Here are my top 10 key questions to ask your destination wedding photographer, with my honest answers to help you plan confidently.
Choosing your destination wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning a celebration abroad. Knowing the right questions to ask your destination wedding photographer will help you feel confident. You can be sure they understand your plans, your priorities, and the practical realities of photographing weddings overseas.
Your photographs will outlast the flowers, the food, and even the dress. They’re the lasting record of how your wedding felt — wherever in the world you choose to say I do. Below are ten essential questions to ask, along with my honest answers, to help you plan with clarity and confidence.
1. Have you photographed weddings at our venue or in this country before?
Experience in a destination — whether at your exact venue or nearby — makes a real difference. Understanding the light, logistics, and natural pace of destination weddings helps everything flow more smoothly.
My Answer:
I’ve photographed destination weddings across France, Italy, Croatia, Switzerland, and even New Zealand. Even if I haven’t worked at your exact venue, I research it carefully in advance. I arrive early, usually a day or two before the wedding. This gives me time to explore the location, understand the light, and find the most flattering backdrops for your day.
2. What’s included in your destination wedding photography package?
One of the most important questions to ask your destination wedding photographer is what’s included in the package. This usually covers hours of photography, number of images, albums, second shooters, and travel arrangements.
My Answer:
My destination wedding packages capture the full experience, not only the wedding day itself. Most packages include three days of coverage. This usually begins with a pre-wedding shoot and welcome dinner, continues with the wedding day, and often finishes with a post-wedding brunch or pool party. You’ll also receive a pre-wedding Zoom consultation, a beautifully curated online gallery, and a set of high-resolution images that I professionally edit. I often include travel and accommodation within Europe. You also have the option to add a second photographer, videography, or a bespoke album.
3. How do you handle travel and accommodation?
Every photographer manages travel differently, so clear communication about travel arrangements early on helps avoid stress or unexpected costs.
My Answer:
I make travel seamless for my couples. I’m happy to handle my own flights and accommodation if need be, and I clearly factor all travel costs into your package. Whenever possible, I stay on-site or close to your venue. This gives me the chance to capture every special moment and fully immerse myself in your wedding weekend. I make sure to coordinate closely with you or your planner so everything stays organised.
4. Will you arrive before the wedding day to scout the location?
Arriving early allows your photographer to plan the best locations for portraits. It also helps anticipate weather changes and ensures everything runs smoothly.
My Answer:
Yes – I always arrive at least one day before the wedding. This gives me time to walk the venue, see how the light changes throughout the day, and plan for key moments. I also love using this time for a relaxed pre-wedding shoot, which helps couples feel comfortable in front of the camera before the wedding day itself.
5. Can we see full galleries from similar destination weddings?
When considering questions to ask your destination wedding photographer, reviewing full galleries is far more useful than highlights alone.
My Answer:
Absolutely! I’m always happy to share my full destination wedding galleries so you can see how I document the entire day. This includes the excitement of getting ready, the ceremony, portraits, candid moments with guests, and evening celebrations. Even if I haven’t worked at your exact venue before, galleries from similar locations can show you my storytelling approach and consistency. They also demonstrate how I capture every meaningful moment beautifully and authentically. You can view some examples in my portfolio here.
6. How do you back up and protect our images while travelling?
Peace of mind is essential, especially when it comes to securing your wedding photos.
My Answer:
I take image security very seriously. I shoot with dual memory cards, so I save every photo in two places the moment I take it. After the wedding, I back up all images to multiple hard drives and securely store them in the cloud. This ensures I keep your memories safe and protected both on-site and off-site, even while I’m travelling. You can rest assured that your images are always safe, secure, and carefully handled.
7. Do you offer coverage for welcome dinners and post-wedding brunches?
Many destination weddings unfold over several days, not just one.
My Answer:
I love capturing the full story of your destination wedding weekend — from welcome drinks and a pre-wedding shoot to the farewell brunch or pool party. Before your wedding, we’ll have a planning call to review all the finer details and timings. Let me know your plans and priorities. Together, we’ll create a bespoke schedule so nothing is missed and I can document your celebration beautifully from start to finish.
8. What’s your approach to capturing relaxed, natural moments?
Style is personal, and you should feel completely comfortable with your photographer. Consider whether they blend in and document the day naturally, or direct and pose — make sure their approach feels right for you.
My Answer:
My style is a refined blend of documentary photography and editorial direction. Throughout the day, I work quietly in the background, capturing genuine moments as they naturally unfold — conversations, expressions, laughter, happy tears, and all the small interactions that make your day unique.
When it comes to portraits, I draw on my background as an art director in fashion and interiors, offering calm, expert guidance to help you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. The result is images that feel natural, polished, and true to the day — beautifully composed without ever feeling stiff or staged. My aim is always to create a relaxed atmosphere where you can fully enjoy your wedding, knowing every meaningful moment is being captured with care and an editorial eye.
9. How do you handle unexpected situations such as weather or delays?
Flexibility and experience are essential for destination weddings.
My Answer:
With over 15 years of experience photographing weddings — and more than 20 years as an art director — I’m very used to adapting quickly when plans change. From unexpected weather to last-minute timeline shifts, I always plan ahead, work closely with your wedding planner, and have contingency options in place.
My calm, organised approach means everything continues to run smoothly, often before you even notice a challenge has arisen. My aim is for you and your guests to feel relaxed and present throughout the day, knowing the logistics are being quietly managed in the background. That way, you can simply enjoy your celebration, confident that every moment is being captured with care, no matter what the day brings.
10. What makes you passionate about photographing destination weddings?
This is your chance to connect. The best photographers love what they do and are genuinely excited to tell your story.
My Answer:
I have a genuine passion for destination weddings because they offer something truly special — bringing friends and family together in extraordinary settings, often for an entire weekend of celebration. There’s a sense of adventure and intimacy that comes with travelling together, allowing everyone to slow down, connect, and be fully present.
I especially value the extended time spent with couples and their guests, and the opportunity to tell a complete story over several days. Destination weddings create space for genuine connection, thoughtful planning, and a relaxed pace — all of which translate beautifully into photographs.
For me, it’s a real privilege to be invited into these moments. I pour my heart into every wedding I photograph, drawing on my experience and background as an art director to create images that are not only beautiful, but deeply personal and evocative. I love getting to know my couples, understanding what matters most to them, and capturing the atmosphere, emotions, and details that will transport them back to their day for years to come. Being able to combine my love of travel, storytelling, and artistry in such meaningful celebrations is the most rewarding part of my work.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the right questions to ask your destination wedding photographer can make all the difference when planning a wedding abroad. Clear communication, experience, and trust are key.
If you’re planning a destination wedding in France, Italy, Croatia, or beyond and are looking for thoughtful, relaxed, editorial-style photography, I’d love to hear from you. You can explore more of my destination wedding work in my portfolio or get in touch to start planning your celebration.
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