Destination weddings are unforgettable. They allow you to celebrate you and your partner’s love in a setting that speaks to you — which is why selecting the right photographer to preserve every memory and emotion is a top priority. No matter where your nuptials take you, choosing the right destination wedding photographer is crucial. You’ll want to find someone who captures everything from sweeping views of the location itself to the finer details that make your celebration unique.
With PartySlate’s curated vendor directory, it’s easy to find photographers who are truly the best of the best. But how do you start to narrow down your options? Roey Yohai of Roey Yohai Studios, named a top wedding photographer by Harper’s BAZAAR, knows the ins and outs of destination wedding photography — and he has advice for couples who are embarking on their wedding planning journey.
We sat down with Roey Yohai to learn more about how to find a destination wedding photographer that best suits your needs. Keep reading for his best insider tips.
What should you ask potential destination wedding photographers in order to choose the right one?
Ask about their destination wedding experience — how they handle a wedding day abroad and how long they need for scouting and preparation. Additionally, you want to click with your photographer, feel comfortable with them, and feel that they really “get” you.
Ideally, you’d also schedule an engagement session with the photographer to get to know each other better. There, you can brainstorm about photo locations at the venue.
Some more quick tips:
- Ask for references — these go a long way.
- Make sure they’re comfortable communicating in your native language.
- Go with proven results. Check out full weddings that they’ve shot, not just an Instagram profile — you have one shot at this!
- Find someone who is as excited and passionate about the day as you are.
photographer: Roey Yohai Studios | planner: Guerdy Design | florist: Wildflowers Events and Occasions | venue: The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort
What tools can help you assess a potential destination wedding photographer?
Their portfolio, for sure — you need to love their work, whether it’s destination or local! See how creative they get at a destination wedding. You’re likely picking a magical, picturesque location, and you’ll want to ensure they can capture those vistas in a beautiful way. Also, always arrange a personal meeting and get a feel for who you’re dealing with.
What expenses should you expect to cover when bringing a photographer to your destination?
Travel and accommodations — many studios also bill for travel days and per diems so that the team is well taken care of, rested, and hopefully stress-free! With air travel being subject to change, schedule an additional day on the ground for your photographer so that, in the event of a delay, they’re not missing any events you need them for.
Will a destination wedding photographer usually capture all of the events of your wedding weekend?
Ideally, yes. You want the same team covering the entire weekend for the sake of continuity, dealing with one vendor for all the photos, and building familiarity between the photographers and your guests. Familiarity leads to more relaxed interactions and better moments captured. The more time the photographer spends with you, your family, and guests, the more intimate and meaningful the images will be.
How can you set clear expectations with your wedding photographer about what will be captured?
Go through a timeline of the day line by line, discussing ideas for each part of the day. Discuss what you expect and figure out how they will handle each part. Communication is key! The more you talk, understand each other, and clarify your wishes, the closer the photographer will be able to get to your vision. Share a Pinterest board and images you love — from them and from other photographers. Of course, leave space for the magic that will happen in between the planned moments. This is what a great documentary photographer will be able to capture and surprise you with.
PartySlate tip: You can create an Idea Slate of images you love on PartySlate to share with your photographer by clicking the heart symbol on your favorite wedding photos.
Roey Yohai
Owner
Roey Yohai Studios
People also ask…
How do I plan a destination wedding?
If you and your partner are starting the planning process for a destination wedding, you’ve come to the right place. PartySlate’s curated vendor lists will connect you with top destination wedding vendors to make your vision a reality. Simply head to our vendor directories and browse through vetted event professionals who are well versed in creating unforgettable occasions. You can easily filter your search by location, event type, and more.
Check out vendors’ PartySlate profiles for information about their areas of expertise, samples of their work, and more. Additionally, refer to the following articles for more of our favorite vendors and inspiration.