LA FORTUNA | COSTA RICA
Wedding Photographer in
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
I’m Joice Dahianna, La Fortuna wedding photographer with 8+ years photographing Costa Rica’s most iconic volcano-view venues — from the thermal waters of Tabacón and Nayara Springs to the panoramic terraces of The Springs Resort and Hotel Los Lagos.
Every wedding includes two photographers and a timeline built around Arenal’s ever-changing light.
CURATED LOCATIONS
Luxury Wedding Venues in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, with Arenal Volcano View
La Fortuna is a wedding photography paradise, home to some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful luxury venues — many with stunning Arenal Volcano views, others overlooking Lake Arenal in the distance, and many tucked into the rainforest. Some even feature natural hot springs.
On golden evenings, the sunset lights up the volcano in a way that leaves you breathless — and even on cloudy or misty days, the landscape still tells its own story. From tropical rainforest lodges to hot spring resorts, every venue offers a unique setting for couples to say «I do.»
The Springs Resort & Spa
Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
Amor Arenal
Tabacón Thermal Resort
Nayara Gardens & Springs
Arenal Observatory Lodge
Private Jungle Villas & Eco Lodges
01 – Rainforest & Volcano
The Springs Arenal Resort & Spa
Tucked into the rainforest with panoramic Arenal Volcano views, the hotel is a five-star retreat built around natural hot springs and a river that winds through the property. Its 165 acres blend lush gardens, a wildlife sanctuary, and horseback trails with 75 luxurious volcano-front accommodations — an unforgettable backdrop for your celebration.
GUEST CAPACITY
20-80 guests
ESTIMATED INVESTMENT
$8,000 – $25,000
02 – Lakeside retreat
Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
Set at the foot of Arenal Volcano and surrounded by rainforest, Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort is defined by its emerald-green Juncos Lagoon — a small lake formed by volcanic flows, found nowhere else in La Fortuna.
Its scenic lookout is a favorite for intimate ceremonies, while ballrooms accommodate celebrations of up to 350 guests. Couples can stay in the hotel’s rooms or rent a private villa for up to 8, all surrounded by lush gardens and natural hot springs.
GUEST CAPACITY
50 – 150 guests
ESTIMATED INVESTMENT
$3,000 -$10,000
The natural greenery enhances soft, candid, and emotional storytelling photography.
03 – Intimate Weddings & Elopements
Amor Arenal
Perched on a hillside with sweeping Arenal Volcano views, Amor Arenal is a 106-acre private rainforest reserve designed for intimate, nature-immersed weddings.
Its open-air architecture blends seamlessly into the jungle, with spring-water dipping pools, forest trails, and secluded platforms — like the jungle-set Raindrop Platform and the elevated Meditation Platform — offering ceremony spaces as private as they are breathtaking.
With a world-class spa, locally inspired cuisine, and a deep commitment to sustainability, Amor Arenal creates a romantic, one-of-a-kind celebration you and your guests will remember for years to come.
GUEST CAPACITY
40 -80 guests
ESTIMATED INVESTMENT
$4,000
An ideal spot for couples who want an elevated, intimate elopement moment surrounded by nature.
04 – Thermal Waters
Tabacón Thermal Resort
Fed by a living river flowing straight from Arenal Volcano, Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is home to Costa Rica’s largest network of natural hot springs — 23 thermal pools and waterfalls winding through 900 acres of rainforest reserve.
Wooden bridges and jungle trails connect pools of varying temperature and mood, from quiet hideaways to open-air springs framed by exotic flora, creating unforgettable settings for both ceremonies and photos.
This Green-Certified luxury resort blends its 103 rooms into the surrounding landscape, with Costa Rican artisan details, world-class cuisine, and the Shangri-La Gardens’ adults-only spa completing an experience of pure relaxation and romance.
GUEST CAPACITY
20-80 guests
ESTIMATED INVESTMENT
$8,000 -$25,000
This venue is among the most iconic thermal-water destinations in Costa Rica for couples’ portraits.
05 – Botanical Garden
Nayara Gardens & Springs
Hidden deep in the rainforest, Nayara Springs is part of a trio of award-winning luxury properties — alongside Nayara Gardens and Nayara Tented Camp — known for their signature blend of relaxed elegance and deep connection to nature.
Its private villas each feature their own plunge pool fed by natural mineral hot springs, four-poster beds, and indoor-outdoor living spaces framed by indigenous wood and stone.
Surrounded by lush flora and fauna, with in-house guides ready to enhance the experience, Nayara Springs turns every corner of the property into a one-of-a-kind backdrop for wedding photography.
GUEST CAPACITY
2- 50 guests
ESTIMATED INVESTMENT
$8,000 – $15,000
Larger celebrations may require a full property buyout.
06 – Front – Row Volcano View
Arenal Kioro Green Luxury
Set in the heart of the rainforest with panoramic Arenal Volcano and river views, Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa is a five-star sanctuary designed for intimate destination weddings — hosting ceremonies in a tropical garden gazebo. Its geothermal hot springs, fed directly by the volcano, offer guests a soothing escape, while farm-to-table dining and a full-service spa round out the experience. Every one of its 53 suites frames the volcano or the Arenal River, making the resort itself part of the backdrop for your celebration.
GUEST CAPACITY
20-50 guests
ESTIMATED INVESTMENT
$3,000 – $12,000
The couple sits front and center to the volcano — one of the most unforgettable backdrops anywhere in the region.
07 – Private & Secluded
Private Jungle Villas & Eco Lodges
For couples prioritizing privacy and exclusivity, Arenal Volcano’s private jungle villas and eco-lodges provide a secluded and personal destination wedding experience.
GUEST CAPACITY
10-40 guests
ESTIMATED INVESTMENT
$1,000 – $5,000
Under Arenal Volcano’s shadow, these hand-selected private villas give couples an intimate, cloud-forest setting away from the crowds.
REAL CELEBRATIONS
Real Weddings in La Fortuna
Explore real weddings and elopements photographed along the road to La Fortuna and around the Arenal Volcano region — every celebration reflecting each couple’s own story, planned with intention and captured with care.
Browse the moments below for genuine inspiration and a true sense of what your own La Fortuna wedding day could feel like.
01
Yarit & Brian
HOTEL LOS LAGOS
Yarit & Brian’s day began with their ceremony at the church in La Fortuna, before continuing on to Hotel Los Lagos for the celebration. Before the reception, we made a stop at the hotel’s lookout point, taking advantage of a rare clear sky to capture some truly spectacular portraits of the couple. Arenal Volcano stood as a quiet witness to their vows and the love between them, clearing just in time for their couple’s session. Once the portraits were done, it was time to join the party.
02
Elena & Justin
INTIMATE LA FORTUNA WEDDING
Elena & Justin, intimate La Fortuna wedding — Rain fell throughout the ceremony, and they embraced every minute of it. Whether Arenal Volcano is in full view or hidden behind the clouds, it’s always the couple’s own energy that makes the photos unforgettable.
Elevated Wedding Photography in La Fortuna – Golden Light, Volcanic & Real Moments.
Planning a wedding near Arenal Volcano deserves storytelling that’s thoughtfully crafted and truly reflects your celebration, capturing every genuine moment along the way.
INCLUDED DEPENDING ON THE PACKAGE
Luxury Wedding Photography Package in La Fortuna
From $1,650· 4 Hours of Coverage
If you’re looking to hire a professional wedding photographer in La Fortuna, I would love to create a custom experience tailored to your vision.
Wedding Day Coverage
2 Photographers
Intimate wedding packages
Timeline guidance for the best natural light
Engagement | trash dress session add-ons
Online gallery delivery
GALLERY DELIVERY
Your online gallery is delivered within 31 days of your wedding.
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 have your schedule from your wedding planner, I review it to pinpoint the best moment to start shooting, the ideal window for your couple’s portraits, and any adjustments that help your photos shine.
DO YOU OFFER DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY?
Drone footage is part of our equipment, though not a fixed package feature — its use depends on weather conditions and venue authorization. When both align, we’re happy to use it, though it’s never guaranteed.
TESTIMONIALS
Real Couples. Real Reactions
These are the words of people who trusted Joice Dahianna as their La Fortuna wedding photographer — and received candid, emotional images they’ll keep forever.
Wedding at Hotel Los Lagos, La Fortuna
Joice and Diego made us feel incredibly comfortable and at ease. They have such a beautiful energy and captured every detail in such a natural and meaningful way.
The final result completely exceeded our expectations, and the photos reflect exactly how that day felt—the emotion, the joy, and all those deeply special moments.
Beyond their talent, their kindness and dedication were incredible throughout the entire process. We truly couldn’t be happier with the result.
Arianna Parmigiani
Wedding at The Springs Arenal Resort
Thank the universe for bringing Joice and her team into my life during my wedding journey.
She captured every beautiful detail perfectly, taking my dreams and turning them into stunning memories.
She guided us with tips and ideas to make each moment a unique memory captured through her camera—and now ours to relive again and again.
We are so happy we chose her and so grateful for the results. The quality, warmth, and professionalism were outstanding. 100% recommended. Joice, thank you for making magic for us.
Cin Kokuen
Wedding at Nayara Springs
We can’t thank Joice enough for the stunning photos from our wedding. Every single picture is absolutely beautiful, and we are truly impressed with the final results. Joice has an amazing ability to capture every moment in such a unique and special way. We feel so lucky to have had her incredible talent on our big day.
Thank you for making the entire experience unforgettable, for making us feel so comfortable throughout, and most importantly, for helping us capture memories we’ll cherish forever.
We highly recommend Joice to anyone looking for amazing photography.
Fany & Phil
PLANNING AHEAD
Planning a wedding in La Fortuna? Let’s check if your date is available.
THE DIFFERENCE
Why Choose a Wedding Photographer in La Fortuna?
My journey as a wedding photographer began right here in La Fortuna — I lived in this rainforest for two years before ever picking up a wedding camera, and 8 years later I still return almost weekly.
That means I know this land the way only someone who’s spent real time in it can: which trails lead to hidden waterfalls, which hot springs feel most private, and why the lookout at Hotel Los Lagos remains one of my favorite spots for photos.
La Fortuna’s weather keeps every photographer honest — rain falls here roughly 80% of the time, so instead of fighting it, I’ve built my style around it, ready to shoot through a downpour or wait for the volcano to clear, which it often does right as the ceremony begins.
Equipment travels with rain covers, backup gear is always on hand, and drone footage comes out whenever the venue and weather allow. The result: less stress for you, and a gallery that captures La Fortuna exactly as it is.
YOUR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Joice Dahianna — Destination Wedding
Photographer in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
We’re Joice Dahianna and Diego Ramírez, a husband-and-wife team who travel to La Fortuna at least once a week for weddings, elopements, and engagements — a place we know as well as home. Joice lived here for two years working in local tourism before becoming a photographer, and that time shaped everything about how we work in this rainforest, surrounded by Arenal Volcano and the natural landscape that makes this destination unlike anywhere else in Costa Rica.
We’ve captured over 300 couples specifically in La Fortuna — hidden waterfalls, private lookouts, trusted local vendors, and a real understanding of how the volcano’s weather actually behaves. Couples often tell us how much they appreciated being encouraged to embrace the weather, rain or shine, and the photos that come from it. One of our three national award-winning images was captured right here.
With over 8 years of experience and 650+ destination weddings across Costa Rica, we bring both artistry and calm, local expertise to every celebration in La Fortuna.
RECONIGTION
Award-Winning Costa Rica Wedding Photographer with an Authentic Approach
LET’S TALK
Let’s Create Your Dream Wedding in La Fortuna
If you’re planning an elegant destination wedding surrounded by rainforest landscapes and Arenal Volcano views, I would be honored to document your celebration.
PLANNING AHEAD
Best Time of Year for Weddings in La Fortuna
La Fortuna’s weather shifts throughout the year, and after 8 years photographing here, we’ve learned when the volcano tends to clear — sunrise, sunset, and often right after a heavy afternoon downpour. Temperatures stay steady between 24-27°C (75-81°F) with high humidity year-round, and on clear days, the golden hour light against the volcano is unlike anywhere else in Costa Rica.
DRY SEASON | DECEMBER – APRIL
The most requested season for outdoor ceremonies, with the best odds of a clear volcano at sunrise and sunset. Weather stays sunny and predictable — though even here, a clear view is never fully guaranteed.
GREEN SEASON | MAY – NOVEMBER
Mornings tend to stay clear, with skies often opening up again after a strong afternoon downpour — a pattern we’ve seen repeat for years. Rainforest colors turn richer, and an indoor backup keeps every wedding day worry-free.
HEAVIEST RAINS | JULY – SEPTEMBER
These months bring the heaviest rain, sometimes causing landslides or flooded rivers along the roads into La Fortuna. Indoor luxury venues remain a stunning, safe alternative for your ceremony.
TRAVEL IN COSTA RICA
Getting to La Fortuna for Your Wedding Day
La Fortuna is easily reached from Costa Rica’s two international airports. The route from Liberia is often the easier drive, winding along the shores of Lake Arenal, while San José tends to involve more traffic leaving the city.
For couples and guests who prefer to fly, a small local airstrip sits just minutes away.
3h 30m
FROM SAN JOSÉ
Juan Santamaría Int’l Airport
Expect heavier traffic leaving the city and airport area. Private transportation or shuttle services are available directly to La Fortuna, making the drive easy despite the busier roads.
3h 30m
FROM LIBERIA
Daniel Oduber Int’l Airport
A smoother, more rural drive with far less traffic than from San José — and the most scenic route, tracing the shores of Lake Arenal along the way. Private and shuttle transportation available.
20m
LOCAL AIRSTRIP
La Fortuna Airstrip
Sansa Airlines operates the only flights La Fortuna, at roughly $457 per couple round trip— a fast, scenic option for couples and guests who’d rather skip the drive entirely.
GOOD TO KNOW
FAQs
Everything couples usually ask before booking their La Fortuna wedding photography — if your question isn’t here, write to Joice directly.
Can You See Arenal Volcano Year-Round?
Not always — it really depends on the weather. Cloud cover is common in La Fortuna, and it can hide the volcano at different times throughout the year. Your best chances for a clear, unobstructed view are early morning, before the clouds build, and during dry season (December–April). Even if the volcano decides to stay wrapped in clouds on your wedding day, this place still feels magical — the mist, the rainforest, and the golden light create their own kind of beauty, and we always know how to make the most of it for your photos.
How Do I Book My La Fortuna Wedding Photography Session?
Booking your La Fortuna wedding photographer is simple. First, reach out to us with your wedding date and details. We’ll send you our full pricing packages so you can choose the option that best fits your celebration. Once you’ve selected your package, we’ll email you the photography contract to sign along with a secure PayPal link to complete your deposit and officially reserve your date.
Do you help plan the timeline?
Yes. Once you have your draft schedule from your wedding planner, I review it with you to map out exactly when we should start shooting, the best window for your couple’s portraits, and any logistics that affect the photography — so every part of the day flows smoothly and nothing is rushed.
Can we shoot at Arenal Volcano trails and viewpoints?
Yes, depending on the exact location and access rules. Some areas may require permits or have specific regulations, so I’ll guide you toward the best options.
Do you offer drone photography in La Fortuna?
Yes, where permitted. Drone use always requires prior authorization from the venue — it’s not allowed inside national parks, near airports for safety reasons, or near guest rooms out of respect for privacy. We coordinate approval with your resort ahead of time to see what’s possible for your day.
How far in advance should I book a wedding photographer in La Fortuna?
We recommend booking 6 to 8 months ahead of your wedding date. That said, if you’re planning on shorter notice, reach out anyway — we’re happy to check if your date is still available.
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 La Fortuna wedding photography.
photo@joicedahianna.com
Based in Monteverde, Costa Rica. We travel to La Fortuna, Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, throughout the Costa Rica, and around the world.