In 2015 I was everywhere shooting destination weddings! I have been present when both couples form the UK and places such as Australia have tied the knot in a romantic destination.

I was up and down the UK from Northumberland to Essex as well as all over the world shooting in Venice, Verona, Munich and even Cancun, Mexico!!

Below are just a few pros and cons or booking a photographer like myself to go with you on your destination wedding. All have solutions that can help, however it all comes down to how you personally feel at the end of the day.

If you choose to go for a UK based photographer, see how they price their destination packages. See if they charge day rates, if you get to choose the flights etc. etc.

For me personally, as a destination photographer my clients choose from the packages below which include flights and a nights accommodation. I arrive the evening before your wedding as being there the day before ensures I am there in plenty of time. It also gives us a chance to do a pre-wedding session (if wanted) in the beautiful location/climate that they have chosen. Then, If I finish on time I will leave that evening if not the following morning.

I alway ensure we meet in the UK before hand so that they can view my albums and also meet me in person so we both know we get on well. This is my process and every photographer is different. So make sure you ask as many questions as you can if you go down the UK Photographer route.

Pros for UK based Photographer:

They speak English.

You can meet with them before your wedding day and get to know them and discuss your photography needs.

They are “down the road” if there are any issues with the images or album.

They are there for your day and your day only.

You can see their work/albums.

Cons for UK based Photographer:

They may not know the area in the country you choose to wed (but this shouldn’t really be an issue as a good photographer can photograph anywhere)

They may not speak the local language. (But there are phrase books and Google Translate)

There may be a delay with them arriving on time. (This can be avoided by having them fly out the day before)

Pros for Local Photographer:

They speak the local language.

They know the local area.

They will be there already.

Cons for Local photographer:

 They may not speak English.

You cannot meet with them before your day.

They may be shooting more then one wedding on the day if they are a “package deal” with your hotel.

They are in another country so harder to get in touch with if something goes wrong.

You can only see their online work to make a choice.

Take a look at my recent blog posts “An Italian Engagement” and “An Italian Wedding” to see some of my recent destination work. Also keep an eye out for “A Wedding in Verona” and “A Wedding in Mexico” to see the destination weddings I shot in the week leading up to Christmas.