Tips from a wedding photographer
Planning a destination wedding is an exciting adventure but comes with unique challenges. As a destination wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand what works (and doesn’t). Here’s your ultimate guide to planning a picture-perfect wedding away from home!
1. Choose the Perfect Destination:
Guest Accessibility: Choose a location that is easy for guests to travel to and offers accommodations to fit different budgets. Many times, couples would hire transportation for their guests that will lead them from the airport or hotel to the wedding location.
Weather & Seasonality: Research the best time to visit to avoid hurricanes, extreme heat, or tourist crowds. For example, the best time in France or Greece would be spring (May or early June) or anytime from late August to October.
Legal Requirements: Every country has different marriage laws, so ensure you know the necessary paperwork in advance. Some couples get married in their hometown and country, allowing their ceremony on their wedding day to be more civil and straightforward!
2. Hire a Destination Wedding Photographer Early
Photographers with experience in destination weddings know how to work with different lighting, landscapes, and travel logistics. When booking:
- Look for a portfolio that showcases destination weddings similar to yours. This means finding photos that match your wedding’s color palette, style, and theme.
- Ask about travel fees, accommodation requirements, and backup plans. It’s important to know this information to get an exact budget. Many might include travel in their rates (like me), and have a plan that makes the process comfortable!
- Book as soon as you can! Popular photographers get booked up to a year in advance (or more).
3. Plan a Wedding Timeline with Natural Light in Mind
Lighting is key for stunning wedding photos. Consider these tips:
- Golden Hour Magic: Schedule your ceremony during the day so it allows for beautiful lighting during wedding parties, family portraits, and couples’ portraits. During the summer, most European countries host a ceremony at 430 p.m. and have golden hour photos taken starting 90 minutes before sunset.
- Avoid Harsh Midday Sun: Bright overhead light can create unflattering shadows; opt for shaded areas or covered locations (we do not want squinty eyes in our photos, do we?)
- Night Photography: If you’re planning an evening celebration, ask your photographer about using string lights, candles, or sparklers for dreamy shots. I personally bring flash or a light stand to give it that night-time party look!
4. Scout Your Photo Locations in Advance
Your wedding destination likely has breathtaking scenery—make the most of it by planning your shots in advance:
- Visit your venue or explore with your photographer if possible.
- Research iconic and hidden-gem locations nearby. You can pin them onto your phone, take a photo, or write down the spots you love.
As your destination wedding photographer, I always arrive a few days early and give myself one full day to explore the villa or venue if possible. If I cannot, I will come over an hour early to do this. This way, I have plenty of time to see where your favorite spots are, gather my own, and get a feel for the lighting.
5. Work with Vendors You love and trust
Whether you hire someone from a different state, country, or locally, it’s crucial you find someone who has experience in destination weddings.
- Florists & Decorators who understand the local climate and available flowers.
- Planners & Coordinators with experience with destination logistics, rules, and what is happening in that area during that time (events, holidays, closures, etc).
- Hair & Makeup Artists who specialize in humid, tropical, or high-altitude environments.
6. Plan for Unpredictable Weather
Have a backup plan in case of rain, wind, or unexpected conditions:
- Rent tents or an indoor space for outdoor weddings. When looking for a venue, ensure they have a backup plan to offer in case of weather.
- Pack umbrellas for your guests. For colder weather, ask the venue if they have heaters for outside or warmer indoor options for wedding receptions in the wintertime.
7. Make the Most of Your Destination Wedding Photography
Since you’re in a gorgeous location, take full advantage of your photographer’s expertise:
- Plan Day-Before or Day-After Shoots for more relaxed and adventurous portraits. This means hiring the photographer for the welcome lunch, rehearsal dinner, and/or farewell brunch. I personally offer all of these for each wedding package!
- Capture Candid Guest Moments—destination weddings offer more opportunities for genuine interactions. Ask your photographer to take photos of your guests while they are all dressed up. Having them included in your wedding gallery will be such a treat for them!
8. Pack Smart for a Picture-Perfect Look
- Choose lightweight, wrinkle-resistant wedding attire. Make sure you have a travel garment bag that fits into a suitcase, or carry it onto the plane and ask them to place it in a first-class closet. Here is one of my favorite bags!
- Bring an emergency kit with safety pins, blotting paper, and bug spray. If you are hiring a planner, they should already have this. But bring your own, just in case!
9. Consider the legal things
- This is where it is important to have a local host at the venue or coordinator. They will help you with the marriage paperwork to ensure it is done right. HACK: Many countries might have wedding traditions they stand firm with when weddings are done in their country. Consider adding or including this into your wedding if it fits your needs and vision! This can be a sign of respect. DOUBLE HACK: Also look to make sure your wedding will not offend the rules and regulations of the country.
- You may get married in your own state and county before having your destination wedding. This may make that part of the process easier. Then, at your actual wedding day, exchange new vows, host a ceremony, and be on your way!
10. Relax and Enjoy the Experience
Planning a destination wedding can be stressful, but the day will be worth it. That being said, your destination wedding is about celebrating your love story in a stunning setting. Trust your vendors, be flexible, and focus on enjoying the wedding festivities. The best photos come when you’re genuinely enjoying the moment!
France Wedding Photographer
My name is Dana, and I am a wedding photographer who specializes in destination weddings. Since 2018, I have photographed weddings in many different states in the U.S. As well as photographed weddings and high-end editorials in France, Greece, Portugal, and The UK. I love what I do with my whole heart. Getting to photograph such beautiful weddings for the joyful couples sparks my joy. If you are looking for an experienced world traveler and destination wedding photographer, you can check out my work here. Not only do I offer digital photography, but drone photography, weekend coverage, and more. I hope this ultimate guide helped you plan your 2025 or 2026 destination wedding!
