sailboat engagement proposal in costa rica

Cassidy and Sergey

Sailboat Engagement Proposal in Costa Rica Sergey got in touch with me to photograph his surprise proposal in Playas del Coco, Guanacaste Costa Rica. He had planned a sunset excursion on the beautiful Sea Bird Sailboat. He had everything all set including his cover story, he just needed someone to capture the real moment and…

wedding couple run along a sandy beach at sunset, with boats floating on the water and tree branches framing the sky filled with soft clouds and golden light.

Hanna and Jake

Hanna and Jake’s Wedding at Dreams Las Mareas in Guanacaste After a long distance relationship that started during the Pandemic, Hanna and Jake were ready to plan their destination wedding in Costa Rica. Although they had never been to Costa Rica before the wedding, they knew it would be the perfect backdrop and vibe to…

A bride in a white dress and veil smiles while walking arm in arm with a groom in a black tuxedo and bow tie. They stroll along the stone path of their Nayara Garden Wedding, surrounded by lush greenery and colorful plants.

Kim and Matt

Kim and Matt’s Intimate Costa Rica Elopement at Nayara Tented Camp Magic unfolded in the heart of Arenal’s rainforest as Kim and Matt celebrated their love with an intimate symbolic elopement at the stunning Nayara Tented Camp. While the couple had already made their union official back in the States, they chose Costa Rica’s lush…

A bride and groom walk hand in hand on a sandy beach. The bride wears a flowing white dress, and the groom is in a white shirt and beige pants. They are smiling at each other with a clear blue sky and distant hills in the background.

Lyndsey and Jason

When Lindsey and Jason contacted me about their symbolic wedding in Costa Rica, they were planning to stay at an Airbnb in Tamarindo. I recommended nearby Playa Langosta for their ceremony – it’s a quieter beach that’s perfect for intimate weddings, especially in the early morning hours. I knew if we got there early enough…

Two people smiling and embracing each other in front of a waterfall. Both wear white shirts; one wears a straw hat. The background features blurred greenery and cascading water.

Nick and Jason

Some weddings break from tradition in the most spectacular ways. Nick and Jason’s intimate celebration at Costa Rica’s Nauyaca Waterfalls was one of them. The morning started with an adventurous hike as the couple led their nine closest friends down the jungle trail to the falls. The descent through the rainforest built anticipation until the…

A couple in wedding attire stands on a rocky ledge, posing happily in front of a large, cascading waterfall. The bride holds a bouquet of flowers while the groom raises his fist in celebration. Lush greenery surrounds the scene.

Ruby and Brian

When tropical rain showers arrived during Ruby and Brian’s Costa Rica ceremony, their guests raised a sea of umbrellas, creating an unexpectedly beautiful scene. The half-hour ceremony became even more intimate as everyone gathered closer together, sharing umbrellas and smiles. The day started with meaningful moments. Ruby shared her first look with her parents rather…

A groom in a blue suit joyfully lifts a bride wearing a white gown near a picturesque waterfall. The bride, adorned with a flower crown, smiles at him. They stand on the rocky bank of a serene river with lush greenery in the background.

Rosa and Joseph

I recently photographed Rosa and Joseph’s elopement at two stunning locations: a remote fishing beach and a secluded waterfall. We had the beach to ourselves for the ceremony which made for a very intimate celebration. We started the day at their Villa in the small town of Uvita. There they had their first look surrounded…

guanacaste wedding

Tyler and Leslie

Welcome to the love story of Tyler and Leslie, a tale that began in the heart of the Midwest and is now unfolding in the breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica. Their journey from Appleton to Chicago, Indianapolis, and beyond, is a testament to the power of love and adventure. A Chance Encounter Tyler and Leslie’s…

Makanda Wedding

Deana and Sam

Deana and Sam reached out to the wedding folks at Makanda by the Sea here in Manuel Antonio and suddenly their wedding was a fairy tale come to life. Check it out! A Dream Wedding by the Sea Makanda by the Sea is an adults-only hotel tucked in the verdant rainforests of Manuel Antonio right…

costa rica photographer testimonial

Bayley and Jake

Costa Rica is a fantastic place for creating memories with your favorite people. There’s a reason so many people come to this beautiful country every year to express their love for one another and share this special moment with their closest friends and family.  Bayley and Jake are one such couple, and they took things…

uvita wedding

Diana and Bill

Weddings are about two people becoming a new family because they love one another. So what better occasion than a wedding to heal old fractures in the family? That’s what happened for Bill when he married his love, Diana. He got the chance to mend ties with his family while creating a new family with…

wedding in costa rica

Erica and Scott

Small weddings are a favorite among the destination wedding crowd. As a wedding photographer in a vacation destination, I’ve seen a lot of them over the past couple of decades.  A small wedding on the shores of Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica is exactly what Erica and Scott were looking for. Read on to learn…

vow renewal in manuel antonio

Trisha and Gary

Most people consider their wedding day one of the most special days of their life. But you know what’s even more special? A vow renewal 26 years later.  And that’s just what Trish and Gary did. They packed their bags and headed off together for a beautiful vow renewal in Costa Rica. Check out how…

destination wedding

Stacey and Eden

Would you pack up your stuff, take your special someone by the hand, and go to someplace you’ve never been to declare your love for one another? That’s exactly what Stacey and Eden decided to do! Sight unseen, they decided that Costa Rica was the best place to make their vows to one another.  Cutting…

dominical wedding

Desiree and Joachim

Desirée and Joachim had a specific vision for how they wanted their wedding day in Costa Rica to be. Ana from Prestige Weddings planned this perfect day! And, dare I say, the day turned out to be a dream come true! A Favorite Destination Both Desirée and Joachim love Costa Rica and they’ve been to…

wedding punto de vista

Clare and Matt

Do you dream of a luxury destination wedding in Costa Rica? It’s a pretty spectacular dream! Every year, thousands of happy couples come to Costa Rica’s beautiful jungle and shores to make special wedding memories. Whether they choose a mountainous, jungle area with a proliferation of tropical flora or a beach wedding with the magnificent…

manuel antonio wedding

Patricia and Brent

Why have a destination Costa Rica wedding? For some people the idea of packing up and traveling a few thousand miles to tie the knot will never make much sense. Having a big wedding with all their friends and family in attendance is much more important.  However, for folks like Brent and Patricia, a destination…

weddings in manuel antonio

Kara and Kyle

COVID has totally changed a lot of wedding plans over the past couple of years. But this Kara and Kyle were determined not to let it get them down.  Once they finally could, they packed up with their friends and family and enjoyed the relaxing Costa Rica wedding they had been dreaming of for so…

waterfall weddings

Brittany and Sergey

Brittany and Sergey came to Costa Rica intent on enjoying the beauty that this country has to offer. And that’s exactly what they did with their epic beach and waterfall wedding in Costa Rica! Brittany and Sergey Brittany and Sergey’s love story is one of those beautiful, slow ones that are built to last. They…

unique wedding entertainment

Catalina and Diego

Catalina and Diego did decided to have a fire dance at their wedding and it was amazing! This two-part wedding started out solemnly in a Catholic church and ended poolside at the impressive Zephyr Palace in Villa Caletas. Check out how incredible it was and glean some ideas for your own unique wedding entertainment here!…

Bride and groom laughing on the beach

Michelle and Danny

Michelle and Danny got to experience their dream wedding in Costa Rica. Come along, I’ll give you a peek into this incredible wedding at the aptly named Dreams Las Mareas Resort! Moms Know Best! Michelle and Danny met in a somewhat unconventional way. Their moms were coworkers and friends and thought that their children would…

dominical wedding

Travis and Kellie

Wondering what a wedding would look like in Dominical? Check out Travis and Kellie’s amazing wedding that I photographed in this small coastal town recently. Memories of Costa Rica Costa Rica always had a special place in Kellie’s heart. Back in the day, her dad owned a hardware store in the small, sleepy community of…

costa rica wedding

Cynthia and Brian

If there is one thing amazing about getting married in Costa Rica, it is the spectacular scenery offered by this beautiful country. Cynthia and Bryan made their first trip to Costa Rica nearly 10 years ago and having their wedding here was a way for them to share the magic of this place with their…

destination wedding

Melinda and Nick

The natural beauty of the famous Manuel Antonio National Park turns even a simple wedding in Costa Rica into a spectacular affair. Curious about what I mean? Just check out these amazing images from Melinda and Nick’s beautiful wedding on the beach just outside the park.  This simple wedding in Costa Rica was full of…

weddings costa rica

Patrycja and Gustavo

Costa Rica has a plethora of beautiful places to get married. After nearly two decades of photographing weddings here, I’ve been to a lot of them (though they never cease to amaze me). Patrycja and Gustavo had a hard time choosing between the beach and a waterfall. So instead of putting themselves in a box,…

weddings costa rica

Shayleigh and Reese

Shayleigh and Reese wanted to avoid other tourists and the crowds by staying at the beach and instead immerse themselves in the peace and quiet offered by the Costa Rican countryside.  By taking a quick trip to the beach for the wedding ceremony and pictures, they really got to enjoy the best of both worlds….

destination wedding punto de vista

Caylyn and Ryan

COVID drastically changed a lot of wedding plans in the last couple of years. Caylyn and Ryan didn’t let circumstances get the best of them and adjusted their plans to have an amazing destination wedding. By the time they made it to Costa Rica for their wedding bash, they were already married. But that didn’t…

Kevin Heslin Wedding Photographer Reviews

Kelsey and Brian

Costa Rica is undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous places on the planet. Thanks to conservation efforts on the part of the government and private businesses and citizens, perhaps it will stay that way.  For now, at least, Brian and Kelsey got to enjoy their delightful beach wedding at one of the best eco resorts…

Wedding in Manuel Antonio

Sara and Charles

Would you go hiking on your wedding day? One of the best parts of being a destination wedding photographer in a beautiful place like Costa Rica is that I get to know all sorts of adventurous people.  Sara and Charles took things to a new level with their wedding hike in Manuel Antonio National Park….

Weddings at Tulemar Resort in Costa Rica

Paula and Antonio

On a scale of 1 to 10 how confident would you say your partner (or you) was when you proposed? Did they know without a doubt that you would accept? Were you so positive that you were already making plans? Would you be confident enough to plan an entire surprise wedding that the bride didn’t…

Wedding at Punto de Vista

Vanessa and Ernesto

Vanessa and Ernesto also thought Punta de Vista would make an amazing spot to say their wedding vows. To make the wedding perfect, they had it planned by Karen at Tropical Occasions, who brought their dream wedding to life. A Rekindled Flame Vanessa and Ernesto have a cool love story based on a long-term friendship….

The bride and groom playing in the waves

Crystal and David

Who wouldn’t love a sunrise elopement at the Hotel Parador in Costa Rica? I meet lots of adventuresome couples that want a sunset wedding in Costa Rica. We’re close to the equator here, so sunset time is around 5 – 6 pm all year. It’s pretty perfect for enjoying a sunset ceremony or timing bridal…

doce lunas wedding costa rica

Cassie and Jay

There are those who tie the knot figuratively when they get married, and there are those who tie the knot literally.  Cassie and Jay are one of the latter couples. In fact, the knot they tied was pretty impressive! As a symbol of their intertwined lives, it sure was fitting.  Check out how Cassie and…

beach wedding

Kaleb and Danny

Are you wondering how to show off your hard earned body art at your wedding? Take a cue from Kaleb, this tattooed bride who pulled it off quite well! Curious to see how she did it and also gave her wedding a modern and unique vibe? Check out the photos below! How It All Began…

campesinos in costa rica

Briony and Brian

As a wedding destination, Costa Rica has it all — beaches, rainforest, mountains, and plenty of luxurious villas and hotels where couples can enjoy one of the best days of their lives.  The country is known for its jungles, wildlife, and incredible ecotourism. In other words, plenty of opportunities for experiences that are off the…

The day after session at Nahomi Park in Quepos

Stephanie and Cameron

Ahh, just the two of us in Costa Rica. Has the thought ever crossed your mind? Wedding planning is stressful, and the idea of running off to elope in and exotic place like Costa Rica is appealing for many couples.  It certainly was for Stephanie and Cameron! For an adventurous couple looking for a place…

arenas del mar costa rica

Alex and Luke

Traditional weddings can be stressful…and expensive…and even sometimes full of drama. Everybody has their ideas about what the couple should do and not do. To avoid it all, many couples are choosing to get married in a different way. They pack their bags and head off to an exotic destination like Costa Rica. The wedding…

wedding on beach

Katie and Andrew

Katie and Andrew decided that a big fancy affair with all their friends and family just didn’t fit their personalities. So when they started planning their vacation to Costa Rica, it just kinda naturally evolved into planning their elopement wedding. After all, Costa Rica is rife with gorgeous locations for eloping. Every year, hundreds of…

Costa Verde Wedding

Molly and Adrian

The vast majority of the weddings I shoot are destination weddings. People from other countries travel to Costa Rica to tie the knot in this exotic and amazing place. I love these weddings as they are intimate affairs at private villas or even just on the beach. A wedding in the Catholic church requires pre-marriage…

Destination wedding at villa punto de vista

Monica and Ariel

What’s your dream destination? If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? If you could get married anywhere in the world, where would you do it? Monica let me know right off the bat that she was not one of those brides who have had their wedding planned in their head…

punto-de-vista-wedding-30

Jamie and Christian

Every wedding couple is different and deserves a unique wedding experience. Many people dream for years about how their wedding day will be. They think about decorations they would like to use as well as the rituals they would like to include to make their wedding unique. I shoot a lot of couples who are…

Anna and Kirstien

Anna and Kirstien

Rainy Season in Costa Rica The rainy season in Costa Rica is from July to early December.  As the name suggests, sometimes you can get a bit of rain on your wedding day.  For the most part, this isn’t a problem as the getting ready portion of the day and the reception are usually in…

Casa Fantastica Wedding

Carla and Ricky

Let’s brainstorm wedding venue ideas for a moment. If money were no object, what would be your ideal wedding venue? Getting married on a mountaintop? Saying “I do” in an island paradise? Saying your vows in a villa by the sea? An excellent alternative to a traditional wedding venue like a big hotel is to…

Destination Wedding Arenas del Mar

Megan and Anthony

Come along as we take a look at Megan and Anthony’s fairy tale wedding and beach reception. The Dream Destination Costa Rica first came on the radar for Megan in 2004 when she visited with her high school rotary club. They came to donate and deliver wheelchairs to schools and families in small towns throughout…

Villa Punto de Vista Wedding

Danielle and Matt

Is there anything more romantic than getting married in a villa by the sea? This is precisely the reason why so many people come to Costa Rica each year for a destination wedding. Full-blown, domestic weddings are hectic, take months to plan, fly by in a flurry, and end up stressing out the bride and…

Guide to Getting Married in Costa Rica

Tatiana and Adrian

Since I am based in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, I shoot a lot of destination weddings on the beach where the groom and bride don’t even wear shoes. Not so for Adrian and Tatiana’s wedding. Tatiana had always envisioned herself having a formal wedding. She pictured walking down the aisle of an elegant church to…

Getting Married Legally in Costa Rica

Miranda and Will

Because no two couples are exactly the same, no two weddings are exactly alike.  Every wedding is as unique as the individuals who are getting married. Will and Miranda didn’t want your regular wedding photos. They were very interested in trying new things and branching out into creative wedding photography. One of their first questions…

Maternity session in Antigua, Guatemala

Best of 2018

My best destination wedding photos of 2018 Its been an awesome year with some amazing couples.  In these past twelve months its been such an honor to document some of the most important and happiest moments in the lives of these adventurous wedding couples.  It has also been a pleasure to travel all around Costa…

Manuel Antonio engagement photos

Danielle and Andrew

Danielle and Andrew came to Costa Rica a happy couple on vacation. By the time they left, she had a ring on her finger, they had an awesome photo shoot to commemorate the occasion, and they were both smiling from ear to ear. When they came to Costa Rica, they were not afraid to explore…

wedding at langosta beach

Justine and Ethan

A wedding on the beach is like something out of a fairy tale. The sound of the rolling surf, the fresh scent of the salty sea air, the feeling of sand between your toes. It’s a magical experience that only the most lucky ones will get to enjoy. Justine and Ethan are two such lucky…

costa rica wedding photographer - Kevin Heslin

Alexandra and Pete

Alexandra and Pete wanted their love for animals to be a part of their wedding.  So instead of gifts, they asked their guests to make a donation to the the local animal shelter in town called PAWS. If you’ve ever been to Manuel Antonio you’ll see that we have a problem with stray dogs and cats…

Riu Wedding Photographer

Dawn and Brian

Couples like Dawn and Brian make destination wedding photography at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica a total blast. We had such a great time capturing the memories they made with friends and family. Many traveled from far and wide to see these two get married on a beautiful beach in Guanacaste. While Dawn was getting…

Arenal Nayara Wedding

Saida and Mark

Weddings at Nayara Gardens Resort: A Perfect Costa Rica Destination Nayara Gardens Resort in Costa Rica offers a beautiful setting for couples looking for a private and well-organized wedding. With views of the Arenal Volcano, excellent service, and a peaceful atmosphere, this resort provides everything needed for a memorable event. A Private and Relaxing Setting…

wedding in costa rica

Orion and Stephan

Drake Bay Wedding Having a Drake Bay Wedding, reaching the venue is an adventure all in itself.  Drake Bay is next to Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula, one of the most remote areas of Costa Rica.  To reach the Drake Bay side of Corcovado, you need to drive part way down the peninsula, and…

Wedding Photography

Jana and Eric

My cousin Eric and his fiancé Jana had been to Costa Rica the year before to visit, and I also see them every summer at our family reunion in New England so I was naturally super excited to photograph their wedding. As I was also going as a guest, we decided that after the cake…

Costa Verde Grassy Knoll Wedding

Brandy and Seamus

A Delightful Garden Wedding at Costa Verde’s Grassy Knoll Brandy and Seamus are an amazing couple who decided to get married in Costa Rica with their closest friends and family. As seasoned travelers, they had come to Costa Rica the year before and fell in love with the place. They thought it would be a…

Wedding in Tamarindo

Minnie and Subala

Langosta Beach Club Wedding Photographer Minnie and Subala’s wedding was probably one of the most emotional weddings I’ve ever photographed.  Both families are so closely knit and expressive, and it was so great to experience them coming together to celebrate this union. Wedding ceremonies at Playa Langosta are amazing. Minnie and Subala decided to have…

Groom tears up at wedding ceremony.

Melissa and Matt

Private Wedding Villa Last month I was honored to be the photographer for Melissa and Matt’s wedding held at the beautiful Villa Celaje that overlooks the ocean. Celaje is a word in Spanish that means the bright colors of the sky during sunset. The villa lived up to its name and the sunset was absolutely…

Riu Guanacaste weddings

Erin and Paul

Last month I was honored to be the photographer at Erin and Paul’s Costa Rica all inclusive wedding at Riu Palace Resort in Guanacaste.  By coincidence it turns out that Erin went to high school with another wedding couple of mine from last year. More of a coincidence is that they also went to high school…

Coffee Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Farm

Costa Rica Coffee Farm For the past few years I’ve dreamed of going to a family run coffee farm to take photojournalist photos.  This means staying on the farm for a few days and just shooting people going about their daily business, without any set shots, and it also means I am there for enough…

Destination Wedding Manuel Antonio

Tania and Dallas

Artistic, natural, timeless and fun were the words Tania and Dallas used to describe how they wanted their intimate wedding in Costa Rica to be, and it was definitely all these things. Tania and Dallas decided to come to Costa Rica to get married and bring each of their moms for the wedding ceremony. They…

Riu Palace wedding photography

Samantha and Kyle

It’s a small world, and the resort wedding I shot at Riu Palace Resort is a testament to that. When I met Samantha and Kyle for the first time the day before their wedding, we realized that we had two friends in common.  It turns out that some friends whom I had met at the Canada…

Same sex wedding photographer in Costa Rica.

Shannon and Claire

Last month I was honored to photograph Shannon and Claire’s wedding at Bejuco Beach, here in Costa Rica. Shannon and Claire, are such a cool couple, totally relaxed and into having fun and enjoying every moment, and the wedding ceremony reflected that perfectly. We started the day at Casa Velas where they were staying in Playa…

Wedding in Cala Luna Costa Rica.

Sarah and Tyler

A couple of weeks ago I drove up to Guanacaste with my assistant to shoot Sarah and Tyler’s wedding at Cala Luna Hotel in Tamarindo.  It was my first time at Cala Luna and I was really impressed by its class and elegance. The First Look Is the Best Look The bride’s room for getting…