Costa Rica LIFETIME photos

Your Costa Rica
photography experience

Pricing, packages & booking information

Planning a destination wedding, elopement, surprise proposal, couples session, or family experience in Costa Rica? I’m Fabián Murillo. For more than 23 years, I’ve photographed meaningful moments across the country, combining local knowledge, natural light, thoughtful composition, and a personal connection with the people in front of my camera.

I’ll help you explore the options, understand the costs, and choose coverage that fits your plans. Most importantly, I want you to feel comfortable enough to enjoy the experience and be yourself.

Ask About Your Date

La Fortuna · Arenal · Across Costa Rica

Couple embracing beneath La Fortuna Waterfall, Costa Rica

Fabián Murillo holding his camera outdoors, with a coastal landscape behind him

More than photographs.
A personal experience.

My journey photographing destination weddings in Costa Rica began more than 23 years ago. Over the years, I’ve worked in volcanic landscapes, rainforests, waterfalls, beaches, and peaceful corners beyond the usual visitor routes. I keep exploring, looking for new places and meaningful experiences to share with my clients.

Knowing a location is more than knowing where to stand. I pay attention to its light, access, travel time, restrictions, and atmosphere so that we can plan a beautiful experience without unnecessary stress.

I also notice when someone feels nervous or unsure in front of a camera. Rather than forcing a smile, I adapt to your rhythm. We may talk, walk, laugh, explore, or simply take a moment to breathe and enjoy the surroundings. While you’re living the experience, I’m watching the light and capturing expressions that feel like you.

My goal is to preserve not only how a moment looked, but how it felt.

Fabián Murillo

Wedding couple holding hands in the sea at sunset in Costa Rica

Man kneeling with a ring box during a surprise proposal in front of a waterfall in Costa Rica

Family jumping together on a beach in Costa Rica

The process

Simple steps to your Costa Rica photo experience

Illustrative workspace with laptop, blank notebook and camera; AI-generated temporary image

Let’s chat

Tell me what you’re celebrating, your preferred date, and where in Costa Rica you expect to be.

Aerial view of Arenal Volcano and surrounding green forest in Costa Rica

Plan your experience

Personal guidance on timing, locations, and photography plans.

Illustrative planner with a circled date and pen; AI-generated temporary image

Reserve your date

After we confirm availability, logistics, and your package, a retainer secures a new booking.

Packages

Photography, thoughtfully planned

Family in La Fortuna

From $350 · 1 hour

Family photography in La Fortuna starts at $350 for one hour. Pricing in other destinations, for larger groups, and for special requests depends on the logistics involved.

Proposals & engagements

From $350 · 1 hour

Surprise proposal and engagement photography starts at $350 for one hour. Longer coverage can give us time to enjoy the moment, take relaxed portraits afterward, and explore a second setting when practical.

Weddings & elopements

Personalized quote

Weddings and elopements receive personalized proposals based on the location, schedule, and coverage you need. I’ll help you choose enough time to tell the story of your celebration without making the day feel rushed.

Your individual quote will identify applicable travel expenses, entrance fees, venue requirements, and requested extras before you reserve.

Four adults laughing together with Arenal Volcano behind them in Costa Rica

Inclusions

What’s included

Personal planning guidance
Personal guidance on timing, locations, and photography plans.
Relaxed, natural direction
Thoughtful direction to help you feel relaxed and natural.
Professionally edited photographs
A carefully selected collection of professionally edited photographs, with adjustments to skin tones, contrast, and color, plus minor retouching when appropriate. Extreme alterations are not part of standard editing; additional editing can be quoted separately.
Private high-resolution gallery
A private online gallery with high-resolution digital images for personal downloading, printing, and sharing, according to your agreement. Commercial use or resale requires prior permission.

The number of finished photographs varies with the event and length of coverage. Unlimited photographs and unedited RAW files are not standard inclusions.

Ask a question

Overhead view of a couple lying together on a hanging bridge surrounded by tropical forest in Costa Rica

FAQ

Good questions. Clear answers.

01Pricing & session length

How much does photography cost in Costa Rica, and how much time should we book?

Family sessions in La Fortuna start at $350 for one hour, and surprise proposal and engagement photography also starts at $350 for one hour. Wedding and elopement photography is quoted individually. The ideal coverage depends on your location, plans, group size, and whether you want to explore more than one setting. I’ll explain the options so you can choose comfortably rather than booking more time than you need.

02Choosing a location

Can you recommend a location if we haven't planned our itinerary yet?

Absolutely. Tell me the area where you'll be staying—or the destinations you're considering—and what kind of scenery feels right for you. I can suggest volcano views, rainforests, waterfalls, beaches, or quieter places that fit your experience. We’ll consider travel time, access rules, light, and any entrance or reservation requirements before settling on a plan.

03Best time of day

What is the best time of day for photographs in La Fortuna or at the beach?

It depends on the destination, season, landscape, and your plans. Early morning is often a practical choice around La Fortuna and Arenal, while late afternoon can provide beautiful light at many Pacific beaches. I’ll recommend a time that balances light, possible weather changes, access, travel, and your comfort—without promising a clear volcano or a perfect sunset.

04Rain & backup plans

What happens if it rains during our photography session?

Weather can change quickly in Costa Rica. We’ll discuss a practical backup plan and consider adjustments to the timing or location when possible. Any date change requires confirmed availability and agreement on the new arrangements. I cannot guarantee dry weather, rainbows, a clear volcano, or that a different date will be available.

05Feeling comfortable on camera

I'm camera-shy. Will you help me feel comfortable and know how to pose?

Of course. You don't need modeling experience or a rehearsed smile. I pay attention to how people feel, offer gentle direction when it helps, and make room for real interactions. Sometimes a walk, a conversation, or a playful moment brings out the most meaningful photographs. My aim is for you to enjoy being yourself while I take care of the light, timing, and composition.

06Locations & outfit changes

Can we visit different locations or change outfits during our session?

Often, yes. It depends on your coverage, driving time, venue access, and whether a suitable place to change clothes is available. More time can help us combine different landscapes without rushing. Share the locations or outfits you have in mind, and I'll suggest a realistic plan.

07Travel & entrance fees

Are travel expenses, entrance fees, or private venue charges included?

Not always. Some parks, waterfalls, resorts, and private venues charge admission or require advance arrangements. Travel and other logistical expenses vary by destination and package. I’ll explain any applicable costs and what's included in your personal quote, before you decide to book.

08Retainer & PayPal

How do we reserve our date, and can we pay with PayPal?

After we confirm availability, logistics, and your package, a retainer secures a new booking. The retainer is $115 for packages under $400, $170 for packages from $400 through $600, or 30% for packages above $600. It counts toward your total photography price, not as an extra charge. PayPal is accepted without an additional LIFETIME processing surcharge. Your agreement will explain payment, cancellation, and rescheduling conditions.

09Photos & delivery

How many edited photos will we receive, and when will they be ready?

You'll receive a curated set of professionally edited, high-resolution images in a private gallery; the exact number depends on the service and coverage. For proposals and engagements, previews are generally ready in 1–2 days and the gallery within 15 business days. For family and Flying Dress sessions, previews are generally ready in 2–3 days and the gallery within 15 business days. Intimate wedding galleries generally take 4–6 weeks, with previews in 3–5 days; larger wedding galleries generally take 6–8 weeks, with previews as agreed. Your individual agreement controls any different deadline.

Testimonials

Kind words from clients

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Christian 
 September 8, 2025.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you so much Fabian, the experience was so amazing! You brought everything to life. And made the proposal to my wife a dream that came true. Thank you for going far and beyond, and the white glove treatment that you showed us. What an amazing experience, Pura Vida!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Danny Marino 
 August 29, 2025.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fabián is a true professional at his craft, we loved our pictures that he took for us. He’s in constant communication with you and bilingual which helps as well. The photos were truly incredible📸
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Uzair Surani 
 July 25, 2025.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fabian is wonderful! He took really amazing photos of our engagement and was super nice and friendly along the way. He was also really flexible and was willing to work with me on day-of timing in case of rain. Also very communicative and addresses questions quickly! Was truly a pleasure working with Fabian
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Marisa Shaw 
 July 16, 2025.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fabían did a phenomenal job of capturing our large family while on a vacation to Costa Rica. He planned the perfect location and captured our family perfectly. Would highly recommend him! He communicated well before, during and after.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Peyton Leftwich 
 July 1, 2025.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I say enough great things about Fabián whom I hired for my surprise proposal. From the very beginning, he was absolutely amazing—helping me plan every detail and even pretending to be a tourist so my fiancée (now fiancée 😄) wouldn’t suspect a thing.

He captured the entire moment perfectly, from the surprise on her face to the raw emotion of the “yes.” After the proposal, he guided us through poses and spots that made for stunning, natural-looking shots. He made us feel comfortable and relaxed, and the photos turned out better than we ever imagined.

If you’re looking for someone who goes above and beyond to not just take pictures—but to help create a moment you’ll never forget—this is your guy. I highly, highly recommend him!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Erica Howard 
 June 6, 2025.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fabian took amazing engagement photos for us at La Fortuna Waterfall! He was very kind and affordable and captured the exact vibe we wanted. He was also incredibly understanding and flexible after we rescheduled our trip 3 times due to illness/family reasons. I highly recommend!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ryan Reichel 
 May 16, 2025.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had the absolute best experience working with Fabian for our wedding in Costa Rica near Arenal Volcano. And not only did he capture stunning photos of our ceremony and our guests, but he also planned and led us on an epic “wreck the dress” adventure hike to several waterfalls a couple days later — the photos are just incredible. Words can't do them justice.

Fabian is a phenomenal communicator, extremely professional, and easy going. He speaks excellent English too, which made everything feel easy and seamless since we only know a little Spanish. Beyond that, he’s just a genuinely fun, kind, and hilarious person to be around. He made us feel completely at ease in front of the camera, and the entire experience felt more like hanging out with a friend than a photoshoot.

We honestly can’t wait to go back to Costa Rica just to have Fabian take our family portraits someday. Our family has been talking about it already and they haven't even seen how awesome the photos are yet!

Working with him was an unforgettable highlight of our wedding week. If you’re considering booking him — do it. You won’t regret it!

Thank you again for everything, Fabian!!

-Ryan & Gina
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   pedro gonzalez 
 May 14, 2025.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend Fabian Costa Rican photographer! Great conversations made the whole process easy and enjoyable. The photos are professional and beautiful, truly capturing the moments perfectly.

¡Recomiendo mucho a Fabian fotógrafo de Costa Rica! Las conversaciones agradables hico que todo el proceso fuera fácil y divertido. Las fotos son profesionales y hermosas, capturando los momentos a la perfección.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Melina Hann 
 April 17, 2025.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were vacationing in Costa Rica and fell in love with this beautiful place. We decided we wanted to get married while we were there. I found a wedding officiant and he gave me Fabián’s name as a wedding photographer. From my first contact with Fabián, he was amazing. Sending me pictures of different locations to help me select the right place, he helped me find a florist and someone to do my hair and makeup.
On our wedding day, Fabián went above and beyond. He took the most breath taking pictures and even continued to do our pictures when it started to rain. We can not thank him enough. Our pictures are amazing!

Read client reviews on Google

Get in touch

Let’s plan something
you’ll remember.

Tell me what you’re celebrating, your preferred date, and where in Costa Rica you expect to be. I’ll personally help you consider the possibilities and choose photography coverage that makes sense for you.

Or contact me on WhatsApp

Please include your event type, preferred date and location.

Wedding couple embracing and laughing beside a river in Costa Rica

Your Costa Ricaphotography experience

More than photographs.A personal experience.