Hire a local photographer for a destination or bring your own?

So you have decided to have your family and friends to join you at an exotic location for a destination wedding. All-inclusive resort on a tropical island or a mountain retreat far from civilization where you can spend quality time with the ones you love.  You are in luck, the resort offers photography! One less thing to worry about, right?  It will save you money, right?

Let’s consider a few reasons to bring your own photographer with you. 

Quality:

Your relationship with a photographer is a very personal one.  Style, personality, professionalism and experience are all major factors in choosing who will shoot your wedding. Why should it be different for your destination wedding?

Resorts typically hire a pool of photographers they use for their weddings. The photographer that took the photos you look at during  your consultation, may not even work there any longer. They set up formulas for new hires to follow and give them intermediate equipment to for your wedding. There is a high probability that you will not be the only wedding they shoot that day. Many resorts will book weddings back to back to maximize profits. What might seem like a great deal on the surface, can end up costing you the memories of that dream wedding. 

Having a photographer you know and trust can be invaluable. You can work out what you want ahead of time and know that they are there for you only. You can pack extras with your photographer as well, to document your entire wedding vacation, family portraits, pre-wedding events, sunset shots, etc. The key here is that you have control. 

Accountability: 

If the worst case scenario happens and your photographer doesn’t deliver, you can take legal action against the photographer you bring with you, options you will probably not have if you hire a local photographer, especially at an international destination.  

Cost: 

You might be surprised that many photographers are willing to work with you on the pricing.  Some might even take the job for travel and hotel expenses. It’s a great way to get portfolio shots and social media content and who doesn’t love a vacation (well, working vacation). Even if you end up paying your photographers normal rate (or negotiated rate), you have control over your final product. 

Other things to consider if you take your own photographer: 

Check with your destination venue to make sure they allow outside photographer to handle your photography. Some venues only allow vendors from their preferred vendors list or their staff photographers. It is also not uncommon for resorts to charge a fee for an outside photographer. 

Get all the financial expectation in writing, travel, accommodations, meals, etc.

It would be best if your photographer arrived at your location at least 2 days before your wedding. That way if there are any travel issues, there is time to resolve them. It is rare, but does happen from time to time. better safe than sorry.