Costa Rica Elopement Packages for Two 2026

Costa Rica Elopement Packages for Two 2026. If you’re dreaming of saying “I do” with just the two of you, a waterfall backdrop, and zero guest-list stress, you’re in the right place. Elopements in Costa Rica have exploded in popularity, and for good reason: they’re adventurous, intimate, affordable, and incredibly romantic.

I’m a Costa Rica Elopement Photographer, and over the years I’ve helped couples from the US, Canada, and Europe plan and photograph elopements all over the country. Everything in this guide is based on real elopements, real costs, and real logistics, not generic package promises.

All-Inclusive Costa Rica Elopement Packages: What’s Actually Included

True elopements (just the couple) in Costa Rica typically cost $3,000–$6,000 and include:

• Symbolic ceremony with an officiant or celebrant of your choice
• Professional photography (this is where most of your budget goes, and should)
• Florals: A bridal bouquet and boutonniere
• Private celebration dinner at a romantic restaurant or your villa
• Transportation/coordination: Someone handling logistics so you can just enjoy

Some packages add extras like a small cake, champagne toast, hair/makeup, or a short video highlight reel.

Important note: Most “all-inclusive” elopement packages offered by resorts or third-party planners include generic photography, often a resort staff photographer with limited time and creativity. If stunning, artistic images are a priority (and they should be, it’s the only thing you take home), budget separately for a professional elopement photographer you actually love.

This is why many couples choose to build their elopement experience around a photographer who specializes in elopements, rather than a pre-set resort package. It gives you flexibility with locations, better timing for light and weather, and a much more personal experience overall.

Waterfall Elopements in Costa Rica: Locations, Permits, and Access

Waterfall elopements are one of the most requested experiences I photograph in Costa Rica, and each location comes with very different access, permit, and timing considerations.

This is the dream, right? And Costa Rica delivers. Some of the most epic waterfall elopement spots include:

Nauyaca Waterfalls (Dominical/Uvita area): A two-tiered, 200-foot waterfall surrounded by jungle. You can hike or horseback ride in. Absolutely cinematic.

La Fortuna Waterfall (Arenal region): Iconic 200-foot cascade with a turquoise pool. Requires a steep hike down (and back up), but worth every step.

Rio Celeste Waterfall (Tenorio Volcano National Park): Otherworldly bright blue water caused by volcanic minerals. One of the most unique landscapes in the country.

Llanos de Cortés (Guanacaste): Wide, gentle waterfall perfect for an intimate ceremony. Less crowded and easier to access.

Montezuma Waterfalls (Nicoya Peninsula): Tiered waterfalls with natural pools. Bohemian, adventurous vibe.

Permit tip: Some waterfalls are in private propertier, so you’ll need permits for professional photography and ceremonies. A good elopement photographer or planner should handle this for you. When I help couples plan waterfall elopements, permits and access are always handled in advance so there are no surprises on the day.

What makes elopements different from small weddings?

Elopements aren’t just “small weddings”, they’re a completely different experience:

• It’s an adventure, not an event: You’re exploring Costa Rica together, stopping for photos at viewpoints, hiking to hidden spots, maybe ending the day in hot springs.
• Flexible timeline: No cocktail hour, no reception schedule. You can get married at sunrise, spend the afternoon zip-lining, then have a private dinner under the stars.
• Focus on experience: The day is about the two of you and the place, not entertaining guests or managing logistics.

This is the approach I take when photographing elopements. Instead of building the day around a ceremony, I help couples design the experience around the places they want to explore, the light, and how they want the day to feel. Think of it as a hybrid between a wedding and an epic honeymoon day.

A Pro Tip From a Costa Rica Elopement Photographer:

My elopement packages aren’t just about showing up with a camera. I help couples plan the entire experience, from choosing the right location and handling permits, to building a timeline around Costa Rica’s best light and seasonal weather.

I also recommend where to stay, connect you with trusted local vendors if you need a celebrant or florals, and help you plan the rest of your trip around your elopement day. The goal is for everything to feel simple and intentional, not rushed or overwhelming.

What you’re really getting is local knowledge, planning support, and documentary-style photography that reflects the place and the experience, not just a ceremony. You focus on each other. I handle the logistics and the details in the background.

After photographing elopements all over Costa Rica, I’ve noticed that most couples fall into a few clear styles of experience. Some want to explore multiple landscapes in one day, others want to slow down and fully immerse themselves in a single place, and some simply want beautiful documentation without help planning every detail.

These elopement packages are built around those real preferences, not arbitrary coverage hours.