Lush & Secret, a styled elopement in Costa Rica.A STYLED ELOPEMENT NEAR ARENAL VOLCANO
STYLED ELOPEMENT IN COSTA RICA · CREATIVE SHOOT
Lush and Secret is a styled elopement in Costa Rica, imagined as a jungle ceremony and a candlelit dinner facing Arenal Volcano near La Fortuna. It was a creative shoot designed with the vendors credited below, not a couple’s real wedding day.
Planning an elopement of your own? Check our availability for your date. Based in Tamarindo, Guanacaste, and working throughout Costa Rica.
The styled elopement at a glance
Venue: Amor Arenal · Planner, calligraphy and paper: One Heart · Photography: Adri & Lucas Weddings · Film: Lucas. The full credit list is at the end of this page.
What shaped
the setting.
The ceremony, the table and the theme, as described in our original notes on this shoot.
Five details, one idea.
From a floral rug in the jungle to a cake inspired by constellations.
- 01
The ceremony space
In the middle of the jungleA floral mandala rug made of natural blooming flowers, under hanging floral curtains and rattan lanterns.
- 02
The seating
A half-moonFamily and loved ones stood in a half-moon around the couple as they exchanged vows.
- 03
The table
Low, on woven rugsCushion seating, a candlelit runner, grazing boards, draping flowers and twinkle lights.
- 04
The view
Arenal VolcanoThe backdrop for the reception, with the evening lit by twinkle lights and flowers.
- 05
The theme
ConstellationsCarried through the bridal headpiece, the vow booklets and the wedding cake.
A styled elopement in Costa Rica, inspired by Southeast Asia.
Lush and Secret began with a mood: the paradisiacal destinations of Southeast Asia, such as Thailand and Indonesia.
Costa Rica has similar lush vegetation and flora, so we wanted to recreate that secret, secluded scenery here, with a twist: facing Arenal Volcano.
A getaway to the nearby La Fortuna waterfalls and a honeymoon surrounded by nothing but nature completed the idea.
A ceremony in the middle of the jungle.
One Heart designed the ceremony to sit in the middle of the jungle. At its center was a floral mandala rug made of natural blooming flowers, beneath hanging floral curtains and rattan lanterns.
Family and loved ones stood in a half-moon around the couple, witnessing the vows in a lush, secluded setting with the jungle all around.
Facing Arenal Volcano.
The twist in this concept was the volcano itself. Arenal stood behind the evening, with twinkle lights and flowers draped around the area and guests dining and celebrating under the stars.
A low table with a view.
For the reception, we chose a low dining table with cushion seating on woven rugs, so guests could settle in and celebrate comfortably with the couple.
The centerpiece was a fully candlelit runner with grazing boards to grab and share, framed by draping flowers and twinkle lights, with Arenal Volcano as the view.
Constellations, down to the cake.
Every detail followed one idea: constellations. They appear in the bridal headpiece, in the vow booklets and in the wedding cake. We wanted the concept to feel lush and surreal.
Day one of the marriage.
The next day, the couple woke up early to start their marriage exploring the Costa Rican jungle and the La Fortuna waterfalls. If a waterfall is part of your own plan, see our notes on eloping at La Fortuna waterfall.
Ideas to take
from this shoot.
Four notes drawn from how this styled elopement was put together.
Choose a setting that speaks to your style.
Costa Rica offers many options, from a jungle setting to a beachside ceremony or a waterfall backdrop. Start with the mood you want, then look for the place.
Add personal touches.
Custom vow booklets and themed decorations, like the constellation details here, make the day feel like yours.
Let the view decide the table.
A low table with cushion seating let guests relax and face the volcano. Think about where people will look when they sit down.
Leave room for the day after.
The couple used their first morning of marriage to explore the jungle and the waterfalls. A slower day after the ceremony gives the trip a second chapter.
Questions about this styled elopement
Answers from our original notes on the shoot. Confirm the details for your own plans with your planner and the venue.
Is this a real wedding?
No. It is a styled elopement, a creative shoot designed with the vendors credited below. It shows what a jungle elopement near Arenal Volcano can look like.
Where was it photographed?
At Amor Arenal, a rainforest hotel about 7 km west of La Fortuna on Route 142, the road to Arenal Volcano National Park, according to the hotel’s own website.
Who designed the ceremony?
One Heart designed the ceremony and handled the calligraphy and paper. The flowers were by Diana Palomo Floral Design.
What inspired the concept?
Southeast Asian destinations such as Thailand and Indonesia, recreated with Costa Rica’s own lush vegetation and a view of Arenal Volcano.
What did the couple do the next day?
They woke up early to explore the jungle and the La Fortuna waterfalls.
Can we check our date for an elopement?
Yes. Send us your date and the place you have in mind, and we will tell you if we are available. See also our Costa Rica elopement photographer page.
Sources: our original post on this shoot and the venue’s official website. The photographs document a styled shoot; whether a venue hosts ceremonies for your date needs separate confirmation.
Venue · Amor Arenal, La Fortuna
Planning, calligraphy and paper · One Heart
Flowers · Diana Palomo Floral Design
Makeup · Claudia Gomez MUA
Rings · Local Eclectic
Groom attire and shoes · Gerson Andre
Photography · Adri & Lucas Weddings
Film · Lucas, lucasweddings.com
A styled elopement, photographed in Costa Rica. Story by Adri and Lucas.
Based in Tamarindo, Guanacaste, and working throughout Costa Rica.
Planning an elopement
in Costa Rica?
Tell us where you are thinking of celebrating and who is coming, and we will tell you if we are available.
Check your date on WhatsApp ↗Or send your date through our contact pageMore from the area: an Arenal Volcano wedding · eloping at La Fortuna waterfall · our elopement photography
Another story: a romantic wedding in Santa Teresa
