As a wedding photographer of eight years who had a destination wedding herself, this is a route I am telling you to not overlook when you start your planning process. When Syd and Derek first hired me, they were actually planning on having a large Midwest gathering. However, when their possible wedding venue wasn’t putting their best foot forward they began to reconsider their options! That’s when they asked if I would go to Mexico with them. You can probably figure out what my answer to that was!

So yes, I definitely think that hosting a destination wedding is a solid plan! After having one of my own and helping Sydney and Derek plan their tropical celebration, I have some insight on the whole thing! For those considering jetting off to a beautiful place with your loved ones- you might want to keep reading.

Why you should check yes to destination

I will die on this hill- wedding days FLY by. If I could pick any super power, it would be the ability to bring each of my client’s wedding days to snail pace. Maybe then they would have ample time to enjoy it with all of their guests. Unfortunately, I do not have the power to slow down time but there is a way to maximize your time with your people during your wedding celebrations. You guessed it, chose destination.

Generally, a destination wedding takes place where neither you or your guests live. So most people will make it into a vacation- time to get away from their normal lives AND most importantly, celebrate you! Just like that, you have multiple days with your best people instead of just a few precious hours. By the time that I saw Sydney and Derek, they had already enjoyed a full twenty four hours with their best friends and family and had a whole week left to look forward to! Can you imagine having days to hang out with everyone instead stressing that you might not even say hello to all your guests? Y’all, time is so freaking valuable. Especially the time surrounding your wedding day.

Time will forever and always be my number one reason to have a destination wedding! Followed by- vacation with your favorite people (who doesn’t want that?), epic photos (again who doesn’t want it- I mean just look at these tequila and sunshine filled images), and endless memories.

The checklist before checking yes to destination

So now you know all about why I think hoping on a plane with your favorite people is a fabulous idea! However, I also believe there are a few important things for you to consider before jumping in head first!

1. It is possible a destination wedding may be cheaper for you because they are often more intimate! However, you are asking your guests to spend more to come and celebrate with you! This is super important to consider when choosing a location! Make sure you are comfortable asking your most important people to spend it!
2. Make a list of non-negotiable friends and family to confirm it is doable for them! You may have to be ok with some people you really want there not being able to attend.
3. Find a travel agent and let them do their thing! Sydney and Derek’s travel agent, Jodi with Ever After Travel, was a travel wizard full of helpful deals, tips, and tricks!
4. Spend time researching the “rules” in areas that you are considering getting married! For example, my husband and I considered having our ceremony in Muir Woods but found they only allow 30 people to attend a ceremony there. We knew we would have about 50! We chose to go to Muir Beach Overlook instead! In Sydney and Derek’s case, they chose an all inclusive resort that took care of mostly everything! Just be sure to ask what their parameters are around bringing in your own vendors… cough, cough, such as a photographer.

Either way, I am always an advocate that you should chose the route that makes most sense for you! All I am saying is, I don’t know anyone who has chosen destination and regrets it! So grab your bags and your people, hire me, and let’s go somewhere cool. 😉