Tips From a Destination Wedding Photographer
Hey there! My name is Celeste – a destination wedding photographer and videographer. As a destination wedding photographer who’s been fortunate enough to capture couples’ love stories in various exotic locations, I’ve seen firsthand what works—and what doesn’t. From my perspective, here are my top 5 tips for couples planning a destination wedding, to ensure you get the most out of your experience and have beautiful photos that will last a lifetime!
Destination weddings are a fantastic way to celebrate your love in some of the most beautiful, romantic settings around the world. Imagine exchanging vows on a beach at sunset, in a Tuscan vineyard with rolling hills as your backdrop, or against the stunning architecture of a faraway city. While destination weddings offer a dream experience, they also come with unique challenges, especially when it comes to planning and photography.
1. Prepare for the Weather at Your Destination
Weather can make or break your destination wedding experience and photos. Whether you’re planning a tropical beach ceremony or an alpine mountaintop exchange of vows, understanding the climate of your chosen destination is crucial for your wedding day’s success. Most importantly – your expectations about the weather must be realistic and flexible.
Tip: Research the typical weather conditions for the time of year you’ll be getting married. Tropical destinations might bring unexpected rain showers, while coastal areas could have strong winds or high humidity. Even a sunny day can feel completely different depending on the region’s climate. Discuss the forecast with your photographer in advance so they can be prepared for any weather-related challenges.
Here’s what to consider:
- Rain: If you’re having an outdoor wedding, make sure to have a backup plan in case of rain. Many venues will provide tents, but you may want to bring clear umbrellas or stylish rain boots for your wedding photos—rainy-day shots can be some of the most beautiful and intimate moments you’ll cherish!
- Wind: Wind can be a factor in beach or cliffside weddings. Even a roof-top event may be at a higher risk of wind. Discuss how to manage your hair, dresses, or decor with your wedding planner, or coordinator, and even your photographer. A well-timed hair and makeup touch-up before the ceremony can help keep things looking polished.
- Temperature/Humidity: If you’re getting married in a warm location, consider the time of day to avoid extreme heat. Make sure your attire is comfortable for the climate (think breathable fabrics and light layers), and hydrate well throughout the day. A full dark-colored suit may be extremely uncomfortable when the Costa Rican 99% humidity hits! Or the extreme mid-day heat in Greece – no one ever expects it!
By being prepared for the weather, you’ll feel more relaxed, and your photographer will know how to adjust lighting and settings to get the best shots. My best TIP is to embrace these weather elements. This can lead to some of the most stunning and memorable photos.
2. Give Yourself Time for Travel, and Factor in Jet Lag
Destination weddings often mean long travel times, different time zones, and the potential for jet lag. While it’s tempting to squeeze in as much as possible during the wedding week, remember that you’ll want to feel your best on the big day.
Tip: Plan to arrive at least 2-3 days before the wedding, if possible. Even longer if the time change is more than 2-3 hours. This gives you time to adjust to the new time zone, explore the area, and get settled. Jet lag can be a real issue for couples coming from across the world, so allow yourself time to rest and relax before the wedding.
This also gives you time to meet with your photographer and other vendors in person (if you haven’t already), discuss any last-minute details, and see the venue in person. The last thing you want is to feel rushed or fatigued on your wedding day when you should be enjoying every moment!
3. Work With a Photographer Who “Knows” The Location (hint – this doesn’t mean they have physically been there before!)
Every destination is different, and that means every location presents unique challenges and opportunities for photos. Whether it’s tricky weather, unusual lighting conditions, or cultural customs, your photographer’s familiarity with the destination can make all the difference in ensuring you get stunning images that capture the essence of the location.
Tip: Hire a photographer who has experience with destination weddings—or one who is familiar with the area you’ve chosen. They’ll be able to recommend the best spots for portraits, advise you on the timing for the ceremony (to avoid harsh midday sun or crowded tourist areas), and have the logistical know-how to handle challenges like traveling with equipment or working in remote locations. They’ll also likely have local knowledge, such as hidden gem locations, that you might miss.
A photographer who is familiar with the location can also help you plan around unpredictable elements like weather and local customs. For example, in some places, it’s important to be mindful of religious or cultural sensitivities when it comes to attire or timing. Your photographer will be a great resource in helping you navigate these details.
If you’re hiring a destination photographer, it’s OK if they haven’t been to your exact location or venue before. Part of their specialty with destination weddings is doing research and scouting prior to your wedding day. Like our team, we use Google Earth, contact locals and other experts, and research a tremendous amount about that specific location if it’s new to us. We also always arrive a few days early so we scout out the best spots for photo’s, as well as create rainy day back-up locations and more.
4. Embrace The Local Culture, Traditions, and Food.
One of the best parts of a destination wedding is the opportunity to experience the local culture. Whether it’s a ceremony influenced by the region’s traditions or unique food and music at the reception, embracing the local flavor can add an unforgettable element to your wedding day—and your photos. In Greece, we have seen olive and wine tasting DURING the ceremony! How cool?!
Tip: Ask your photographer to capture the cultural details that make your destination wedding special. Perhaps it’s a traditional dance or a local ritual during the ceremony, or maybe it’s the vibrant market where you bought your wedding flowers. In the same way you might take photographs of the architecture or the landscape, be sure to document the smaller, meaningful moments that reflect the uniqueness of the place.
Incorporating local elements into your wedding day, such as serving regional cuisine, wearing culturally-inspired attire, or hiring local musicians or entertainers, can give your wedding a personal touch. These moments not only add to the story of your day but also provide your photographer with opportunities to capture candid and evocative moments. They are also a key experience for your guests!
5. Keep the Logistics Simple and Focus on the EXPERIENCE!
Destination weddings come with a lot of moving parts, from coordinating with vendors in a different time zone to dealing with travel restrictions. While it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the details, remember that this is a celebration of love—and simplicity is often key to reducing stress.
Tip: Consider working with a wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings. A local planner will have valuable knowledge of the area and be able to handle logistics for you, allowing you to focus on enjoying the experience. They’ll also help coordinate the timing, transportation, and communication with vendors, which is crucial for a smooth wedding day.
Also, try to streamline your guest list if you’re concerned about travel logistics and costs. A smaller, more intimate wedding can allow for a more relaxed experience, which can lead to more genuine, joyful moments that your photographer can capture.
Finally, don’t forget to enjoy the moment! You’ve chosen a destination wedding because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Trust your vendors (and especially your photographer) to capture the magic of the day, and allow yourself to savor the journey.
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