The answers to that question are probably far simpler than you would think. If you absolutely LOVE a photographer’s style, but they’re out of the area you’re getting married in, you should definitely ask if they would be willing to travel. Most photographers would be stoked to have the opportunity and to be quite frank with you, loving your photographer’s style is the second most important factor in hiring a photographer. In my mind, first is that you vibe personality wise and second is that you love their style. These two things are essential in preventing your disappointment. I’ve been doing this for 8 years, and I promise, I have the process down to a science.

Can I afford a destination photographer?

To be quite honest, a lot of the time, a destination wedding photographer (what traveling wedding photographers are widely called) is actually going to be surprisingly affordable for you. As for myself, I only charge for accommodations, and this is actually a flat fee that I tack on to cover things like my flight, and my hotel stay. Usually this is included in the package you choose, if you’re having a full wedding day. (However, I am about an adventure elopement anywhere you can dream up so don’t sleep on hiring me for those, either. ) I don’t charge a crazy, astronomical fee, I only charge for the day before and the day of your wedding, so we aren’t talking about a 7 day paid vacation. There are other benefits to hiring a destination photographer, as well. Read on to see more.

Contact me for a custom quote for your destination wedding!

gilbert cellars wedding in yakima, washington, photographed by documentary wedding photographer on 35mm film — Yakima, Washington

Surprising reasons to hire a destination photographer:

If your photographer has never been to or photographed at your venue, this is actually a VERY good thing! I think a common misconception is that you need your photographer to be very familiar with the venue you’ve chosen, but in my humble opinion, this couldn’t be further from being correct. Honestly, when I go to a new venue or a new state or new town to photograph a wedding, I am SUPER PUMPED UP which means I am feeling extremely creative. Photographing weddings at the same venues over and over and over again without stepping foot inside new spaces gets very redundant, and personally for me, it drains my creativity. I need some kind of newness and excitement to really lean into my creative brain, whether that be a funky wedding theme or a wedding across the country.
I like to travel, which means I will absolutely be OVER THE TOP enthusiastic about your wedding. My clients here in Wilmington know, I’m continually always and forever excited about my clients weddings, but travel will send me over the edge for sure! Hahah!
Sometimes you can receive special discounts on certain destinations! I know I have a bucket list of dream wedding locations that I offer discounts for!!

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