ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT | ARTISTIC STYLE

Costa Rica Elopement Photographer – For the Adventurous & the Romantic

No aisle. No audience. Just the two of you, a trail, and Costa Rica’s wildest, most beautiful backdrops.

Whether you’re saying «I do» on a sunset beach or beside a volcano wrapped in rainforest, we hike to hidden waterfalls and cloudforest clearings to document a ceremony that belongs to no one but you. Storytelling elopement photography for romantic escapes and intimate destination weddings.

SEE ELOPEMENT PACKAGES

PRIVATE CEREMONIES     |     REAL TRAILS     |     JUST THE TWO OF YOU


LOCAL EXPERTISE & ARTISTIC

Joice Dahianna: Your Costa Rica Elopement Photographer for Aventure & Privacy

What is an elopement?

An intimate ceremony for just the two of you — no big wedding, no guest list, just Costa Rica as your witness. It can be legally binding, symbolic, or simply your own vows by a waterfall or volcano. Not smaller than a wedding — just entirely yours.

Costa Rica’s weather is unpredictable — around 80% of the elopements we’ve shot have had rain at some point, and those moments often make the most romantic images.

 

No audience out here, no pressure to pose — just you, your partner, and the forest. Whether it’s the rainforest, cloud forest, beside Arenal Volcano, or barefoot on the beach at sunset, we blend candid photography with calm, present guidance.

 

Waterfalls are the favorite — La Fortuna, Llanos de Cortés, Nauyaca, and El Tigre are requested most. We’ll match the right one, season, and timing to you — or if you’d rather skip logistics, our planning team handles it.

save your elopement date

RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE BEST WEDDING & ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY TEAMS IN COSTA RICA

3
National Award Wins | world photography cup
Fearless
Photographers — Featured
650+
Couples — US, Canada, MeXICO & Europe

WHY US

Why Elope With Joice Dahianna?

Choosing an elopement photographer in Costa Rica isn’t just about a portfolio — it’s about who can hike beside you, read the light, and disappear into the moment so it stays just yours.

 

TRAIL – READY

We Hike With You

Waterfalls, cloudforest, volcano trails — we carry our own gear and know which routes are doable in a dress and which need boots.

2 PERSPECTIVES

Ground + Aerial Coverage

Diego’s drone captures the scale of where you eloped — the waterfall, the volcano, the coastline — while I stay close for every real reaction.

PLANNING TEAM

Full experience

Our team handles the full planning of your elopement experience — from the perfect hidden location to timeline logistics and creative direction — one contact, start to vow.

STORYTELLING

Documentary & Artistic

We guide, accompany, and direct with intention — helping you move through your elopement day while capturing it as it truly unfolds. Never staged, always authentic.

Wedding Photography in Costa Rica: Elanna and Justin's destination wedding near Arenal Volcano
Couple passionately kissing in the water in front of a majestic waterfall, celebrating their elopement in Costa Rica. Monteverde, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo, Uvita
Eloping in Costa Rica, Newlyweds standing under a tree with Llanos de Cortés waterfall in the background. Monteverde, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo, Uvita

PLANNING AHEAD

Have Questions About Eloping in Costa Rica?

Let’s talk through your vision, availability and next steps.

Write to Joice

REAL ADVENTURES

Costa Rica Elopement Photography Portfolios

Explore real destination wedding photography in Costa Rica, from beach ceremonies to volcano-view elopements — every gallery reflects our candid, romantic storytelling style.

Eloping in Costa Rica, Newlyweds standing under a tree with Llanos de Cortés waterfall in the background. Monteverde, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo, Uvita

Mau & Karen’s Elopement at Llanos de Cortés Waterfall

This intimate elopement at Llanos de Cortés Waterfall captures the magic of a hidden tropical gem, surrounded by lush forest and waterfall.

View Gallery
Bride and groom looking into each other’s eyes in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo, Uvita

Elena & Justin’s Elopement at La Fortuna

With Arenal volcano views and soft golden light, this heartfelt ceremony blends the beauty of Costa Rica’s jungle with emotional storytelling.

View Gallery
Two brides embracing on the beach, gazing into each other's eyes at sunset, with a reflection in the water. Monteverde, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo, Uvita

Ana & Sol’s Elopement at Langosta Beach

Golden-hour portraits and emotional vows come together in this dreamy beach elopement in Langosta Beach, Tamarindo.

View Gallery

EXPLORE YOUR LOCATION

Where Should You Elope in Costa Rica?

 

Every couple wants a different kind of wild. Here’s what each region offers — and we’ll help you match yours.

Couple standing together at a misty viewpoint with dramatic sunset clouds. Costa Rica Wedding Photographer. Monteverde, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo, Uvita

MONTEVERDE

CLOUD FOREST

Experience the adventure of the cloud forest: hike through the mountains, cross hanging bridges and trails to El Tigre Waterfall, and end the journey with a horseback ride back.


Best for: couples chasing mist, mountains, waterfalls and ocean views in one frame.

Bride and groom standing together at a scenic viewpoint in Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica Wedding Photographer. Monteverde, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo Uvita

LA FORTUNA

ARENAL VOLCANO

Venture along trails with views of Arenal Volcano, unwind in natural hot springs, and say ‘I do’ in front of the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall.


Best for: couples wanting volcano, waterfall, lake, and hot springs in one trip.

Bride and groom standing on the beach at sunset with dramatic sky colors. Costa Rica Wedding Photographer. Monteverde, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo, Uvita

TAMARINDO | GUANACASTE

BEACH & RESORTS

Say ‘I do’ against an unforgettable sunset, on hidden and romantic beaches by the sea.


Best for: couples dreaming of a resort wedding right on the sand.

Loved What You Saw?

Check availability for your wedding date today.

BOOK NOW

TESTIMONIALS

Reviews of Joice Dahianna as Your Elopement Photographer in Costa Rica

We had such a wonderful experience working with Joice and Diego for our wedding in Costa Rica. From the very beginning, they went out of their way to support us and were incredibly attentive all the way up to the wedding day.

We really appreciated the tender care and thoughtfulness they gave to all of our requests. They made us feel heard, supported, and genuinely cared for throughout the process, which meant so much during such a special and emotional time.

 

And the photos were absolutely beautiful. They captured everything so naturally and artistically, and we were also delightfully surprised by the drone footage — such an amazing bonus that made our memories feel even more cinematic and special.

 

Joice and Diego are truly an excellent team. We loved their energy and felt so comfortable with them. We would absolutely recommend them to anyone planning an elopement or wedding in Costa Rica!

 

CHRISTY & MICHAEL 

 

——- More Reviews on Google ——-


— PACKAGES

What’s Included in Our Elopement Photography Packages?

From USD 1,450 

Every elopement is customized to you — a relaxed ceremony near the road, or a full hike to a secret waterfall. Here’s what’s always included:

  • Coverage hours — Minimum 2 hours or half-day


  • 2 Photographers


  • Trail/hike guidance to waterfall, volcano, cloudforest, or beach spots


  • Photography-focused itinerary planning, prep tips


  • Professionally edited, high-resolution images


  • Private online gallery (1 year) + printing rights


  • Gallery delivered within 31 days.

Choose Your Wedding Package
Wedding Photography in Costa Rica: Elanna and Justin's destination wedding near Arenal Volcano

TWO PHOTOGRAPHERS, ALWAYS INCLUDED

Every package includes a second photographer — never an add-on — so your wedding day is always beautifully captured from two different angles and two full perspectives, making sure nothing important is ever missed.

HOW TIMELINE GUIDANCE WORKS

Once you share your ceremony plan, we review it to pinpoint the best light for your vows, the ideal window for portraits, and any adjustments to make your photos shine.

DO YOU OFFER DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY?

Drone footage is part of our equipment, though not a fixed package feature — it depends on weather and location authorization. When both align, we’re happy to use it, though it’s never guaranteed.

Want the full experience — décor, venue booking, officiant? Our planning partner handles it as an optional add-on, so all you do is show up.

request a full experience
OPTIONAL ADD-ON | FULL EXPERIENCE

Want Help Planning the Logistics? We’ve Got You.

Eloping doesn’t mean doing it alone. For couples who’d rather not coordinate permits, officiants, or trail logistics, planning partner Ceilyn Castro of Your White Wedding builds the full experience around their chosen location — so all they have to do is show up and say «I do.»

Ceilyn’s approach starts before flowers or decor, with the experience itself:

How do they want to feel that day?

What landscape tells their story?

What will the journey look like — the hike in, the walk out?

What moments do they want to remember?

How does Costa Rica become part of their story, not just the backdrop?

From there, location, timing, and logistics follow — permits, timing, local vendors, all handled behind the scenes, especially useful for couples coming from abroad. Available on request; just reach out for a custom quote..

Ceilyn Castro, wedding planner Costa Rica
Trusted Planning Partner

Your White Wedding

Ceilyn Castro

Destination wedding planner based in Costa Rica — numerous weddings coordinated together, from luxury resort logistics to full design & décor.

Request a PLANNING Quote


Couple kissing on a hanging bridge with El Tigre Waterfall in the background. Monteverde, Costa Rica. La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo, Uvita
Wedding Photography in Costa Rica: portrait photo session with a model in Oaxaca, Mexico
Wedding Photography in Costa Rica: Laura and Esteban's wedding at Las Catalinas
Wedding Photography in Costa Rica: Elanna and Justin's destination wedding near Arenal Volcano

— PLANNING AHEAD

Getting Legally Married in Costa Rica

For couples who want their elopement to be legally binding, we work with a licensed legal officiant to make it official. Most of our waterfall, volcano, and cloud forest locations can easily accommodate a short legal signing before or after your ceremony.

Prefer to marry legally back home and celebrate symbolically here? That works beautifully too — we’ll help you plan every detail around it.  Costa Rica welcomes international couples, and the legal process is simpler than most expect.  Some of the requirements include:

  • Valid passports for both partners


  • Two witnesses (18+, can be any nationality)


  • A licensed local officiant or lawyer to file the marriage

Your final marriage certificate, translated and apostilled, typically takes 30–45 days to process after the ceremony.

Wedding Photography in Costa Rica: wedding ceremony held in La Fortuna
A Symbolic ALTERNATIVE

Cacao Ceremonies: A Romantic, Symbolic Way to Say I Do

For couples who want something more intimate and rooted in ritual than a standard legal signing, a cacao ceremony is a deeply personal, symbolic way to exchange vows — grounded in Costa Rican tradition and led with real intention. It pairs beautifully with a hidden waterfall or cloudforest setting.

— Our Cacao Wedding Officiant

Option 01

With her Officiant

Grettel Gutierrez leads our cacao ceremonies, as well as simpler secular symbolic ceremonies for couples who want something quieter and less ritual-heavy — whatever fits the two of you.

Option 02

Just the Two of You

No officiant, no audience — just you, your partner, and your own words. Read your vows to each other, and let us capture the moment exactly as it feels.


Wedding Photography in Costa Rica: wedding detail shot from Kerrie and Joe's celebration
Wedding Photography in Costa Rica: guests and couple during Kerrie and Joe's wedding ceremony
Wedding Photography in Costa Rica: Kerrie and Joe exchanging vows during their wedding ceremony
Wedding Photography in Costa Rica: Kerrie and Joe during their wedding ceremony
Wedding Photography in Costa Rica: Kerrie and Joe's wedding ceremony moment

AVAILABILITY

Book Your Costa Rica Elopement Photographer

We strongly recommend booking 6 to 12 months in advance — especially during high season (December to April), when our calendar fills up quickly.

start planning
How It Works

Step by Step: How to Book Your Wedding Photography

Booking your wedding photography service is easy — and can be done 100% remotely. Here’s how we’ll secure your date and start planning a smooth, stress-free experience.

01

Submit Your Details

Fill out our contact form with your wedding date, location & vision so we can begin crafting your experience.

02

Schedule a Consultation

Let’s talk! In this call, we’ll go over your ideas, answer questions, and align on your expectations.

03

Sign & Secure Your Date

We’ll send your contract, and once it’s signed and the deposit is received, your date will officially be reserved.

04

Receive Full Support

We’re with you before, during, and after the big day — timeline help, location ideas, and full creative guidance.

05

Receive Your Gallery

Enjoy a private online gallery with beautifully edited, high-resolution wedding photos, ready to relive and share.

Ready to start planning?

Write your inquiry to joice

Ready to Make It Official?

Tell us your wedding date and we’ll confirm availability within 72 hours.

SAVE YOUR DATE

EXPERTS IN ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY

Meet Your Costa Rica Elopement Photography Team

We’re a Costa Rica-based team of two photographers and an experience planner, with over 8 years capturing intimate elopements across Costa Rica and beyond. From hidden waterfalls to volcano-view trails to rainforest ceremonies, we cover every angle of your elopement day — a dedicated second shooter and drone coverage on the photography side, and seamless planning behind the scenes.

Joice Dahianna. Portrait of a smiling woman photographer indoors with warm decor. Monteverde, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo Costa Rica. Uvita

Joice Dahianna

Lead Photographer & Founder


Joice works exclusively as a destination wedding photographer in Costa Rica, guiding every couple with genuine care from first consultation to final delivery. She’s your main point of contact throughout, and also leads the creative direction and marketing behind the brand itself.

Portrait of a man standing with arms crossed, smiling at the camera. Costa Rica Wedding Photographer. Monteverde, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo Costa Rica. Uvita

Diego Ramírez

Second Shooter & Drone Pilot


Diego is the second photographer on every wedding, capturing key moments from a different angle so nothing gets missed. He’s also the drone pilot behind every aerial shot, and the one filming the behind-the-scenes videos you’ll see across the brand’s social media.

Wedding Photography in Costa Rica: portrait of wedding planner Ceilyn Castro smiling on the phone while holding yellow flowers

The White Wedding

Experience Planner


Ceilyn Castro designs and coordinates the experience behind proposals, elopements and weddings, so couples can stay fully present while every detail unfolds seamlessly. From planning and logistics to personal touches, she creates the ideal environment for unforgettable moments — the kind meant to be beautifully captured.

GOOD TO KNOW

FAQs

Everything couples usually ask before booking their Costa Rica elopement photography — if your question isn’t here, write to Joice directly.

Do elopement photographers in Costa Rica include drone coverage?


Drone coverage is part of our team’s toolkit, but it’s not something we can guarantee as a fixed package item — it depends on hotel/venue permits and weather conditions (rain and wind). Our team travels with a drone and uses it whenever conditions allow, at no additional cost to you.


Do you offer elopement videography in Costa Rica?


We focus exclusively on photography to give it our full creative attention, and partner with a trusted videography team we personally recommend — so your day is fully documented in both photo and film, without compromising on either.


Can you help plan or coordinate a destination elopement in Costa Rica, not just photograph it?

Yes. Through our partnership with Ceilyn Castro of Your White Wedding — one of the top destination wedding planners in Costa Rica — we can coordinate your full wedding logistics: venues, vendors, timelines, and design, all in sync with the photography from day one. It’s the difference between beautiful photos and a truly spectacular gallery: when every detail is already handled, your day unfolds naturally, and that’s exactly what ends up captured.


Can we bring guests? Is this a micro wedding?

Yes, absolutely — up to about 10 people still counts as an elopement, or a very intimate wedding. So if you’d like a few loved ones there, that’s completely fine.


What happens if it rains on the ceremony day?

This is an adventure elopement in the tropics, so rain is part of the charm — if it happens, we lean into it rather than fight it. Costa Rica carries a real chance of rain year-round, especially if you’re visiting during rainy season, so it’s worth planning for.


What does a typical elopement timeline look like?

For a 2-hour session, it’s usually first look, ceremony, and newlywed portraits. For 4 hours, we can add getting-ready and keep everything in one location. But for a more adventurous elopement, the timeline is built around the hike to your chosen spot — ceremony there, then portraits after. Every timeline is fully personalized to you.

GET IN TOUCH

Yes, Let’s Do This!

Tell me a little about your celebration and I’ll get back to you personally to start planning your wedding photography in Costa Rica.



  • photo@joicedahianna.com


  • Based in Monteverde, Costa Rica. We travel to La Fortuna, Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, throughout Costa Rica, and around the world.

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Joice Dahianna is a wedding & elopement photographer in Costa Rica specializing in luxury destination weddings and adventure elopements, plus engagement, proposal, and family photography — from volcano-view ceremonies in La Fortuna to misty cloud forest elopements in Monteverde to golden sunset ceremonies on the beach. Beyond photography, our team also helps plan and coordinate the full experience, from first logistics to your wedding or elopement day — available throughout Costa Rica and worldwide.

Contact Us

📍 Monteverde, Costa Rica

** Available for destination weddings & elopements across Costa Rica & worldwide.