What is a Destination Wedding?


Before we tell you our secrets and solutions to planning the perfect Destination Wedding, you should understand what a "Destination Wedding" actually is.

It's defined as a wedding ceremony and photography that takes place in a different area from where the couple (and their families & friends) live. [It is a very simple definition but can have some very complex issues or concerns.]

The perfect example of a destination wedding, would be 'a couple from NYC who come to Florida to have a beach wedding.' While Florida has thousands of destination weddings every day, another popular spot is the Caribbean or Mexico. Couples often choose places that are warmer than their town. The destination is usually significant to the couple. They may have had a vacation there, or had always wanted to visit there.

Or the complete opposite is also true. Couples in the Deep South are hot & humid all year long, so they have been known to choose cool, chic destinations like Seattle, Montreal, London, or Geneva for their nuptials.

If you are starting to think that it could literally be anywhere - you are right. You could choose a city roof top bar in Manhattan, a rustic villa in Tuscany, a patio in Paris, your friend's backyard in San Diego, a ballroom in Chicago...anywhere that you are not at right now.


This post is a personal opinion from our studio's experiences and former clients. This blog also focuses on the issues surrounding wedding photography and other vendors that may or may not have an impact on your final photographs.

destination wedding photographer in Florida. Editorial style wedding photographer in Florida and Europe. Hybrid wedding photographer in FL



The destination becomes a background player

in all of your wedding photographs.



The destination becomes a background player

in all of your wedding photographs.

How Do We Hire A Photographer? From home or from there?


This is one of the most common questions I used to get, from Americans who wanted to have their wedding overseas.

While, social media makes it appear that it is easy to cross oceans, you are never really sure if those are actually your photographer's work, or their colleague's, or even [God Forbid!] stock photography.


If you want to choose a studio that is near your venue location (same city or country):

After checking out their website (not just their social media), reach out to verify who will be the actual photographer(s) for your wedding. Then ask to see their specific portfolio for your town/city/venue location if they have it. That's a fancy way of saying, "if you are going to be married in the English Countryside, ask for their portfolios from that type of venue."

However, not all photographers have work for every location -- it's just not possible. Plus, you may love the look of a Spanish photographer who has never been to California, where your venue is. Choose your photographer based on their portfolio and style. Those will be consistent across the board.

Also, ask for references or social media links for some more of their real couples. A lot of couples love to be asked about their wedding photographs! Also, you could ask for planners that they have worked with as well. (Couples will give one type of review - planners another.)


If you want to bring your photographer(s) with you from your home. This is also an option. It works the best [not just because I love to travel] but because you get to meet your photographer in person and feel the connection.

It will involve a travel fee (see section below); but is often worth it because you met them in person, you can feel a connection that isn't possible over the phone or video chats; plus they feel a little more involved in your wedding because they live near you. I know it sounds weird, but knowing I will see a couple around town every few months, feels different at their wedding.

Not saying that we don't have excellent relationships with our destination couples [who found us online only]; but there is more of a connection, since we all survive the same hurricanes and shop at the same stores.

destination wedding photographer in Florida. Editorial style wedding photographer in Florida and Europe. Hybrid wedding photographer in FL

Travel Fee Basics


You are expected to pay for your photographer's airfare or train, hotel, taxi or shuttle or rental car, and any fees related to getting to your venue in a foreign country.

Travel Fee Basics


You are expected to pay for your photographer's airfare or train, hotel, taxi or shuttle or rental car, and any fees related to getting to your venue in a foreign country.

Do We Need A Day-of Wedding Planner? (from there?)


Yes, because you want someone who is familiar with the location and all of the local vendors involved.

Yes, they know the best areas of town/the city and can guide you to better choices in restaurants or hotels.

Yes, they also know traffic flows to help with the timing of the schedule.

Not Necessarily, most planners understand the flow of weddings, know how to handle unforeseen issues, will take care of the little things, and will work out the minute details with all of the vendors. Bring someone you know & trust.

Not Necessarily, most planners will go out of their way to learn everything that a local planner might know [about the traffic, city, etc.].


And yes, if you bring them with you, you are responsible for their travel fees, as well.

Holly Peterson from Wanderlust Events, Florida

Leave the Planning to the experts


Let the photographers shoot and the planners plan!

Leave the Planning to the experts


Let the photographers shoot and the planners plan!

How Do We Pick Our Hair & Makeup Artist?


All of my destination brides have said that they relied on referrals from the planners and vendors in their venue. The photographers are also a perfect source.

Again, do your online research and pay attention to the reviews as well.

What Are The Travel Fees To Expect?


You are required to pay to get the photographer (or other vendor) to the location of your venue and any overnight accommodations.

  • This can be a flight (usually business class or early boarding preferred so they don't have to pay extra fees for their gear.)
  • Extra bag fees otherwise, could be your responsibility if you don't clarify airline tickets before purchasing.
  • Train ticket, which again, should be first or business class so they have room for their gear and get priority boarding.
  • Taxi, private or rental car, or shuttle van from the airport or train station to the hotel. This can also be a family member of the couple, if they live in that location.
  • A hotel or B&B that is near your venue (or can be in the same hotel as your event); and you can also put vendors in the same suites. For example, the HMUA might share with your photographer or DJ. But it's best to ask first.


Quick note: sometimes, half of the fun, for Tina Ortiz, is walking around the city or town where you are getting married. It's not unusual for her to request a B&B that is under a mile walk to your venue. But it is best to ask your venue about the best accommodations for guests & vendors -they are an excellent resource.


  • Out of state/country vendors should be fed on your wedding day. Your planner will know how to include them.
  • Our studio takes care of breakfasts (usually included in the hotel anyway) and other snacks or meals are tax deductible so we take care of those costs.


If it sounds like a lot of work, you can negotiate that the PHOTOGRAPHER, themselves, purchases the travel items (within reason) and reimburse them later. Giving them a budget up front is not unreasonable. A lot of our couples already know what they paid for their own tickets, and we usually agree to that budget as well. No sense in us flying first class on Delta, when they are all flying in on Jet Blue.

The Last Word On Your Destination Wedding


The location you chose was absolutely perfect. Wedding events aren't. They have a life of their own, even when planned down to the last cucumber. Enjoy your event and you can laugh about the [hiccups] later. Reach out to our studio if you have any questions about a destination wedding in your future.