A Photographer’s Guide to Weddings at Hacienda Pinilla, Costa Rica
Hacienda Pinilla is one of those places where the setting becomes part of the wedding story. Located in Guanacaste, the property brings together Pacific coastline, tropical landscapes, and several very different environments within the same destination. I’ve photographed weddings here more than once, and one of the things I appreciate most is that the day never has to feel visually repetitive. A wedding can move from quiet getting-ready moments to palm-lined outdoor spaces, open ocean views, sunset portraits, and a reception under the night sky—all without leaving Hacienda Pinilla.
Why Couples Choose Hacienda Pinilla for a Destination Wedding
For couples bringing family and friends to Costa Rica, Hacienda Pinilla works particularly well because it offers much more than a place for the ceremony. The property spans more than 4,500 gated acres and includes residential areas, the Hacienda Pinilla Beach Club, the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa, beaches and a variety of recreational options.. That allows a wedding to feel like an entire weekend rather than a single event.. Guests can arrive early, spend time at the beach, gather for drinks, have a welcome party and actually experience Costa Rica before the wedding day begins.
Wedding Venues at Hacienda Pinilla
One of Hacienda Pinilla’s most recognizable wedding locations is Las Palapas. The venue has two palm-thatched ranchos overlooking the ocean with an open garden area around them. Hacienda Pinilla specifically presents Las Palapas as a setting for celebrations overlooking the Pacific sunset.
There is also a Colonial-style chapel available for Catholic wedding ceremonies.
That variety gives couples the flexibility to create a wedding that feels more connected to their plans rather than fitting everything into a traditional ballroom format.
Getting Ready at Hacienda Pinilla
Getting-ready photographs are usually where the story starts to become more personal.
I’m not looking only for the dress, shoes or perfectly arranged details. What interests me more is the atmosphere around them—the people coming in and out of the room, the nervous energy, family interactions and those quieter moments before everything begins.
Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies in Guanacaste
Outdoor ceremonies are a natural fit for Hacienda Pinilla. Palm trees, open sky and the surrounding landscape already provide so much visual character that the setting doesn’t need to compete with the people in it. The property itself promotes everything from intimate beachfront celebrations to larger events surrounded by its natural setting. From a photography perspective, I like to establish the environment first and then move closer. A wide photograph showing where everyone gathered becomes just as important years later as the emotional expressions during the ceremony.
Wedding Photography and the Guanacaste Light
Guanacaste can have beautiful light, but the strongest part of the day isn’t always the best time to make portraits. I prefer using the environment intentionally throughout the timeline rather than taking a couple away from their guests for an extended photo session. Earlier in the day we can use shaded areas, architecture and greenery. Then, closer to sunset, even a short portrait window can give us something completely different.
The Beach Club and Wedding Weekend Experience
Hacienda Pinilla’s Beach Club sits along Playa Avellanas and includes an infinity pool, restaurant, wellness spaces and direct access to the coast. Even when the Beach Club isn’t part of the wedding itself, having spaces like this nearby makes Hacienda Pinilla particularly convenient for destination celebrations. Couples can create a weekend with time to actually be with their guests rather than having everyone fly to Costa Rica for only a few formal hours.
Reception at Hacienda Pinilla
Once the sun goes down, Hacienda Pinilla changes completely.
This is where I like the gallery to shift from wide, environmental photographs into something more immediate—dinner, movement, speeches, flash, dancing and the people who made the trip to be there.
A Real Hacienda Pinilla Wedding
If you’re considering Hacienda Pinilla for your wedding, you can also see one of the full wedding weekends I photographed here. Ashley & Ryan celebrated with their closest people in Guanacaste, beginning with a relaxed welcome gathering and continuing into their wedding day at Hacienda Pinilla. Their gallery is a good example of how I approach destination weddings: a mix of people, landscape, candid moments, details and portraits without allowing photography to take over the experience.
Planning a Wedding at Hacienda Pinilla?
Every wedding here can feel completely different depending on the season, venue, timeline and people involved. What remains the same for me is the approach: I want you to be present with your people while I document everything happening around you—the meaningful moments, the unexpected ones and the landscape that made you choose Costa Rica in the first place. If you’re planning a wedding at Hacienda Pinilla, I’m always happy to help you think through photography coverage and how to build a timeline that works naturally with the day.