When Zack and I met, it felt like we had known each other forever. The connection was instant, and we quickly became best friends. From that moment on, we never looked back. When it came to planning our wedding, we knew a traditional celebration wasn’t for us. We wanted something personal, adventurous, and stress-free. That’s how my Costa Rica elopement came to life—a private ceremony beneath a waterfall, surrounded by the lush jungle.

We spent months deciding on the perfect destination. Adventure has always been a big part of our relationship, so we wanted a place that reflected that. At the same time, we needed tranquility. Costa Rica offered both. Its diverse landscapes, waterfalls, and wildlife made it the ideal location for our special day.

Why We Chose Costa Rica for Our Elopement

Costa Rica felt like the right place for us. We imagined exchanging vows at La Fortuna Waterfall, with the sound of rushing water all around and the rainforest surrounding us. It offered the balance we wanted: a sense of adventure combined with intimate, peaceful moments.

We also loved that Costa Rica is so diverse. From jungles to beaches, it felt like the perfect backdrop for photos and memories that would last a lifetime. Choosing this destination allowed us to connect with nature and focus solely on each other.

The Morning of My Costa Rica Elopement

Our wedding day started early. Pao, our hair and makeup artist, arrived at 4 a.m. She was recommended by several people, and we were thrilled to work with her. Pao was punctual, professional, and kind.

Getting ready separately in our secluded Airbnb was a quiet, reflective experience. We enjoyed the calm morning and had time to think about our relationship before the ceremony began. This peaceful start set the tone for the entire day. Our photographer, Eric, and his team captured the lush property around our Airbnb, creating beautiful images before we headed to the falls.

Personal Touches That Made the Day Special

Our Private Vow Reading

Before the ceremony, we each read our vows separately on video. This gave us time to feel the words fully before speaking them to each other. It made the moment at the waterfall even more meaningful.

Our Outfits and Accessories

Zack looked incredible in a sage green suit. I chose a simple, comfortable dress from Amazon. The humid climate meant comfort was key, but I still wanted to feel bridal. To complete my look, I wore a pink pearl necklace and earrings that Zack had gifted me. These small details made the day feel even more personal.

Our Personalized Elopement Announcement

I also included a small stationery detail. As a designer, I couldn’t resist! I created a custom elopement announcement card with a stunning watercolor waterfall scene. The announcement was used in both the ceremony and our photos. It was different from our original invitation suite, but that was perfect. Elopements are flexible, and it allowed us to make the day entirely ours.

To share the experience with friends and family, we had a video of our wedding day and showed it during our wedding reception. This allowed our loved ones to feel part of that special day, even though they weren’t physically there. It was a meaningful way to connect everyone to the moment.

Beautiful Details and Local Vendors

Our color palette of sage green, ivory, and blush appeared in subtle ways. Zack’s suit, my accessories, and the bouquet from Floristería de Anlly all matched beautifully.

The bouquet was a last-minute decision. We walked into her flower shop the afternoon before the ceremony, and she crafted something perfect with care and love. I carried it with me throughout our stay in Costa Rica, treasuring it as a part of the day.

Having local vendors made the experience seamless. They understood the environment and contributed to making the day stress-free. From flowers to photography, every detail was handled with thoughtfulness and professionalism.

Is Costa Rica a Good Place to Have a Wedding?

Looking back, my Costa Rica elopement was everything we hoped for. It was intimate, adventurous, and uniquely ours. Exchanging vows beneath La Fortuna Falls, enjoying quiet moments together, and embracing the lush scenery made it unforgettable.

The day unfolded exactly as we imagined, thanks to amazing local vendors who brought it all together. Every choice, from the location to the small personal touches, reflected who we are as a couple. We wouldn’t change a single thing about our Costa Rica elopement.

From vows beneath the waterfall to the stationery I designed for our day, every detail told our story. I’d love to create paper pieces that do the same for yours. Reach out to start your custom stationery design!

Our amazing vendor team that helped make it all possible:

Hair & Makeup: Pao Hair Studio

Photo & Video: Meric Moments

Florist: Floristería de Anlly