Is the allure of a destination wedding calling your name? From the picturesque views, historic architecture, and a once-in-a-lifetime wedding experience, I get the draw. If you’re planning the ultimate destination wedding, I’ve got a few tips to ensure seamless planning. As a destination wedding photographer, I help couples plan their day and make connections with vendors in the area. Throughout this blog, I’ll share my top tips for how to plan a destination wedding.

Hire a Professional

First and most importantly, hire a professional and local wedding planner. If you’re getting married in Santorini, hire a planner from there. While they will be an expert in the area, they’ll also be able to provide you with plenty of superb suggestions for venues and other vendors. Not only will they be able to guide the hiring process, but they can also eliminate the need for back-and-forth travel. Your wedding planner can take pictures, tour venues, and clarify any questions or decisions you may have. If you’re trying to figure out how to plan a destination wedding, especially in a foreign country, a wedding planner is the best way to do it.

Go Local to Save Big – How to Plan a Destination Wedding

Next, consider opting for local vendors and cuisine. While you may want your favorite foods and drinks there, it can get expensive quickly. Rather, embrace the culture and eat their food while visiting the area. Embracing the local culture throughout your big day will make your day much more special and allow for incredible experiences for you and your guests alike. Whether opting for a Hawaii beach wedding incorporating traditional Hawaiian ceremonies and music or planning a reception style lūʻau. These traditions allow for incredible moments of human connection and celebrating local culture.

Visit In Advance

Lastly, and most importantly, consider visiting your destination in advance. While planning your destination wedding, you must decide on food, venue, and more. Making those decisions in person on-site will be huge for the planning process. Often I encourage couples to make a quick trip to their destination and try to cram as many wedding planning decisions into that one trip. However, this is where having a wedding planner comes in handy; having them schedule meetings with top vendors during your trip allows for a productive and quick trip. While there, visit a few resorts you’re considering for guest accommodations and explore the area. Get a feel for the destination and return excited for what’s to come!

Nevertheless planning a wedding is never easy, but hopefully, these quick tips will help simplify the process. Where are you headed for your dream destination wedding? Looking for some inspiration on my favorite spots? Head to the blog where I share adventures from Iceland, Cancun, and even Georgia for a stateside destination event.

Are you already dreaming of an incredible destination wedding photography experience with me? Let’s chat!