MONTEVERDE | COSTA RICA
Wedding Photographer in
Monteverde, Costa Rica
I’m Joice Dahianna, Monteverde wedding photographer specializing in intimate, boutique celebrations tucked into Costa Rica’s cloud forest — from panoramic mountain views at El Establo Monteverde and Hotel Belmar to the natural gardens of Valle Escondido and the rustic elegance of Monteverde Lodge. I’ve called this mountain home since 2022.
Every wedding includes two photographers and a timeline built around the cloud forest’s golden hour and ever-changing weather.
BOUTIQUE MOUNTAIN WEDDINGS | MOUNTAINTOP SUNSETS | CLOUD FOREST VOWS
CURATED LOCATIONS
Why Monteverde is the Boutique Luxury Wedding Destination in Costa Rica
Monteverde is Costa Rica’s cloud forest, and that’s exactly what sets its weddings apart — a mystical, ever-shifting atmosphere created by mist drifting between the trees and rolling down from the mountains. Where other destinations promise sunshine, Monteverde promises mood: soft, diffused light and a sense of being suspended above the world, ceremony after ceremony.
This is a destination built for boutique weddings rather than large-scale productions — small guest lists, private venues, and a handful of luxury hotels that can still host an elegant celebration when couples want that extra layer of polish. It rewards couples who want their wedding to feel intimate and unrepeatable, not couples chasing ballroom capacity.
Beyond the ceremony itself, Monteverde gives guests a full weekend of things to do between events — hanging bridges through the canopy, cloud forest trails, and lookout points where, on a clear evening, you can watch the sunset stretch out over the Golfo de Nicoya all the way to the Pacific Ocean in the distance. Few Costa Rica wedding destinations pair that kind of natural drama with such an intimate, boutique scale. Recommended venues for your wedding:
El Establo Mountain Hotel & Private Reserve
Belmar Hotel
Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel & Farm
Tree House Restaurant
Senda Hotel Monteverde
Poco a Poco Hotel & Spa
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
01 – Mountain reserve escape
El Establo Mountain Hotel & Private Reserve
Located at 1,440 m altitude, inside a 65-hectare private cloud forest reserve — the only venue on this list built for large weddings. The Honeymoon Suite is designed for couples celebrating their union. Ceremonies take place on open-air terraces overlooking the cloud forest.
The reception venue, Laggus, faces a private lake, with fine dining, panoramic views, and standout sunsets from multiple angles of the property — confirmed for up to 90 seated guests. Salón Las Riendas handles larger buffet-style receptions. Green Leaf Spa is available for bridal getting-ready.
GUEST CAPACITY
90 -200 guests
02 – Boutique Villa Elopement
Belmar Hotel
Boutique hotel, 40 years, Travel+Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026. Best suited for elopements or small weddings. Artista Villas (2026) offer a private pool, terrace, and views of the cloud forest and Golfo de Nicoya — ideal for a full-villa elopement. Suites come with panoramic views.
Ceremonies take place in the hotel gardens, on a deck overlooking a small private lake with the forest as backdrop. Receptions are held at Cervecería Belmar or Restaurante Celajes.
GUEST CAPACITY
30 – 80 guests
Sunset ceremonies here backlight the couple against the Golfo de Nicoya.
03 – Intimate Weddings & Elopements
Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel & Farm
4-star hotel inside a private nature reserve and organic farm. Distant Pacific Ocean views at sunset. Greenhouse restaurant with wood-fired oven and its own garden.
The property has 5 waterfalls on-site, 3 visible along the trails, to enjoy while walking through the forest. Ceremony options include an ocean-view lookout, a spot within the forest, or the restaurant terrace.
Waterfalls and farm setting give a documentary, farm-to-table feel.
04 – Eco Luxury Garden Retreat
Monteverde Lodge
Part of Böëna Lodges. 31 rooms inside a private cloud forest reserve with designed gardens; sloths, capuchin monkeys, toucans, and orchids on-site. The celebration space is El Jardín restaurant, with garden views. Additional spaces include a converted greenhouse, a covered terrace, and an infinity pool.
The property also offers a private, open-air setting for intimate weddings surrounded by nature, plus designed gardens ideal for couple portrait sessions.
GUEST CAPACITY
Small Weddings only
05 – Signature tree celebration
Tree House Restaurant
A living ficus tree grows through the center of the venue — its defining feature, with branches reaching into the hallway. The private event space, on the third floor, is reserved for you and your guests.
The kitchen builds every wedding menu around the couple’s preferences, with a private tasting months in advance. Full cocktail, beer, and wine list. Live music scales from acoustic to dance floor.
GUEST CAPACITY
90 guests
AVAILABLE DATES
May 3–June 30, August 20–November 15
The ficus canopy filters light for a warm, dappled reception look.
06 – Private Couple’s Retreat
Senda Monteverde Hotel
Part of The Cayuga Collection. 24 suites, built for elopements or full-property buyouts. Ceremony spaces include private bungalow terraces and garden-facing windows.
Fire pits set the scene for sunset receptions. A private bridge grants access to the Aguti Wildlife Reserve for portrait sessions. El Sapo, the on-site restaurant, is known for standout food.
GUEST CAPACITY
50 guests
AVAILABLE FOR
Intimate weddings
Private reserve access allows portrait sessions without other guests in frame.
07 – Garden Pavillion Celebration
Poco a Poco Hotel & Spa
40-room boutique hotel set between tropical gardens and cloud forest. Aracari Garden Lounge, a covered pavilion opening onto a mountain-view terrace, is the venue’s private event space near the forest, with sunset views. Catering is customizable. Pool, jacuzzi, fire pit, and a 450 m wildlife trail are available for portraits.
GUEST CAPACITY
Up 50 guests
Open-sided pavilion lets natural mountain light carry through ceremony photos.
REAL CELEBRATIONS
Real Weddings in Monteverde
Explore real weddings and elopements photographed throughout Monteverde’s cloud forest — every celebration shaped by the mist, the mountains, and 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 Monteverde wedding day could feel like.
01
Arianna & Roberto
BELMAR HOTEL
Arianna, from Venezuela, and Roberto, from Costa Rica, wanted their wedding held by the lagoon in Hotel Belmar’s gardens, with a wall of cloud forest trees as backdrop. A rare dry, misty afternoon held through the outdoor ceremony and portrait session, before rain arrived just as the celebration moved indoors to Restaurante Tramonti — the perfect excuse to dance under the roof while the cloud forest carried on outside.
The Difference
Why Choose a Wedding Photographer in Monteverde?
“My journey with Monteverde began six years ago, and in that time I’ve come to know every corner worth photographing — the cloud forest trails, the boutique hotels built for weddings, the miradores with unforgettable sunsets, and the exact moments when the clouds drift between the trees.”
01
Local Knowledge, Earned Over Years
Six years living in Monteverde means I know this land the way only someone who’s spent real time in it can — which trails lead into the cloud forest, which boutique hotels are built to host a wedding, which miradores catch the most spectacular sunsets, and exactly when the clouds will roll through the trees for that signature Monteverde shot.
02
Built For Monteverde’s Weather
Monteverde is cold, cloudy, and rainy during the wet season, with wind strong enough in some spots to make an open-air ceremony risky — which is exactly why I always recommend a covered backup option for your wedding. It’s this same climate that gives Monteverde its character, and years of shooting through it mean I know how to work with the mist and shifting light rather than against it.
03
Made for Intimate Celebrations
Monteverde isn’t built for large productions — its boutique hotels, private gardens, and lookout points are designed around small guest lists and quiet moments, not big ballrooms. Six years photographing weddings here means knowing how to use that scale to your advantage: which corners give an intimate ceremony room to breathe, and which angles make a handful of guests feel like the whole world showed up.
Elevated Wedding Photography in Monteverde - Misty Light, Cloud Forest & Real Moments.
Planning a wedding in Monteverde's cloud forest deserves storytelling that's thoughtfully crafted and truly reflects your celebration, capturing every genuine moment along the way.
— PACKAGES
Luxury Wedding Photography Package in Monteverde
From USD 2,250
If you're looking to hire a professional wedding photographer in Monteverde, I would love to create a custom experience tailored to your vision.
Coverage hours — 5 to 10 hours
2 Photographers
Photography-focused itinerary planning, prep tips
Professionally edited, high-resolution images
Private online gallery (1 year) + printing rights
Gallery delivered within 31 days.
AVAILABLE ADD-ONS
Videography — for a more cinematic touch, we work alongside a trusted videographer we love collaborating with (subject to availability).
Full Planning Experience — our team handles decor, a champagne toast, site permits, dinner and more.
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.
Full-Service Planning
Prefer someone else to handle the details of your Monteverde wedding? Our trusted planning partner takes care of the venue, décor, officiant, logistics & coordination — leaving you free to just be present and enjoy every moment in the cloud forest.
TESTIMONIALS
Real Couples. Real Reactions
These are the words of people who trusted Joice Dahianna as their Monteverde wedding photographer — and received candid, emotional images they'll keep forever.
"
★★★★★
Wedding in Monteverde
Joice and Diego went above and beyond from the very beginning, attentive and genuinely caring about every request all the way through the wedding day. The photos turned out beautifully natural and artistic, and the drone footage was a delightful surprise that made everything feel even more cinematic. An excellent team we'd recommend without hesitation to anyone planning an elopement or wedding in Costa Rica.
C
Christy Soto
----- MORE REVIEWS ON GOOGLE -----
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. WOW!! I cannot say enough good things about Joice and her photography team. We had a surprise proposal in Costa Rica and they made the experience amazing. The moment we got to the spot they were well hidden so the surprise wouldn’t be ruined. They shot the proposal and pictures afterward. When we received the album back it was better than we could’ve imagined. I highly recommend using Joice and her team for photos!!Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. El mejor equipo de fotos y video! Nos sentimos super comodos! Y divino tooodo! Lo améPosted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ¡La mejor decisión que tomamos fue escoger a Joyce como nuestra fotógrafa! Desde la sesión de fotos de compromiso nos enamoramos de su trabajo. Las fotos quedaron espectaculares y desde ese momento supimos que queríamos que fuera quien capturara también el día de nuestra boda. Además de tener un talento increíble, trabajar con Joyce es un verdadero placer. Es un amor de persona, transmite una energía lindísima y hace que todo se sienta natural y sin estrés. Gracias a eso disfrutamos muchísimo tanto la sesión de compromiso como el día de la boda. Cuando recibimos las fotos de la boda volvimos a revivir cada momento. Logró capturar todas las emociones y los detalles de una forma preciosa, y no podríamos estar más felices con el resultado. Sin duda la recomendaría una y mil veces, y volvería a contratarla para cualquier otro momento especial. ¡Gracias, Joyce, por regalarnos recuerdos tan lindos que vamos a atesorar para siempre! ❤️❤️❤️Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Working with Joice for our surprise proposal was truly one of the best decisions my fiancé made. She captured one of the most important moments of our lives so beautifully, and every photo brings us right back to that day. Her eye for detail, ability to capture genuine emotion, and calm, encouraging presence made the experience even more special. We are beyond grateful to have these memories preserved so perfectly. If you’re looking for a photographer who genuinely cares and delivers stunning photos, I cannot recommend Joice enough. Thank you for giving us memories we’ll cherish forever!Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joice is excellent and was the perfect choice for our wedding day. Her online gallery is stunning and I only dreamed ours could be captured the same. Start to finish Joice was very easy to work with, reasonably priced, and incredibly sweet. Picture turnaround was quick with an abundance of gorgeous photos to pick from.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Desde el primer momento nos hicieron sentir demasiado cómodos y tranquilos. Tienen una vibra súper linda Durante la boda captaron cada detalle de una forma súper natural y especial, y el resultado final superó completamente nuestras expectativas. Las fotos transmiten exactamente cómo se sintió ese día, la emoción, la felicidad y todos esos momentos tan especiales Además de su talento, el trato y la dedicación fueron increíbles durante todo el proceso genuinamente se preocuparon por que disfrutáramos cada momento Solo tengo un problema. Las fotos quedaron tan hermosas que no se cuales imprimir ni compartir No podríamos estar más felices con el resultado. Súper recomendados 🤍Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hola Nuestra experiencia con Joyse fue maravillosa!!! Hicimos una cesión de fotos madre he hija. Y bueno. Nos tuvo mucha paciencia. Siempre fue atenta con los detalles. Comunicativa y con la dedicación que requiere un adulto mayor de 89 años. Así que recomiendo muchísimo sus servicios. Es una joven profesional, talentosa y con mucho carismaPosted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dahianna y Diego fueron una extraordinaria elección para congelar la memoria de una etapa muy importante de nuestra familia a través de las fotos, desde el min 1 nos inspiraron confianza, amistad y un trato hermoso, nos tuvieron máxima paciencia especialmente a mis pequeños en un clima retador de 37 grados, con un resultado espectacular…. Ver esas fotos, es un sueño hecho realidad!! Siempre estaré agradecidaPosted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Quedé encantado con el servicio. Al principio estaba un poco nervioso, ya que no vivo cerca de Costa Rica y todo lo estaba organizando a distancia para una propuesta de matrimonio muy importante para mí. A pesar de que siempre fue muy profesional y clara en todos sus mensajes, no deja de existir ese miedo cuando contratas un servicio en línea. Sin embargo, superó completamente mis expectativas. Antes de la propuesta me ayudó en absolutamente todo: planeamos cada detalle y todo salió exactamente como lo imaginé. Durante el momento, fue increíblemente profesional, atenta y con la mejor actitud. Nos hizo sentir muy cómodos en todo momento. Si pudiera repetir la experiencia, sin duda la contrataría mil veces más. No van a perder su tiempo ni su dinero — es, sin duda, la mejor opción.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!Posted on Google
PLANNING AHEAD
Planning a wedding in Monteverde? Let's check if your date is available.
EXPERTS IN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY & PLANNING
Meet Your Costa Rica Wedding Photography & Planning Team
We're a Costa Rica–based team of two photographers and a dedicated wedding planner, with over 8 years photographing destination weddings across Costa Rica and beyond. From beach ceremonies to rainforest elopements to full-day celebrations, we cover every angle of your day — a second shooter and drone coverage on the photography side, and seamless planning behind the scenes, so nothing is left to chance.
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.
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.
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.
For Your Guests
Things to Do in Monteverde for Your Wedding Guests
A destination wedding means your guests get more than a ceremony — they get a trip. Here's what makes Monteverde worth the journey, whether they're staying for the weekend or the whole week.
01
El Tigre Waterfall
A roughly 3-hour trail winds past several waterfalls, the most popular in Monteverde, with each one appearing along the way as guests hike deeper into the forest.
02
Sunsets at Cerro Pinocho & Mirador Las Piedras
Cerro Pinocho farm is built for watching the sunset, while Mirador Las Piedras offers sunrise and sunset views over the Golfo de Nicoya and the Pacific in the distance.
03
Treetopia Park Hanging Bridges
Suspended bridges carry guests above the treetops for anyone who loves walking through the forest canopy with sweeping views in every direction.
04
Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
Walking the trails and watching the clouds drift between the trees is a favorite for many guests — one of the most iconic Monteverde experiences.
05
Canopy & Zip-Lining
For guests craving adrenaline, Monteverde's canopy tours send them flying above the forest — a favorite outing for adventurous families and groups.
06
Quiet Tours — Birdwatching, Coffee & Horseback Riding
For a slower pace, guests can enjoy birdwatching, a coffee tour, a peaceful trail walk, or a horseback ride through the surrounding countryside.
Planning Ahead
Best Time of Year for Weddings in Monteverde
Monteverde's cloud forest climate shifts throughout the year, and after 6 years photographing here, we've learned how to read its patterns — when the wind picks up, when the mist settles in, and when the clouds part just long enough for a spectacular sunset. Temperatures stay cool year-round compared to the rest of Costa Rica, and on clear days, the light filtering through the forest is unlike anywhere else in the country.
Dry Season | December – April
The most requested season for outdoor ceremonies, with clear skies and some of the most impressive sunsets of the year. Wind picks up considerably during these months, so a sheltered ceremony spot is always worth planning for.
Green Season | May – November
Rain and heavy cloud cover become more frequent, wrapping the forest in the mist Monteverde is known for. The cloud forest turns richer and greener, and an indoor backup keeps every wedding day worry-free.
Heaviest Rains | September – October
These months bring the heaviest rain, sometimes overflowing rivers along the roads into Monteverde. This is a season that calls for extra caution, and indoor luxury venues remain a stunning, safe alternative for your ceremony.
Travel in Costa Rica
Getting to Monteverde for Your Wedding Day
Monteverde is easily reached from Costa Rica's two international airports. The route from Liberia is often the shorter drive, while San José tends to involve more traffic leaving the city and a longer journey up into the mountains.
3h
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 Monteverde, making the drive easy despite the busier roads.
2h 30m
From Liberia
Daniel Oduber Int'l Airport
A smoother, more rural drive with far less traffic than from San José — and the shorter route into the cloud forest. Private and shuttle transportation available.
GOOD TO KNOW
FAQs
Everything couples usually ask before booking their Monteverde wedding photography — if your question isn't here, write to Joice directly.
Is Monteverde always foggy, or can we get clear photos?
Cloud cover is more frequent during the rainy season, when mist drifts between the trees and gives photos that mystical, almost dreamlike quality Monteverde is known for. Rain, fog, or a clear sky — we're used to working with all of it, and every condition has produced some of our most stunning wedding photos.
Is it too windy or cold for an outdoor ceremony?
Wind picks up in certain spots, especially during dry season, and temperatures stay noticeably cooler than the rest of Costa Rica. Most venues have a covered or more sheltered option nearby, and we always recommend having that backup in the plan rather than leaving it to chance.
Do you offer drone photography in La Fortuna?
Drone footage is available, though some private reserves and hotel properties restrict drone use for wildlife protection. We check each venue's policy in advance and let you know what's possible before the wedding day.
Do we need a legal wedding, or is a symbolic ceremony better for us in Monteverde?
Many couples choose a symbolic ceremony here specifically for the flexibility — it lets you get married on a mirador, inside a garden, or anywhere in the forest without the restrictions a legal ceremony can carry. We can put you in touch with both legal and symbolic officiants depending on what you're planning.
Do I Need A Wedding Planner If I'm Getting Married In Monteverde?
It's not required, but strongly recommended for destination weddings — especially for legal ceremonies, permits at certain venues, and coordinating vendors across a rural area like La Fortuna.
How Far In Advance Should I Book My La Fortuna Wedding Photographer?
We recommend booking 6–12 months in advance, especially for dry-season dates (December–April), which fill up quickly. That said, if you have less time, feel free to reach out anyway — we may still have an opening available.
Do You Offer Multi-Day Coverage (Welcome Dinner, Rehearsal, Day-After Session)?
Yes — multi-day coverage is common for destination weddings, and we're happy to build a custom package around it. Whether you need your welcome dinner documented, a rehearsal captured, or a relaxed day-after session, we tailor the days and hours to exactly what your celebration needs.
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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