Ultimate Photography Tips for Destination Weddings

Your destination wedding is a day filled with unforgettable moments, and capturing those moments with the best wedding photos is essential. Whether it’s the joy of getting ready, the anticipation of the first look, or the beauty of the ceremony site, these wedding picture ideas will help you relive your wedding day for years to come. 

With so much to think about, it’s easy to overlook some key photo opportunities. In this guide, we’ll cover the must-have wedding photos that will document your destination wedding beautifully. Curious about which shots should top your list? Use this list of must-have photos for weddings to document the day perfectly.

1. Getting Ready Moments

The excitement and anticipation before your ceremony are moments you’ll want to remember. This is when the day truly begins, and those early hours are filled with joy, nerves, and shared smiles. Make sure your photographer captures these essential moments, from getting into your dress to the final touches of your makeup.

Include creative shots of your wedding accessories, like your shoes, jewelry, and bouquet, to complete the picture. This is also a perfect time to capture intimate moments, like a quiet reflection or a heartfelt exchange with a loved one.

2. A Private Picture

The first look is one of the most emotional moments of your wedding day. It’s the first time you and your partner see each other before the ceremony, and it’s a moment filled with raw emotion and anticipation. Capturing this private exchange allows you to look back on the joy, surprise, and love that you both felt in that instant.

Some couples prefer to keep this moment traditional, waiting until the ceremony to see each other. But if you choose to have a first look, it can bring a special, intimate memory just for the two of you. Whether it’s a tearful embrace or an excited laugh, this moment is pure and unscripted, making it one of the most meaningful shots in your album.

Be sure to choose a setting that enhances the emotion of the first look, whether it’s a quiet garden corner or a scenic overlook at your destination. Please discuss with your photographer how to best capture this moment, so it reflects the genuine connection between you and your partner.

3. The Ceremony Site

Your ceremony site is one of the most visually stunning aspects of your destination wedding, and capturing its beauty is a must. Whether you’re exchanging vows on a beach, in a lush garden, or at a historic venue, the setting you chose for photos plays a huge role in your wedding day’s atmosphere.

Make sure your photographer captures wide shots that show the entire venue, as well as close-ups that highlight the details you’ve carefully planned. This could include the floral arrangements, seating setup, or any personal touches that make the space uniquely yours. These wedding day pictures will allow you to relive the ceremony time after time.

Don’t forget to ask your photographer to take some shots before guests arrive. This way, you’ll have images of your ceremony site in its pristine condition, capturing the calm before the celebration begins.

4. Cherished Portraits of Family and Friends

Your wedding day wouldn’t be complete without the people who matter most to you. Capturing portraits of family and friends is a vital part of creating a wedding album that truly reflects the love and support surrounding you. These photos will be some of the most treasured, serving as a reminder of the people who shared in your special day.

Start with formal group shots immediately after the ceremony, when everyone is together and dressed their best. Make sure to get a mix of large group photos and smaller, more intimate groupings, such as with your parents, siblings, and closest friends. These images will be the ones you look back on fondly, appreciating the presence of those who helped make your day unforgettable.

In addition to formal portraits, ask your photographer to capture candid moments of your guests throughout the day. Whether it’s a laugh shared between friends or a tearful hug from a parent, these natural moments add depth and emotion to your wedding album.

Don’t miss out on including the younger members of your wedding party, like flower girls and ring bearers. Their youthful energy and excitement bring a special charm to your photos, and these images will be cherished as they grow up.

5. Reception Candids and Party Moments

The reception is where the true celebration begins, filled with joy and laughter. This part of the day is all about capturing the energy and excitement as you and your guests enjoy the festivities. These candid shots will bring your wedding album to life, showcasing the spontaneous moments that make your day one of a kind.

Start with the key moments, such as your first dance, the toasts, and the cake cutting. These are traditional highlights that deserve their place in your collection of must-have wedding photos. However, the real magic often happens in between—the stolen glances, shared laughs, and guests hitting the dance floor with abandon.

Encourage your photographer to move through the crowd, capturing the candid interactions that tell the true story of your celebration. Whether it’s a grandparent enjoying the music or a group of friends sharing a toast, these images will evoke the fun and emotion of the day every time you look at them.

10 Bridal Party Destination Wedding Photography Ideas

The time has finally come for you and your bridal party to get photoshoot ready! You’ve invested so much into your destination wedding, so now for the fun part: your wedding photos. Just like your aisle photographs, you’ll want amazing shots with your bridal party too. After all, you chose the people you love most to stand by your side on your special day, and they made the trip to share it with you. Make sure you have the photographs to treasure those memories with your bridal party.

When it comes to capturing the joy and excitement of your wedding day, the role of your wedding photographer is crucial, especially during your bridal party photoshoot. This is your opportunity to celebrate the bonds you share with your closest friends and family members, and a talented photographer will know just how to bring those emotions to life. From candid laughter to heartfelt moments, a skilled photographer can capture the essence of your relationships, creating stunning images that you will cherish for years to come.

Finding the right professional to document these precious moments is essential, and hiring a Wedding Photographer in Adelaide can ensure that you receive high-quality images that reflect your unique style and personality. Local photographers often have an intimate knowledge of the best venues and picturesque locations, helping to create a stunning backdrop for your bridal party photos.

Whether you’re dreaming of beachside shots at sunset or elegant portraits in a lush garden, an experienced wedding photographer will work with you to bring your vision to life. They’ll guide your bridal party through the photoshoot, capturing the fun and spontaneity that make these moments so special. With their expertise, you can relax and enjoy the process, knowing that your memories are being beautifully preserved.

Here are a few fun destination wedding photography ideas to bring to your oceanfront festivities:

1. Foreground vs. Background

It goes without saying that the gorgeous backgrounds of a destination wedding add a special pop to all the photos. Try using that to your advantage by posing in the foreground of the photo, and with your bridal party in the background. Juxtaposing subjects in the foreground and background adds depth to your photo, and captures the beauty of the destination without too many people crowded in front of the lens.

2. Know Your Levels

Photos are more interesting when the subjects are all different heights. However, in terms of destination wedding photography, paying attention to levels can really show off a landscape, while still keeping the subjects as the focus. Using multiple rows for people of different heights accentuates the layered look of the sand, shores and sky. This can be used for other landscapes, like mountains or forests as well.

3. Go Wide

Similar to paying mind to height in your photos, you can also spread out with your groomsmen and bridesmaids to cover more width. Forming a long line keeps the subjects of the photo in the midground, with elements of scenery in the front and the sky in the back. Too much of the background isn’t covered by bodies, and you can display even more of the striking destination by spreading out width-wise.

4. Aerial Photographs

You don’t need a drone to take advantage of the benefits of a bird’s eye view. Try taking photos from a higher angle that looks down on the subjects. Looking down rather than head-on captures more of the beautiful scenery than the ground the subjects stand on. For example, this photo features more of the beautiful blue waters than the stone ground. This technique is great in destination wedding photography as a way to show off the views as much as possible.

5. Frame the Background

When you get your destination wedding photos back, the first thing you’ll want to do is frame and display them! However, you don’t need to wait until then to create a frame. The couple can create a natural frame with their bodies that draws attention to the bridal party. In this photo, the bride and groom create a frame that even shows off the beautiful destination; with such a small hint of the blue waters and skies, the color really stands out.

6. Water in the Foreground

With everything you invest in your destination wedding, you’ll want to showcase the destination as much as possible. Using piers, boardwalks or similar structures over the water are the perfect way to do that. This photo on land would have ground in the foreground, the bride and her bridesmaids in the midground and the water and sky in the background. However, standing over the water cuts out any sand or dirt as the foreground and cuts straight to the beautiful ocean waters.

7. Cut the Foreground

Like the last idea, this photo cuts the ground from the foreground, but does it by photographing from the waist up. The photo eliminates would-be empty space in the sky and background because the subjects are lifting their bouquets to the sky and the top of the photo. It helps that they are standing on a balcony that looks over the water, so be sure to use a balcony or railing in your destination wedding photos if you have the chance.

8. Cloudescape Photographs

Cloudscape photography is a branch of photography that focuses on capturing clouds. However, you can use principles from this style in your destination wedding photography. Throwing objects like bouquets or other accessories in the air uses the full height of the photo, and draws attention to the clouds and sky, creating a unique background.

9. Use Harmonious Contrasting Colors

With a destination wedding, you’ll have your choice of stunning backdrops for your wedding photos. Be sure to choose backgrounds that complement (by contrasting) the colors of you and your bridal party’s outfits. The bright yellow dresses pop against the darker shades of green in this photo. Pay attention to how your colors interact with each other when you pick your photo spots!

10. Jump In!

Last but not least, if you’re feeling adventurous, take a dip in the water for your wedding photos. Many destination weddings have beautiful beaches, lakes or pools, and jumping right into the water is the perfect way to remember the scenery. It also makes for fun photos, and memories that will last a lifetime. You have to dry clean your dresses and tuxes anyway…might as well get your money’s worth!

Professional and Creative Destination Wedding Photography

It’s been a year since your enchanting destination wedding. You’re doing some spring cleaning when you find the photo album from that magical week. Flipping through pages filled with beaming smiles and ocean backdrops, the thought occurs: thank goodness for destination wedding photography.

Destination wedding photography encapsulates the essence of your special day. From striking poses with your bridal party to capturing your first dance, these photoshoots will provide lasting memories for you and your partner. Let’s explore how to secure the best destination wedding photographer for you:

How to Find a Destination Wedding Photographer

You don’t have to look far to find a top-tier destination wedding photographer. Your ideal professional is probably less than an hour away. With most wedding photographers based in major cities, a brief Google search should do the trick. But how do you pinpoint which photographer best fits your needs? Well, let’s look into the types of destination wedding photographers you can choose from:

Photojournalism: This style of destination wedding photography is all about telling a story. As compared to staged portraits, the photographer can capture candid, emotional moments.

Traditional: Traditional destination wedding photography, a more formal, classical photography style, involves plenty of posed shots.

Fine Art: All about compositions and stylized pictures that are dramatic. It’s a contemporary approach that produces pictures that are frame-worthy.

Fashion: Consider this style if you want photos that concentrate on your apparel and look like they belong in a magazine. Talk of imaginative backdrops and distinctive poses.

Vintage: To give your wedding images a retro feel, this style of photography uses filters and other techniques.

How much does a destination wedding photographer cost?

The quick response to how much a destination wedding photographer costs? It varies. The typical cost of the wedding photographer includes the following: tickets, lodging, meals, and transportation for two nights. Quotes run between $3,000 and $6,000 for most wedding photographers. Just add approximate travel prices for your particular destination to get a general idea.

How many photos do you get in a wedding package?

Interested in hiring a resort photographer? These on-site professionals also garner years of experience and positive reviews that’ll elevate your wedding ceremony. Even better, resorts such as Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana include a photographer with their higher-tiered packages. As far as quantity goes, however, expect a pretty wide variance in the number of photos you receive. For example, Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana’s photographer will provide the following services:

USB with 50 digital images

30 minutes of ceremony coverage

30 minutes photo shoot at beach/garden

This means possibly losing out on reception imagery. However, many wedding packages offer additional destination wedding photography with minimal fees. So, if you don’t mind paying a little more for extra photos, then book a resort photographer for a longer period of time.

What should I expect from my photographer during my wedding week?

Well, that’s also up to your to decide where and when you’d like to utilize your photographer. For your wedding ceremony, expect gorgeous backdrop shots of the entire venue. If you’re on a beach, prepare for classic couple poses by the sea, as well as fun group pictures on the sand. Want to trash the dress? Your destination wedding photographer will be ready to capture the entire moment with burst photography.

If you’re interested in a brunch photoshoot or family portraits, they will also be more than equipped to satisfy those desires. An important note: if you plan on using your photographer for more than one day, make sure you have enough money in the budget to pay for their additional accommodations.

What are the important questions to ask a photographer before booking?

So, you’ve met your photographer, both parties connect well, and you’re thinking about booking them for you wedding. Not so fast. Let’s take a look at some questions that you can and should ask before you put a down payment on them:

How would you describe your style?

Can I see a full album from a wedding?

Have you ever shot a wedding in my venue before?

How much are your packages and what do they include?

What happens if an emergency comes up and you can’t be present on my wedding day?

When and how will I receive my images?

How can my family members and friends order prints?

How many weddings do you photograph in a year?

What do you enjoy most about photographing weddings

Can I see a contract?

Aside from the stunning all-inclusive resort, destination wedding photography will complete your dream week of romance. No matter which photographer you hire, always remember: find the style that’s right for you and plan your budget accordingly. Oh, and prepare your Instagram followers for weeks of well-deserved reminiscing and sun-soaked images.

Destination Wedding Photography: Tips and Inspiration

You and your fiancé have agreed to have your wedding far away from home, in an exotic location. As a result, understanding destination wedding photography and choosing the right photographer to capture these once-in-a-lifetime moments is essential. Here are tips and inspiration to keep in mind when looking for a photographer to capture your destination wedding.

Destination Wedding Photography Tips

When it comes to selecting a wedding photographer, it’s important to choose someone whose:

Work you respect

Personality you’ll get along with during the day

Taking it a step further, many modern couples are planning destination weddings. So, finding the right photographer is particularly important if you’ll be saying “I do” from afar.

No rookies.

Many photographers seek the prospect of shooting in a beautiful, faraway place. Regardless of the “nice deal” they’re giving you, don’t let your wedding be their first.

Spell it out in the contract.

Since destination weddings aren’t available in some wedding photography packages, it’s important to know what to expect hours and photo quantity-wise. Our advice: look for photographers who specialize in destination weddings and who can share a total cost. They will have a better understanding of what a proper contract should look like.

It’s work, not play!

If you get the impression from an applicant that they’re more interested in practicing cannonballs, move on and search for a more committed photographer.

What is their back-up plan?

Inquire about the photographer’s file security and backup procedures, as well as the backup equipment they employ. When something goes wrong in a remote area, there are no second chances. Will they require an assistant? Time to charge their devices? Get a better understanding of their workflow.

Who pays for travel expenses?

Most respectable wedding photographers would request that the client cover the costs of airfare, accommodation, transfers, and a regular per diem for meals. Prior to finalizing the deal, discuss this and apply it to the final agreement.

Destination Wedding Photography Inspiration

Now that you know how to search for a destination wedding photographer, let’s get a better idea of what to look for image-wise. From the Mexico’s lush shores to the Dominican Republic’s shimmering isles, here are the best locations to build a long-lasting album.

Bavaro Beach – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

With its sweeping stretches of pure white sand, Bavaro Beach is one of Punta Cana’s top wedding venues. Bavaro Beach features a picturesque seascape of calm waters and sturdy palm trees filled with coconuts.

Despite the fact that many hotels share the town, this enchanting part of Punta Cana is very exclusive, with some areas implementing adults-only policies. When it comes to destination wedding photography locations in Punta Cana, Bavaro Beach should be your first preference.

Recommended Resorts: Royalton Bavaro, Majestic Elegance

Cenotes – Riviera Maya, Mexico

Just 30 minutes from Riviera Maya, dip your toes in a variety of soothing cenotes while posing with your spouse. Cenotes are natural pits formed when limestone bedrock collapses, exposing groundwater underneath. They are ideal for couples seeking a serene setting surrounded by emerald foliage, turquoise waters, and, in some cases, exceptional limestone caverns.

Cenotes, which flow all over Yucatan and Quintana Roo, include secluded areas where you can take pictures undisturbed. Some of our resorts even feature cenotes on the property which double as ceremony locations. Schedule your session with your photographer ahead of time.

Recommended Resorts: Dreams Tulum, Hard Rock Riviera Maya

Playa Delfines – Cancun, Mexico

Are you tired of the Hotel Zone’s crowds? This is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon, just bring your own drinks and snacks with you. This is the best beach to capture stunning sunsets, making it ideal for Cancun photo shoots in the early afternoon.

The colorful “Cancun” sign, which has become the official Instagram spot for Cancun, is also present. Since many hotels do not allow local photographers on-site without paying an additional fee, many local Cancun photographers recommend this beach. It’s also the best public beach in Cancun’s hotel-zone.

Recommended Resorts: Hyatt Ziva Cancun, Wyndham Alltra Cancun

Blue Lagoon – Montego Bay, Jamaica

Close to Montego Bay’s elegant properties, the Blue Lagoon is without a doubt one of Jamaica’s most photogenic locations. The tiny lagoon, which contains both salt and fresh water, is one of the most incredible island locations, known for its changing colors. The colors of the water are affected by the setting sun and reflections throughout a given day. Make a point of staying a while to take in the lagoon’s many hues. It would almost be a crime not to include it in your collection of wedding photos.

Recommended Resorts: Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, Grand Palladium Jamaica

Rick’s Café – Negril, Jamaica

Without the iconic Rick’s Café, no list of top photography locations in Jamaica would be complete! At this cliffside café, there are many photo opportunities. Visit Rick’s Café at sunset and witness the golden sun melting into the Caribbean Sea. Or for a real treat, visit the cliffside where brave souls leap 35 feet into the waters below. To top it off, after taking incredible photos, you and your loved one should indulge in some of Jamaica’s finest jerk chicken.

Recommended Resorts: Royalton Negril

Creative Destination Wedding Photoshoots

For brave couples looking to add some excitement beyond your typical wedding shoot, there are tons of fun and creative ways to take photos beyond your common “prom” posing. If you’re having a destination wedding you already have the luxury of having beautiful and unique scenery built into your special day, so why not utilize it to the max? In this post we’ll give you a bunch of inspiration for your special day, tips to get photos everyone will remember, and highlight the infamous “trash the dress” photoshoot.

Let Loose and Have Fun!

If you’re having a destination wedding the chances are you’re betting on having a fun and relaxed time while you’re there. This can easily be extended to your wedding photo shoot. Think about the characteristics of you and your partner and try to apply that while taking photos. Are you both always cracking each other up with jokes? Take some humorous shots to reflect this. Some setups include being naughty (kissing) around the younger guests or taking advantage of props. Did someone say fake mustaches? You’ll often get the best photos when your photographer focuses on candidness, catching genuine moments of laughter or tears.

What does your location have to offer you? If you’re on the beach, take advantage of driftwood to look like royalty surveying your kingdom. Take your classic ring photos up a notch, zoomed in and resting on seashells or coconuts. Other great photos happen when the newlyweds are kissing as fireworks explode in the background, creating sensory-overload on camera.

A great thing about hosting your wedding at an all-inclusive resort is the number of extra services they offer, which can make for amazing photos. If you think sparklers sound awesome during that first dance, just wait until you see how they show up in pictures. It wouldn’t be a destination wedding without a party, and confetti could add to the festivities as you exit down the aisle at the end of the ceremony. Think of it as an upgrade to a rice toss, plus the results will be colorful and lively.

Show Off Your Bridal Party

Think about some unique ways you can use your bridal party and location. Low-to-the-ground shots of bridesmaids and groomsmen cheers-ing with champagne flutes or beers, as sun rays shine down in the background, can make for epic shots. Your compadres may be matchy-matchy or mismatching-ly quirky, either way, let the photos do the talking. See if they have any ideas. If they’ve got swagger let them show it off, just be sure to get their good sides.

Remember that these are some of your closest loved ones! One of the rewards for participating in your special day is the opportunity to be a part of some spectacular photos, and trust us when we say everyone will cherish these photos forever. Plus, getting creative with the groomsmen and the bridesmaids can be a great stress reliever before the big ceremony.

Trash the Dress

Okay, but what if you’re not afraid of getting a little down and dirty for the most spectacular pictures? We mean the pictures everyone will be talking about and sharing! That’s right, you’re considering a “trash the dress” shoot. These photoshoots can involve everything from sensational pictures in aquariums to standing tall amongst crashing waves in the ocean. Other “TTD” shoots have even included making out in the wet sand with the love of your life, the creativity is really up to you. Hosting a destination wedding may have already meant you purchased a more casual dress, or one that’s easier to let go of it gets a little damaged. The main idea of a trash the dress shoot is the idea that you’re creating something truly memorable by shedding the worry and stress that came with planning your wedding.

The key to taking a great “trash the dress” photoshoot, along with a unique photoshoot in general, is finding the right photographer. If your resort is offering a photographer as part of your package do some research on the company and reach out to the vendor personally to learn more about their services. Find out if they offer TTD shoots and if they don’t you can likely find another photographer who does, even if they didn’t shoot your wedding. There are endless amounts of inspiration online if you search for “creative wedding photos”.

It’s important (and should be fun) to consider how you can inject online inspiration into your own wedding party’s vibe. Ask your parents what kind of photos they would want to own, and then ask your bridal party too. Wedding photos literally last a lifetime, so make them as special as you possibly can. Think outside the box and take some pictures specifically for certain loved ones, or even a “Thank You” picture to send out later after your wedding. With a destination wedding, you’re sure to have stunning scenery built into your photoshoot, radiating beauty that only you and your partner can add too.

Group Photo 101: Poses, Lighting & Other Useful Tips

There is no doubt that people love to take pictures. In fact, according to Google statistics from the past few years, almost 100 million selfies are taken daily on Android devices alone. While people have seemingly mastered the art of the selfie, the ability to take a good group photo still alludes many people.

Whether it be a wedding on the beach, or simply a photo on vacation, everyone wants to take a group selfie where everyone looks hot. Unfortunately, this can be easier said than done. Thankfully, this article is here to help you out.

Without any further ado, this blog post is going to go over a few tips to take some incredible group photos.

Choose the Right Poses

First and foremost, you need to choose the right poses for the photo. These will dictate how everyone in the photo looks and how everyone is organized. There are an endless amount of poses to choose from. Generally, the wedding photographer will be able to offer some suggestions, but this isn’t always the case. You may have to choose on your own.

If the photo is semi-formal and important, such as a picture of the bride, groom and the family, the poses should all be fairly uniform and consistent. But if the photo is a bit more laid back, feel free to get a little more creative and unique with it. Getting the poses right can make all the difference in a good photo. Find poses that make you happy and confident, as those will generally offer the best shots.

Get the Lighting Right

Whether it is a group photo or a selfie, the importance of lighting cannot be overstated. The lighting of a photo can make people look incredible, or completely ruin the shot. In the best case, you want to be using all-natural light when taking a photo. Photos in the shade usually turn out well, but that can be hard to find at a beach wedding.

If you’re out in the sun, it’s a good idea to have the sun facing the backs of those getting their picture taken. This will prevent them from squinting in the photos. Also, be sure to look out for any shadows on any faces in the group photo.

Be sure that you don’t forget the time of the day, as well. The best and most flattering lights for photos is generally in the morning around 10 AM, or the early evening. If you do need to use artificial light of some kind, it is a good idea to make it subtle and keep it out of the eyes of those getting their picture taken.

Find the Correct Angle

Another tip for taking a great group photo is finding the right angles. Many people have a “good side” that they would rather show off in photos. Also, standing with your body and head a bit turned/titled often looks better than standing full frontal in front of the camera.

In addition to how to position yourself in these group photos, it is also a good idea to think about the angle the photo is being taken. Photos taken from slightly above can often help to eliminate double chins and make everyone look a bit sleeker. Of course, this won’t make much of a difference if the photo is taken from quite far away. Also, if the group photo is a selfie, you should try to have someone with the longest arm take it. This will ensure that everyone is in the frame.

Have a Plan

Before ever taking a large group photo, it is a good idea to have a plan. Trying to organize everyone, get lined up and all pose appropriately can take a lot of work without planning it out a bit ahead of time. You should know how serious or silly a photo will be, how those in the photo should stand, and where everyone should be situated. Organizing a full wedding party out in the hot sun to take some photos on a beach without a plan can be a very annoying (and sweaty) adventure.

Also, consider having a plan for how you want to smile. Many people don’t like their smile, and it takes some time to find one they think looks good. Practice makes perfect, so if you want to look great, take your fair share of photos and maybe even consider working on your smile in the mirror. A general tip is to push your tongue against the back of your top front teeth. This can help to fill any spaces slightly and will keep your smile from getting too large and comical.

Preserving the Magic of Your Destination Wedding

Your destination wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and the photos you capture will be the lasting memories of your special day. From the excitement of getting ready to the heartfelt moments during the ceremony and the joyous celebration that follows, these must-have wedding photos document every important moment in whichever wedding photography style you want.

As you plan your photo list, remember to include the must-have wedding photos checklist—each one plays a vital role in telling the story of your wedding day. Whether it’s the stunning backdrop of your ceremony site, the intricate details of your accessories, or the candid moments shared with loved ones, these essential wedding photos will help you relive the day for years to come.