How to Find a Destination Wedding Photographer

Lauren and Harry created individual “dream wedding” wish lists to prioritize their wedding goals, with no limitations on what they would spend. Sharing these lists revealed a love for experiences over extravagance, shaping their wedding focus.

So, the adventurous couple switched gears and decided to tie the knot in a way that better reflected their style and personality. They knew their closest friends and family would enjoy celebrating with them (either virtually or in person) at their destination wedding in Anguilla!

Destination weddings are more popular than ever. In 2019, The Knot found that 21% of their surveyed couples had some version of a destination wedding. Some couples like to think outside the box to fulfill their wedding dreams…so they take the party elsewhere!

Dreaming of a wedding beyond the ordinary?

Consider a destination wedding! It’s perfect for couples who crave an adventure or a unique celebration. Here’s how a destination wedding can elevate your special day:

• Unforgettable Setting: Imagine exchanging vows amidst stunning scenery, whether a vibrant city or a secluded beach.
• Intimate or Inclusive: Choose a celebration tailored to your desires. Host an extended weekend with loved ones, or escape for a romantic elopement.
• Start Married, Start Adventuring: Kick off your marriage with an unforgettable experience, exploring a new destination together.

Destination weddings offer a chance to create lasting memories and embark on an adventure-filled married life.

Destination Weddings are relatively stress-free. 

Without the large guest count and traditional wedding plans to account for, the world is your oyster! Go where your heart is drawn, and do what makes the two of you happy. If you prefer more organization, enlist the help of a local/stateside wedding planner specializing in destination weddings. They will be able to help fill in the itinerary and ceremony details. Most (good) wedding planners have an expansive network of wedding partners, so they can usually keep costs lower than if you did it yourself. Need a recommendation? I would be happy to help!

Do you want to have a more intimate destination wedding overseas?

While a traditional destination wedding can rival the cost of a stateside celebration, destination elopements offer a more intimate and budget-conscious approach. Imagine saying “I do” in a stunning location, with elopement packages typically ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. These packages often encompass travel, luxurious accommodations for two, and the services needed for a heartfelt ceremony. It’s an investment in an unforgettable experience, just for the two of you.

Instead, channel those savings into unforgettable experiences in France. Imagine a romantic elopement in a charming chateau, starting your honeymoon the second you say “oui”! Forget the formal wear and pack your walking shoes! Explore hidden vineyards together, take a hot air balloon ride over the Loire Valley, wander the medieval streets of Carcassonne, indulge in decadent pastries, attend a cooking class in Provence, or spend afternoons wine tasting in Bordeaux. Unlike the place settings or centerpieces at a traditional wedding, you’ll cherish these memories forever. Invest in what truly matters to both of you.

Another option is to save the money you would spend on a larger, more traditional wedding and take a romantic first-anniversary trip together.

Do you want to customize your wedding experience?

Whether it’s just the two of you or a close group of loved ones, you can personalize the experience. Plan a week-long getaway, exchange seaside vows, and hit the snowy slopes after your first kiss – it’s all up to you. And if nature isn’t your thing, city destination weddings also have their allure. Your wedding planner can design an epic, personalized wedding weekend for you to include the ceremony, delicious dining, and memorable entertainment. Don’t worry; you don’t have to throw the pretty details out the window. Do you still want a mini reception with a first dance and toasts? Ask your planner to incorporate those into the day.

Ready to set sail? Remember to take photos so you can relive these moments for years to come. The best way to do that—and to receive high-quality, authentic images—is to hire a wedding photographer.

How to find the right vendors for your destination wedding

It may seem risky to hire someone in the country of your destination wedding…and you’re right. If you opt for a photographer you’ve never met (especially if there’s a language barrier), you risk never seeing your photos or chasing them down for months or years after you return home. That’s no fun.

So, here’s how to choose the best destination photographer

Hire a vendor who speaks multiple languages

First, research destination wedding photographers who will travel from your hometown. The benefit is that you will have easy and clear access to them during the planning process. You can get to know each other and discuss style, itinerary, plans, etc. It only makes sense that a good relationship with your photographer will lend itself to better photos.

Invest in a photographer who travels.

Imagine your dream wedding in a breathtaking location, captured perfectly by a photographer who understands your vision. By hiring a destination wedding photographer willing to travel from your city, you gain several advantages:

• Pre-wedding Connection: Build a personal connection with your photographer before they whisk you away. Engagement sessions, bridal portraits, and even “Save the Dates” can all be done locally, fostering trust and rapport.
• Seamless Storytelling: Your photographer will capture the entire journey, not just the ceremony. From pre-wedding jitters to joyous celebrations, they’ll document your love story with a consistent style throughout.
• Travel Buddy and Pro: Your photographer becomes more than just a vendor. They’ll support you on-site and ensure you feel comfortable and confident on your big day.

With a traveling destination photographer, peace of mind and stunning memories go hand-in-hand.

Schedule an All-Inclusive Destination Wedding Photography Package

When you hire Susan Shek Photography as your destination wedding photographer, you’ll get our photography services from start to finish. That means the whole weekend or week of festivities, including rehearsal, wedding, and send-off brunch. We’ll be there discreetly documenting the magic of the occasion while you simply enjoy yourself knowing you’ll have fantastic images at the end.

It’s always a pleasure to photograph destination weddings. As a lover of travel and new experiences, I’ve captured weddings in Hawaii, Greece, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, the UK, Nantucket, and the Cayman Islands…just to name a few. Be sure to explore the blog for a peek into those adventures. I look forward to expanding that list even more, so tell me: where would you like to go?

To inquire about weddings and elopements with Susan Shek Photography anywhere in the world inquire with us! We can’t wait to hear from you!