How to Plan a Destination Wedding or Elopement
If you’ve landed on this page, chances are you’re considering (or you’ve already decided) having a STUNNING destination wedding or elopement! YAY! As an experienced destination elopement photographer, I also help my clients plan their dream destination weddings and elopements. So, I wanted to give you some tips to help you with your planning process!
Choose Your Location
You should start planning the destination wedding or elopement by choosing the right place and date for you!
Choosing your location is all about what you and your partner want your experience. And it’s also about the vibe of your photos to be! If you’d like beach elopement, consider Hawaii, Maldives, and Tahiti. If exploring the wilder environments is more your jam, consider Iceland or Alaska. And if you’d like a more luxurious, classy experience – let’s go to Europe – Italy, France, Greece, or Portugal!
When it comes to setting the date, I recommend choosing off-peak travel times. Popular holidays like Christmas, Spring Break, or a holiday in your destination could bring more unnecessary frustrations, and your locations will be swamped with tourists. Traveling off-peak will allow you to have a more private and enjoyable experience as a couple. And often it will also allow you to save some $$.
Do Your Research
Take a deep dive into your chosen destination. Learn about local wedding customs, vendors, and the best seasons to get married! That way, you’ll be prepared for the weather and ensure you respect your chosen location.
Local Vendors vs. Bringing Your Own
Local vendors definitely know their territory and have the insider scoop to help you create the perfect day. However, I truly recommend taking your own photographer with you to your destination elopement! Your photos will be the only thing that will stay with you forever, and you don’t want to regret not bringing your own photographer (like it happened with me!)!
Most resort photographers do not have professional gear or may not match the style you’d actually love for your photos. And their packages will only encompass part of your trip!
When you choose me as your destination elopement photographer, you know EXACTLY what you are getting – you’ve seen my portfolio and build a relationship with me, allowing for the most authentic, true-to-you photos possible! You can learn more about my destination elopement packages here!
Know the Legalities
This part is super important! Every country has its own marriage laws and requirements, so research what you need to do to make your union legal and recognized back home! This is something I help my clients research, as well!
Visit in Advance
If possible, try to visit your chosen destination before the big day. Scouting your venues and meeting the vendors would make your day smoother!
If you choose to elope, it can make this process easier, allowing way more room for improvisation and plans A, B, and C if things don’t go exactly as planned!
Keep Your Guests in Mind
If you are planning a destination wedding or want to bring a few of your closest friends to your destination elopement, remember your guests. Share travel tips and accommodation options, and maybe even plan a group activity or two!
Keep it Intimate
The beauty of destination weddings is that they’re naturally more intimate. The same goes for destination elopements, of course, since they are meant to be a personal experience from the get-go.
By keeping it intimate, you really ensure it’s all about the authentic, heartfelt moments and the celebration of you and your partner!
Make the Most of Your Destination Elopement
If you are traveling to get married, make the most of it and include some activities unique to your destination! You could hike a mountain, visit a theme park, swim in a waterfall, or rent a sailboat – there are so many options to consider!
While the destination wedding or elopement is one day, the memories, stories, and shared experiences will last a LIFETIME. So ENJOY EVERY SINGLE MOMENT of this wild, incredible adventure!
Kelly Szott Photography | Alberta + Destination Elopement Photographer
I hope that these tips are helpful as you plan your destination wedding or elopement!
Whether it’s a white sand beach, the jungle somewhere tropical, the wilds of Iceland, or the frozen glaciers of Alaska, you should find your dream destination elopement photographer and take them with you – the photos will be your lasting memory of your epic adventure!
You can check out my portfolio here! And if you think we might be a great fit for your destination wedding or elopement, shoot me a message here!
