My Personal Selection of Places to Elope in Costa Rica (Plus a Nicaragua Bonus)
After photographing elopements across Costa Rica for years, these are the places I consistently recommend when couples ask where an elopement will feel both beautiful and grounded. This list isn’t about popularity. It’s about locations that photograph beautifully, allow space to breathe, and support a calm, intentional experience.
Costa Rica
La Fortuna Waterfall
A powerful setting surrounded by jungle and sound. Best for early mornings and couples who don’t mind a short hike in exchange for something truly immersive.
Nayara Resort (La Fortuna)
Ideal if you want privacy, elevated comfort, and seamless logistics. It works especially well for intimate ceremonies followed by a relaxed day on property.
One of my favorite hidden gems. Open views of Arenal, quiet grounds, and a natural sense of isolation without feeling remote.
Monteverde
For couples drawn to mist, texture, and stillness. Cloud forest elopements here feel intimate and cinematic, especially during green season.
Playa Langosta
A calmer alternative to busier beach towns. Clean lines, soft light, and a relaxed pace that works well at sunset.
Sueño del Mar Hotel
Perfect for couples who want oceanfront intimacy without large crowds. Simple, warm, and very personal.
Reloj de Arena, Puerto Viejo
Caribbean light, bold colors, and a slower rhythm. This location is ideal for couples who want something different from the Pacific coast.
Punta Uva
One of the most photogenic beaches in Costa Rica. Turquoise water, palms, and quiet corners make it feel untouched when timed right.
Playa Avellanas
Great for barefoot ceremonies and open skies. Works especially well for couples who love movement, wind, and a natural feel.
Punta Mala
Remote and dramatic. Best for adventurous couples who value privacy and don’t mind a bit of effort to get somewhere special.
Playa Hermosa
Reliable, calm, and versatile. A solid option when you want ocean views without heavy logistics.
Uvita and Playa Ventanas
Wild, spacious, and emotional. These beaches feel expansive and grounding, especially for sunset ceremonies.
Los Sueños Marriott
A strong option if you want comfort, accessibility, and clean logistics while still staying close to nature.
Río Celeste
Striking and unique. Best as part of a broader elopement experience rather than a rushed stop.
San Gerardo de Dota
Quiet, cool, and deeply peaceful. Ideal for couples who want mountains, birds, and total disconnection.
Volcán Irazú
High-altitude landscapes with a completely different feel from the rest of the country. Minimal, open, and dramatic.
Bonus: Nicaragua
Isleta El Espino
For couples open to something beyond Costa Rica, this private island near Granada is incredibly special. Calm waters, colonial textures, and total privacy make it a beautiful option for a truly intimate elopement experience.
