, travel, and every detail in between — so you can just be present with each other and enjoy the experience.

Every elopement I photograph is different — because you are different.
Your story, your pace, your energy, your love — that’s what matters most.

If you’re ready, or even just curious, let’s talk.
No pressure, no templates, just real conversation and ideas.

→ Write to me here INQUIRE
→ Or DM me on Instagram @papayawedding

If you can dream it — we can plan it. 🌿

See a Real Costa Rica Waterfall Elopement

Want to see blog from the story of Whitney & Ben’s waterfall elopement — from cabin to waterfall?
View the blog WATERFALL ELOPEMENT

Already married but want to celebrate again? Discover our Vow Renewal Experience in Costa Rica