6 Must-Have Photoshoots for Your Destination Wedding

Wondering how to capture the magic of your destination wedding in photos? Here, we’ve got your back with a guide to six must-have destination wedding snapshots your photographer needs to take. 

It’s no surprise that your wedding pictures are some of the most important photos you will take in your life. Your destination wedding album is not just a collection of snapshots, it’s your very own visual love story meant to last you a lifetime! We’re here to guide you through the must-have photo shoots that will make your wedding album as enchanting as your dream destination is. From pre-wedding fun, to dance-floor shenanigans, each snapshot is a piece of the puzzle that tells the incredible story of your magical day. 

Before you start planning, we can’t stress this enough: make sure you hire a wedding photographer that is right for you. They are your personal storyteller and photo expert, here to guide you through the daunting task of taking photos you will actually like later. They can also help you get creative with your poses and photoshoots, turning your love story into a visual masterpiece. 

Pro Tip: give your photographer a list of all of the inspiration you have gathered in the months leading up to your destination wedding. This will make for an efficient and fun photo experience. 

Once you hire the right photographer, make sure you ask them to take these six photos at your destination wedding.

Destination wedding bride on the beach

You, Your Dress and the Scenic Beauty 

It goes without saying that your wedding day outfit is one of the most significant fashion statements you will ever make in your life! It’s absolutely necessary to get some stunning photos of you and your dress, so make sure you ask your photographer to capture every detail. 

Take things a step further by incorporating the scenic beauty that your wedding destination has to offer. Use the scenery as the backdrop against your one-of-a-kind outfit and let it accentuate your unique personality.

Pro Tip: your wedding dress photos don’t have to stop there. Have you considered a “trash the dress” post-wedding adventure? These sessions are all about letting loose and creating unconventional, stunning images. Dive into the ocean, stroll through the countryside — whatever suits your fancy! These photos will definitely be the “wow” factor of your album, incorporating you, your dress, the scenic beauty and your adventurous spirit. 

Getting Ready

Those behind-the-scenes moments of getting ready are often filled with laughter, nervous giggles, and glam. Imagine the setting: you and your crew, prepping for the big moment together in your dream destination. Let your photographer be the storyteller, capturing snapshots of every little detail. From those final makeup touches that enhance your natural glow, to the charming tie adjustments, and the hustle and bustle of getting ready with your wedding party, these are the moments you want frozen in time. And guess what? It all unfolds in a setting that’s practically shouting, “We’re getting married in paradise!”

These shots are pure magic, capturing the essence of your journey to “I do.”

Destination wedding couple sunset portrait photo

Romantic Sunset Portraits

Picture this – the sun doing its magical disappearing act in your destination wedding paradise, painting the sky with warm, golden vibes. It’s that dreamy time known as the golden hour, and guess what? It’s the secret ingredient that turns your wedding album into a fairytale. 

Set time aside for a romantic portrait session as the sun sets in your personal paradise. We promise you will want to capture that magical sunset as the backdrop to your love story. And yes, you’re definitely going to want to frame these moments and keep them on your wall — your daily dose of love glow!

Mehndi party at destination wedding

Cultural Immersion Shots

Is your wedding destination location full of bustling culture and good energy? Let’s embrace it! Make sure you ask your photographer to incorporate local culture into your photos, whether it’s through a traditional ceremony, unique attire, or local customs, flowers and colors and don’t forget the details! Your destination is likely filled with unique elements that add a lot of charm to your wedding. These shots will add layers and authenticity to your wedding album, making it a true reflection of your destination’s charm that you can’t forget. 

Destination wedding reception and party - male guests throwing the groom in the air

Reception Party Vibes

Bring on the dance floor madness! Your reception is where the real party happens, and your photographer is there to capture every dance move, laughter burst, and heartfelt toast that happens in between the party moments. These shots should be candid, and creative so that the personality of each of your guests can shine through. Party shots are a must-have as we know you’ll want to reflect on these photos later as a quick reminder as to how fun your wedding celebration really was!

Destination wedding reception party

Memorable Departure Shots 

As you and your loved ones say goodbye to your wedding destination, ask your photographer to capture the joyful emotion of your departure. Whether it’s a candid shot of you two leaving hand in hand or photos of your wedding guests hugging goodbye, these photos mark the end of your destination wedding saga, leaving you and your loved ones with lasting memories. 

If you are still wondering how to make your destination wedding album truly magical, remember that the answer lies in the details, the candid moments captured and the enchanting backdrops of your destination location. Make sure you ask your photographer to take those right photos that you will want to cherish forever and let’s create a wedding album that’s as extraordinary as the love you’re celebrating!

Ready to turn your dream destination wedding into a visual masterpiece? Let's make it happen! Submit an inquiry now, and let our expert team at TravelBash guide you through the process. From picking the perfect destination and venue to the right photographer to capture it all. Your journey to 'I do' deserves more than snapshots; it deserves a stunning visual narrative. Click below to start planning!


Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.

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