10 years ago, when I set out to photograph couples on their wedding day, I wrote down the three things that I loved the most, people, travel, and photography. I have since photographed couples in destinations spanning the globe from China to Italy and always get excited when someone inquires about destination wedding photography!
Wherever your dream destination wedding is taking place, as a destination wedding photographer and lifelong traveler, it will be my job to make the process of hiring me as stress-free as possible. Whether it’s a safari wedding in Kenya or a 7 day boat trip around the Caribbean, or the rooftop at the Four Seasons in Paris, I will lay out what it takes to hire me and what can be expected.
The only thing that really separates a destination wedding from a local wedding is distance. So wether that means you are hosting a destination wedding abroad or hosting a destination wedding where your guests come to you, my wedding photography services leading up to and on the wedding day will be the same.
What is Destination Wedding Photography
Destination wedding photography is the photographing and documenting of a destination wedding in which couples celebrate their nuptials in a destination of their choosing where a majority of the guests travel from out of town. The wedding can be an elopement, a more intimate wedding with under 50 guests, or a larger affair with hundreds of people. Couples have hired me as a destination wedding photographer on 6 of the 7 continents – currently looking for someone getting married in Antarctica… bueller… bueller, anyone…!
Why do couples choose destination weddings?
Many couples opt for a destination wedding for a couple of reasons. Often times, a destination wedding can be a bit less traditional, which takes some of the pressures off to impress. Another reason couples choose a destination wedding is so that they can extend their celebration for a few more days, while creating memories with their family and friends. Because destination weddings are often more intimate, options for a celebration can be more affordable for couples. Below I have compiled a list of just a few of my favorite destinations around the world and some ideas for non-traditional wedding locations and activities.
Destination Wedding Photography Locations
Cabo San Lucas Destination Wedding
For the romantic couple that wants a quick getaway with all the bells and whistles. Cabo San Lucas is just under 3 hours from Southern California which makes it an easy destination wedding location for many west coasters.
ONE & ONLY PALMILLA
- Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas
- Montage Los Cabos
- Flora Farms
- Acre Baja
- Cabo Surf Hotel
- Las Ventanas
- Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
- Hotel San Cristobal – Todos Santos
- The Cape, A Thompson Hotel
- Zadún, A Ritz Carlton Reserve
ESPERANZA RESORT CABO
Iceland Destination Wedding Photography
For the adventurous couple that doesn’t want to have a traditional wedding, or anything traditional at all. There are many cliffs and waterfalls and icebergs to exchange your wedding vows. Invite your friends and family on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, complete with snorkeling through the tectonic plates, masking and swimming in blue lagoon, and snowmobiling on glaciers.
Safari Wedding
For the ultimate animal-loving couple; a safari wedding is surely one to remember. Whisk your family and friends off for an adventure of a lifetime visiting different countries and camps as you go on game drives for the big 5 and helicopter to sun downers.
SEGERA RETREAT LODGE
- Ol Malo, Kenya
- Ol Jogi Home, Kenya
- Singita Sabi Sand, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa
- Finch Hattons Luxury Camp, Kenya
- Loisaba, Kenya
- The Highlands, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
- The Bushcamp Company’s Mfuwe Lodge, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
- Gibb’s Farm, Karatu, Tanzania
- Lion Sands Game Reserve, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa
- Alfajiri, Kenya
- Mara Bushtops, Kenya
COTTARS 1920s SAFARI CAMP
Wedding in the Caribbean
Nothing says laid-back like a wedding in the Caribbean. A quick flight from NYC and you have your pick of over 7,000 islands! For those snowbirds that just need to thaw out, a Caribbean wedding is perfect for hosting a destination wedding. As your destination wedding photographer, my winter hands will thank you for some heat ;)!
ANGUILLA
- Jamaica
- British Virgin Islands (BVI)
- St. Lucia
- Turks & Caicos
- Antigua
- Harbour Island
- St. Kitts & Nevis
- Barbados
- Guadeloupe
- Grenada
- Bahamas
ST. BART’S
Destination Wedding Plans
These are just a few locations that I think would be great for a destination wedding. I have a whole list of places and access to planners and trip advisors that can help you with planning your destination wedding. I’d love to connect about your destination wedding photography!
Destination Wedding Photography
What are your Destination Wedding Photography Fees & Prices?
My destination wedding photography packages are the same as my local wedding photography packages. The only additional costs that can be incurred are as follows:
- Airfare: I book all of my own airfare, usually through Delta, as I am most familiar with their baggage restrictions and flying routes. I always fly main cabin and prices for flights are quoted just before I send out the contract.
- Baggage Fees: Should your destination wedding require any excess baggage fees, I will let you know with the quote prior to contract.
- Hotel Accommodations: This is based on your event schedule, but will typically be for 2 nights. I prefer arriving one day before your wedding events, such as welcome dinners or rehearsal dinners.
- Rental Car: Typically needed for 3 days, but can be quoted based on your wedding itinerary. I would need to book for the day I arrive through the day after your final event.
- Per Diem: I ask for $50 per day per photographer for meals on travel days and days on the events where we are not provided a formal meal.
How many photographers do we need to fly out?
Depending on your wedding size, timeline of events, event coverage needs, and locations, you may need to fly out at least 2 photographers, myself and my second photographer, for your destination wedding, arriving the day before your events begin. This gives us a cushion for any delays as well as gives us time to scout out your wedding venue.
Do you offer discounted packages for destination weddings?
Out of respect to all of my couples, I do not offer discounts for destination wedding photography packages, so the price would be the same as regular packages, with any additional costs for travel that may be needed.
Do you bring backup camera gear?
I bring the same gear to a destination wedding as I would to a local wedding. I have backups for my backups and other fun cameras in my bag. I bring off-camera lighting if I need to. Your destination wedding photos will be just as beautiful as any other wedding that I photograph.
Can you help us with our wedding timeline?
Absolutely! Most of my couples invest a lot in photography services and I would love to help you to make the most of that investment. The best way to have a stress-free wedding day is to hire vendors that know what they are doing and be confident in them.
A behind the scenes look at some destination photography work!
How to choose between wedding photographers
Let’s connect about your destination wedding photography needs!
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a message about your plans even if you are in the beginning stages!
Leila Brewster Photography
101 W. 67th St., NYC, NY 10023
Email: leila@leilabrewsterphotography.com
Phone: 949-939-3039
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