Amber & Stephen | A Catamaran Wedding in Costa Rica
Amber and Stephen flew in from Ontario with 11 of their closest people. They booked a stay at the Riu Guanacaste, but they didn’t want the usual resort wedding. They were hoping for something smaller, more relaxed, and more personal. Something that felt like them.
So we planned their day around two things: a quiet beach ceremony in the morning, and a catamaran cruise that afternoon. It ended up being the perfect way to celebrate—no stress, no big production, just good people, good light, and plenty of room to breathe.
Morning Ceremony on Playa Hermosa
I arranged a van and driver to take the group to Playa Hermosa, about 20 minutes from the Riu Hotel in Costa Rica. Everyone rode together, but Amber and Stephen made sure not to see each other—saving that moment for later. When we got to the beach, we found a quiet spot where a local florist had already set up a simple arch with some soft floral details.
That’s where we did their first look. It was quiet and low-key, just the two of them on the sand.
They had a legal Costa Rican officiant, so the marriage in Costa Rica would be legal recognized back home in Canada. After the vows, we did some family portraits while the light was still soft. Then Amber and Stephen took a short walk along the shoreline for a few portraits. No posing, no pressure—just them being themselves.
Break at the Resort, Then Off to Sea
Everyone went back to the resort for a rest, and then we met again that afternoon for the catamaran tour out of Playas del Coco.
It was a small boat, perfect for their group. Once we left the shore, the mood was totally different—easy, fun, full of music and conversation. The sun was still out, and the water was calm. Everyone had space to relax.
About halfway through, the boat anchored at a secluded beach. Most of the group went snorkeling, but Amber and Stephen had other plans. They brought their wedding outfits in a dry bag and got changed behind some trees. Then we did a second round of portraits—barefoot on the beach, on a rope swing, and eventually, in the water. They were totally up for it.
Sunset and the Ride Back
As we headed back to the dock, the sun dropped low. The sky turned gold, then orange, then soft pink. It was calm and perfect for a few more photos on the deck as we sailed back in.
This wasn’t a loud or flashy wedding. It was just real. Amber and Stephen wanted space to be with their people and do things their way. And that’s exactly what they got.
Why a Catamaran Cruise Works for Any Wedding in Costa Rica
Even if you’re not planning to get married on a boat, a catamaran tour can be a great part of a destination wedding in Costa Rica. Couples use them in different ways:
Catamarans are easy to book out of places like Playas del Coco, Tamarindo, or Papagayo. Some tours include snorkeling, lunch, or even beach stops. You can make it casual or dress it up a bit—whatever fits your group.
If you’re looking for something more intimate and a little different, adding a boat trip to your wedding week is an easy win. It gives everyone space to hang out without a schedule. And if you’re into photos? The light on the water at sunset is hard to beat.
