Payton and Nathan | A Small Wedding at Rocas del Amancio, Uvita

A toucan with a large yellow beak is perched on a branch among lush green leaves, partially hidden by the foliage against a pale sky—capturing the enchanting atmosphere of an Uvita elopement.
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Payton and Nathan

A tropical beach with golden sand, lush green palm trees, rocky outcrops, and a calm blue ocean under a cloudy sky—the perfect setting for an unforgettable Uvita elopement.

Payton and Nathan got married at Rocas del Amancio in Uvita on a December afternoon — a small family celebration with about 15 people, on a beach that most tourists never find.

They’re from Missoula, Montana. They chose Costa Rica because they both wanted to be near the ocean, see the wildlife, and do something completely different from their mountain life back home. No theme, no big production — just family, a beach, and everyone together.

Rocas del Amancio is a fishing beach. People don’t go there for vacation — they go there to fish. Which means when we rolled up with a small wedding party, we had the whole place to ourselves. The view of the rocks is really something. It’s one of a kind in Costa Rica.

  • Two women wearing floral robes are reflected in a mirror, preparing for an intimate uvita elopement. One is applying makeup to the other, who sits calmly. In the background, a white dress hangs on a door. The room is bright and softly lit.
  • Hands fasten the buttons on the back of a bride’s white wedding dress during an intimate uvita elopement. The bride stands facing away, with two people assisting her—one dressed in blue and another with long blonde hair.
  • A bride in a white dress holds a bouquet of white, pink, and yellow flowers with greenery, capturing the intimate spirit of an Uvita elopement. Her face is partially visible, and her hair is styled in loose waves over one shoulder.
  • A woman in a white dress sits on a chair in a bright living room, writing in a notebook on her lap—perhaps jotting down dreams or vows for her upcoming Uvita elopement. The space features white walls, a sofa, and large dark double doors in the background.
  • A person holds a small open notebook and writes a heartfelt message in neat handwriting with a blue pen, expressing promises to be the best teammate and to communicate and work together, capturing the intimate spirit of an Uvita elopement.
  • A man in a light beige suit with a light blue tie stands outdoors, smiling with his hands in his pockets. The background is filled with greenery and blurred trees, perfectly capturing the relaxed elegance of an Uvita elopement.

The family was close all day — joking with each other, excited about being somewhere completely new. That energy made the whole day easy. We walked to the most scenic spot on the beach, had the ceremony, everyone congratulated them, and while I walked with Payton and Nathan for portraits, their guests just wandered the beach taking photos on their own. That’s exactly how a small wedding should feel.

Payton and Nathan, thank you for having me there. It was a privilege to photograph a day that simple and that real.

  • Aerial view of a tropical coastline with palm trees, sandy beach, rocky formations, and turquoise waters meeting at the shore—an idyllic setting perfect for an unforgettable Uvita elopement.
  • A bride in a white dress and a man walk along a sandy beach with rocky outcrops and lush palm trees, under a cloudy sky—capturing the intimate magic of a Uvita elopement.
  • A bride in a white dress holding a bouquet walks arm-in-arm with a man in a light suit along a sandy beach lined with palm trees during their joyful Uvita elopement. Both look happy.
  • A small group of people stands in a semi-circle on a sandy beach, facing an officiant. With the ocean and rocky formations in the background, this intimate gathering appears to be attending a uvita elopement ceremony.
  • A bride and groom stand on a sandy beach during their Uvita elopement, facing family and friends as they exchange vows. Palm trees and cloudy skies create a breathtaking backdrop for their intimate wedding ceremony.
  • A groom in a light suit smiles at his bride during their intimate Uvita elopement, with a blurred officiant and tropical scenery in the background.
  • A smiling man in a light suit stands on a beach during a Uvita elopement ceremony, with a woman in a white dress in the foreground. Palm trees and ocean are visible in the background.
  • A person with light pink nails is gently touching a gold ring with a small cross on their finger, wearing a white top and a gold bracelet—capturing the delicate details perfect for an intimate uvita elopement.
  • A couple stands facing each other, holding hands, during an intimate Uvita elopement. An officiant in a suit stands between them, holding an open book and speaking.
  • A couple in wedding attire embraces and kisses outdoors during their UVita elopement, surrounded by palm trees. Smiling guests stand and clap in the background, celebrating the moment.
  • Six people pose together on a beach during a picturesque Uvita elopement, with a bride in a white dress holding a bouquet, a groom in a light suit, and four others dressed in semi-formal attire. Palm trees and the ocean are in the background.
  • A couple in wedding attire smiles at each other while walking outdoors during their Uvita elopement. The groom wears a light suit and blue tie; the bride holds a bouquet and wears a white dress. Trees and a cloudy sky form the perfect backdrop for their intimate celebration.
  • A couple in wedding attire smiles and laughs as they spray champagne, standing in front of tall palm trees outdoors, capturing the carefree spirit of a Uvita elopement.
  • A bride and groom smile at each other while walking on a beach during their Uvita elopement. The bride holds a bouquet of flowers, and both wear light-colored wedding attire. The ocean and shoreline are visible in the background.
  • Aerial view of a calm shoreline with clear blue water, a curved beach, and dense green trees. Capturing the serenity of an Uvita elopement, a single person in white stands near the edge of the water. Driftwood is scattered along the sand.
  • A black-and-white, blurry photo of a couple in formal attire walking together on a wet beach during their Uvita elopement, with water reflecting light around their feet.
  • Silhouette of a couple standing under palm trees at sunset during their Uvita elopement, with dramatic clouds and a reflection in a puddle nearby.

I don’t always photograph weddings in Uvita — I’m based in Tamarindo and most of my work is in Guanacaste. But if you’re planning a small celebration or elopement anywhere in Costa Rica, take a look at my micro weddings guide — it covers how these kinds of days work and what to expect.

If you’re in the early stages of planning a wedding in Costa Rica, that guide covers everything from legal requirements to timing and what to expect.

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Location:  Rocas del Amancio, Dominicalito Costa Rica

Hacienda Pinilla. A seaside wedding setup with rows of wooden chairs facing floral arrangements. Palm trees frame the scene, and two musicians with string instruments stand to the right. The ocean is visible in the background under a cloudy sky.

Check out my Guide to the Best Wedding Venues in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is home to an incredible variety of wedding venues, offering couples the perfect setting to celebrate their love. Whether you dream of a romantic beachfront ceremony, a luxurious private villa, or a secluded rainforest retreat, there are options to match every wedding style.

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About Kevin Heslin Photography

Real Moments, Real Memories

Capturing Your Costa Rica Wedding

Hi, I’m Kevin — a local wedding photographer who’s spent years capturing love stories around Costa Rica.

My style is all about natural, candid moments — the real laughs, the quiet glances, the pure joy.

You can check out my Costa Rica Wedding Packages here.

If you’re ready to make memories that last a lifetime, I’d love to be there to capture every moment.

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