Planning Your First Destination Wedding Photography Gig: A Guide

Planning a destination wedding can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to choosing a photographer. It is one of the most important decisions you'll make while wedding planning, as the photographer will be responsible for capturing the memories of your special day. When choosing a destination wedding photographer, it's essential to consider their travel experience and ability to plan for unexpected elements. This includes knowing how to pack light and safely, navigate different border controls, and account for travel mishaps. Researching and booking a destination wedding photographer with the right skills and experience will ensure you receive a flawless finished product, no matter what surprises may arise along the way.

Choosing a destination first

Choosing a destination is the first step in selecting a wedding photographer. If you have a specific spot in mind, narrow down a couple of dates and locations. If you're flexible on location, your photographer might be able to help you decide.

Once you've chosen your destination, it's important to select a photographer with experience in destination weddings. They will be able to plan for elements that other photographers might not realise exist, such as packing light and safe, and different border controls.

Your photographer should also be able to book their own accommodation and flights, and plan for travel mishaps. They should be able to show up as a seasoned pro, so make sure they do plenty of research before the big day.

Booking accommodation and flights

Planning a wedding in any location is a long process with many moving parts, but organising a destination wedding comes with additional challenges. When it comes to booking accommodation and flights, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Firstly, it's important to book your own accommodation and flights as a destination wedding photographer. This ensures that you have control over your travel arrangements and can account for any travel mishaps. It's also a good idea to book accommodation that is close to the wedding venue to minimise travel time on the day of the wedding.

When booking flights, it's crucial to allow enough time for travel mishaps and potential delays. You may also need to consider different border controls and visa requirements, especially if you're travelling to a country with strict entry requirements. It's always a good idea to have a valid passport and any necessary visas well in advance of your trip.

Additionally, when booking accommodation, it's important to consider the needs of the couple and the wedding party. For example, if the couple is looking for a more intimate setting, a smaller boutique hotel or villa may be more suitable. On the other hand, if they're planning a large celebration, a resort or hotel with ample event space may be a better option.

Finally, it's worth noting that destination weddings often come with perks that can streamline the planning process. Many resorts offer all-inclusive packages that include the ceremony, reception, and accommodation for the wedding party and guests. This can help to reduce the number of separate bookings and make the planning process more manageable.

Prepping and packing equipment

When it comes to prepping and packing equipment for a destination wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to be intentional with every item you bring. You want to make sure you have everything you need without overpacking, as you'll be transporting thousands of dollars worth of gear.

One way to ensure you don't forget anything is to create a packing list and print and laminate it. This way, you can make sure you have everything you need and can rest assured that your gear is safe and sound during transit. It's also a good idea to pack a backup camera body, lens, and flash. That way, if you don't have a second shooter and one of your items has issues, you'll be prepared.

When it comes to lenses, zoom lenses are a great option for destination weddings as they are more versatile than prime lenses. However, it can still be a good idea to pack a prime lens or two to add more variety and interest to your photographs.

Finally, don't forget to consider the power and light quality you'll need. For example, Phottix Mitros+ Flashes can provide both power and light quality without taking up too much space.

Planning for different border controls

A destination wedding photographer should know how to pack light and safely, and be able to plan for different border controls. They should know the difference between an Embraer plane and a Boeing 737, and whether they need to check their gear. It is also important that they book enough time to account for travel mishaps.

When choosing a destination wedding photographer, it is important to first decide on your destination and narrow down a couple of dates and locations. If you are flexible on location, your photographer may be able to help you choose.

Researching the location

Once you have decided on your destination, it is time to start researching the location. This is an important step as it will help you understand the local area and any potential challenges you may face.

Start by looking at the practicalities of the location. How easy is it to get to? Are there direct flights or will you need to take multiple modes of transport? This will impact how you pack and transport your equipment. It is also worth researching any potential travel mishaps that could occur and how to deal with them. For example, different border controls and plane types may affect what equipment you can bring and how you pack it.

Researching the local area will also help you understand the local culture and customs. This can be useful when planning the wedding and dealing with local suppliers and vendors. It is also beneficial to know about any potential language barriers and how you will communicate with people.

Additionally, it is worth looking into the local laws and regulations regarding weddings and photography. This will ensure you are compliant and aware of any potential issues. Understanding the local weather and climate is also key, as this can impact your equipment and how you shoot the wedding.

Finally, it is a good idea to research potential locations for the wedding ceremony and reception. This will help you understand the layout and any potential challenges or benefits of the space. It is also beneficial to know about any local attractions or landmarks that could be used for photos.

Frequently asked questions