With the summer finally in town, I’m preparing for the busy season ahead with a must-read destination wedding photographer guide to shooting weddings. As much as I love shooting in Canada and the USA, this year is also filled with tons of beautiful destination weddings. I couldn’t be happier – escaping to a sandy beach makes for a beautiful wedding, as well as gorgeous wedding photos! As I’m packing for my next destination wedding (and anxiously trying to fit all my clothes in a carry-on suitcase), I decided to share my personal destination wedding photography guide to help you prepare and get inspired:
1. Booking Early
Booking your photographer early is crucial! When it comes to destination wedding photography, you want to make sure your photographer is available for your travel dates and is able to travel to your destination! Usually, I book my destination weddings a year in advance – it gives me and my clients plenty of time to discuss all the wedding details and must have wedding shots. You can simply shoot an email here to see my availability.
2. Seasons & Time of Year
When booking a wedding venue, make sure to double-check what the weather is like throughout the year. Most people wouldn’t want to get married in the rain or when it’s scorching hot! Usually the best times of year to travel are May through September. Making sure your weather is mild will not only make your wedding enjoyable, but it will also allow for absolutely beautiful wedding photos.
3. Vendors
When booking a destination wedding, it’s important to find reliable vendors. Not only will they help turn your destination wedding photos into that Pinterest board you admire, but will also make sure your destination wedding experience is as smooth as possible. Check with local vendors to see if they are available to travel internationally! The Friends List here will help you see some of the vendors I have worked with.
4. Budget
Every couple has a different wedding budget they get to work with. Planning ahead can be a great help for this. While some couples split the cost of accommodations and travel tickets with their guests, there is no hard rule to follow. Remember, if you’re having a smaller wedding, you can pay more attention to details and décor, which means tons of magical wedding photos!
5. Picking Your Outfit Accordingly
It’s important to remember to let your guests know what the weather and accommodations will be like at your destination. This will allow them (and me!) to properly prepare for your wedding and wear the proper attire. Most importantly, it will help guide you when deciding on your wedding dress. While ball gowns look amazing in photographs, something light and simple will also look great in wedding photos against the dreamy beach backdrop.
I hope you found this destination wedding photography guide helpful! Below are some of my favourite photos from Teresa and Louis’ destination wedding at SALA Phuket Resort in Thailand. I hope you enjoy!
As seen in Style Me Pretty
From the Bride… Our first date was on the beach. Louis proposed to me at the beach too, so we decided on a beachside wedding. We wanted the photos to capture more about the beach settings. We wanted a white and pure wedding with a hint of playfulness. We wanted a day that was elegant and graceful, but at the same time more fun, warm and genuine.
Wedding Venue: SALA Phuket Resort and Spa in Phuket, Thailand / Wedding Stationery + Decor: DIY by the Bride / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang / Shoes: All Designed + Made by the Bride’s Grandfather
