How to Plan A Destination Wedding

Written By Brandi Vanderwolf

Beautiful wedding photos in the Lofoten Islands, Norway

Destination wedding, you say??

As a traveling photographer, destination weddings are my jam! But don’t take my word for it as a photographer… take my word for it as a 2023 bride!

My hubby and I chose to have our wedding in Scotland in the fall… Did we have any family or heritage in Scotland? No. But it was our first major trip together back in 2018 and we fell in love with the place, and one particular hill and outlook, where we talked about getting married ever since!


A destination doesn’t always have to be a beach wedding… that is a common misconception. 

We always got asked, and even after the wedding, “Why Scotland?” And the answer is “Because we wanted to!” Which is the first step of planning any destination wedding!!

Step 1 for Planning a Destination Wedding

Decide what you want!

Destination weddings are a great option for couples who love travelling and seeing more of the world, who have one location away from home that they have a connection to, or just want to do something completely different! It is not usually for couples who hate new places or cultures, having to travel, or want a big guest count.

You don’t have to pick a destination yet; you’re photographer can help with that. (Did you know I can help you pick a location based off your wants and desires?) But draw up a couple of ideas of where you might want to go. Do you want sunny and tropical? Cool and green? Mountainous? Remote or city? 

Consider where you have been or where you might want to go, keep all options on the table!

When you have a destination wedding, it also is a perfect time to have some awesome engagement photos in the location! (Location: Glencoe in Scotland)

Step 2 for Planning a Destination Wedding

Find a photographer!

Many elopement photographers (including myself) love to help you plan your dream wedding, and our years of experience in the industry and travelling means we know the ins and outs of many destinations, and navigating the space. We love to make your epic dreams come true. Find a photographer who specializes in adventure, with a style you like, hop on a consult call and make sure that you vibe, because you are going to be spending a lot of time with them! Then start the rest of the planning. 

Step 3 for Planning a Destination Wedding

Pick the Destination

Now is the time to pick the perfect spot. If your photographer gives you a list of possible locations, choose from one of them or pick your own. Pick something that speaks to the both of you and that is a valid option during the date frame that you want to get married (Iceland in the middle of winter might be beautiful, but it’s probably going to be frozen, as long as you are ok with that!) If you’ve only narrowed it down to a country, start narrowing down further to find the perfect spot to get married. During this step you can also look at different options and activities you can take part in while there!

How epic is this view in Greece?!

Step 4 for Planning a Destination Wedding

Book Your Vendors, Figure Out the Legalities

Once you’ve figured out the location, now you can get all the other pieces to fall into place. If you want to legally get married in your chosen country, check what the requirements are. Some places require marriage visas among other things. If you want to see an example of what is required to have a legal wedding, you can check out what is required for Scotland here. 

Other vendors you may want to hire include:

  • Videographer

  • Florist

  • Hair and Makeup

  • Tour companies based on the activities you might want to include in your day. 

  • Caterer’s

  • Wedding Attire

You will also want to book your travel to your destination, such as flights, car rental, trains, hotels/Airbnb’s. There are always epic places to stay that will make your day and your photos more magical!

Who wouldn’t want this as their wedding backdrop??

Step 5 for Planning a Destination Wedding

Pack, repack, and head out on the most epic trip ever!

It might feel really stressful making sure that you don’t forget anything, but chances are that you will be able to purchase (almost) anything you forget at your destination. Just make sure you have your passport, any required documents for your marriage, and you should be good to go!

Destination weddings are an exceptional opportunity to really live out your love story; how will you write yours?

I offer planning help for all my destination wedding couples, including location lists based on your preferences, whether it is for your ceremony or just photos after, timeline planning, vendor lists, and an 80+ Page Guide about everything you need to plan your ultimate destination wedding.

I also have a bucket list of locations I would love to shoot! Reduced prices for anyone who wants to get married at any of these locations!

They include:

  • Iceland

  • Scotland

  • Italy

  • Portugal

  • Greece

  • Patagonia

  • Somewhere sunny!

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Brandi Vanderwolf
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