Planning a destination wedding is very similar to planning to planning a traditional wedding, just on a smaller scale. For today’s Wedding Tip Wednesday post, I’m going to share 3 tips for planning your perfect destination wedding!

Couples often decide to elope at an epic destination or have a very small, intimate affair with very close family and friends because the traditional wedding route just isn’t for them. Especially in the post-Covid world, I’ve seen a shift in the way people view weddings. Delicately planned intimate weddings are trending and I’m all for it. Last year, we shot a beautiful destination wedding in Naples, Florida. I’ve photographed countless mountain top ceremonies and beautiful weddings on the smaller scale. Here are 3 tips I have for couples who are opting for the destination wedding route:

1. Choose Your Location

Someplace tropical, an epic mountaintop location, or even an amazing city! I highly recommend you choose a location that symbolizes your love. Think about what you envision your images to look like. Are you two hiking or beach lovers? It should be a place that helps tell the beginning of your love story.

Once you decide on location, start searching for vendors who travel to that area or are based there. Whether you decide on something in the states or international, choosing the best vendors for your destination wedding is key. I’ve documented weddings in a variety of locations and love to travel! Be sure to sort through recommendations from your wedding planner.

2. Find Accommodations

Like I mentioned earlier, destination weddings often have the same planning components of local weddings. Deciding on budget, guest count (if any) and vendors are still key in the planning process. But if you aren’t local to the destination you decide, you will have to find the best accommodations for you and your guests. If you live somewhere close to your destination, some of the travel components do not apply, but be sure to make accommodations for your guests who may be traveling.

3. Create a day that’s special to you

While there are a lot of moving parts for destination weddings, the most important thing is to create a day (or an entire week long trip) that’s special to you two. After all, it’s still your wedding! Depending on your location, destination weddings can be a great way to use your budget for the things that are most important to you both. A smaller guest list means you can splurge on your favorite photographer. A private ceremony with just your officiant can allow flexibility on your date and ceremony time. The options for planning a destination wedding are endless. Whether you want to elope to a tropical beach or have an intimate ceremony in the mountains with your closest family and friends, I will be there! Don’t lose sight of why you’re getting married in the first place.

If you have questions about planning a destination wedding, please reach out! I have amazing planner friends who specialize in destination weddings and would love to help you! Planning a destination wedding doesn’t have to be stressful. Also, if you’re wondering, yes, I will travel! 😉

Never miss a blog post! Sign up for my email list here. Want to see another wedding tip Wednesday post? Click here!

xoxo,
Zoe