Everything You Need to Know About Hiring a Destination Wedding Photographer

Planning a destination wedding is a complex process, and that's especially true when it comes time to hire your big-day vendors. Before you do anything else, ask yourself this: Do you want to work with local talent or bring in your own experts? The right answer will largely depend on where you're tying the knot, your budget, and your preferences. As you think about who you'll hire to document your day, it's important to consider the fact that photographing a destination wedding isn’t always the same as covering local "I dos," and there are pros and cons to working with some local versus bringing in an outside pro. “Couples sometimes think a destination wedding photographer is just an added travel expense, but in reality, you're investing in someone who can handle the unique challenges of destination weddings,” says destination wedding photographer Valorie Darling. “More importantly, you’re choosing someone who can bring fresh eyes and your vision to life in a way that a local photographer might not be able to, especially if you don't feel that same connection.”

Bringing in an expert whose work you know and love often gives you the best chance of success. After all, wedding photography is a significant expense, and the resulting snapshots are how you'll remember the day for years to come—it's important that you're happy with what your photographer returns to you. That said, a local pro—someone who calls your wedding locale home—knows the ins and outs of the region and may have already photographed celebrations at your venue. Ultimately, you'll have to decide which route is best for you.

If you've decided that hiring a dedicated destination wedding photographer is the path you want to take, read on. Here, we outline everything you need to know about hiring a destination wedding photographer, including the benefits of choosing this type of pro, how to find the right expert for your big day, and pricing information to keep in mind.

The Benefits of Hiring a Destination Wedding Photographer

For destination wedding photographer Avonné Sterling, hiring a photographer with plenty of experience traveling for destination "I dos" is comparable to choosing a specialist over a generalist in any other field. “[It's the equivalent of] going to a cardiologist for questions about heart health versus going to a general practitioner,” she says. “Both medical, both capable, but the cardiologist would bring inside experience that isn’t on a checklist since they specialize in that field.” Ahead, our pros outline all of the benefits to consider.

They’re Experienced Travelers

While it may not seem like travel experience is essential to gorgeous wedding photos, a destination wedding photographer can plan for elements that other wedding photographers (and couples) might not even realize exist, thus guaranteeing you a flawless finished product no matter what happens along the way. “Yes, the local photographer and destination photographer can both shoot the wedding and have the photos be beautiful,” says Sterling. “However, there may be things that a local photographer has not experienced: Do they know how to pack light and for safety? Do they know how to plan for different border controls? Do they know the difference between an Embraer plane and a Boeing 737 to know if they are required to check their gear?” Hiring a photographer who knows which details to consider means minimizing the risk of a last-minute disaster—like trouble at customs, a bag that’s too heavy for your private transport, or important day-of equipment delayed in a checked (and lost) bag. 

Extensive travel experience also means your photographer will have no problems adjusting to your location, whether it’s familiar or entirely new. “Destination wedding photographers are often skilled at navigating new places, local customs and potential language barriers,” says Darling. “Travel can bring unexpected changes. A seasoned destination photographer is used to adapting, whether it’s delays, weather, or last-minute adjustments.”

They Bring a Fresh Perspective 

Relying on a destination photographer instead of working with a photographer local to your destination almost guarantees a level of creativity and artistry that you might not get from a vendor who has captured many other celebrations at your locale. “Destination wedding photographers bring a different element of unique storytelling that a local photographer may not have,” says Sterling. “On-location photographers more than likely have shot at your venue tons of times, so they have ‘Been there, done that.’ What may be trending here (bold color, documentary approach, moving images, tilted horizons, direct flash) may not be something that’s trending in that country, and they may shoot more traditionally.” 

Expect a destination photographer to notice every detail of your location, from the goods displayed in shop windows to the magic-hour lighting, and capture it all. “Whether they've been to your specific destination or not, a good destination photographer can adapt—and usually thrive—anywhere,” says Darling. “[They] find so much new and fresh inspiration in new settings.”

They’re Adaptable

Destination wedding photographers build their careers around on-the-spot adjustments and flexibility. “They know how to handle new settings, different lighting conditions, and the unpredictability of destination events,” says Darling. They’re also able to tailor their process to accommodate the culture and atmosphere of your destination without sacrificing their creativity—or your peace of mind. “Being able to embrace the way other countries do things was a big one for me,” says Sterling. “It forced me to [document organically] and really create a story without expecting things to happen a certain way. Things can change so much at a destination wedding, and so being able to be a documentarian in capturing exactly how it happened—beautifully, without manipulating—is a skill that just takes experience.”

How to Find a Destination Wedding Photographer

Finding a wedding photographer in your hometown isn’t challenging—your venue might provide a list of preferred vendors or family members and friends who have tied the knot nearby can provide personal recommendations. If you don’t know anyone who’s tied the knot in your destination of choice, hiring a local photographer can feel challenging, particularly if there are language barriers or time differences that make communicating tough. That's why so many couples prefer to hire a destination wedding photographer—one from their home country or even state—who they can talk to and potentially even meet in person ahead of the big day.

Today, many photographers are willing to travel for a wedding, so don't feel like you can't inquire with any professional you love just because the words "destination wedding photographer" aren't on their website. If you know you want someone who specializes in far-flung nuptials, tailor your searches with that in mind—that keyword alone should help narrow the field significantly. Review destination real weddings, browse social media, and ask your wedding venue or any other local vendors if they have any recommendations.

How Destination Wedding Photographers Calculate Their Prices

It's worth noting that hiring a photographer who needs to travel to your destination will mean you're on the hook for an added cost. “Some might charge a flat travel fee and will cover any unexpected or additional expenses that might incur,” says destination and elopement photographer Henry Tieu. “Some might produce an itemized invoice to showcase what they are charging for: hotel, car rental, gas, food, accommodation, insurance, etc.” The final numbers will vary based on a variety of factors, including exactly where your wedding is taking place, the transportation costs involved, and how many days are required.

“For the destination photographer, it isn’t just flight and accommodation—it’s also baggage fees, taxis, Ubers, car rentals, and food,” says Sterling. “These are typically things that some may not think about, but it adds up for photographers especially for weddings in remote locations. In my opinion, it’s crucial for a photographer to fly out early—two or three days early in summer months—to scout locations and get a feel of the space and venue.”

The costs may stack up, but the end result can be priceless. “You can save money by hiring local vendors for other elements of your wedding, but when it comes to your photographer, it’s worth investing in someone whose work you both love and feel a connection with,” says Darling. “Photos and videos are what you’ll have long after the event, so I always recommend prioritizing them.”

What to Consider When Hiring a Destination Photographer

Your photographer is the wedding vendor who will be with you and your partner most on the big day—from getting-ready photos to the last dance of the night, they're documenting every special moment of your celebration. Ensuring they're someone you enjoy being around and whose work excites you is essential. But it's not just about making sure you two "click" (although that's certainly part of it!). There are a number of things to consider when hiring a destination wedding photographer, and they're outlined below.

Laws and Permits

Each destination comes with its own rules for non-local workers; check with your venue and your photographer to make sure all the paperwork is in order. “When hiring a destination photographer, couples need to make sure that their photographer can work in this country/location legally,” says Tieu. “Some countries require a work permit or visa. Some locations might require a wedding/elopement permit. I’d advise couples to ask these questions if it’s not included in the photographer’s website or brochure.”

The Photographer’s Portfolio

As with hiring any vendor, you should carefully consider the photographer’s work to determine if their style is a fit for you and your partner. “Start by looking for photographers whose work resonates with you on a deep level—someone whose style you love or maybe have even been following their work for awhile,” says Darling. 

Sterling recommends looking for three elements in an online portfolio: travel experience, diversity, and personality. “I would look at the places they’ve been—are there lots of unique locations shown? Do you feel like you’re there [in the images]?” she says. “You work with many different ethnicities, cultures, and colors when shooting destination weddings. This shows the skill of a photographer, to see how they handle the wide range of different types of people. Ask yourself, is it cohesive, and consistent in editing? Is it a healthy mix?” 

And last—but most importantly, Sterling says—try to get a sense of the photographer’s personality. “You typically can get an idea of a personality from the overall look of the site and the images they choose to feature: Do the couples look natural? Lots of candid, laughing, or happy images?” she explains. “You could hire the best of the best but if they don’t make you or your guests feel at ease or just are a positive presence throughout, then the experience won’t be a memorable one. You’ve spent lots of time, energy and money curating a memorable day for you two and your guests, and the vibes have to be there from everyone in attendance.”

A Personal Connection

Hiring a photographer local to your destination means you may only meet them in person just once or twice—or not at all—before your wedding, limiting your ability to create a personal connection with them. “You’ll be with your photographer throughout your entire wedding weekend,” says Darling. “Feeling at ease with them not only helps you relax but also results in more genuine, natural photos that reflect who you are as a couple.”

Tieu encourages couples to include local photographers in their vendor research, but to prioritize hiring a photographer that the couple feels they click with. “I want everyone to support local businesses as much as possible; I am not here to compete with the local photographers,” he says. “However, I also want couples to know that they have the freedom to look around to find a photographer they can connect with. This is not to say that they will not be able to find someone who they can connect with locally, but if there are [not] photographers that can produce the kind of art they are after, this is when hiring a destination photographer might be worth it for some couples.”