- In traditional weddings, the bride and groom can find local photographers at bridal fairs and ask friends for references of photographers in the area. Finding a destination wedding photographer requires either finding a photographer who lives and works in the destination where you'll be married or finding one who is willing to travel to your destination. Destination wedding planners and location coordinators are a good resource to help you find photographers in your destination who are already familiar with the area. Planners and resort coordinators can occasionally even help you book their recommended photographer.
- Pricing for destination wedding photography can vary widely. Some destination wedding resorts staff their own photography team. If you use a staff photographer at your destination wedding location, you may get a better deal than hiring an independent photographer; some resorts even include photography in their destination wedding packages to help cut costs.
- Another option is hiring an independent photographer from the area where you will be having your wedding. Pricing for independent photography services vary on the experience of the photographer as well as the area where you are having the wedding. If your wedding is in another country, and the exchange rate is favorable to the American dollar, you may hire a photographer for a fraction of the price that you would pay for wedding photography in the United States. You may also end up paying more in a country with an unfavorable exchange rate.
- If you choose to hire a photographer locally and have him travel to your wedding location, keep in mind that you will have to pay for his travel expenses, which may include resort costs, airfare and travel permits. The Knot (see "Resources") recommends giving him a per diem spending allowance for food, as well as scheduling his arrival for 24 hours ahead of the wedding so he has time to get on another flight in case of a delay or emergency.
- No matter who you hire, spend time with the photographer before the ceremony to make sure you feel at ease and that he is aware of key scheduling issues and important family members at your wedding. It is easy to find time to meet with a photographer you hire and have travel with you, but this can be tricky if you hire someone at the location of your destination wedding.
- Another important thing to consider for destination wedding photography is the photographer's familiarity with the location. While you may have a photographer you want to travel with you to the destination, keep in mind that a photographer who is unfamiliar with the area you're marrying at may have a difficult time getting good shots. Choose an experienced, professional destination wedding photographer if you want him to travel with you, so that he knows exactly what to look for and how to familiarize himself with the destination.
