Destination Weddings: Where to Start

Planning a wedding or a destination wedding can be overwhelming! We’re here to help you figure out where to start. So many questions swarm your head and before long, your Pinterest board has become a small, electronic monster! But this isn’t our first rodeo! While your mind is all over the place (trust me, we’ve been there) we’ve made a list to kickstart the planning of your dream wedding. Give yourself – and your partner – grace and patience. We know your wedding day is going to be truly spectacular! 

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Destination Weddings: Location

“Where the heck do I start?” has probably crossed your mind by now. Never fear, we’ve photographed and planned many, many weddings to help couples from start to finish, and we’ve traveled for many weddings. There are plenty of places we can chat with you about! The kind of vibe you want for your wedding can help you determine the location. Think about your top three of four countries, locations, or venues to start with. The location of your dream destination wedding doesn’t need to be determined overnight. Take a week to get you started, the rest of the planning will become more specific once the location is solidified.

• Close to home or far away
• Somewhere you’ve been before 
• Somewhere new!
• On an island – Couples Tower Isle Resort in Jamaica has a private island just for weddings! Sara June couples LOVE it there! 
• Super unique
• An affordable location (like Jamaica!)
• What time of year
• Climate
• Modern or traditional
• Large or small venue
• Resort/all-inclusive resort or a hotel
• Family friendly
• Indoor or outdoor ceremony

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Where to Start with Your Budget

Do you want to spend $ or $$$$ on your destination wedding? If you have three or four location options, we’ll know really beautiful resorts and venues that fit your wedding budget.

• Travel budget – for you AND your guests (make sure you’re comfortable asking guests to spend a certain amount of money to attend your wedding)
• Photographer budget
• Travel agent
• Wedding planner
• Venue budget and venue fees
• Room block
• Price per guest
• Food
• Drinks
• Entertainment
• Excursions

Destination Weddings: Vendors

Once you’ve decided on a location and venue, putting all your vendors together creates the ultimate dream-team! We love working with each other to create your dream destination wedding! Wedding planners make the magic happen behind the scenes – you can be worry-free! Try to book ahead! Venues, wedding planners, and photographers usually schedule a year in advance. 

• Wedding planner vs. day-of coordinator
• Resort wedding planner vs. outside planner 
• Venue coordinator
• Photographer – We know how you can get around the outside vendor fee!
• Videographer (Psst! We do this too!)
• Caterer/Resort restaurant
• Hair and makeup
• Florals
• Entertainment/Ceremony music
• Clergy or Officiant 
• Bartenders

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Other Fun Stuff

• Your Gown! (hey gorgeous!)
• Shoes
• Jewelry – all the bling! 
• Groom’s Suit
• Bridesmaid Dresses
• Groomsmen Attire (we have suggestions for warmer climates!)
• Decor
• Cake/Desserts

Where to start planning your destination wedding (or local wedding!) can be easy – believe it or not! We’re happy to get you started and to help you find the destination of your dreams. We know your wedding will be a day to remember!

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Looking for more destination wedding planning tips? We’ve got your back!  Click here to read more of our blogs that will help you. And, if you’re ready to find your destination wedding photographer, contact us! We offer photo and video services, no travel fees, and custom collections for every single one of our couples. We can help make your dream wedding day come true.