Engagement at Arenal Observatory

A marriage engagement at Arenal Observatory Lodge = Arenal volcano view + Rainforest + Hanging Bridge + Lake view + Waterfall + Resort + romantic and secluded spots. Why choose a single option if you can have it all!! Access to pretty much everything that the Fortuna area can offer, in the same property!

This private and secluded waterfall is located by one of the most beautiful rainforest trails at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa.

A short, relatively easy walk from the lodge (20 minutes). The trail ends at the base of a 20-foot waterfall. The trails are well-marked and graded for difficulty. 

This eco-lodge is perfectly positioned directly between the massive Arenal Volcano and deep blue Lake Arenal. No other hotel in La Fortuna, Costa Rica and the Arenal area is so close to the famous volcano and its lovely lake.

Hikers are refreshed by the moist air but also cooled by the waterfall, and the surrounding forest, lush with ferns and palms.

Bird watching is extraordinary, with more than 500 species of birds recorded so far in our forest.

Spots for Marriage engagement at Arenal Observatory Lodge:

Marriage engagement at Arenal Observatory observation terrace:

The terrace is located at El Jilguero restaurant. This sun deck provides the perfect marriage location.

If there is any volcanic activity, this is definitely an excellent spot for front-row viewing.

The surrounding gardens draw tropical birds and other animals for fantastic photo opportunities.

Wedding proposal at the Danta Waterfall

One of the most popular trails for marriage engagement at Arenal Observatory Lodge. A short, relatively easy walk from reception (20 minutes one-way), the trail ends at the base of a 20-foot waterfall. Hikers are refreshed by the moist air, cooled by the waterfall, and the surrounding forest, lush with ferns and palms.

Getting engaged in the rainforest of Costa Rica

Arenal Observatory Lodge rests in the heart of one of Costa Rica’s largest nature preserves – the Arenal Conservation Area. This pristine rainforest is uniquely located within the Arenal Volcano National Park boundaries, where primary and secondary tropical rainforests grow in fertile volcanic soil, creating a rich habitat for birds, butterflies, mammals, reptiles, and insects. One of the more iconic sounds of the rainforest at Arenal Volcano is the howler monkeys that you can often hear in the early mornings or late afternoons.

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Costa Rica Photographer Fabian Murillo

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 Christian 
 
September 8, 2025.
 
 
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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!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Danny Marino 
 
August 29, 2025.
 
 
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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📸
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Uzair Surani 
 
July 25, 2025.
 
 
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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
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Marisa Shaw 
 
July 16, 2025.
 
 
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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.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Peyton Leftwich 
 
July 1, 2025.
 
 
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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!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Erica Howard 
 
June 6, 2025.
 
 
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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!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Ryan Reichel 
 
May 16, 2025.
 
 
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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
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 pedro gonzalez 
 
May 14, 2025.
 
 
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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.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Melina Hann 
 
April 17, 2025.
 
 
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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!