6 Tips for Finding Your Destination Wedding Photographer
You’ve locked in your dream wedding location, and now you need to find the perfect photographer to capture it all. Sounds simple, right? Not exactly. Finding the right photographer for a destination wedding is a whole different game.
Unlike a local wedding, where you can just book someone from the area and call it a day, a destination wedding photographer needs to be a pro at travel logistics, adapting to new locations, and working under unpredictable conditions — all while making you look amazing.
So, how do you find someone who’s not only talented but also the right fit for your wedding? That’s where these expert-backed tips come in!
This post was written in collaboration with the incredible wedding photographer, Kristin Sweeting. Not only does she specialize in destination weddings, but she also teaches photographers how to run sustainable businesses, shoot film, and navigate the world of wedding photography.
Her work has taken her across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, and she regularly hosts international workshops. You might’ve seen her work featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, Rangefinder Magazine, and The Knot!
📷 Follow Kristin on Instagram: @kristinsweeting
🌎 Check out her work: www.kristinsweeting.com
Why Should You Hire a Destination Wedding Photographer?
Here’s the deal: Your wedding photos are the one thing that will last long after the big day is over. You’re already investing in a dream destination, a stunning venue, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience — so why would you not invest in someone who can capture it all perfectly?
A destination wedding photographer isn’t just someone with a nice camera. They’re experts at:
✔️ Capturing the magic of your unique destination location
✔️ Navigating different lighting and unpredictable weather
✔️ Managing travel, visas, and international logistics
✔️ Helping you feel comfortable in front of the camera
Bottom line? A great photographer makes your wedding look just as incredible as it felt — and that’s worth every penny.
6 Things to Look for When Hiring a Destination Wedding Photographer
Finding the right photographer can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re getting married somewhere unfamiliar. Here’s how to make sure you find a photographer who fits your style, budget, and vibe.
Can You See Yourself in Their Work?
Before booking a photographer, take a deep dive into their portfolio. Don’t just scroll — really study the images. Think of things like:
Do the couples in the photos look natural, comfortable, and in the moment?
Can you picture yourself in the poses, settings, and overall style?
Does their way of capturing emotions match how you want to remember your wedding day?
At the end of the day, every photographer has their own creative approach. They are artists after all. Some love dramatic, moody tones, while others focus on bright, airy images. Some lean into raw, documentary-style storytelling, while others create editorial-style, posed shots. Make sure their artistic eye aligns with how you want your wedding to feel when you look back at your photos years from now.
Are They Experienced Travelers?
This is a big one. Shooting a wedding at home is very different from shooting one halfway across the world. A destination wedding photographer needs to be a confident traveler — someone who can navigate airports, time zones, foreign languages, and unpredictable weather without needing constant guidance from you. The last thing you want is to stress over whether your photographer will arrive on time or struggle to adapt to a new location.
Here’s what to check and look out for:
Have they shot weddings in multiple destinations before?
Do they post about traveling regularly on their social media?
Do they mention experience with handling travel logistics on their website?
A seasoned wedding photographer will already know how to handle delayed flights, lost luggage (knock on wood!), and last-minute itinerary changes. They’ll arrive early, scout locations, and make sure they’re set up for success — so you don't have to worry about a thing.
Do You Love Their Editing Style?
Photographers don’t just take pictures — they create an entire mood through their editing. And while trendy filters and bold edits might look cool today, your wedding photos are meant to last through generations.
Ask yourself:
Do I love the colors, tones, and overall aesthetic?
Will this style still feel timeless in 10, 20, or 50 years?
Do their edits complement the natural beauty of the location?
Are They Vouched For?
You wouldn’t book a hotel without checking reviews, right? The same goes for your photographer. Make sure you do some digging before you commit:
Read past client reviews — are couples raving about them?
Ask for vendor referrals. Planners, florists, and venues work with photographers all the time. Who do they trust?
Check their published work. Have they book features in Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings, or other reputable sites?
If you’re working with a wedding planner, they can be a huge help in this area. They’ll either have a list of trusted local photographers or can help you book an experienced traveling professional who knows the rules for working in your wedding location. At TravelBash, we’ve always got you covered with the best vendors available in your chosen destination 🥂
Do They Have Real Weddings in Their Portfolio?
Styled shoots (aka staged photoshoots with models) are common in the wedding industry, and while they’re beautiful, they don’t show how a photographer handles the fast pace of a real wedding day.
Look for a mix of real weddings in their portfolio. These are the photos that truly matter because weddings come with unpredictable moments — teary vows, belly-laugh speeches, dance floor chaos — and your photographer should be skilled at capturing those raw emotions on the fly.
Here’s what to check:
Are there full wedding galleries (not just highlight reels) in their portfolio?
Do they capture a range of emotions, lighting conditions, and candid moments?
Do they handle movement well (ceremony walks, first dances, party shots)?
Do They Seem Like Someone You Actually Want to Hang Out With On Your Wedding Day?
Your photographer will be with you for almost your entire wedding day (or maybe your entire destination wedding if you choose!). They’ll see the pre-ceremony nerves, the happy tears, the messy dance moves, and the quiet, intimate moments. So it’s very important that you actually like them. As a person. Can you vibe with them one-on-one?
At destination weddings, photographers often become part of the party — mingling with your guests, capturing candid moments, and blending into the overall vibe. The last thing you want is someone who feels awkward, stressed, or out of place.
Here’s how to know if they’re a good fit:
Check their social media beforehand. Do their captions and stories reflect their personality, or does it sound like a bot?
Schedule a call first. Do you feel comfortable talking to them?
Ask yourself: would I want to grab a drink with this person?
A great photographer makes you feel at ease, hypes you up when needed, and brings a positive energy to your wedding day. If they pass the vibe check, you’re on the right track!
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Hiring a Destination Wedding Photographer?
We’ve got you covered with answers to your most asked questions.
How Much Does a Destination Wedding Photographer Usually Cost?
The cost of a destination wedding photographer can vary big time depending on their experience, location, and what’s included in their package. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000+.
Here’s a breakdown of what affects pricing:
Experience & Reputation: Highly sought-after photographers charge premium rates. If they’re regularly featured in wedding publications or have a long waitlist, expect to pay on the higher end.
Location & Travel Costs: If your wedding is in an expensive destination (think Santorini, the Amalfi Coast, or the Maldives), expect to cover flights, hotel stays, and sometimes per diem expenses for food and transport. Some photographers include travel in their pricing, while others bill it separately — so always ask!
Package Inclusions: A basic package might include just the wedding day coverage, while more premium options could come with an engagement session, extra hours of coverage, a second shooter (more angles = more photos) and high-end albums and prints.
Editing & Delivery: More extensive editing takes more time and effort, which can also increase the cost.
💡 Pro Tip: If your dream photographer is out of budget, ask about weekday weddings or off-season discounts. Some photographers offer lower rates for non-break dates.
Are Engagement Photos Included?
That depends on the photographer! Some include engagement sessions as part of their package, while others offer them as an add-on.
Why You Should Consider Engagement Photos:
It helps you get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day
You get a chance to work with your photographer and understand their style
It’s a great opportunity to take stunning photos in your wedding location before the ceremony (especially if you’re having a destination wedding in a scenic place!)
If engagement photos aren’t included but you really want them, ask if they can be added for a discounted rate as part of your overall wedding package.
Should I Bring my Photographer From Home or Hire Locally?
Both options have pros and cons, so it really depends on what’s most important to you.
Bringing Your Own Photographer (Flying them out to your destination)
✔️ Pros:
Consistency in style – You already know and love their work!
Stronger connection – You’ll have built a relationship before the wedding.
More control over editing & final images – No surprises!
❌ Cons:
Extra costs – Flights, hotels, and travel fees can add up.
Potential visa/work restrictions – Some countries have strict rules about bringing in outside vendors.
Hiring a Local Photographer
✔️ Pros:
They know the location – Perfect for finding hidden photo spots & understanding the lighting conditions.
Fewer logistics to worry about – No flights, no travel stress!
Potentially lower cost – No need to cover travel fees.
❌ Cons:
You might not know them as well – Less time to build trust before the wedding.
Different editing styles – Make sure you love their portfolio before booking!
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re on the fence, ask us! We always recommend trusted local photographers or help navigate the logistics of bringing someone in.
How Many Photos Do I Get in the End and How Long Does it Take to Get Them?
Most destination wedding photographers deliver between 500 and 1,200+ edited images, depending on how long they’re shooting and the events they’re covering.
Here’s what impacts the final number:
Hours of coverage: A full-day wedding package (8-10 hours) typically results in more photos than a short elopement session.
Second shooter: Having a second photographer means more angles, more candid moments, and more photos overall.
Number of wedding events: If your wedding spans multiple days, you’ll naturally receive more photos.
The turnaround time for photos is typically 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the photographer's workflow.
Do I Need a Specific Photographer for Cultural Weddings? Ex. Indian, Jewish, Chinese, etc?
YES — and this is so important! If your wedding includes specific cultural traditions, you definitely want a photographer who understands them.
Here’s why:
They’ll know and understand the key moments to capture. Whether it’s a Jewish hora dance, an Indian baraat, a Chinese tea ceremony, or any other cultural tradition, an experienced photographer will anticipate those once-in-a-lifetime moments and capture them beautifully.
They understand family dynamics. Some cultures have specific family hierarchies, traditions, and expectations, and a photographer who’s familiar with them will make sure nothing is missed.
They’ll know how to work with unique lighting & colors. Many cultural weddings feature vibrant colors, intricate details, and elaborate decor, and a skilled photographer will know how to balance lighting and composition to showcase them properly.
Let’s Find The Perfect Destination Wedding Photographer!
Finding the perfect destination wedding photographer isn’t just about hiring someone with a nice camera — it’s about finding a pro who gets your vision. By taking the time to research, ask the right questions, and trust your gut, you’ll end up with a photographer who doesn’t just take pictures, but tells your love story in a way that feels authentic and timeless.
Quick Recap:
Love their style — these photos last forever.
Check their travel experience — destination weddings require a real pro.
Read reviews and look for real weddings in their portfolio.
Make sure you actually like them — you’ll be spending a lot of time together!
At the end of the day, your wedding photos should transport you back to the emotions, the laughter, and the magic of your big day. When you find a photographer who can do that? You’ve struck gold. ✨
Still planning the details? We’re here to help! Let’s chat.
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.
