Destination Weddings And The Wedding Photography

Especially during poor economic times, Destination Weddings become that much more attractive. But you would be remiss if you didn’t make yourself aware of potential pitfalls.

The Positives

- Overall, it is cheaper. Usually, take care of their own air and hotel expenses, which also affords them the opportunity for a nice vacation, especially during the chilly season.

- You’re getting married in a magical sopt with glorious panoramas that make the wedding photography that much more unforgettable.

- There is a fairytale quality to sealing the deal in a far off place that’s warm and lush. It certainly won’t be like the usual weddings back in the city.

- The resort generally plans all the particulars including setting you up with a local wedding photographer (more on this ahead).

- By having your wedding far from home likely only the people you truly want to be there will show up because of the scheduling and financial requirements. This is a good way to dodge a potentially touchy guest list for a home wedding.

Potential Drawbacks

- It might be difficult for a few beloved people to join you due to valid bona fide] obstacles (ie) financial, having young children, inability to take time off from work, etc.  Ironically, you may end up having a hard time fathoming why a loved one can’t come – though they may well be justified.

- Did you have a chance to visit the island before the big day?  If not, you may show up right before the allotted day and see things not to your liking.  Happily, big problems rarely crop up. Regardless, it’s critical to have clear communication with the Event Organizer to mitigate any issues that may arise.

- Many destination weddings happen during the winter. When creating the schedule don’t forget that if the wedding is in the late fall, winter or early spring, disappearing light will be a factor after approximately 5 o’clock. Therefore, if the ceremony is 3:30 or later the post-ceremony pictures might be compromised. The sun will vanish and before you know it it will be dark. The beautiful background will become all but invisible and you might as well be photographing a wedding in Baltimore – which kind of defeats one of the main purposes of having a destination wedding (ie) the glorious background and the accompanying pictures.  Remember, all you have left afterwards is your wedding photography.

- If you choose a local photographer, firstly, most are not all that experienced. Secondly, not only are you are usually not paying less, sometimes you’re outlaying more than if you brought in your own photographer.  Thirdly, once you return home, if you have any issues with the photographer you are a few thousand miles away. What if they are not calling you back? What if you don’t get your pictures?  That is a nightmare situation. On the other hand, you can hire a photographer from your home town who does destination weddings. In this case you actually meet your photographer way ahead of time and possibly even do engagement photos.  In short, you create a connection with the person who is going to be capturing your wedding. Most siginicantly, God forbid there are any issues, you know where they live and you have some recourse.

- Now, there is something you must take note of if you decide to book a destination wedding photography company from your own town. Foreign photographers require permits to “officially” ply their trade in most destination locales. For the Bahamas, the permit costs $300. Now, your photographer can travel incognito and say they are one of your guests. This can be risky.  What if they don’t believe you, especially once they’ve rifled through your luggage and found all your equipment?  They may not let you photograph the wedding – Yikes! If your photographer is going to fly under the radar they should bring as little gear as possible to not attract attention. Or, you can go the safe route and get the permit.

There is much to appreciate about having a destination wedding. It can be and almost always is a magical experience. Just be aware of the aforementioned issues that may put a crimp in the plans.