Essential Tips for Capturing Your Dream Destination Wedding Photos

Destination weddings offer an incredible opportunity to embrace the charm and beauty of an iconic location—whether it’s the sun-drenched coast of Italy, the romantic streets of Paris, or the picturesque landscapes of the French countryside. Every element of your celebration, from the stunning venue to the elegant florals, should be captured in a way that reflects the essence of the destination itself. When it comes to photography, it’s crucial to choose a photographer who understands how to document your wedding in a way that speaks to the culture of the location you’ve chosen.

Having shot weddings across Europe and from my own personal experience of getting married in France, I’ve come to realize that the way a wedding is photographed can vary greatly depending on the cultural perspective of the photographer. There’s a distinct difference between how an American photographer might approach a wedding versus a photographer who is deeply connected to the destination itself. In this post, I’ll explore how to ensure your destination wedding photography truly reflects the location, as well as your unique style.

1. Choose a Photographer Who Understands the Destination’s Culture and Aesthetic

When selecting a photographer for your destination wedding, it’s important to find someone whose style aligns with the culture of the place you’re getting married in. For example, if you’re marrying in Italy, a photographer who is familiar with the nuances of Italian weddings will approach the day in a way that complements the sophisticated yet laid-back atmosphere of the region. In contrast, an American photographer might lean toward more structured and posed shots, which may not capture the essence of your location.

In my own experience getting married in France, I chose a French photographer whose style reflected the understated elegance and romanticism that French weddings are known for. Their ability to capture the quiet beauty of the surroundings, as well as the intimate moments between the couple, helped create a collection of images that felt authentically French. As an American who can communicate some French, I appreciated how my photographer seamlessly incorporated the local culture and aesthetic into my wedding photos.

2. Understand How Shooting Styles Relate to Cultural Traditions

Each destination comes with its own set of traditions and cultural nuances that should be reflected in the way your wedding is photographed. For instance, in countries like France and Italy, weddings tend to emphasize simplicity, emotion, and the natural beauty of the surroundings. Photographers in these regions are often experts at capturing the raw moments of your day—whether it’s the subtle exchange of glances between the bride and groom or the reactions of your loved ones during the ceremony.

American photographers, however, might focus more on posed shots and picture-perfect moments, which can sometimes overlook the more intimate or spontaneous moments that define a European wedding. In Italy, for example, wedding portraits are often taken with an emphasis on the landscape, showing the couple’s connection to the surroundings rather than orchestrating every move. This approach results in photos that feel more natural and true to the vibe of the location.

If you’re looking for photographs that embody the spirit of your destination, it’s important to choose a photographer who understands how to blend the local cultural aesthetic with your personal style.

3. Capture Your Wedding Through the Lens of Local Traditions

One of the greatest benefits of having a photographer familiar with your destination is their ability to document your day through the lens of local traditions and customs. Photographers who are immersed in the culture of the location will know how to highlight the unique details of the ceremony, the local setting, and even the interactions between the couple and their guests.

For example, a photographer based in France will have an intimate understanding of how to capture a wedding in a vineyard or a château, making use of the light and landscape in a way that an outsider might miss. They’ll also know the local wedding customs, from the order of events to the subtle traditions that make the day unique.

An American photographer may not have this level of insight into the local culture, which could result in images that feel disconnected from the location. Choosing a photographer who is deeply familiar with the traditions and beauty of the area will ensure that your wedding photos reflect the true essence of your destination.

4. Choose a Photographer Who Can Tell the Story of Your Day with Style

As a photographer who specializes in blending analog film with digital photography, I aim to create a style that combines storytelling with editorial flair. I focus on capturing the natural progression of the day, from the quiet moments in the morning to the lively celebration in the evening. But I also approach each shot with the thoughtfulness of an editorial photographer, framing the scene in a way that highlights the beauty of the surroundings and the emotions of the couple.

This approach, which is inspired by my own experience getting married in France, allows me to document a wedding in a way that feels both timeless and modern. By combining film and digital photography, I can create a visual narrative that captures both the emotion of the day and the elegance of the location. This balance of storytelling and editorial photography is particularly well-suited to destination weddings, where the beauty of the surroundings is just as important as the moments shared by the couple.

5. Trust Your Photographer’s Local Knowledge and Expertise

When hiring a photographer for your destination wedding, it’s important to trust in their local knowledge and expertise. A photographer who has worked extensively in the region will know the best locations for portraits, how to utilize natural light to its fullest, and how to frame the wedding in a way that makes the most of the environment. They will also be familiar with the unique challenges of shooting in a foreign location, from dealing with language barriers to navigating unfamiliar venues.

For example, when I photographed weddings in Italy, I was able to make use of my knowledge of the local landscape, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the charming streets of Positano. I knew how to capture the unique beauty of the location without overcomplicating the shots. This ability to seamlessly blend the location with the couple’s story is something that comes from experience and understanding of the destination.

6. Find a Photographer Who Resonates with Your Vision

Lastly, it’s important to find a photographer whose style and vision resonate with yours. Whether you want to focus on intimate moments, the grandeur of the venue, or the personal details that make your day unique, your photographer should be able to bring your vision to life. This is where communication becomes key—making sure that you and your photographer are aligned in terms of style, expectations, and the overall feel of the wedding day.

For me, my approach is to mix documentary-style storytelling with an editorial flair. This allows me to capture authentic moments while also highlighting the beauty and elegance of the setting. When you’re working with a photographer who shares your vision, you can trust that your wedding photos will reflect your love story and the essence of your destination.

Conclusion

Destination weddings are an opportunity to immerse yourself in a location that holds personal meaning, and the way your wedding is documented should reflect the beauty and culture of that place. By choosing a photographer who understands the local culture, has a deep connection to the destination, and shares your vision for the day, you’ll be able to preserve the memories of your wedding in a way that is as timeless and elegant as the location itself.

For couples seeking a refined and personal approach to destination wedding photography, it’s essential to trust your photographer’s expertise and style. With the right photographer, your wedding day will be documented with a blend of storytelling and editorial flair that beautifully captures the essence of both your love and the destination you’ve chosen.

Bonus Section

How I Prepare for Destination Weddings: Scouting Locations and Crafting the Vision

One of the most exciting (and sometimes challenging) aspects of destination weddings is location scouting. Since I’m based in the U.S., it’s not always possible to visit the wedding venue ahead of time, but that doesn’t mean I don’t put in the work to ensure that every shot is intentional and beautifully executed.

I take my location scouting seriously because it’s an essential part of capturing the essence of the place you’ve chosen to say “I do.” Whether you’re getting married in the rolling hills of Tuscany, the streets of Paris, or the sun-soaked beaches of the Amalfi Coast, the setting is just as important as the moments between you and your guests. That’s why I do everything I can to understand your destination and how it will shape your wedding photos.

1. The Virtual Prep Work: Research and Inspiration

Before I even step foot in your destination, I dive deep into online research. I study the venue’s layout, explore the surrounding landscape, and dig into photos taken by other photographers. Websites like Google Maps/Earth and Instagram provide a great starting point to visualize how the location looks in different lighting conditions. This helps me identify potential photo spots and plan for the best times to take photos.

I also create mood boards filled with colors, textures, and visual elements that align with your vision for the day. These boards help me communicate the overall aesthetic and ensure that we’re all on the same page when it comes to capturing your day.

2. Arriving Early for Hands-On Scouting

here I am scouting for a portrait session a couple days before the wedding

Even though I can’t always do location scouting ahead of time, I always make sure to arrive a few days before the wedding. This gives me time to visit key locations—whether it’s the ceremony site, reception venue, or any nearby spots that could make for breathtaking portraits. I walk around, taking note of the light, the surroundings, and how they might complement the overall vibe of the wedding. This is where the magic happens, as I get to fine-tune the vision based on the real environment.

3. Flexibility and Discovery on the Day

Destination weddings are full of surprises. Sometimes the most beautiful photo opportunities arise when you least expect it. Whether it's an unexpected corner with perfect light or a spontaneous moment between the couple, being flexible is key to capturing the essence of your day. I’ve learned to embrace these moments of discovery, just as much as I plan for the known locations.

4. Collaboration with Local Experts

Another critical part of my process is collaborating with local vendors, planners, and coordinators. They know the ins and outs of the venue and its surroundings and can help me identify hidden gems that might not be immediately visible online. This collaboration ensures that we’re all aligned on how to best tell the story of your wedding, from the grand moments to the intimate details.

Incorporating This Into Your Wedding Photos

When I arrive, I bring with me all of the research and inspiration, ready to capture your wedding day in a way that celebrates both your love story and the location you’ve chosen. This balance of preparation and adaptability allows me to create a collection of images that feels both personal and true to the destination itself.

Whether your wedding is on the beaches of the Amalfi Coast, in the countryside of Tuscany, or in the heart of Paris, I aim to blend the beauty of the location with your unique vision for the day. By combining my digital and analog photography styles, along with a storytelling approach infused with editorial flair, I ensure that your photos are as timeless and beautiful as the destination itself.

Choose a Photographer Who Understands the Destination’s Culture and Aesthetic

Your destination wedding is more than just a celebration—it’s a chance to experience a new place, a new culture, and a new chapter in your love story. Ensuring that your photographer understands and captures the essence of the location is crucial for preserving those moments in the most authentic way. If you’re planning a wedding in an iconic destination and want to work with someone who truly understands the cultural nuances and beauty of your location, I’d love to help bring your vision to life.

Let’s Connect! Reach out today to discuss how we can craft a wedding photography experience that perfectly blends your unique love story with the charm of your destination.

Check out the full Florence Mood Board gallery by clicking the image below!