Costa Rica Wedding Photographer

 

HONEST MOMENTS


AN EDITORIAL EYE


DIGITAL + FILM

Bride and groom together during their wedding celebration in Costa Rica.
Bride and groom walking hand in hand after their wedding ceremony in Costa Rica.
Groom lifting the bride as guests celebrate during their outdoor wedding ceremony in Costa Rica

For couples gathering their favorite people somewhere beautiful. I photograph destination weddings across Costa Rica with a relaxed approach and a love for everything that makes your celebration yours.

 

Hi, I’m Javier

 

Javier Mendez, wedding photographer in Costa Rica.

I’m a wedding photographer based in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, with 12 years of experience documenting celebrations throughout the country. From Guanacaste and Tamarindo to Arenal and Manuel Antonio, I’m drawn to the people, the light, and the way a place becomes part of your memories.


Film is a personal love of mine, and I bring it into my wedding work alongside digital photography. Together, they let me tell your story with a mix of spontaneity, texture, and thoughtful detail.

Space to enjoy your day

 

The conversations over a drink. Your parents watching the ceremony. That moment when everyone ends up on the dance floor. Those are the things I pay attention to.


I follow the day as it unfolds, with gentle direction when it’s time for portraits. You can settle into the celebration, spend time with your people, and trust that I’m looking for the moments you’ll want to come back to.

Real weddings in Costa Rica

 

A few celebrations to explore, each with its own pace, people, and sense of place.

A beach wedding at Hacienda Pinilla

Ashley & Ryan

An intimate weekend in Manuel Antonio

Sadie & Ryan · Villa Punto de Vista

 

An Arenal Volcano elopement

 

Danica & Cameron · La Fortuna

Planning your wedding from the US?

We can get to know each other before you arrive. Share your date, your venue, and a little about the celebration you’re imagining. We can connect over email or a video call and find the coverage that fits your plans.


Once you’re booked, I’ll help you think through the photography timeline, from time with family to portraits and the evening celebration. Having someone here in Costa Rica means you have a local perspective as the day comes together.

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Bride laughing during a candid moment before her wedding in Costa Rica.

Kind Words

"Javier was incredible!"


He shot our welcome party & wedding and I could not recommend him more. He was on time & very professional. He delivered the photos early and they are beyond stunning. Truly the most special day to look back on such gorgeous photos.


NORA & GLEN

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Couple standing beneath a massive rainforest tree during their Costa Rica elopement

Kind Words

"He was such a joy during our rainforest elopement"


Javier has such a talent for capturing light and colour and an amazing eye for details. We were thrilled at not only the photos that you would "expect" from an elopement, but at all the extra details that he captured - the plants, the water, our accessories. We also loved the film photographs. Looking at the photos brought us right back to the day and all the little moments we weren't even aware Javier was capturing.


ANITA & MACLEAN

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Bride and groom surrounded by family and friends at their destination wedding in Costa Rica.

Kind Words

"Someone you definitely want on your team"


He is so talented and passionate about what he does - it really comes through in his photos. We really enjoyed getting to know him beforehand with an engagement photo shoot at our wedding venue about a year before our wedding. He was communicative, prompt, and really made us feel comfortable, which is what you want in your photographer! We cannot thank him enough for documenting our wedding with such attention and care.


AMY & AJ

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A few things you might be wondering

 

Where in Costa Rica do you photograph weddings?

I’m based in La Fortuna and photograph weddings across Costa Rica, including Guanacaste, Tamarindo, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio. Tell me where you’re celebrating and I’ll help you explore the options.

Do you photograph on both film and digital?

Yes, both are part of my wedding coverage. I love the different qualities each brings to a story, from the immediacy of digital to the texture and spontaneity of film.

Can we meet before booking if we live abroad?

Of course. We can arrange a video call to get to know each other and talk through your plans. Email works too, if that’s easier for you.

Do you photograph smaller weddings and elopements?

Yes. I photograph intimate celebrations and elopements as well as larger wedding days. Share what you have in mind and I’ll help you find the right coverage.

 

Tell me what you’re planning

 

 

Where are you getting married? Who’s coming with you? What are you most looking forward to? I’d love to hear a little about the two of you and the celebration you’re bringing to Costa Rica.