4 Ways to Prepare for Your Destination Wedding Photography

Today I’m going to share 4 ways you can prepare for your destination wedding photography before you even pack your bags. Believe or not, preparation starts way before you board a plane to your destination. Follow these tips to make sure that when the big day comes, everything runs smoothly.

Destination wedding photography tips — Photo Credit: Sylvia Guardia

Remember to Pack the Details

Credit: Kristen Marie Weddings & Portraits | See more of these wedding photos

Details are my thing:) I love seeing photos of every single aspect of the wedding. But when I got married, I forgot to bring one of my invitations to my destination, so I never got a professional photograph of my pretty awesome invitations. I was really bummed. Don’t let it happen to you. Remember to pack one of your invitations and any other details you want your photographer to capture. If you’re handing out welcome bags, keep an extra one for your photographer to take a picture of. Bridesmaid gifts and the groom’s gift are other details that can be easily overlooked.

Make Sure You Coordinate Travel Plans with Your Photographer

If you’re hiring a destination wedding photographer, get confirmation about when they’re planning to fly into your wedding location. Last minute travel should be avoided, if possible, due to the risk of travel delays/cancellations.

Make sure you coordinate the time with your hair/makeup stylists, parents, and bridal party to ensure everyone is in your hotel room when the photographer arrives to capture those precious getting ready moments.

Credit: Magdalena Studios | See more of this destination wedding in Key Largo

Preparing to Trash the dress

I’m a huge, HUGE fan of trash-the-dress photo shoots. If this is part of your destination wedding photography package, coordinate the time/place well ahead of time.

If you’re taking the pictures the day after your wedding, think about whether you’ll need to hire your hair/make-up artist again or if you’ll just do it yourself. Will you wear your wedding dress or buy a second gown that’s more casual?

If your photographer isn’t local, ask them if they’re familiar with the local hot spots. If not, ask if they will scout locations beforehand or leverage the expertise of your wedding planner/resort coordinator to suggest locations.

Photo Credit: Damien Gobron | See more of this trash the dress

The Group Shot

Because of the intimate nature of destination weddings, a group shot with all your guests is such an awesome way to involve everyone who came from so far to be a part of your big day. If you want a group shot, make sure you tell your photographer ahead of time because it might not be on their radar.