If you’re thinking about whether a destination wedding is the perfect choice for your wedding day, pull up a chair. As a wedding photographer who’s captured love stories from tropical beaches to mountain peaks, I’ve witnessed firsthand why couples are increasingly choosing to say “I do” far from home. Let’s explore why celebrating your wedding in a dream location could be the absolute best choice for you.

A World of Possibilities Awaits– Literally

Unlike traditional local venues that might book years in advance, exotic locations offer diverse settings that can match your vision. Whether you dream of getting married in a cave in Santorini (yes, literally underground!), on a glacier in Iceland where you have to hike in your formal attire, or at a tequila distillery in Mexico where you can do shots with your grandparents during happy hour, you’ll get incredible photos that feel like your definition of adventure.

The beauty of planning a far-away celebration lies in the freedom to create something totally yours. If you both love the beach and the smell of the salty air, why not center that at a wedding in the Caribbean? If you love hiking and are always hitting a new trail with your dog, book a flight to Sierra Nevada for some of the best mountain views in the world.

You can incorporate local traditions, cuisine, and cultural elements to make your day exactly that– yours.

The Sweet Spot: Where Budget Meets Beauty

Spoiler alert: Many of my couples actually spend less on their destination wedding than they would have locally. I know, I know – it sounds backwards, but hear me out.

That $15,000 ballroom rental in your hometown? Try a beachfront resort in Mexico where your ceremony, reception, and accommodations are bundled for $8,000 total. Many all-inclusive resorts throw in perks like florals and spa credits when you book their wedding package. You’d be surprised by how the cost-effective weddings abroad are compared to the US.

Now, the decor. When your “venue” is a cliff overlooking the Pacific or a garden in Tuscany, you’re not dropping thousands on centerpieces and lighting. Nature is doing the heavy lifting, and trust me – she’s got better taste than most wedding planners.

Creating a Buzz: When Your Wedding Becomes Everyone’s Dream Getaway

Instead of your guests showing up for a 6-hour wedding day, they’re getting off planes with vacation energy and staying for 4-5 days. Suddenly, your wedding isn’t just an event – it’s the centerpiece of everyone’s annual vacation.

Your college friends who haven’t seen each other in years are hanging out by the pool the day before your ceremony, reconnecting over cocktails. Your family members are trying new foods together, exploring local markets, maybe even taking a cooking class as a group. Your wedding day is the highlight of the trip– but it won’t be the only thing that’ll make it special when they’re experiencing a new place entirely.

Picture a wedding in Costa Rica, where you can organize a group zip-lining adventure the day after you say “I do.” Can you imagine your great-aunt flying through the rainforest canopy? Because those photos would be epic– and I’d be there to tell the tale.

The vacation vibe also means people dress down between events. I love capturing candid moments of the bride in a sundress and flip-flops, laughing with her bridesmaids over breakfast. These authentic, relaxed moments often end up being couples’ favorite photos.

A destination wedding= way more photo ops.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving: Your Forever Anniversary Spot

When you choose to marry in a special location, you’re not just planning one special trip – you’re creating your go-to anniversary spot for LIFE. You can return to the place again and again to step back into your wedding day. Talk about nostalgia. 

Many couples tell me that having their wedding photos taken in such a spectacular location makes their anniversary returns even more special. Imagine getting married in Bali, and every year going back to recreate your first dance photo at the same spot. In 5 years, you’d have 5 versions of the same photo. And maybe in that last one, there’s a baby bump in the photo or you’re holding your newborn. That’s the magic of destination weddings.

BONUS: Since you’re already abroad, couples often will take a train, rent a car, or take a much cheaper flight to their Honeymoon destination. The convenience is ah-mazing.

The Place That Becomes Your “Remember When” Story

The journey to your wedding location becomes part of your love story. You have the option to hire me as you journey through the airport and to their accommodations so you can capture all the special moments leading up to the wedding.

Every time you see photos of that place, taste food from that region, or meet someone from that area, you’re reminded of your wedding—a feeling you can’t get when you have a buffer in your hometown. This ongoing connection adds sweetness to everyday moments and keeps your wedding memories alive in ALL THE WAYS you never expected.

Taking Flight Together: Your First Adventure as a Team

Choosing a destination wedding is about embracing adventure and stepping out of your day-to-say to create new memories. It’s also a cheesy metaphor for marriage itself– taking a leap of faith, exploring new territory, and trusting that the journey will be worth it.

The planning process also tends to be less stressful than traditional wedding coordination. You’re removed from local family pressures and vendor politics, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – celebrating your love with your favorite people. Many resorts and venues offer dedicated wedding coordinators who handle the logistics, letting you kick back with a cocktail to enjoy every second of the experience.

Less Crowd, More Love: The Magic of Intimate Celebrations

Away-from-home weddings naturally create more intimate celebrations. With the potential for a smaller guest list comes the opportunity for deeper connections and more personal moments. You’ll actually have time to talk with each guest and create memories that extend beyond posed photos and reception dancing. This can look like– sitting down together to admire the scenery, incorporating local culture and cuisine into photos, and getting a photo of you squeezing each and every guest.

Planning and experiencing your wedding in a new place together creates a shared adventure that becomes part of your foundation as married partners. You’ll have inside jokes, special memories, and a unique story that’s entirely yours.

Picture-Perfect Moments That’ll Make You Buzz with Joy

From golden hour beach sessions to dramatic mountain backdrops, these settings provide natural beauty that requires minimal styling or setup. The authentic joy and relaxation that comes from celebrating in paradise translates beautifully in photos, creating images that you’ll want to look back on again and again (and again).

Your Adventure Awaits (And So Do I!)

Destination weddings offer the opportunity to create something truly special – a celebration that reflects your story AND creates brand new memories with your favorite people. From the enhanced intimacy of a smaller guest list to the natural beauty that requires minimal decoration, these celebrations have a way of focusing on what matters most: your commitment to each other.

The shared adventure, the new experiences, and the stunning photography opportunities all combine to create a treasure trove of memories that will start your marriage off on the sweetest note.

If you’re considering a destination wedding and want to capture every beautiful moment of your adventure, I’d love to help bring your vision to life. Let’s chat about how we can create stunning photography that tells your love story against the backdrop of your dream destination.