Where to Get Married in Costa Rica

Updated June 3, 2020 Costa Rica may be a small country but it is unique. It proudly boasts be home to many of the world’s most popular and stunning national parks, preserves, and beaches. Moreover, the climate and scenery vary greatly from region to region. It is no wonder that it is a popular place…

3 Steps to Getting Married Legally in Costa Rica

Can I get married legally in Costa Rica? When somebody mentions the dreaded words ‘legal’ and ‘requirements’ in the same sentence oftentimes your eyes glaze over and the headache-on-the-horizon alert goes off. Luckily for those wanting to host their special day in an exotic location in beautiful Costa Rica, the legal requirements are relatively painless…

7 Spectacular hidden beaches to check out while in Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific Coast

Secret Beaches in Costa Rica Updated July 24th, 2021 Why do you visit a tropical country? Each year, millions of people flock to Costa Rica and other tropical locations around the world to enjoy the beaches. Seriously, who doesn’t love the idea of kicking back and relaxing with a nice cold drink in hand?  You…

Your Guide to Enjoying (and Surviving) Independence Day in Costa Rica in 2022

Independence Day in Costa Rica is a big deal. Costa Ricans, in general, love a good reason to celebrate. Apparently the whole country agrees that Central American independence is a great reason to celebrate because itś one of the biggest celebrations of the year. The atmosphere is charged for weeks before as people prepare for…

Trash the Dress: How to De-Stress After Your Destination Wedding

TRASH THE DRESS IN COSTA RICA Have you seen them? Those photos of brides rolling around in the surf with their grooms, traipsing through muddy fields, or even setting their beautiful wedding dress on fire? If you’ve ever asked yourself why anyone would destroy the perfect dress that they worked so hard to find, read on….

Micro Weddings for Eco-Adventure Couples and Nature Lovers

Micro – Weddings and Elopements For Eco-Adventure Couples and Nature Lovers ELOPE IN COSTA RICA Are you thinking about eloping in Costa Rica? But maybe you’re wondering if it’s the right fit for you.  I have been privileged to photograph a whole bunch of elopements in Costa Rica over the past 15 years. I can…

Planning a Wedding in Costa Rica | Frequently Asked Questions

Updated for 2023 Are you thinking about planning a wedding in Costa Rica? I’m sure you have a million questions about logistics, planning, what the experience is like, and more! Of course, answering that many would make for a very long blog post, so I’ve picked out a few of the most common and provided…

The Best Costa Rica All-Inclusive Resorts for Weddings

Enjoy the Best All-Inclusive Destination Wedding Experience in Costa Rica What’s better than a destination wedding? A destination wedding in Costa Rica at all-inclusive resort!  Say goodbye to wedding planning stressors and hello to the ultimate tropical vacation with the love of your life and all your besties. Check out what getting married at an…

Dreams Las Mareas Weddings | Guanacaste Costa Rica

Is there anything that can make paradise…more paradisiacal?  Costa Rica by herself is a gorgeous paradise. Her verdant rainforests are alive with colorful wildlife. Her shores are laden with gorgeous stretches of white sand and rugged rocky beaches. Her skies light up daily with the brilliant colors of the sunrise and sunset. There are many…

Playa La Macha: The Best Beach for Privacy in Manuel Antonio

Why seek out Playa La Macha when you visit Manuel Antonio?  The Manuel Antonio beaches are world-renowned as prime tourist destinations. Whether inside the national park or on the public access beach just outside the park, the beaches are downright gorgeous.  They have beautiful white sand, small groves of palm trees for shade, and even…

Capturing Unforgettable Moments at Llanos de Cortes Waterfall

The Perfect Post-Wedding Photoshoot Planning a destination wedding at a luxury hotel like Andaz Papagayo, the Marriott W Costa Rica, Riu Palace or Dreams Las Mareas in Costa Rica? Consider extending the magic of your special day with a photoshoot at the stunning Llanos de Cortes Waterfall. Many couples opt for a Trash the Dress…

Discover Why Playa Langosta is the Ultimate Wedding Destination in Costa Rica

Choosing the perfect wedding location is crucial, and Playa Langosta in Costa Rica offers an idyllic setting for your special day. Here’s why Playa Langosta is a fantastic choice for a wedding ceremony: Breathtaking Sunsets Playa Langosta boasts some of the most incredible sunsets you’ll ever witness. Imagine exchanging vows with the sky painted in…

Weddings at Casa de Luz Costa Rica: Why It’s the Perfect Destination Wedding Venue

When planning a destination wedding, few places can compete with the beauty and tranquility of Costa Rica. For couples seeking a luxurious yet intimate setting, Casa de Luz Vacation Rental in Langosta, Tamarindo, is an ideal choice for hosting an unforgettable wedding. This beachfront property offers the perfect blend of tropical elegance, privacy, and convenience,…

A Dream Wedding at Barcelo Occidental Tamarindo, Costa Rica

As a destination wedding photographer, I’ve been able to photograph weddings all over Costa Rica.  One venue that stands out is the Barcelo Occidental Tamarindo in Costa Rica. Nestled on Langosta Beach, this resort offers couples an unforgettable setting to say “I do.” Here’s why this venue is the perfect spot for a destination wedding….

Family Portraits

Family Reunion 2015

Every year I take a break from work and go to my family reunion in Rockport, Massachusetts.  My grandparents used to have a house in Rockport and as kids we’d spend all summer there going to the quarries and the beach.  So every year my brothers and their families come back for a visit, as…

Professional Wedding Photography in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica

2people1life Travel Weddings

2people1life Travel Weddings 2people1life Travel Weddings Travel around the world in a camper van for two years and have a wedding ceremony in each country they pass through.  This is the life of Lisa and Alex, a couple from London who decided to embark on this incredible adventure. They started in Canada and by the…

In Guanacaste, a person on one knee proposes to another on a sandy beach, with sailboats anchored in the calm sea as a backdrop. The sky is clear, and gentle waves lap the shore during this heartfelt engagement proposal.

Sunrise Proposal in Paradise: A Magical Guanacaste Engagement

When Ivan reached out about capturing his surprise proposal to Katie in Guanacaste, I knew Playa Hermosa would be the perfect backdrop. Just minutes from their hotel in Playas del Coco, this serene beach offers the intimacy and natural beauty that make proposal photos truly special. As the early morning sun lit up the beach,…

Engagement Proposal at Playa Flamingo. A person is kneeling on one knee in front of another person on a deserted beach with waves crashing nearby. The backdrop features rocky cliffs covered in greenery, and the sky is cloudy, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere.

A Surprise Engagement Proposal at Playa Flamingo Beach, Costa Rica

As a destination photographer in Costa Rica, I was excited when Michael contacted me about capturing his surprise proposal to Karen at Playa Flamingo. Since they were staying in nearby Brasilito, Flamingo Beach was the perfect choice – it’s known as one of Guanacaste’s most beautiful beaches, especially during the quiet morning hours. We planned…

wedding at playa del coco

A Seaside Wedding in Paradise: Playa del Coco Celebration

After tying the knot virtually during the height of the pandemic, Tyler and Alex finally celebrated their love with an intimate destination wedding in the picturesque Playa del Coco, Costa Rica. Their story is a testament to the power of love transcending borders and circumstances, as they originally married online in November 2022 while living…

Trees provide shade on the beaches in Costa Rica

Behind the Scenes: A Family photos at Andaz Resort on the Papagayo Peninsula in Costa Rica

If you’ve been searching for the perfect place to capture professional photos of your family, the beaches of Papagayo Peninsula in Costa Rica are an absolute dream. Recently, I had the pleasure of conducting a stunning family portrait session on the beach at the luxurious Andaz Papagayo Resort. It was the perfect combination of natural…

boyfriend proposing to girlfriend at conchal beach in costa rica

Surprise Engagement Proposal at Conchal Beach in Costa Rica

I’m thrilled to share a recent couple portrait session: a magical beach engagement proposal that took place at the breathtaking Conchal Beach, or Playa Conchal, in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. If you’ve ever dreamed of a romantic setting for a proposal, Conchal Beach is it—a true gem with its unique shell-studded sand and renowned status as…

residential house in beach town in costa rica

Photographing local beach house in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

As a photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing the essence of countless homes, but none have left quite the impression as Casa Beratna in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. From the moment I stepped foot onto its elevated terrace, nestled amongst the lush greenery of Valle Pura Vida, I knew this home held a unique…

Bride and groom on the beac

Back to tradition: A Jewish Wedding Ceremony in Costa Rica

A traditional Jewish ceremony has developed over many generations, though in some cases it is adapted to fit different cultural contexts. Paulina and Giovanny incorporated a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony with an adventurous off-the-beaten-path style wedding here in exotic Costa Rica! Check it out! The Wedding Couple Giovanny and Paulina combined some fabulous traditions and…

best wedding photographer costa rica

Best Wedding Photographer Costa Rica | Fearless Photographer 2019

I was honored and blown away by the news that I am featured as the Fearless photographer 2019 for best wedding photographer in Costa Rica. Fearless Photographers is an incredible community that I’ve been lucky to be a part of for the past 6 years.  Its philosophy is “Love is Fearless. Your wedding photos should…

Hindu wedding couple on the beach at Manuel Antonio

A Twist on the Tropical: A Traditional Hindu Muslim Wedding in Costa Rica

What’s better than one magical day to celebrate the beginning of the rest of your lives? How about three magical days of a traditional Hindu Muslim wedding? And in magical Costa Rica no less! I was honored to photograph Rohid and Radha’s lively three-day celebration in Costa Rica. As you can imagine, I got hundreds…

antigua guatemala with volcano

Photos from Guatemala

Photos from Guatemala Guatemala has been one of the countries I’ve wanted to visit for probably 10 years now.  I had heard so much about the culture and landscape and knew it was a place I wanted to experience and photograph.  Last month, I finally decided to stop making excuses about being to busy and…

Independence Day Parades in Costa Rica

Independence Parades in Costa Rica

Independence Parades in Costa Rica September is arguably the most festive month of the year in Costa Rica. Why? Because September 15 is the day that the Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly called, celebrate their independence. This year marks 195 years of independence in Costa Rica and all of Latin America. This country may…

Sunset in Rainy Season in Costa Rica

Rainy Season in Costa Rica

Rainy Season in Costa Rica Well, here in Costa Rica we are in the rainy season.  It’s a great time of year for me to get caught up on a lot of things I don’t have time to do during the rest of the year.  Work wise, this means a lot of admin stuff, and basically…

Isla Cristobal Panama

Cristobal Island Panama

Cristobal Island Panama Last Month I went to Bocas del Toro Panama for a work vacation.  I grabbed my laptop and camera and drove seven hours from the Central Pacific in Costa Rica to the Panamanian border on the Caribbean side of the country.  From there I had to take a forty minute boat ride…

Santa Juana Lodge Costa Rica

Santa Juana Lodge Costa Rica

Santa Juana Lodge Costa Rica Last month I finally made my way out to the Santa Juana Lodge above the foothills of Manuel Antonio.  I had been hearing about this rural tourism project from a bunch of people, all with glowing reviews, and I know I had to check it out for myself.  It turns…

Independence day in Costa Rica

September 15th in Costa Rica

Independence Day in Costa Rica September 15th is Independence Day here in Costa Rica, and it happens to be one of my favorite events all year. Everyone in town gets dressed up in the national colors or even in the traditional clothing, and heads downtown for the big parades.  I love to go down there…

Best photographer Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Best photographer Manuel Antonio Costa Rica awarded by Best of Manuel Antonio Awards 2014-2015

Thank you to friends, family, and the Manuel Antonio Community for all of your support and encouragement! I’m excited to share that Kevin Heslin Photography has received the Best Photographer of Manuel Antonio Award for 2015. I am incredibly honored to receive the award and am thrilled to continue to service the Manuel Antonio Community the…

Traditional Independence Day Parade in Costa Rica

Local Traditions for Celebrating Independence Day in Costa Rica.

September 15th was Independence Day here in Costa Rica.  The night before, the 14th, there is a big procession where people walk the streets with Faroles.  Faroles are home made lanterns based on traditional themes.  A lantern depicting a traditional house, or with the colors from the Costa Rican flag would be examples of these…