Destination Weddings: Tips for Hiring the Right Photographer

Planning a wedding far from home is exciting, romantic, and just a little bit overwhelming—especially when it comes to choosing the right photographer. The stunning scenery of a destination wedding deserves to be captured perfectly, and not every photographer is up to the task. As someone who’s worked with couples tying the knot across New Zealand and beyond, I know how important it is to find the right fit. Here’s what you need to know when hiring a destination wedding photographer.

1. Look for Experience with Destination Weddings

Not all wedding photographers are experienced with destination shoots. Travel logistics, unfamiliar lighting conditions, and unique cultural or environmental factors can make destination weddings more challenging than your average local event. You want someone who knows how to handle unpredictable weather, work with natural light, and still get those magical shots under pressure.

When you’re doing your research, ask potential photographers if they’ve shot destination weddings before. Don’t be afraid to request a full gallery from a real destination wedding—not just a styled shoot or a few Instagram-worthy images. This will give you a better idea of how they handle the flow of the day from beginning to end.

2. Check Their Travel Policy & Costs

Every photographer has their own policy when it comes to travel. Some include travel fees in their packages, while others will quote separately for flights, accommodation, and transport. Make sure you’re clear on what’s included before you book. It’s also a good idea to ask how they handle delays or changes in travel plans—because let’s face it, things don’t always go smoothly when you’re dealing with airports and customs.

Personally, I always aim to arrive a day or two early to scout the location, meet the couple, and adjust to the local conditions. That extra preparation time makes a big difference in how smoothly everything runs on the day.

3. Prioritise Communication and Flexibility

Planning a wedding from afar means you’ll rely heavily on your vendors’ communication skills. Your photographer should be responsive, clear, and easy to reach—whether it’s via email, Zoom, or DM. Don’t underestimate the importance of feeling comfortable and confident in your conversations. You’ll be spending a big part of your wedding day with this person, so it’s essential you vibe well.

Flexibility is another big one. Destination weddings often come with last-minute changes—weather shifts, venue tweaks, or timing adjustments. A great photographer will roll with the punches and still manage to capture your day beautifully.

4. Review Portfolios with a Critical Eye

When browsing through portfolios, pay attention to more than just the pretty pictures. Look at how the photographer tells a story through their work. Do the images capture genuine emotion? Are there candid moments as well as the posed ones? Do they make good use of the location in the composition?

If your wedding is in a tropical setting, vineyard, mountain lodge, or beachside venue, try to find examples of similar environments in their past work. A photographer who can work magic with natural light and scenic backdrops will elevate your destination wedding photos from lovely to unforgettable.

5. Ask About Backup Plans

Destination weddings can be unpredictable. Flights get cancelled, gear gets delayed, weather changes in a heartbeat. Make sure your photographer has a solid backup plan. Do they bring backup gear? Do they have insurance? What happens if they can’t make it due to travel issues?

These questions might feel awkward, but trust me—any experienced destination wedding photographer will appreciate your thoroughness. It’s all about peace of mind, so you can focus on enjoying your big day.

6. Consider a Local vs. Travel Photographer

Sometimes couples are torn between hiring a local photographer at the destination or flying someone in. There are pros and cons to both. A local photographer knows the best spots and has insider knowledge of the area, while a photographer you bring with you may be someone you already know and trust.

If you go with a local, be sure to check references and reviews carefully. If you fly someone in, make sure they’re genuinely excited about the adventure and up for the challenge.

Hiring the right photographer for your destination wedding isn’t just about who takes the prettiest pictures—it’s about finding someone who understands your vision, adapts to the unexpected, and captures every moment with care and creativity. Whether you’re getting married in Queenstown, Bali, or somewhere even more exotic, the right photographer will make sure your memories are preserved beautifully.