Whether you’ve been to this magical place before, or you stumbled across our previous post on reasons to elope to Costa Rica, this country is one of our personal favorites in the world, especially for elopements!
Not only is there a variety of great food, hot springs, and dozens of great adventurous activities to do during your stay, the landscape also offers the ideal combination of beaches, waterfalls, rainforest, and mountain views for eloping couples. If you aren’t exactly sure where you’d like to elope in Costa Rica, check out our list below! You might even decide that a two-day adventure that features both inland and coastal landscapes is the perfect celebration for you.
La Fortuna + Volcano Arenal
During our own trip a couple years ago, we loved the La Fortuna area the most. There is just so much to love about the lush greenery and flowers, the views of the volcano over the lake, the soothing hot springs nearby, and gushing waterfalls in the middle of the tropical forest.
It’s also a fantastic option if you’re hoping to kick-start your honeymoon without having to go very far . . . or anywhere else! Consider having your elopement ceremony at the 200-foot La Fortuna Waterfall, the lush forest of the Arenal Volcano National Park, in the middle of a hanging bridge,
Or for a more luxurious option, elope at Nayara Gardens — rated the best resort in Central America 2020 — The Springs Resort and Spa, or the Arenal Observatory Lodge + Spa. You can also head on over to the Monteverde area on the other side of the volcano, where they have a beautiful Orchid Garden and the Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.
Guanacaste
There are several fantastic places for your Costa Rica elopement in the Guanacaste province. Here are a few of our favorites:
Llanos de Cortez
Located only about 30 minutes from the Miravalles Volcano in Guanacaste, these waterfalls are some of the best in all of Costa Rica.
Celeste Waterfall
If you’re up for a hike through the rainforest, head on over to Tenorio National Park, where you can trek out to another great waterfall called the Celeste Waterfall (or the Catarata Rio Celeste).
Tamarindo
A popular place for resort elopements on the beach, Tamarindo is an amazing place for epic sunset views, wildlife sightings (such as monkeys and sloths), as well as boat and ATV tours. These qualities make it a fantastic option for an adventurous, yet relaxing, elopement! The top places to stay while you’re here include the world-renowned Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort and Cala Luna Boutique Hotel.
Playa Flamingo
Another nearby beach, Playa Flamingo is also a great location for a coastal elopement with plenty of activities nearby, such as ziplining, horseback riding, river tubing and more!
Corcovado National Park
Farther away from the more touristy regions, the Corcovado National Park is extremely special, since it protects some of the most unique wildlife in the world, including macaws, jaguars and squirrel monkeys. There are hiking trails both along the coast and farther inland, allowing you to get a glimpse of the 13 major ecosystems that exist here during your elopement adventure.
Cerro Chirripó
For those who really love hiking, especially to the “highest” peaks, explore Cerro Chirripó, the highest mountain in all of Costa Rica. Rising to over 12,500 feet above sea level, the mountain offers some of the best views in the country, where you can literally shout your love from the mountaintops. When it’s clear enough, you can even see both the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
However, keep in mind this adventure often take two to three days to hike up the mountain and back. If this sounds like the best option for you, it might be helpful to stay at Crestones Base Camp a few miles from the summit.
Parque Nacional Tortuguero
Most well known for being a nesting ground for green and leatherback turtles, the Tortuguero National Park is best seen by boat, canoe, or kayak. If you’re lucky enough during your elopement adventure, you may even be able to take a guided tour along the beach to watch the turtles lay their eggs under the stars, or see newly hatched turtles make their way out to the open waters!
Playa Manzanillo
Far away from most of the other touristy beaches and just south of the surfing hub of Puerto Viejo, this secluded coastline at Playa Manzanillo offers a laid back and tranquil setting for your elopement ceremony. These waves from the Caribbean will also be much smaller than those of the Pacific Coast, making it a very relaxing place to stroll along the beach at sunrise or sunset.
Looking to Elope in Costa Rica?
Our photo and video team loves capturing intimate and adventurous elopements, especially when a place like Costa Rica is involved!
Skyewater Photo + Film is a photography and videography team that specializes in destination weddings and adventure elopements worldwide. Whether you’re looking for a meaningful wedding video or an adventurous elopement photographer, contact Skyewater Photo + Film for your big day!
