How to Plan a Destination Wedding: Tips From a Destination Wedding Photographer
Your wedding deserves to feel like a moment, because it is. A perfect way to do that? A destination wedding. It’s one of those things that feels so elevated and so special, which you deserve for your big day. As a destination wedding photographer, I’m always all for it, and this Portugal destination wedding brought all the effortless elegance and heartfelt joy. Keep reading to get a peek into this destination wedding and to learn my top tips for how to plan your own.
A Destination Wedding Photographer’s Top Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding
Hire a Planner
This is a must, always, but especially for a destination wedding. Having a coordinator will make sure every detail unfolds seamlessly. They’ll help you narrow down all of the nitty-gritty details so you can kick back, relax, and focus on the things that really matter, because who wants to learn all the legal stuff that a wedding planner already knows?
Choose an All-Inclusive Destination Wedding Venue
Choosing an all-inclusive destination wedding venue can simplify the planning process for your destination wedding by a lot. Having the luxury of several vendors already negotiated into one contract, on-site accommodations for guests, and knowing that you’re working with people who already know the venue so well? It’s truly a breath of fresh air.
Lauren and David opted for an all-inclusive destination wedding venue called Quinta da Conceicao, and it could not have been any more perfect! They had access to the entire venue, and the rental allowed their entire family, who traveled from the US, to stay there so that there was no worry about outside accommodation. And I’ll seriously never forget the food here. Every course was a work of art!
Incorporate the Culture of the Area
Attention to detail is what will turn a beautiful wedding into an extraordinary one, and incorporating the culture of the area your wedding is in is such a great way to do this. Lauren and David did this flawlessly, with a gorgeous villa as their wedding venue, delicious Portuguese food, and an effortlessly gorgeous dinner celebration.
Consider a Wedding Week or Weekend
The fun doesn’t have to stop after one day, especially when you’re planning a destination wedding! Your guests are traveling to join you, so why not make it a multi-day affair? Think: welcome parties, extra couples photoshoots throughout the city, post-wedding brunch… The opportunities? Endless.
Destination Wedding Planning Checklist
It’s no surprise that planning a destination wedding is a bit different than planning a regular wedding, but don’t worry! As your destination wedding photographer, I’ve got you covered with the best timeline to follow:
12-15 Months Before:
Hire a wedding planner to help you with all your decisions going forward
Decide on a theme and style
Determine a budget
Book a venue in your desired location
Book a destination wedding photographer who can make your date and location (hi!)
Choose a wedding date
Create a guest list
Round up your wedding party and make sure that the date and location work for them
9-12 Months Before:
Shop for wedding attire, and don’t forget to think about the climate in your location during the season of your wedding
Hire any other vendors that aren’t included in your venue. Think florists, videographers, DJs or bands, etc!
Send out save the dates
Start arranging travel plans for your guests
6-9 Months Before:
Make sure you have your passports and needed vaccinations or forms
Buy all the small details: Your jewelry and shoes, guestbook, decor, etc. Be mindful of how you’ll get these to your destination!
Send out invites
3-6 Months Before:
Arrange your travel plans
Pick up your wedding dress and get started on alterations
Make sure your wedding party attire is ordered
1-3 Months Before:
Collect RSVPs and deliver a final guest count to your vendors
Create a seating chart
Make a plan for how to get everything to your venue
Apply for a marriage license, depending on what the rules are for your home location vs your destination wedding location
1-4 Weeks Before:
Pack!
Reconfirm details with all vendors
Schedule any beauty appointments
A Look Into Lauren and David’s Portugal Destination Wedding
This day was full of love that fills every corner of a room and understated elegance that made every moment feel cinematic. Sweet moments, soft light, a romantic villa, and elegant coastal vibes that only Portugal could bring. The celebration afterwards was unforgettable! It was the true, perfect beginning to happily ever after: a family dinner over an unforgettable table setting, dimly lit with nothing but love and good vibes surrounding it.
Lauren and David’s whole wedding week was such a dream for me! As a destination wedding photographer, this location has been on my bucket list. Because seriously, what says romance like Portugal? I’ll never get over the beauty of the venue, Lauren’s stunning wedding dress, or the way the light framed the couple for their photos like an actual spotlight from above.
Kaybebe Photography | Destination Wedding Photographer
As a destination wedding photographer, my bags are packed, and my passport is in hand. Just say the word, and I’ll head to the airport! If you love luxury elements and want your day to feel elevated but effortless and full of cinematic moments, I’m there. You can inquire about booking me right here!
While you’re here, check out a few other blogs to get all the wedding inspiration:
A California Wedding Photographer’s Guide to Planning a Wedding at Switzer Farm
A Chalet View Lodge Wedding (Featuring the Best 2026 Wedding Trends)
How to Plan Your Wedding at Stanly Ranch, a Luxury Napa Valley Wedding Venue
