From intimate beach ceremonies and tropical celebrations to multi-day destination weddings, we capture the genuine moments, meaningful connections and little details that make every wedding unique.

We work together to tell the complete story of your wedding day, combining thoughtful photography with cinematic filmmaking.

Our approach is relaxed and unobtrusive, allowing you to be present, enjoy your celebration and spend time with the people you love.

Destination Wedding Photography & Videography in Costa Rica

Tell Us About Your Wedding

Bride and bridesmaids posing outdoors at a sunlit garden wedding with white parasols and string lights

The People Behind Bacalao Films

Michelle Ellis and David Bustamante Bacalao Films owners.

We are Michelle and David, a husband-and-wife team behind Bacalao Films, a Costa Rica wedding photography and videography company established in 2011.

Our story began in film school in 2008, where we first met. Along the way, we built a life together, started a family, and found ourselves documenting the love stories of a few friends who trusted us to capture their weddings. What began with those first weddings gradually grew into something much bigger: a shared passion, a creative journey and eventually the business and life we've built together.

Today, we're based in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, surrounded by the beaches, landscapes and natural beauty that make this part of the country such an incredible place to celebrate a wedding.

Over the years, we've had the privilege of documenting love stories in some of Costa Rica's most beautiful destinations, as well as traveling internationally to capture celebrations around the world.

Let's meet

We believe the best wedding photographs and films are the ones that feel real.

Our Approach

Newlywed couple walking through cheering wedding guests outside a villa while guests toss white streamers.

What We Love

Our style is natural, candid and documentary-inspired, with an appreciation for beautiful light, thoughtful composition and cinematic storytelling.

Bride in a white wedding dress holding a colorful bouquet in a sunlit forest

More Than Just Wedding Vendors

We understand that planning a destination wedding in another country involves many moving pieces. Having lived and worked in Costa Rica for years, we can share local knowledge and help you feel comfortable and confident throughout the process.

Bride laughing with guests during an outdoor tropical wedding ceremony surrounded by flowers and seated attendees

A Photography and Videography Team

We collaborate throughout the day so that both your photographs and your film feel cohesive and reflect the same atmosphere and emotions.

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Our Services

We specialize in destination weddings, elopements, beach weddings and intimate weddings.

Now booking for 2027-2028.

Please contact us to receive full package information and pricing.

We’d love to meet with you to hear about your plans! Photo and video packages starting at $4100.
Investment starting at $2400.
Investment starting at $2400.

Adorned with exquisite shoes, a cherished vow book, radiant rings, and breathtaking wedding flowers, our flat lay encapsulates the beauty and romance of your special day. Immerse yourself in the tropical charm of Tamarindo as you celebrate your love

Capture the most precious moments against the backdrop of this tropical paradise in Costa Rica. Our talented photographers will expertly frame your romance, creating timeless images that reflect your unique connection. Let the golden rays of the sett

Elevate your wedding experience with exquisite detail shots that capture the essence of your special day in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. From intricate floral arrangements and carefully crafted table settings to stunning jewelry and personalized accents, e

Embrace the enchanting beauty of Tamarindo Beach during the golden hour sunset with our unforgettable post-wedding couples photoshoot. Capture the essence of your love against the backdrop of glistening waters and pristine sands. Our skilled photogra

Elevate your wedding experience with a mountaintop celebration in the scenic beauty of Nosara, Costa Rica. Exchange your vows amidst the breathtaking panoramic views and lush greenery that surround you. Our team will create a magical setting for your

Celebrate your love with a beachfront ceremony in the enchanting destination of Las Catalinas, Costa Rica. Exchange your vows against the picturesque backdrop of the pristine beaches, where the sparkling turquoise waters meet the golden sands. Our te

Experience the wedding of your dreams at Restaurante Gracia in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica, nestled along the beautiful shores of Conchal Beach. With its pristine white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters as your backdrop, celebrate your love in

Experience the undeniable allure of Nosara with our captivating post-wedding couples photoshoot. Set against the backdrop of Nosara Beach during the golden hour sunset, immerse yourselves in the breathtaking beauty of this coastal paradise. Our talen

Experience the undeniable allure of Nosara with our captivating wedding photoshoot. Set against the backdrop of Nosara Beach during the golden hour sunset, immerse yourselves in the breathtaking beauty of this coastal paradise. Our talented photograp

Make your wedding day truly unforgettable with a breathtaking volcano view at your side. Imagine saying your vows against the backdrop of a majestic volcano, with its awe-inspiring presence adding a touch of grandeur to your special day. Our team wil

Celebrate your intimate elopement at the stunning Langosta Beach in Costa Rica. Capture the essence of your love story against the backdrop of this pristine coastal paradise during the golden hour sunset. Our skilled photographers will expertly docum

Capture the anticipation and excitement of the groom's preparations with stunning getting ready photos in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. From the meticulous selection of attire to the finishing touches of grooming, every moment will be expertly documented. O

Celebrate your bond with your amazing bride squad on your special day. Surround yourself with your closest friends and loved ones, creating unforgettable memories together. Our team will capture the essence of your bride squad, showcasing the joy, la

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Costa Rica with a captivating waterfall elopement. Exchange your vows in the presence of cascading waters and lush greenery, creating a truly magical and intimate setting. Our talented photographers will skil

Contact Us

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A day centered around family, connection and love. We were so incredibly blessed to have been there to witness it. Made possible by this amazing team: @mar_nika The beautiful bride and the one who brought us all together ✨ @logistics_alchemists @nablo_vibes @losprimosdesigns @ticomixcr @crystal_tavareshair @bacalaofilms Games for the little ones! Some of the essentials @nablo_vibes setting the mood! How it all came together. @crystal_tavareshair doing her magic

Golden hour at @pangasbeachclubcr 🇨🇷❤️ #destinationwedding #tamarindowedding

It looks like a dream but it really happened. @elyse_salzman and Alex at @suenodelmarbnb @suenoweddingscr @flores_de_campos @losprimosdesigns @basilicocateringtamarindo @solweddingscr

Dream wedding at @elmangroovehotel @mel_gelb @coltingelb @gabyhernandez_makeup @xdjcostarica @sebas_castro_saxofonista

Time to book that girls trip at @suenodelmarbnb #costarica #tamarido

Everything we love: heart to heart promises, a slice of cake, waterfall hikes and dreams come true 💛 thank you @bluebutterflyeventscr and A&B for making us a part of this

When your vision finally comes to life 💛 Beautiful @jennajeffrey_ and @jjeff10 on their wedding day at @graciamarvistacr @elenasandi.makeupartist #costaricawedding #guanacastewedding #destinationwedding

05/09/26 Best day ever 🪩🫶🏼🎶 @sherryxluuu and @chadskool Planned by @419weddings at @andazpapagayo @stylos_y_flores @costamesaeventrentals @thevoguepose @ricardofonsecamusic @marcelogalli_officiants @masonworthdunn @marianaastuamakeup Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste Wedding

Sweet moments with @kimpossibl33 and @chris_kinzie Can’t wait for their big day!

Two beautiful souls at @elmangroovehotel @mel_gelb @coltingelb @gabyhernandez__makeup @xdjcostarica @sebas_castro_saxofonista

Utterly obsessed with @sherryxluuu and @chadskool wedding vision 🪩🎶 Planned by @419weddings at @andazpapagayo @stylos_y_flores @costamesaeventrentals @thevoguepose @ricardofonsecamusic @marcelogalli_officiants @masonworthdunn @marianaastuamakeup

@mikayla_fitz & @ry_rylan at @castillodelilo 🪩💛🏰 Planned by @heidy.eventsdesign Photo & Video @bacalaofilms Makeup @maravillamakeup Hair @crystal_tavareshair Rentals @costamesaeventrentals Florist @flores_de_campos DJ @djdiegosalascr Cake @victoriazoch Cold fireworks @fuegosartificialescr Live music @mastercrewcr #costaricawedding #costaricaphotographer #destinationwedding #costaricaweddingphotographer

As seen on

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Client Testimonials

Bride and groom embracing outdoors, with the groom kissing the bride’s forehead as she holds a colorful wedding bouquet in Costa Rica.

“We loved working with Michelle and David. We were drawn to their style right away, and they completely delivered. The photos are stunning and feel so true to us and the day. They were also so amazing on our wedding day. We felt completely comfortable in front of the camera and Michelle made the entire process feel so effortless. We’re so thankful to have these memories captured so beautifully.”

Ashley & Ben, December 2025

Newlywed couple embracing on a seaside terrace, with mountains and water in the background in Costa Rica.

"We truly cannot thank you enough for the incredible work you did capturing our wedding in Costa Rica. From the very beginning, you made us feel so comfortable and cared for, and that feeling shines through in every single photo and every moment of the video. You did an absolutely excellent job. We are so proud of the hard work, effort, and heart you poured into everything. The video, especially, is beyond anything we could have imagined. You captured not just the events of the day, but the emotions - the laughter, the nerves, the joy, and the love... Our wedding day felt like such a beautiful blur, and thanks to you, we now get to relive it over and over again. That is such a priceless gift."

Mikaela & Ryan, December 2025

Bride and groom laughing together outdoors on a grassy lawn in Costa Rica.

"First thing I want to say is WOW. You both have absolutely exceeded all expectations I had. You captured our day so cinematically... You were the absolute sweetest to work with and I really appreciate how willing you were to work with us and customize the look and feel... Me and Mason have a business together and there is nothing better than working side by side with your best friend! I will definitely recommend you to anyone who is planning a wedding in Costa Rica!!”

Ellie & Mason, May 2026