Costa Rica Sees Growth in Elopements as Couples Choose Intimate Destination Weddings

Costa Rica Sees Growth in Elopements as Couples Choose Intimate Destination Weddings
A couple exchanges vows during a private beach elopement in Costa Rica, with only the officiant and the elopement photographer present as witnesses. Barefoot and surrounded by tropical vegetation, the ceremony unfolds by the ocean in soft natural light
Costa Rica continues to attract couples seeking elopements and intimate destination weddings. Crissorama, a wedding photography studio based in Costa Rica, shares insights on why smaller, experience-focused ceremonies are increasing in popularity.

Costa Rica is seeing continued growth in elopements and intimate destination weddings as couples move away from large, traditional celebrations and toward smaller, experience-driven ceremonies.

Industry professionals working in the region report that many couples are prioritizing meaningful locations, flexible timelines, and a more personal wedding experience. Costa Rica’s combination of beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, and mountains has made it a natural fit for this shift.

Crissorama, a Costa Rica wedding photography studio, has documented destination weddings and elopements across the country for more than 15 years. Founded by photographer Christopher Alga, the studio works primarily with couples from the United States, Canada, and Europe who are planning weddings from abroad.

Crissorama operates as a Costa Rica wedding photographer and Costa Rica elopement photographer, documenting ceremonies in natural settings across regions such as Guanacaste, Manuel Antonio, and the Arenal and La Fortuna area.

“Elopements allow couples to focus on the experience rather than the production,” says Christopher Alga, founder of Crissorama. “As a Costa Rica wedding photographer, I’ve seen a clear shift toward ceremonies that feel calm, intentional, and connected to the landscape.”

According to Crissorama, many couples value having a photographer who can travel with them and document the day in a way that feels closer to a documentary than a posed photo session. This approach reflects a broader move away from rigid timelines and toward wedding days that unfold naturally.

Elopements and intimate weddings also offer greater flexibility when it comes to location and timing. Remote beaches, rainforest clearings, waterfalls, and mountain viewpoints are increasingly being chosen over traditional venues, particularly by couples seeking privacy and a deeper connection to their surroundings.

“Costa Rica offers a pace that naturally slows things down,” Alga adds. “When couples aren’t rushing between formalities, they tend to be more present, which changes how the day feels and how it’s documented.”

To support couples exploring these options, Crissorama publishes planning resources focused on elopements, wedding costs, and location selection in Costa Rica, helping couples make informed decisions when planning destination celebrations.

Media Contact
Company Name: Crissorama Wedding Photography
Contact Person: Christopher Alga
Email: Send Email
Phone: (506) 8517 7791
City: San José
Country: Costa Rica
Website: https://crissorama.com/