Doce Lunas Hotel, Jaco, Costa Rica Elopement Photo Story Award

Costa Rica bride tearing up during the ceremony

The bride shed tears of joy as the groom read his heartfelt vows at the semi-formal rustic-tropical outdoor wedding ceremony

Cassie tearing up during the ceremony at the Doce Lunas Hotel in Jaco, Costa Rica.

Words from Cassie the bride:

"Originally Jay and I were on opposite ends of the spectrum when it came to a destination wedding. I wanted a wedding in our home town, he really wanted a destination. I started looking at my travel bucket list and all the things I would want for us and our guests, and that I didn’t want a beach wedding. I started looking at Costa Rica and found some places that really piqued my interest, so in May we came down and visited a couple of different places. We decided on DoceLunas because we felt it had a more authentic Costa Rican vibe, along with their restaurant being literally everything I had envisioned for my reception venue. 

We loved so many things about Costa Rica, the people, the beautiful scenery, the sloths (lol), the food, just the vibe in general. 

What I’m most excited about is getting up in front of our family and closest friends and committing to our relationship and then the dancing at the reception. Jay is most looking forward to hanging out with our friends and family for several days...and the food!  

We are looking for a rustic, tropical, semi-formal event, so we kept the wooden tables and chairs exposed and accented with tropical leaves and fruits for centerpieces. We are hoping our guests will get dressed up, but then feel comfortable kicking off their shoes to hit the dance floor. 

Tradition is important to me, but more than the traditions themselves is the meaning behind them."

Costa Rica wedding image - father gives bride hug before walking her down the aisle

Jaco, Costa Rica Elopement Father Hug Photo | father gives the bride a hug before walking her down the aisle

Cassie's father gives her a hug before walking her down the aisle.

Costa Rica small outdoor wedding ceremony early in the afternoon in case it rained

Jaco, Costa Rica Outdoor Elopement Ceremony Image | a small ceremony early in the afternoon

There was a small ceremony early in the afternoon in case it rained.

Jaco, Costa Rica bride and groom image outdoors

Jaco, Costa Rica Outdoor Wedding Bride/Groom Picture | the bride looking lovingly her man

Cassie looking lovingly at Jay.

Costa Rica bride and groom fell in love with a dog before the outdoor wedding ceremony

Costa Rica Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Photography | the couple asked the dog to be in the ceremony

This is the dog who lives at the hotel. Cassie and Jay fell in love with him and asked him to be in the ceremony.

Jaco, Costa Rica wedding ceremony with rose petals in the aisle

Costa Rica Outdoor Elopement Ceremony Picture | ceremony set up with rose petals

The ceremony set up had rose petals in the aisle.

Doce Lunas Hotel, Jaco, Costa Rica bride was a dancer and she tore up the dance floor

Costa Rica Wedding Elopement Reception Picture | the bride tore it up on the dance floor

Cassie, the bride, used to be a dancer and she tore it up on the dance floor.

Photo of Costa Rica bride and groom taking a walk

Wedding Elopement Couple Portrait from Costa Rica | bride and groom taking a walk

The bride and groom taking a walk after the ceremony.

Costa Rica quick portrait with the bride and groom at the reception with bokeh lights

Wedding Couple First Dance Image from Costa Rica | The reception area had some fairy lights

The reception area had some fairy lights so we got a quick portrait.