Becca + Sam’s Wild & Beautiful Wedding Day in the Jungle of Costa Rica!

When B & S first reached out to us, they didn’t have a destination in mind. No dream venue, no Pinterest-perfect location, no big list of must-haves… just a vision of adventure and connection.

They knew they wanted to elope somewhere in March, surrounded by nature, with a beach and a waterfall. They wanted real moments and an unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience over tradition.

And together, we made that vision come to life…in Costa Rica!!

This is the story of their unforgettable Costa Rica elopement: full of rainforest hikes, barefoot vows, swimming under waterfalls, reading love letters from family, and saying “I do” under a sky set on fire by the sunset.

Why Becca + Sam Chose to Elope in Costa Rica

Planning an elopement often starts with a feeling. For Becca and Sam, it was less about the “where” and more about how they wanted to feel on their day: connected to each other, surrounded by nature, a big adventure and totally present.

When we started planning, they told us:

“We don’t care what country. We just want to find somewhere that feels magical. Somewhere we can swim under a waterfall, run around on the beach, and explore somewhere we’ve never been before.”

We spent weeks researching all the best places around the world that suited their vision and that was good weather at this time of year. We tossed around a few locations, and then… Costa Rica kept coming up. A tropical country full of vibrant jungle, stunning waterfalls, and wild beaches. March falls in Costa Rica’s dry season, making it a perfect time to visit. And even though none of us had ever been there before, we knew it would be amazing!

The Elopement Day Begins: Swimming at Nauyaca Waterfalls

Their day started early, just after sunrise. We met at 7am to head deep into the rainforest to Nauyaca Waterfalls, one of the most breathtaking places in Costa Rica (and I maybe even the world?!). To get there, you take a small local truck partway in, then hike the rest of the way down through the jungle. The forest was quiet except for the sounds of howler monkeys and rushing water.

And then we saw it.
The falls.

Massive, multi-tiered and a STUNNING swimming hole beneath, perfect for a dip in the already hot and humid weather of the morning. We took photos of them on the rocks out of the water before they jumped in, laughing, swimming, playing, exploring every corner of the pool like kids on the best kind of field trip. There was even a rock under the waterfall that they managed to climb up onto so that they could stand under the raging water and have a moment together before jumping off the rock!

I really do love when couples include activities/adventures into their day so that they can create lasting memories. It’s not just a photo op, it is all part of the story and the experience.

Getting Ready + Emotional Letters from Home

After a few hours at the falls, we returned to their accommodation, a cosy jungle AirBNB tucked into the hills. This is when the energy started to shift. From wild to reflective. From playful to emotional.

When they were getting ready, B & S each opened letters from their families and friends back in the US. Heartfelt words from parents, siblings, and loved ones who couldn’t be there but were sending all their love from afar.

These letters were a reminder that eloping doesn’t mean leaving people out. It just means choosing a day that feels true to you. You can still invite your family in, in meaningful ways. And B&S did it beautifully, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room!

Rain, First Looks, and Wild Beach Vows in Uvita

Next stop: the ceremony. We headed to Uvita Beach, a stretch of coastline that feels untouched, with golden sand and views that stretch for days. It was the perfect place for Becca and Sam’s first look and vows.

But as we pulled up, the weather changed. Fast. Thick tropical clouds rolled in, and the skies opened up. A full-on downpour, the kind where everything goes from dry to drenched in seconds. But this is where Becca and Sam’s spirit truly showed and they said, “Let’s do it anyway.”

So we embraced the rain. They grabbed their rain coats and umbrella and we set up their first look spot under a palm tree to block most of the rain… and then, like something out of a movie, the rain stopped.

Instantly. Just as they saw each other for the first time, the skies cleared. The wind calmed. The clouds parted.

And they had their ceremony on the sand without another drop coming down. It was truly a perfect moment!

One Of The Most Magical Sunset We’ve Ever Seen

Sometimes the universe shows off.

As Becca and Sam shared their vows, the entire sky began to shift. The clouds, once dark and heavy turned pink and purple. The ocean mirrored it all, and for a moment, it felt like time stopped.

They ran along the beach barefoot, laughing and twirling and holding each other in awe. It was quiet except for the waves and the sound of their voices. No crowds, no stress, no rush. Just them, in the middle of something bigger than themselves.

The best part was that the rain meant that everyone else had abandoned the beach, and it truly made the moment that much sweeter!

Why You Should Consider a Costa Rica Elopement

If you’re dreaming of a destination elopement full of nature, warmth, and wild romance, Costa Rica should be on your list. Here’s why:

1. Waterfalls + Beaches = the Best of Both Worlds

Very few places offer both stunning jungle waterfalls and unspoiled beaches just a short drive apart. You don’t have to choose one or the other, you can have both in a single day.

2. Adventure-Ready, But Accessible

Costa Rica has well-developed infrastructure (great Airbnbs, transport, and tour options) but still feels raw and adventurous. You can go from sipping coffee in a mountain Airbnb to hiking a rainforest trail or soaking in natural hot springs.

3. Perfect Weather in March

March is part of the dry season on the Pacific Coast, making it a great month for elopements. Expect warm, sunny days, and even when the rain comes, it’s often quick and dramatic in the best way.

4. Wildlife, Culture, and Warm People

Monkeys, toucans, sloths, fresh mangoes, kind locals, and pura vida energy. Costa Rica is full of life in every sense of the word.

How to Plan Your Elopement in Costa Rica

Thinking of planning your own Costa Rica elopement? Here are a few quick tips:

• Best Time to Elope: December–April (dry season).
• Where to Go: Uvita, Dominical, Manuel Antonio, and La Fortuna are incredible. You can pair beach and jungle easily.
• What to Pack: Quick-dry clothes, hiking sandals, waterproof bags for your vows and outfits, and a sense of adventure.
• Legal vs Symbolic Ceremony: Many couples do the legal part at home and have a symbolic ceremony abroad — it’s often easier and less paperwork!
• Hire Vendors You Trust: Having a photo + video team that also helps with planning makes a huge difference (and we love helping with that part!).

Final Thoughts: The Heart of Eloping

Becca and Sam’s day reminded us what eloping is really about. It’s not just about skipping the big wedding. It’s about creating something meaningful. Something that’s just for you. A day you look back on and think — yes, that was us. Fully.

From swimming under a jungle waterfall to running along the beach under a pink sky, their Costa Rica elopement was full of moments that couldn’t have been scripted.

It was spontaneous. Emotional. Messy in the best way.
A love story written in water, sand, rain, and sunlight.

Becca + Sam, thank you for inviting us into your adventure. We’ll never forget it.

Pura vida, always.
Rochelle x