Embarking on destination wedding photography is an exciting adventure, and over the years I’ve had the privilege of photographing couples everywhere from tropical shores to the Pacific coast. Before you book your next far‑away wedding shoot, let’s dive into how you can thoroughly prepare—because proper planning and research go a long way.
Research First
Before you ever answer “yes” to a destination wedding opportunity, it’s essential to investigate a few critical questions. Many photographers jump at exciting inquiries and then face unexpected costs or logistics because they haven’t done this groundwork. Treat your inquiry as a mini project: look into the destination, the legalities, and the logistical environment.
Visa and legal status. If you’re going abroad for work—even a single shoot—you may need a proper work visa. Some countries interpret “photographer working abroad” as a business activity, and misdeclaring yourself as a tourist can lead to serious problems. For example, if you carry expensive gear or you’ve worked internationally before, you might run into trouble.
Safety and equipment risk. While you’re unlikely to be shooting in a conflict zone, you should still check whether the destination poses any risks—political, social, or economic. If you bring thousands of dollars of camera equipment, or if customs officials see you’re working, you may face delays or inspections.
Venue policy. Some resorts or venues restrict external photographers or charge significant fees for using one. In certain all‑inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, couples have had to pay extra to bring in their own photographer. Make sure you surface these expectations early in your conversation.
Once you’ve satisfied yourself about those questions, you’ll be in a much better position to commit to the project—and you might even reach out to other destination wedding photographers who have worked in the region for insider advice.
Preparation & Logistics
Just as you would for a wedding in your hometown, destination shoots require a solid process—but with added layers. Over time I’ve learned from real‑world scenarios, and here are key steps you shouldn’t skip.
Insurance. Make sure your business liability and equipment insurance cover you internationally. Many policies only extend domestically, and the last thing you want is to break a lens abroad and find you aren’t covered.
Bank/financial prep. Inform your bank that you’ll be traveling so your cards don’t get blocked. Even domestic travel can trigger fraud alerts, so international travel makes it even more important.
Equipment inventory. Before departure: list your gear with serial numbers, print documents if necessary. You might even complete a formal registration if you’re worried about customs or gear being flagged at immigration.
Passport copy. Carry a printed or digital copy of your passport and other travel documents. It’s a small step but one that has saved professionals when passports were lost or stolen.
Communication plan. Ask your client about how you’ll stay in touch once you’re abroad—especially since you may lack cell service or data. Confirm meeting spots, times, and a backup method (e.g., Wi‑Fi messaging) before you leave.
Health considerations. Check with your doctor about vaccinations and potential disease risks in your destination. Bring enough of any daily medications, and pack them in your carry‑on. For long‑haul flights, compression socks and staying hydrated also make a big difference in how you feel when you land.
Booking Schedule & Travel Strategy
Scheduling properly can make all the difference. From experience, a typical destination wedding shoot follows this rhythm:
- Thursday – Travel day: Depart for the destination.
- Friday – Arrive, settle in, scout the location, attend the rehearsal dinner.
- Saturday – Wedding day: Photograph the event, then back up your files securely.
- Sunday – Return travel day.
It’s smart to add one extra buffer day if you’re going across several time zones or to a more remote location. This pre‑wedding buffer helps you adjust, prevents jet‑lag‑induced mistakes, and gives you breathing room if flights are delayed or weather disrupts plans.
When it comes to booking, I strongly recommend arranging your own flights and lodging whenever possible. One reason: you can choose flights that keep your gear safe (e.g., overhead compartment space rather than checking a bag). For example, I always pay early check‑in on certain airlines to secure overhead space for my camera bag. Small regional jets may lack sufficient storage, which I learned firsthand on an island‑hopping trip in Hawaii.
Other tips: stay in the same hotel as the bride and groom (if feasible), which simplifies photographing “getting ready” moments and staying connected. Also, book your airport transportation or rental car in advance. If you’ll be driving abroad, check which side of the road they drive on and consider renting a GPS—especially if you won’t have data coverage via your phone.
In summary: destination wedding photography is a remarkable opportunity—filled with stunning backdrops, adventurous travel, and unforgettable moments. But it also demands thoughtful planning. From researching the legal and local context to setting up your travel and gear logistics, each step helps ensure that you arrive confident, well-prepared, and ready to capture meaningful images.
