Close your eyes for a moment. Hear the distant roar of waves. Feel the warm breeze carrying scents of orchids and ocean salt. Now open your eyes—and welcome to Costa Rica, where nature’s drama and romantic energy collide in the most jaw-dropping wedding photoshoot locations you’ll ever see.
Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement, a barefoot beach ceremony, or just looking for somewhere ridiculously beautiful to document your love—Costa Rica is your photogenic soulmate.
Let’s dive into some of the most spellbinding places that could become the canvas of your wedding story.
1. Manuel Antonio: The Jungle Queen of Beach Weddings
White sand? Check. Turquoise water? Double check. Mischievous monkeys photobombing your kiss? Yup.
Manuel Antonio National Park is a tropical wonderland where lush rainforest spills onto postcard-perfect beaches. You might need to shoo a raccoon off your bouquet—but hey, it’s part of the charm.
📸 Perfect for: Adventure elopements, barefoot ceremonies, and cinematic sunset sessions.
2. Playa Conchal: Shells, Sparkles, and Sunsets
They don’t call it Conchal for nothing—this beach literally glitters. Instead of sand, millions of crushed seashells shimmer under your feet like nature’s confetti.
Trade your heels for barefoot glam, and watch how golden hour light bounces off the shells like a disco ball sent from the heavens.
📍Near: Reserva Conchal
💡 Best time: December to April—dry season magic.
3. Monteverde Cloud Forest: A Photoshoot in the Sky
Let’s talk ethereal. Imagine standing on a misty hanging bridge, holding hands as a sliver of light cuts through the clouds. Monteverde is for dreamers and lovers of all things mysterious.
It’s moody. It’s magical. And yes, your dress will probably get damp—but it’ll look epic doing it.
📸 Perfect for: Couples who want that “love story in a fairytale forest” vibe.
🔗 Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
4. Arenal Volcano: Love on Lava Rocks
Volcanoes are the ultimate mood, and Arenal doesn’t disappoint. Towering and majestic, it’s the diva of Costa Rica’s landscape—and it knows it.
Pair that with hot springs, waterfalls, and miles of wild greenery, and you’ve got a fiery backdrop for a wedding album that screams “we’re hot and we know it.”
📍Base town: La Fortuna
5. Tamarindo Beach: Surfer Soulmates & Golden Hour Glory
Sunsets in Tamarindo are so dramatic, they deserve their own rom-com. Think golden skies, surfboards leaning in the sand, and a couple slow-dancing by the waves.
If your love language is beachy, boho, and barefoot… you’ve found your place.
💡 Pro tip: Schedule your session right before sundown for that sweet, warm glow.
6. La Fortuna Waterfall: Epic Vows Beneath a Cascade
Want a little drama with your romance? La Fortuna Waterfall plunges 70 meters into a jade-green pool, surrounded by lush cliffs. It’s like nature built a cathedral just for you.
Just one catch: 500 stairs. Wear comfy shoes (or reward yourself with a post-shoot dip).
🔗 La Fortuna Waterfall Official Site
7. Papagayo Peninsula: Luxury Meets Wild Beauty
If you dream of champagne on a private terrace and waves crashing below, this is your spot. The Papagayo Peninsula offers exclusive resorts set in wild, untouched landscapes.
It’s upscale without losing that raw Costa Rican soul. Basically, your love story—but on vacation.
🏨 Must-see: Four Seasons Costa Rica
8. Cahuita National Park: Caribbean Cool
Over on the east coast, Cahuita brings Caribbean color and charm to the table. Think palm-lined beaches, coral reefs, and that laid-back rhythm that makes you want to dance… or at least sway a little.
💃 Bonus points: the food is incredible, so treat yourself after the shoot.
🔗 Cahuita Park Info
9. Santa Teresa: Where Time Slows and Love Flows
Tucked away on the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa is the secret favorite of honeymooners, yogis, and creative souls.
It’s quiet. It’s golden. And the sunsets? Outrageous. There’s no better place to kiss under a cotton-candy sky.
📸 Mood: Wild, warm, and unfiltered.
10. Rio Celeste: The River That Forgot to Be Subtle
Yes, Rio Celeste really is that blue. No filter needed. Tucked inside Tenorio Volcano National Park, this magical river looks like someone poured the sky into a stream.
Perfect for the bold and the curious, it’s an off-the-beaten-path wonder that delivers wow every time.
🔗 Rio Celeste Details
🌿 Pro Tips for Wedding Photoshoots in Costa Rica:
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Best time to visit: December to April (dry season = sunshine + clear skies)
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What to bring: breathable attire, backup shoes, bug spray, waterproof makeup (seriously!)
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Expect: humidity, heat, and heaven.
✨ Make Your Moments Last Forever
I’ve been lucky to photograph incredible couples in Costa Rica’s most breathtaking places—and I bring not just my camera, but my heart, humor, and an eye for the moments that matter. If you’re planning a wedding, elopement, or simply want the most beautiful “just because we’re in love” session—I’m here to help you craft something timeless.
📸 Browse dreamy real wedding stories on my blog, explore tailored photography packages, or get in touch to start planning your own Costa Rican fairytale. Let’s make your happy moments… unforgettable.
