Close your eyes. Hear the waves kiss the sand. Picture sloths peeking from the trees while the golden light of sunset bathes you and your partner in glow. Now open your eyes—because this isn’t a dream. It’s your wedding in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica: one of the world’s most magical places to say “I do.”
If you’re looking for a small, intimate wedding that feels more like an epic love story than a giant production, keep reading. I’ve photographed dozens of beautiful elopements and cozy ceremonies here, and I’m spilling the beans on the best spots, smart planning tips, and the perfect way to capture every breathtaking moment.
Why Choose Manuel Antonio for a Small Wedding?
🌴 Nature’s drama, minus the drama. Rainforest, ocean, cliffs, beaches, monkeys, toucans, and sunsets straight out of a Nicholas Sparks movie.
💍 Intimacy wins. Fewer guests = more meaning. Every hug, every tear, every vow becomes the moment.
🧳 Easy to get to, hard to forget. With a short flight into San José and a scenic drive or puddle-jumper to the coast, your destination wedding is exotic but accessible.
Best Small & Intimate Wedding Venues in Manuel Antonio
Perched high above the coast with jaw-dropping ocean views, this luxury estate is a dream for couples wanting a private wedding with architectural flair. Think glass balconies, infinity views, and five-star service. You can rent the entire villa for your crew and celebrate like actual royalty—complete with monkeys as surprise guests.
🎯 Perfect for: 10–40 guests
📸 Photographer’s note: The light at sunset? Divine.
2. Arenas del Mar: Beachfront Heaven with Eco-Soul
This eco-luxury resort is a favorite for intimate beach weddings. Walk barefoot down the aisle, exchange vows to the soundtrack of waves, and toast with champagne under the stars. With a focus on sustainability and boutique charm, it’s ideal for couples who love the planet as much as each other.
🎯 Perfect for: Elopements & weddings up to 30 guests
🦥 Bonus: Sloths included (really).
This clifftop gem offers sweeping views, stylish suites, and multiple ceremony spots—including a secret beach and rooftop terrace. The vibe is upscale but laid-back, and their wedding team knows how to plan a flawless event with grace (and local flair).
🎯 Perfect for: 20–50 guests
🥂 Insider tip: The rooftop cocktail hour is iconic.
4. Hotel Costa Verde: Quirky, Wild, Wonderfully Unique
Want to get married on a helipad with a 360° view of the jungle and ocean? Or toast inside a vintage airplane suite? Hotel Costa Verde is your offbeat, unforgettable wedding venue. The jungle vibes are strong, and the photo ops are next-level.
🎯 Perfect for: Adventurous couples, quirky souls
✈️ Fun fact: One suite is literally built into an old Boeing 727.
5. Tulemar Resort: Jungle Meets Seaside Elegance
If you’re looking for a venue that combines luxury with privacy, Tulemar delivers. Villas tucked into the hills offer quiet, private escapes—and their beach? A hidden gem. Weddings here are tranquil, heartfelt, and stunningly beautiful.
🎯 Perfect for: Elopements & small family celebrations
🌅 Photographer’s tip: Early morning ceremonies = misty magic.
One look at the panoramic views from this luxury villa and you’ll understand the name. It’s “beautiful view” in Spanish—and they weren’t exaggerating. Host your wedding on the sky deck, party by the infinity pool, then retreat with your guests into lush, designer-level suites.
🎯 Perfect for: 20–35 guests
📸 Photo dreams: Reflections in the pool. Yes, please.
Planning Tips for a Small Wedding in Manuel Antonio
🌞 Best time of year: December to April for dry season beauty. May to November brings lush greens and romantic afternoon showers (yes, rainbows included).
📜 Legal or symbolic? Many couples choose symbolic ceremonies and do the paperwork at home. Simpler. Smoother. Less stress.
🦜 Don’t forget to…
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Hire a local planner or work with venue coordinators.
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Book early—popular villas go fast!
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Let your guests know early (they’ll need time for passports and packing).
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Plan a couple’s shoot the day after—you’ll want to explore!
Capture the Magic with “Your Happy Moments”
I’m Serg—your go-to destination wedding photographer with a soft spot for jungles, waves, and real love. I specialize in turning your wedding into visual poetry, capturing every laugh, tear, and champagne-fueled dance step in a timeless, cinematic way.
👉 Check out the wedding stories & portfolio to feel the vibe.
👉 Explore my photo packages—I offer elopement, full-day, and custom destination options.
👉 Ready to talk love, light, and logistics? Say hi via my contact form—I’ll bring the creativity, you bring the love story.
Whether you’re whispering your vows at sunrise or dancing barefoot under the stars, Manuel Antonio is more than a wedding destination—it’s a love story waiting to be written. And I’d be honored to help you write it… frame by frame.
