The Best Kind of Small Wedding in Costa Rica

wedding couple strolling along the beach at sunset

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 about their magical experience!

  • The stunning view from Vista Hermosa
  • Interesting staircase inside the villa
  • The groom seated under a stunning painting of a sunset
  • creative shot of the groom on his phone
  • the groom prepping his suit
  • the groom and his buddies taking a shot
  • Groom's brother joking around
    No one was harmed, I promise!
  • The bride's dress ready for her small wedding in costa rica
  • Creative shot of the flower bouquet with shadows.
  • The bride having her hair done
  • the bride is nearly ready for her small wedding in Costa Rica
  • The joyful smile of a toddler
  • Closeup shot of the bride's bouquet
  • Portrait of the bride
  • Portrait of the bride

A Small Wedding in Costa Rica

Erica and Scott decided they wanted to escape to Costa Rica with their favorite people to celebrate their nuptials. They rented an elegant villa, Vista Hermosa Estate, here in Manuel Antonio. The villa is spacious and large enough to accommodate up to 24 guests. There were about 20 people on their guest-list, so it was just perfect. 

They hired Karen Ogden from Tropical Occasions to plan the wedding and and as always everything was perfect! They opted to have the ceremony at the villa and with the ocean view in the background, the whole thing was downright stunning!

  • The bride and her friends before the small wedding in Costa Rica
  • The flower girl
  • the bride shares a hug with her dad at the altar
  • the groom smiling at the bride
  • The bride smiling at the groom
  • The bride and groom with the view at Vista Hermosa
  • The bride and groom with guests
  • The bride and groom with their parents

Afterward, we escaped down to the nearby beach to take advantage of the beautiful sunset. The pair frolicked on the beach and posed in front of the setting sun. They had told me beforehand that beach photos were high on their list of priorities. They wanted photographs that showcase the beauty of the place where they said their “I do’s.” 

After the sun went down, we headed back up to the villa where the couple and their guests started tearing up the dance floor. 

All in all, the event was sweet, fun, and perfect for Erica and Scott.

  • the bride and groom on the beach after their small wedding in Costa Rica
  • the bride and groom on the beach after their small wedding in Costa Rica
  • the bride and groom on the beach after their small wedding in Costa Rica
  • the groom on the beach
  • the bride on the beach
  • the bride on the beach
  • the bride and groom on the beach after their small wedding in Costa Rica
  • Closeup of the bride and groom's clasped hands
  • the bride on the beach
  • the groom fistbumps a passing jogger
  • the bride and groom on the beach after their small wedding in Costa Rica
  • Silhouette images of the bride and groom on the beach
  • Silhouette images of the bride and groom on the beach
  • The table set for the reception
  • The table set for the reception
  • Dancing the night away by the pool
  • Dancing the night away
  • Dancing the night away
  • Dancing the night away
  • Dancing the night away

A Day After Session

Erica and Scott wanted to revel in the beauty of Costa Rica and we planned a Day After Session for the next morning.

As you can see, the mood of the beach shifts dramatically from morning to evening. We were able to capture some amazing moments the next morning.

Plus, many couples love a day after session so they can be fully present on the day of the event. Instead of spending a big chunk of time with taking portraits, they want to relish in the reception and spend that time with their loved ones. 

Not to mention, photographs on the day after are so much more relaxed. All the wedding jitters are gone yet the couple is still basking in the glow of the prior day’s events. Smiles come readily and the photographs we get are gorgeous. 

  • Bride and groom on the beach the morning after their small wedding in Costa Rica
  • Bride and groom on the beach the morning after their small wedding in Costa Rica
  • Bride and groom on the beach the morning after their small wedding in Costa Rica
  • Bride and groom on the beach the morning after their small wedding in Costa Rica
  • Bride and groom on the beach the morning after their small wedding in Costa Rica
  • Bride and groom on the beach the morning after their small wedding in Costa Rica
  • Bride and groom on the beach the morning after their small wedding in Costa Rica
  • Bride and groom on the beach the morning after their small wedding in Costa Rica

Check out the wedding video below:

Check out Erica and Scott’s Wedding Album Below

Your Wedding in Costa Rica

Feeling inspired to have your own destination wedding? Whether you’re planning a large or small wedding in Costa Rica, you’ll definitely want photos of this once-in-a-lifetime excitement. 

Looking for more inspiration or ideas? Check out this other amazing private villa wedding here!

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