Ready to trade in your traditional wedding for a dreamy beachside elopement in Costa Rica? As your go-to Costa Rica photographer, I’m thrilled to guide you through the most stunning locations where you can exchange vows against a backdrop of waves and golden sands. From secret beach hideaways to vibrant coastal gems, Costa Rica offers a diverse range of waterfront spots perfect for making your elopement uniquely unforgettable. So whether you’re after a tranquil escape or a lively oceanfront celebration, join me as we explore the best beaches that promise to turn your special day into an adventure-filled fairy tale. Let’s find your slice of paradise together as we dive into this list of the best beaches in Costa Rica for a beachfront elopement!
Caribbean Beaches of Costa Rica
Starting with the Caribbean beaches of Costa Rica, it’s important to know the east coast of this beautiful country is a little less traveled than the west. Much of the eastern part of the country is covered in tropical rainforests and a lot of it is protected (for eco conservation). These east coast beaches are great options for couples that are dreaming of a morning elopement with the sun rising over the horizon beyond the sea, allowing them to be able to spend the rest of the day soaking in newlywed bliss relaxing on a beach with a cocktail or adventuring through the jungle together. Accessing many of these beaches may require a lot of driving on scenic roads through remote locations, but are well worth the trip!
1. Playa Bonita
2. Playa Cocles
Pacific Coast of Costa Rica
There are many more beaches on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica than there are Caribbean beaches, and most of them are easier to access. The beaches on the west coast are privy to gorgeous sunsets, with the sun melting into the ocean as it sets. For most of these beaches, you’ll find nearby lodging options that range from luxury resorts to remote cabins in the jungle, making it easy to plan your elopement and honeymoon in one trip.
2. Playa Hermosa, near Reserva Natural Cabo Blanco
4. Playa Linda
5. Uvita Beach
Best Beaches in Costa Rica for a More Intimate Celebration
If you are the kind of couple that wants to get married on a beach that feels like it’s a world away from everyone else, these beaches are for you. They are a bit more off the beaten path, which means they will be less likely to have tourists present, especially in the off-season (April – November), but many are still close enough to cities or towns that finding a place to stay, eat and drink won’t be difficult.
Best Beaches in Costa Rica with Unique Sands
There is a beach in Costa Rica that is for everyone, no matter if you want soft, white sand, beaches with rocks and cliffs that feel like the northern coast of California, or beaches with coral reefs! You’re bound to find something that calls to you (queue Moana). To help you find some more unique sands, here are black and white sand beaches to consider.
Black Sand Beaches
1. Playa Negra, Guanacaste Province
2. Playa Hermosa, near Jaco
3. Playa Pavones, southern zone
White Sand Beaches
Kind Words from Kelly and Flaco
“Where do I even start?! Sara Anne was absolutely incredible to work with. From the start, my husband and I felt so comfortable. Sara felt like an old friend! The location was beautiful and she just knew how to work us into all of the beauty surrounding us! We had such an amazing time. The photo shoot itself felt like the prize but THEN we got the photos and WOW. Absolutely STUNNING work. I’m obsessed with our photos and there are just too many good ones!! The one “problem” is how do I even choose which ones to print?! They’re all so beautiful!! So grateful for Sara Anne and her talents. 10/10 recommend.”
Some Fun Texts from the Couple
“Oh my goodness how dreamy”
“I’m speechless”
“😶 like I have no words for how fucking EPIC those pictures are are you kidding me?!”
“You’re absolutely incredible hollllyyyy”
“Dude they were epic!! They’re all epic honestly”
“I love the off-focus ones where the background is focused and we’re dancing or laughing… The drone shots are incredible they look like they’re out of a magazine”
Ready to elope at one of the best beaches in Costa Rica?
Let’s do this thing! I’m a Costa Rica elopement photographer that believes love between two people is pure magic. I give my whole self to photographing weddings in a style that shows raw, intimate, emotional love. So let’s capture your Costa Rica elopement in a way that feels authentic to you! Learn all about me and my mission here. If you think we’d be the perfect fit and you’re ready to book your photographer, let’s get in touch! I can’t wait to bring your vision to life and experience an unforgettable adventure together! In the meantime, check out more Costa Rica elopement content and destination wedding tips on the journal!
Photography by Sara Anne | Costa Rica Elopement Photographer
photographer – @photosbysaraanne | couple – @dudesoykelly @puravidasurfcoach
