Intimate Elopement on the Papagayo Peninsula

Rosita and Luis booked two hours with me at the Andaz Resort on the Papagayo Peninsula. We started at 6:00am, and it was beautiful — the sun was just beginning to shine over the peaceful bay as we began along the shoreline.

We strolled slowly, sharing a few quiet, cuddly moments along the water before making our way back up to the pool area, where the resort paths and wooden bridges feel tucked into the landscape.

From there we headed toward the bar, which has a natural-looking tunnel you pass through before the entrance. Inside, the light was contrasty and dramatic — sun gleaming through the windows and shaping the space perfectly. I had them sit down and simply enjoy each other for a moment while I stepped back for interesting angles and composition.

From there, we shuttled up to the bright green lawns near the entrance of the peninsula. The area was lined with vivid pink bougainvillea, with the ocean set perfectly in the background. We chose a shady spot beside tall, lined-up palm trees — still with an ocean view — for them to exchange their vows.

It was heartfelt and slightly silly — just the two of them sharing something private, without performance. Afterward, we explored a few more spots near the main lobby (there are truly so many great corners at this resort), and the two hours went by quickly.

We finished at a stunning wooden ramp surrounded by bright orange flowers — a quick pause for gentle moments, and then that was that: a beautiful, private, sunrise elopement on the Papagayo Peninsula.