How to plan your dream elopement in Costa Rica
Eloping in Costa Rica is like stepping into a living fairytale. Picture exchanging vows at the base of a waterfall or sharing your first kiss as newlyweds while the Pacific sunset paints the sky. From barefoot walks on secret beaches to candlelit jungle dinners under the stars, every moment feels like it was written just for you.
And here’s the beautiful truth: choosing to elope doesn’t mean sacrificing romance, luxury, or thoughtful details. In fact, it often means the opposite. Elopements are about creating intentional, intimate celebrations where every detail reflects your love story, whether that’s a private chef’s dinner, locally inspired florals, or a ceremony that feels entirely your own.
I’m Jenifer Hernández, a luxury wedding planner in Costa Rica, and I’ve helped couples from all over the world craft elopements that are as breathtaking as they are personal. Think of me as your planner bestie and insider guide. I’ll show you how to capture all the magic of Costa Rica while keeping your day seamless and stress-free.
Here are the 10 steps to planning your dream elopement in Costa Rica:
1. Hire a Local Wedding Planner
The #1 way to guarantee a stress-free elopement in Costa Rica is to work with someone who knows the country inside and out. From finding hidden-gem locations to navigating the best local vendors,
A planner saves you countless hours of research and ensures everything flows seamlessly. Of course you can think of me as your wedding bestie who makes the impossible feel effortless.
2. Choose Your Ideal Location
Costa Rica has it all, sun soaked beaches, lush jungles, towering volcanoes, and dreamy cloud forests. Each one offers a completely different backdrop and vibe for your big day. The right location should feel like a reflection of your love story. When the space feels connected to you as a couple, the experience becomes even more magical and meaningful.
3. Decide on a Date & Season
Costa Rica has two main seasons: Dry & Rainy. The dry season goes from December to April and brings blue skies and golden sunsets, making it a favorite for beach weddings, while the rainy season starts from May till November and transforms the landscapes into lush, vibrant green with misty mountains and dramatic skies. Both can be breathtaking in their own way.
Even in the rainy season, mornings are often sunny and calm, perfect for elopements. There’s something unforgettable about golden light breaking through the jungle canopy or clouds rolling over the volcano just as you exchange vows.
4. Understand Legal Requirements
Yes, you can legally marry in Costa Rica! With my guidance, we’ll make sure the paperwork and processes are handled properly, or, if you prefer to avoid the legal side here, I can arrange a symbolic ceremony. That way, you still get the magical experience without the red tape.
Having the legalities sorted ahead of time means you can step into your wedding day with total peace of mind, fully present in every moment knowing that everything is official and stress-free.
5. Book Your Photographer & Videographer
An elopement is just as important, if not more than a big wedding when it comes to capturing memories. Costa Rica has incredibly talented creatives who specialize in intimate, adventurous weddings. They’ll capture the big moments and the quiet, tender ones you’ll want to relive forever.
Don’t just look for someone who takes beautiful photos, find a photographer who makes you feel comfortable. That connection will translate into images that feel real, emotional, and timeless.
6. Select Your Ceremony Style
One of the best parts about eloping is the freedom to choose a ceremony that truly reflects your love. It could be spiritual, symbolic, religious, or as simple as exchanging vows on a mountaintop at sunrise. There are no rules, only what feels right for you.
Let go of traditions that don’t resonate with you. Elopements are about celebrating your relationship in a way that feels authentic and heartfelt, not following a checklist.
7. Plan Your Celebration Details
Your elopement doesn’t end at the “I do. From a champagne picnic overlooking the ocean to a candlelit jungle dinner, the details of your day are what make it unforgettable. Together, we’ll design an experience that feels like a love letter to your story.
The smallest touches like your favorite flowers, a handpicked playlist, or even a locally inspired menu can turn a simple moment into one of the most cherished memories of your life.
8. Arrange Accommodations & Travel
Whether you dream of staying in a luxury resort, a boutique jungle lodge, or a private beachfront villa, your accommodations set the tone for your elopement. It’s also where your first memories as newlyweds begin, so choosing the right spot is essential.
Think of your stay as part of the celebration. Your room should feel like an extension of your love story, romantic, comfortable, and a place you’ll always remember.
9. Add Personal Touches
Your elopement is the perfect chance to make the day entirely your own. Bring in details that reflect your relationship: write each other letters, include cultural traditions, or even bring your favorite shared hobby into the day. These are the elements that make your wedding deeply personal.
Personal touches are the heartbeat of an elopement. They’re the moments that bring tears, laughter, and meaning—the ones you’ll carry with you long after the day is over.
10. Relax & Enjoy Your Day!
At the end of the day, an elopement in Costa Rica is all about being present with each other. The beauty of this country invites you to slow down, take a deep breath, and soak in every second of the experience.
Release the pressure of perfection. Embrace spontaneity, laugh together, and let the day unfold naturally. That’s when the most magical memories are made.
An elopement in Costa Rica is more than a wedding—it’s an adventure, a love story, and a memory you’ll never forget.
Want your Costa Rica elopement to be stress-free and unforgettable? Explore my portfolio to see how I bring couples’ visions to life, and book a consultation call with me today. I’ll help you plan the elopement of your dreams in Costa Rica.