Oceanfront wedding ceremony in Costa Rica, with guests seated on a lawn beneath palm trees.
Black-and-white photo of Ashley lifted above the dance floor during her wedding celebration in Costa Rica.

Destination Wedding Photography

That feels like you.

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.

Black-and-white mirror portrait of Costa Rica wedding photographer Javier Mendez holding his camera.

Costa Rica Wedding Photographer

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.

wedding reception table beneath flowing fabric drapes at an evening celebration in Costa Rica.
Karlee and Ryan walking past their guests after their beach wedding ceremony in Nosara, Costa Rica.
Black-and-white bridal portrait with a floral headpiece, embellished dress and drink in hand at a Costa Rica wedding.
Bride and groom walking hand in hand along Playa Conchal in Costa Rica, photographed in black and white.
Bride with a flowing veil and bouquet beneath a palm tree at Hacienda Pinilla, Costa Rica.
Black-and-white photo of guests laughing beneath string lights at a wedding welcome party in Costa Rica.
Wedding guests dining beneath colorful lighting and hanging decorations, framed by dark drapes in Costa Rica.
Three-tier white wedding cake with delicate floral decorations on a blue tablecloth in Costa Rica.

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

 

A Luxury Rainforest Wedding

 

Maureen & Major

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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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Wedding guests dining beneath a clear tent with string lights and ocean views at Hacienda Pinilla at dusk.

 

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 you help us plan our wedding photography from abroad?

Absolutely. We can connect over email or a video call before you arrive to get to know each other and find the coverage that fits your plans. Once you’re booked, I’ll help you plan the photography timeline around the light, your locations, and time with your guests.

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.

Black-and-white photograph of a smiling bride holding hands with her groom on a beach in Costa Rica.
Black-and-white photograph of wedding guests chatting over drinks in a bright room overlooking tropical greenery.

 

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.