Having your wedding abroad? Here are
four things you'll need to discuss with
your photographer
Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular. After all, there’s a country which’ll appeal to every couple. From the elegance and timeless beauty of France, particularly in Provence and the French Riviera, to Iceland’s appeal to adventurous couples with its waterfalls, black sand beaches, and surreal volcanic scenery.
For inspiration, take a look at some of our destination wedding photography galleries.”
Whatever country you choose for your wedding (get inspired with these popular destinations), there are some factors you’ll need to consider when it comes to organising your photographer.
Travel and accommodation arrangements
First things first, there are some logistical details to sort – after which you can start planning the more fun parts of your day. Costs are the best place to start. Usually the engaged couple pays for travel and accommodation, but do clarify, as this may influence your decision to fly in a photographer or find someone in your chosen destination.
If your photographer isn’t local, you’ll need to consider how many nights they’ll need to stay. If you want them around from the early morning to capture getting ready shots and into the late evening for nighttime party photos, it’s best for them to have accommodation the night before and the night of the wedding. You may even consider hiring them to cover other events too – occasions like welcome dinners or day-after brunches are popular at destination weddings.
Your must-have photographs
It’s likely you’ll have chosen the destination for a reason and have some backdrops or scenery you want captured by your photographer. So make sure that you have an opportunity to speak to them in detail; you’ll be surprised how often couples have a photograph in mind but don’t think to emphasise how important that spot (or the key individuals in the photo) is to them. Sharing that early allows you photographer to consider the best time of day and location to get it just right for you. Some examples include:
- Iconic local landscapes
- Romantic sunset photographs of you and your new spouse
- Venue and decoration details
The timeline
Indeed, sharing the timeline of the day is important when it comes to planning photographs in the ideal lighting. Where you’re getting married will also impact this because different countries have different lighting challenges. For example, bright sun in Greece vs. moody skies in Scotland. So, for your photographer, knowing in advance what time all the key events are happening means they can properly prepare and tailor their approach to the conditions. This could be the lens they use, the camera settings, or even how or where they position themselves to capture their shots.
Deliverables
Along with the coverage expectations we’ve mentioned previously, you should also find out when you can expect to receive your photos and how they will be delivered (an online gallery or USB, for example). Delivery times may be longer due to the additional travel, but photographers often send a few examples early. They understand how excited couples are to see moments from their big day, so will want to share something as soon as possible.
Getting married abroad does require a bit of extra planning and preparation, but it’s worth it. When you’re looking back at your photos and remembering the wedding (and holiday) fondly, you’ll be happy you took the time to work with your photographer to capture the occasion perfectly.
Planning your own destination wedding? Discover how Cameraboss can capture your day abroad.”
