Sueño del Mar Vintage Beach Elopement | Tamarindo, Costa Rica Wedding Photographer

Sueño del Mar Vintage Beach Elopement | Tamarindo, Costa Rica Wedding Photographer

Suzanne & Tafari's Intimate Beach Celebration with Vintage 1920s Flair at Tamarindo's Premier Oceanfront Venue | Destination Wedding Photography

Capturing Timeless Moments: Tamarindo Elopement Photographer

Welcome to a breathtaking journey through Suzanne and Tafari’s magical beach elopement at Sueño del Mar beachfront hotel in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. As a Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer, I had the privilege of capturing every stunning moment of this intimate celebration that perfectly blended vintage 1920s elegance with tropical paradise vibes.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Discover Sueño del Mar: Tamarindo’s Hidden Gem for Intimate Weddings

Nestled along the pristine shores of Tamarindo Beach, Sueño del Mar (which translates to “Dream of the Sea”) offered the perfect backdrop for this love story. The boutique beachfront hotel features rustic wooden architecture that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, creating an atmosphere of secluded luxury that’s ideal for couples seeking an intimate destination elopement.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Morning Preparations: Getting Ready in Oceanfront Luxury

The morning began with golden sunlight filtering through the palm trees as Suzanne prepared in her suite. Sueño del Mar’s oceanfront accommodations provide spacious rooms with private balconies, allowing the bride to enjoy breathtaking views while her hair and makeup artist worked their magic. The gentle sound of waves created a natural soundtrack that calmed pre-wedding jitters.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer
Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Vintage Wedding Attire: Creating a 1920s Aesthetic for Your Elopement

Suzanne’s choice of a vintage-inspired wedding gown perfectly embodied the 1920s theme. With delicate beadwork, drop-waist silhouette, and a dramatic headpiece adorned with feathers, she channeled pure Great Gatsby glamour. When choosing a wedding theme like the 1920s, consider how it can be woven through every element of your celebration – from attire and accessories to decor and photography style.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer
Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer
Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Groom’s Preparation: Blending Vintage Style with Tropical Elements

Meanwhile, Tafari prepared in the hotel’s spacious garden suite. Sueño del Mar offers various accommodation options for couples, making it convenient to stay on-site before and after your ceremony. The groom’s vintage-inspired three-piece suit featured subtle tropical touches that honored their Costa Rican setting while maintaining the 1920s aesthetic.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer
Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Why Choose Tamarindo for Your Destination Elopement?

One of the advantages of choosing Tamarindo for your destination elopement is the diverse vendor selection available in this popular coastal town. From skilled florists who incorporate local tropical blooms to a Tamarindo Elopement photographer who understand the unique lighting conditions, couples can create a unique experience that reflects both their personal style and the local culture.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer
Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Beach Ceremony Locations at Sueño del Mar: Perfect for Two

The ceremony took place directly on the beach, where Sueño del Mar’s staff had arranged an elegant arch adorned with cascading white orchids and greenery. The hotel offers several ceremony locations – from their pristine private beach to intimate garden settings – allowing couples to choose the perfect spot based on their vision and desired backdrop.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Planning Your Ceremony Time: Tamarindo’s Golden Hour

As Suzanne walked down the sandy aisle to meet her beloved, the Pacific Ocean provided a stunning natural backdrop. Tamarindo’s beaches are known for their spectacular sunsets, and timing your ceremony about an hour before sunset (as Suzanne and Tafari did) creates the perfect lighting for both the experience and photography.

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Tamarindo
Santa Cruz, CR
1:04 am, Apr 24, 2025
temperature icon 28°C
overcast clouds
Humidity 65 %
Wind 5 mph
Clouds Clouds: 100%
Sunrise Sunrise: 5:28 am
Sunset Sunset: 5:54 pm
Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Exchanging Vows: The Heart of Your Elopement Experience

The couple exchanged heartfelt vows in an intimate ceremony with just the two of them. Sueño del Mar specializes in these personal elopements, creating a sacred space for couples to fully immerse in the moment without distractions. Their wedding coordinator works closely with each couple to ensure every detail reflects their unique vision.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer
Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Incorporating Your Theme: Art Deco Details for a Beach Elopement

Incorporating the 1920s theme, Suzanne and Tafari included Art Deco-inspired elements in their ceremony setup and personal details. When planning a themed elopement, remember that subtle touches can be just as effective as grand gestures. The couple chose elegant fonts, geometric patterns, and a black, gold, and ivory color palette that perfectly complemented both their vintage theme and the natural beach setting.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer
Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Celebrating as Two: Private Champagne Toast with an Ocean View

After the ceremony, the newlyweds enjoyed a private champagne toast on Sueño del Mar’s oceanfront terrace. The hotel’s staff crafted period-appropriate signature cocktails, including classic gin fizzes served in vintage-style coupe glasses. These personalized touches helped immerse the couple in the 1920s experience while they savored the breathtaking ocean views and their first moments as a married couple.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer
Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Intimate Dining Experience: Private Beachfront Dinner for Two

Dinner was served under the stars on Sueño del Mar’s beachfront lawn, set up exclusively for the couple. The hotel’s culinary team created a menu that blended local Costa Rican flavors with international cuisine. Fresh-caught seafood, tropical fruits, and organic vegetables sourced from nearby farms highlighted the region’s abundant natural resources. The chef can customize menus based on couples’ preferences, dietary restrictions, and desired level of local influence.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Tamarindo Elopement Photographer: Capturing it’s Famous Golden Hour

The Costa Rican sunset painted the sky in vibrant oranges and pinks, creating a magical backdrop for the couple’s portraits. As a Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer, I’ve found that this “golden hour” provides unparalleled lighting opportunities. The gentle evening breeze from the ocean added movement to Suzanne’s veil, creating ethereal images that captured both the romance and the location’s natural beauty.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Elopement Decor: 1920s-Inspired Tablescapes for Your Intimate Celebration

Their intimate dinner table featured 1920s-inspired decor with feathers, pearls, and mercury glass candleholders that twinkled in the evening light. Sueño del Mar provides basic decor items, but many couples choose to work with local event designers who can source or create specialized themed elements. Tamarindo has several talented decorators familiar with the venue who can transform the space according to your vision, no matter how intimate your celebration.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Setting the Mood: Music Selection for Your Elopement Dinner

Soft jazz music filled the air during their private dinner, with classic songs from the 1920s creating the perfect soundtrack for their vintage-themed celebration. Sueño del Mar can arrange for music that matches any theme or preference, whether it’s a curated playlist or even a solo musician for particularly special moments during your elopement.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Advantages of Private Elopements: Creating Your Perfect Timeline

One of the advantages of eloping at Sueño del Mar is the ability to create a completely customized timeline without the constraints that come with hosting larger weddings. As a private property, the hotel allows the couple to craft their perfect day, moving at their own pace and focusing on experiences that matter most to them.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Best Time to Elope in Tamarindo: Weather Considerations for Your Day

Weather in Tamarindo deserves special consideration when planning your elopement date. Suzanne and Tafari chose April, during the dry season (December through April), which offers the most predictable weather conditions. The rainy season (May through November) brings lush green landscapes but also afternoon showers. Sueño del Mar has beautiful indoor spaces that can accommodate your celebration if unexpected weather arises.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Embracing Your Wedding Theme: How Suzanne & Tafari Lived Their 1920s Fantasy

Throughout their elopement day, Suzanne and Tafari fully embraced their 1920s theme through not just their attire, but also their poses, accessories, and even the champagne coupe glasses they used for toasts. When choosing a themed wedding, consider how you can infuse elements of your chosen era or style into the small moments throughout your day that will make your photos truly transportive.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Sweet Moments: Cutting Cake for Two Under the Stars

As night fell, the couple cut their Art Deco-inspired wedding cake beneath strings of market lights that created a magical canopy over their private dining area. Sueño del Mar works with several excellent local bakeries that can create custom desserts scaled perfectly for elopements, ensuring your wedding meal concludes on a delicious note that still feels special and celebratory.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Unique Elopement Activities: Creating Meaningful Rituals for Two

The hotel’s beachfront location allowed for unique elopement activities that wouldn’t be possible at conventional venues. The couple participated in a private wish lantern release over the ocean after writing messages of love and hope to each other – creating both a meaningful ritual and spectacular photo opportunities.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Exclusive Accommodations: Making Sueño del Mar Your Private Paradise

For couples considering Sueño del Mar for their own elopement, it’s worth noting that while the hotel has nine unique rooms and suites, you don’t need to reserve the entire property. Many eloping couples choose to book just one of the premium oceanfront suites, offering the perfect romantic retreat before and after your ceremony.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Extending Your Stay in Tamarindo: From Elopement to Honeymoon

Tamarindo offers exceptional accommodation options for extending your stay after your elopement. From luxury resorts to boutique hotels and vacation rentals, there are options for every budget within walking distance or a short drive from Sueño del Mar, allowing you to easily transition from your elopement celebration into your honeymoon adventures.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Beyond the Ceremony: Adventure Activities for Eloping Couples

Beyond the elopement day itself, Tamarindo provides countless activities for couples to enjoy. From world-class surfing and snorkeling to zip-lining and national park excursions, your elopement celebration can extend into a memorable honeymoon filled with both adventure and relaxation. Suzanne and Tafari took surfing lessons the day after their ceremony, creating even more unforgettable memories in Costa Rica.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

The Perfect “Weddingmoon”: Why Tamarindo Elopements Make Sense

As a Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer, I’ve found that many couples appreciate the seamless “weddingmoon” concept that an elopement in Costa Rica provides. After their ceremony, Suzanne and Tafari remained at Sueño del Mar for several days of relaxation before venturing to Costa Rica’s cloud forests and volcanic regions for extended honeymoon adventures.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Legal Requirements: Planning Your Costa Rica Elopement Ceremony

The legal requirements for getting married in Costa Rica are relatively straightforward, particularly for symbolic ceremonies. Many couples, including Suzanne and Tafari, choose to complete the legal aspects of their marriage in their home country and have a symbolic ceremony in Costa Rica. However, legal ceremonies are possible with proper documentation and planning, which Sueño del Mar’s wedding coordinator can assist with.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Elopement Budget Considerations: Value of Destination Ceremonies

Budget considerations are important for any wedding decision. While Costa Rica isn’t the least expensive Central American destination, it offers excellent value considering the quality of venues, services, photographers, and experiences available. Suzanne and Tafari found that their intimate elopement at Sueño del Mar cost significantly less than even a small traditional wedding would have in their home city, while providing a much more unique and memorable experience.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Getting to Tamarindo: Transportation Tips for Your Elopement

Transportation to Tamarindo is convenient, with two international airports within driving distance. Most couples fly into Liberia Airport (LIR), approximately 1 hour away, though San José Airport (SJO) is also an option at about 4 hours’ drive. Sueño del Mar can arrange private transportation, or rental cars are widely available for those wishing to explore independently during their stay.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Overcoming Language Barriers: Communication Tips for Planning

Communication might concern some couples planning a destination elopement, but Suzanne and Tafari found that English is widely spoken throughout Tamarindo’s tourism industry. The staff at Sueño del Mar is bilingual, and their wedding coordinator bridged any language gaps with local vendors, ensuring the planning process remained stress-free despite the distance.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Why Choose an Intimate Elopement in Tamarindo?

Looking through these images of Suzanne and Tafari’s celebration, it’s clear that Sueño del Mar in Tamarindo offers an idyllic setting for couples seeking a destination elopement that balances natural beauty with elegant amenities. Whether you’re dreaming of a vintage-themed event like theirs or envisioning something entirely different, this hidden gem on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast provides the perfect canvas for your unique love story.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

Book Your Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

If you’re considering an elopement in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, I’d be honored to capture your special day as your Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer. From your first look to sunset portraits on the beach, every moment deserves to be preserved with the same care and attention to detail that made Suzanne and Tafari’s celebration an unforgettable experience they’ll cherish forever.

Tamarindo Costa Rica Elopement Photographer
Wedding photography Arizona – The Horseshoe Bend Elopement

Wedding photography Arizona – The Horseshoe Bend Elopement

Wedding Photography Arizona - The Horseshoe Bend Elopement.

Wedding Photography Arizona – The Horseshoe Bend Elopement.

Wedding Photography Arizona - The Horseshoe Bend Elopement.

As an elopement photographer, this was my dream elopement. I usually take wedding pictures, elopement, and engagement sessions in the wild landscapes of Costa Rica—waterfalls, volcanoes, beaches—but never a dry desert. So when Fernanda and Andrea told me they wanted their elopement photography at Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, I said yes without hesitation.

This part doesn't look glamorous, but need to be done and I wanted to show you. This is the civil ceremony we had the day before at Las Vegas office of civil marriages.
We started very early at the horseshoe bend. If you search the web to know what is the best hour to shot there, you will find the is not bad at any hour, its just different at all hours. So we decided to be there around 8 a.m.

Girl crying at wedding ceremony

Girl crying at wedding ceremony

Girl smiling at wedding ceremony

Girl smiling at wedding ceremony

Same sex couple kissing at wedding in Horseshoe bend

Couple kissing at wedding in Horseshoe bend, Arizona

Girl getting married at the Horseshoe bend

Girl getting married at the Horseshoe bend, Arizona

Girl getting married at the Horseshoe bend

Girl getting married at the Horseshoe bend, Arizona

Couple getting married at Horseshoe bend, Arizona

Couple getting married at Horseshoe bend, Arizona

Wedding couple at Horseshoe bend

Wedding couple at Horseshoe bend, Arizona

Wedding couple at Horseshoe bend

Wedding couple at Horseshoe bend, Arizona

Girl kissing her wife at Horseshoe bend, Arizona

Girl kissing her wife at Horseshoe bend, Arizona

Wedding couple watching the Horseshoe bend, Arizona

As an elopement photographer,

I love traveling to stunning locations like Horseshoe Bend in Arizona. The dramatic landscapes and unique desert beauty offer a perfect setting for capturing intimate and adventurous elopement moments. Traveling to such iconic spots allows me to bring a fresh perspective to my photography, blending my experience with Costa Rican nature with the awe-inspiring scenery of places like Horseshoe Bend. It’s a privilege to document love stories in such breathtaking environments, and it fuels my passion for elopement photography.

Wedding couple watching each other at Horseshoe bend, Arizona

Wedding couple watching each other at Horseshoe bend, Arizona

Portrait of girl at Horseshoe bend, Arizona

Portrait of girl at Horseshoe bend, Arizona

Wedding couple smiling

Wedding couple smiling

Wedding couple kissing at Horseshoe bend, Arizona

Wedding couple kissing at Horseshoe bend, Arizona

Couple getting married at Horseshoe bend, Arizona

Couple getting married at Horseshoe bend, Arizona

Couple getting married at Horseshoe bend, Arizona

Couple getting married at Horseshoe bend, Arizona

Girl playing with wedding dress

Girl playing with wedding dress

Newlyweds at Horseshoe bend, Arizona

Newlyweds at Horseshoe bend, Arizona

After we took amazing pictures there, we went for lunch and got ready for our tour to the antelope canyon.
The problem with the antelope was, we didn't have any special tour or something that allow us to take pictures without all the visitors. 
Hopefully we had a great tour guide who gave us the chance to snap some shoots.

Wedding couple at the antelope canyon, Arizona

Wedding couple at the antelope canyon, Arizona

Wedding couple at the antelope canyon, Arizona

Wedding couple at the antelope canyon, Arizona

Couple kissing at the antelope canyon, Arizona

Couple kissing at the antelope canyon, Arizona

Couple kissing at the antelope canyon, Arizona

Couple kissing at the antelope canyon, Arizona

Wedding couple at the antelope canyon, Arizona

Wedding couple at the antelope canyon, Arizona

Wedding couple at the antelope canyon, Arizona

Wedding couple at the antelope canyon, Arizona

Wedding couple smiling at each other

Wedding couple smiling at each other

Happy couple in wedding day

Happy couple in wedding day

At the end of the afternoon we just stop somewhere in the way and had the last pictures with a beautiful light. Then headed forward to Las Vegas and got In 'n out Burger :)

Bride wearing flower crown

Bride wearing flower crown

Bride getting wedding pictures at Las Vegas

Bride getting wedding pictures at Las Vegas

Wedding couple in love at Las Vegas dessert.

Wedding couple in love at Las Vegas dessert.

Wedding couple in love at Las Vegas dessert

Wedding couple in love at Las Vegas dessert.

Wedding couple in love at Las Vegas dessert

Wedding couple in love at Las Vegas dessert

Bride running in Las Vegas dessert

Bride running in Las Vegas dessert

Take it from me, there’s nothing like a job well done. Except the quiet enveloping darkness at the bottom of a bottle of Jim Beam after a job done any way at all.
H.S.T

Wedding Photography Arizona – The Horseshoe Bend Elopement

Avellanas Beach Elopement Wedding, simple yet epic love affair

Avellanas Beach Elopement Wedding, simple yet epic love affair

Avellanas Beach Elopement Wedding

 

Besides this Avellanas Beach Elopement Wedding, I specialize in capturing love stories as a wedding photographer with over 15 years of experience. My degree from the Universidad Técnica Nacional in Costa Rica and training at the VII PHOTO Masterclass and an intensive Documentary Photography Course at the London College of Communications in collaboration with Magnum Photos shaped and refined my artistic approach . I have dedicated my career to capturing the beauty and emotion of love stories. Like this Avellanas Beach Elopement Wedding. These experiences have shaped my approach to photography. Allowing me to blend technical skill with an artistic eye, resulting in images that resonate with genuine emotion.

What is Elopement Photography?

 

According to The School of Photography, Elopement photography focuses on couples who choose intimate weddings with only close friends or family, or just themselves. This style highlights authenticity and spontaneity in breathtaking settings. According to The School of Photography, “Elopement photography is a style of photography that captures couples who have chosen to have an intimate wedding experience.”

In Costa Rica, elopements create magical moments. Each one offers a chance to build lasting memories in stunning locations. With lush rainforests and pristine beaches, Costa Rica serves as a perfect backdrop for love stories.
elopement photography in avellanas beach

How is an Avellanas Beach Elopement Wedding?

 When Amy and Rich welcomed me with beers, I knew this day would be special. They chose Avellanas Beach, where their love story began. Its beauty, vibrant sunsets, and tranquil vibe made it the perfect place to say their vows.

Despite Amy’s career as a successful New York wedding planner, the day unfolded with ease. They prioritized spontaneity and connection over perfection. Their laid-back attitude made the experience even more unforgettable.

 

Capturing the Moment of the beach elopement

 

Instead of traditional preparations, we relaxed at Lola’s, soaking in the carefree beach atmosphere. When the sun began to set, we walked to the famous boardwalk. The soft golden light and the rhythmic waves created a magical scene.
Amy and Rich exchanged vows with the ocean as their witness. The vibrant colors of the sea and sky added a stunning backdrop. Their heartfelt words blended with the soothing sound of waves, creating a serene, unforgettable moment.

As the sun dipped low, casting a golden hue across the beach, we made our way to the famous boardwalk. The perfect backdrop for capturing this couple’s spontaneity and love. It was a magical moment, with the ocean waves whispering sweet nothings in the background.

elopement wedding costa rica photographer

 

Elopement weddings redefine tradition

Elopements redefine tradition, embracing a more intimate and personal approach to weddings. In Costa Rica, this journey is elevated by the breathtaking landscapes. From the lush rainforests to the stunning coastline. Including renowned spots like Nosara, Tamarindo, and Playa Conchal. Every elopement is a unique story waiting to be told, a narrative woven with love, adventure, and authenticity.

As a Costa Rica wedding photographer, I am privileged to capture these raw moments of emotion and genuine connection. There’s something truly special about witnessing couples committing to each other. Amidst nature’s grandeur, far from the noise of the world. Whether it’s exchanging vows at sunset on a secluded beach or hiking to a hidden waterfall. Costa Rica offers the perfect canvas for unforgettable wedding photography.

The ceremony was everything they dreamed of. The light couldn’t have been better, with the ocean’s vibrant blues and greens painting a stunning backdrop. The sound of the waves, combined with the heartfelt words exchanged between the couple, created a serene atmosphere that was simply perfect.


Spontaneity Meets Adventure on this
Avellanas Beach Elopement Wedding

After the ceremony, the couple played rock-paper-scissors to decide whether to jump into the ocean. They couldn’t resist the call of the waves. Reliving their early adventures, they ran into the water, their laughter filling the air.
These moments captured the essence of elopement photography—raw, joyful, and deeply personal. Every candid shot reflected their love and connection.

 

Being an elopement photographer here isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about capturing the spirit of love in one of the most beautiful places on earth. It’s about sharing in moments that celebrate intimacy and individuality, where every glance and every touch tells a story. For me, there’s no greater joy than immortalizing these memories through my lens, ensuring that couples can look back on their special day with fondness and joy.

Whether you’re considering an intimate beach wedding in Guanacaste, a breathtaking ceremony at Arenal Volcano, or a romantic elopement in Uvita, the possibilities are endless. I invite you to explore the adventure that awaits in Costa Rica, where every sunset is a promise and every moment is a treasure.

The Amazing Vendors:

Event Design + Coordination:  Amy Champagne Events  | Photography: Crissorama  | Florals: Events ARTesanos | Amy’s Ring: Custom designed & made by Addessi Jewelers | Rich’s Ring: Peacefield Titanium (Made from a designer outside of State College where Rich went to Penn State and with wood that is from central America!)

This incredible adventure was also featured on

The New York Times and Good Morning America

“GMA” goes inside one couples’ elopement as a new interest in planning spontaneous and quick weddings has created an industry of elopement planners.

 Also you can read the entire story from Amy in her Blog: Some Crazy Press, Rumors and a Little Elopement Love Story, by Amy Jones

Wedding photographer Costa Rica: Avellanas Beach Elopement wedding.