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Destination Wedding Photography Specialist

Planning a destination wedding? Then why not have one of the most sought after English destination wedding photographers travel out to your location to capture the adventure of a lifetime!

Most couples planning an elopement wedding worry about their location destination wedding photographer. And why wouldn’t they? Photography is important. Style, language barriers and communication are just some of the concerns.

My name is Wes Simpson, and I’m a leading UK destination wedding photographer based in England. I travel out to your location, which means, you exclusively deal with me, every step of the way. Before, during and after the wedding.

This job is a passion of mine and throughout a 15-year career, I have built a reputation as one of the UK’s best destination wedding photographers. Photographing 400+ weddings in over 10 countries.

If you take a look at my portfolio, you will see that my style of photography is perfect for capturing the moments that matter and will bring back memories and emotions for years to come.

I invite you to have a look at the destination wedding photography information below. It’s a complete guide to hiring a destination wedding photographer.

If you like what you see, I would be delighted to arrange a call to answer any questions or discuss moving forward and becoming your destination wedding photographer.

Don’t leave things to chance. Deal directly with me, every step of the way.

Schedule a Call

I love Cyprus wedding photo

Destination Wedding Photographer UK

For me, destination weddings are extra special, the excitement of family and friends all being in an unfamiliar environment and there is always an added sense of adventure that makes a destination wedding exciting.

In many ways, I believe hiring a photographer you trust and whose style you like is even more important when planning a destination wedding than getting married at home.

Family and friends invest in a holiday to see you tie the knot in unfamiliar surroundings and everyone back home will want to experience the excitement of your wedding through your photographs.

You’ve put a lot of time and effort into planning your destination wedding, and when the day comes you will want to be true to yourself. To do that, you need a Destination Wedding Photographer who knows how to capture you at your best and the moments that matter.

The problem is, when you start looking for a Destination Wedding Photographer it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the choices and you don’t want to make a mistake.

I understand how much you care about your wedding, which is why 450+ couples in more than 10 countries have trusted me with their wedding photography.

Let’s schedule a meeting so we can talk about your hopes and dreams for booking a Destination Wedding Photographer.

Destination wedding photographer Cyprus. Man jumping off cliff with bride and groom in hole sea caves in Cyprus

Destination wedding photographer. Bride and groom kissing with view of Florence Italy

Bride and groom infinity pool reflection photo at sunset Liberty Lykia Turkey

Hiring a Destination Wedding photographer

Hiring a destination wedding photographer is one of the most important parts of planning your wedding.

The Venue, dress, flowers, and cake can all look perfect, but it’s the skilful shooting, expert lighting and thoughtful composition of your wedding photography that will shape the memories of the day as you look back at your wedding pictures for years to come.

Hiring unknown photographers from your wedding location or resort cannot only end up more expensive but riskier in terms of receiving the images you want. Past clients have decided against hiring foreign photographers for a couple of reasons…

It is harder to communicate and coordinate with a photographer abroad the details of your event before the wedding, (basic things like your style and must have pictures.)

Dealing with me in the UK, if you were to have any questions about your photography, rather than having to deal with prolonged and inconvenient email correspondence, you could simply just call or FaceTime me directly for assistance.

Romantic photo of bride and groom kissing on bridge at Annabelle Hotel Cyprus

Destination Wedding Photographer based in the UK

The importance of choosing a destination wedding photographer specialist who has experience of travelling abroad with camera equipment and who knows the ins and outs of destination wedding photography is vital.

I have been photographing destination weddings for the last 15 years, and in that time I have photographed many weddings overseas and have positioned myself as a specialist in the field.

Some of my favourite destination weddings include city weddings, beach weddings, religious celebrations and my smallest ever wedding in Cyprus with just the bride, groom and myself in attendance.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway on the Amalfi Coast of Italy, the splendour of Santorini in Greece, the fun of Spain or the beaches of Turkey, you can trust you’ve found a destination wedding photographer with the skill, experience and knowledge to capture the magic of your wedding day.

Bride and Groom in Tuscany Vine yard holding hands

Choosing Me As Your Destination Wedding Photographer

Choosing me as your destination wedding highlights the importance you place on your celebrations and the love that you have for the location, the people and the memories that you will create.

When I photograph your wedding, I do so wholeheartedly. I creatively and discreetly capture all details, hugs, smiles and tears and I will show you things that happened you never knew about.

My unique approach to wedding photography has seen me photograph weddings worldwide, won multiple awards and featured in celebrity magazines such as Vogue and Hello.

You can trust you have found a destination wedding photographer with the skill and experience to capture your wedding the way you will remember it.

Destination wedding photographer, photo Bride and groom behind souvenir shop in florence

The process of booking your destination wedding photographer is simple.

I make it as easy as possible to book me to be your destination wedding photographer. These are just a few of the steps that make the process simple and pain-free.

How it works:

1. We would have met or connected via FaceTime before the wedding.

2. I usually travel out to your destination a few days before the wedding day. I would scout out the best locations and we would have a planning meeting (in the resort) to discuss all the finer details of the event.

3. After the wedding you will receive an online gallery, this will showcase all the images taken and you can easily print, download and share the pictures with family and friends from around the world.

If you choose album collections, once you return home you will be involved in the album design process. This will include a design ‘proof’ before the album is printed. You will get to approve all the album pictures before it’s printed.

This means I don’t just turn up on the last day of your holiday with a set of prints, YOU are involved in the process every step of the way which means your album will be perfect.

Bride and groom onto of Aphrodite Love bridge Cyprus

Where have you photographed Destination Weddings?

I’m a traveller at heart so being a destination wedding photographer is a no brainer.

Ever since my first job as a cruise ship photographer 20 years ago based out of the USA which seen me photograph weddings in Mexico, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

These days, most of my destinations weddings are in Europe, popular locations include:

CYPRUS – Home of my first ever destination wedding in 2008. Since then, I’ve photographed at most of the best wedding venues in Protaras, Paphos, Larnaca, Ayia Nappa and Nissi Beach.

ITALY – Such a romantic place to get married. Some of my favourite destinations include. The Amalfi Coast, Positano, Sorrento, Lake Como and Tuscany.

SPAIN – Is fast becoming one of the hottest destinations for UK couples. I’ve photographed weddings in Ibiza and celebrity wedding Benahavis, Marbella which was featured in the 50 most memorable celebrity weddings of the decade in Hello! Magazine, 

TURKEY Offers so many options for elopement weddings, you’ll be spoilt for choice if you choose a destination wedding here. Check out this beautiful wedding at Liberty Hotels Lykia Oludeniz Turkey

GREECE – Has everything you could wish for from a destination wedding location. If you’re planning a wedding here, you might like to view this Spectacular Lindos wedding at St Paul’s Bay, Rhodes, Greece.

For more information:

Check out my guide to the best wedding destinations in Europe.

Destination wedding photography Paphos Cyprus, Bride and groom kissing sat of sun beds with palm trees and blue sky

 

“TOP 10 DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS IN THE UK”

– ZankYou Weddings

 

Bride and groom crossing busy road in Sorrento

Booking a resort destination wedding photographer:

Many destination wedding photographers based in the resort, booked via your destination wedding planner or holiday representatives may be on a retainer, therefore there are incentives and ‘commission’ to be gained by the planner from ‘recommending’ a certain photographer.

‘The recommended photographer’ may or may not have the experience you require or the skill to capture the moments that truly matter. The photography they produce may not be a perfect fit for your lifestyle, taste and budget.

Basically, often the real reason for the recommendation from a wedding planner or holiday rep for a local destination wedding photographer based at your resort may not be down to talent or them being a good fit for your wedding, but due to the commission incentive received.

In addition, I have experienced many couples being sold a destination wedding photographer package that is ‘cleverly’ priced per hour or it’s a pre-agreed package that falls short of covering important parts of the wedding day.

Once you are in the resort and just 24 hours before the wedding you might find out your ‘package’ doesn’t include things like the speeches and sunset pictures are charged at an extra price!

Of course, they tell you that this can be included and added to your package, but it will double your initial investment.

Celebrity destination wedding photographer. Bride and groom hugging with view of Marbella

Destination Wedding Photographer Risk

Another common scenario with a ‘package deal destination wedding photographer is the photographer will ‘upsell’ the photography package the day before you leave, in this, showing you more images and better products than your initial investment covers with the threat of ‘we destroy the images once you leave.’

The problem with these two situations are, they are the only pictures you have and once you see them you will be very tempted to buy them.

In hindsight, the budget you end up spending would have been more in line with a photographer that is to your choosing and not the local ‘budget photographer who has been able to ‘up-sell his products and services due to an opportunity of buyers remorse.

I take on a limited number of weddings per year, if I’m unavailable to be your destination wedding photographer, I would suggest doing your research and touching base with any photographer your wedding planner suggests.

Ask them to send you examples of their work and to include full galleries of weddings from start to finish together with a break down of all costs involved.

See my approach to photographing your wedding and view the destination wedding photography gallery. 

Groom kissing bride on head St Paul's Bay Lindos Greece

How long are you at my destination wedding for?

I usually fly out to 2/3 days before the wedding day (depending on flight availability and cost). This gives you peace of mind that I’m in the resort in plenty of time to scout your wedding venue.

Being in the resort in plenty of time allows for pre-wedding planning meeting the day before and the opportunity to include pre-wedding photography shoots such as welcome meal photography.

In addition to the above, flying out in plenty of time helps combat any flight delays, provides rest, climate and time adjustments.

As for the departing flight, I typically fly out the day after your last event (or at the best cost-effective flight opportunity) your last event might include a post-wedding location shoot, an after-party or a ‘cherish the dress shoot.’

See a beautiful example of a post-wedding location shoot from Florance. 

Destination wedding photographer Wes Simpson Cyprus. Bride and groom cape greco

Destination Wedding Photographer Packages

I make things simple. You can choose one of my packages, or as I like to call them, collections. Or, we can tailor one of my destination wedding photography packages to suit your needs and budget.

Typically, a lot of my destination weddings are between 3 and 7-day events. This can include photographic coverage at a pre-wedding party, BBQ or family meal on arrival, the wedding day itself and a post-wedding shoot.

All options are ‘inclusive’ and you have my undivided care and attention from day one.

Your wedding photography starts with a pre-wedding meeting and consultations. This will be in-person / phone / email / skype / coffee… We will get to know each other better and make sure nothing is overlooked in the planning process.

There is a photography only option that includes an online gallery. Or you can choose one of our stunning storybook albums. These can be upgraded to collections that include parent books, pocketbooks, works of art and much more.

For a free brochure and more information on destination wedding photographer packages and costs – feel free to contact me or visit the albums and price page.

destination wedding photographer Paphos Cyprus

Destination Wedding Photographer FAQ

Do I need to book a destination wedding photographer?

I guess it comes down to personal preference and how much you value your wedding photography memories and experience. Most couples book me via recommendation and the fact they like my style and approach to wedding photography.

Do you have insurance?

Yes, I have both types of professional photography insurance and also I have my basic travel insurance for whilst I’m out of the country.

How do I book you as my destination wedding photographer?

Simply use the contact form and we will go from there. I will send you all the information and we will chat via FaceTime. The booking deposit to secure my services is just £500.

Destination wedding photographer cost

The cost of my destination wedding photographer service is the same price as if you were getting married at home in the UK. There is, however, the addition of flights and accommodation detailed in the pricing section of this article.

The good news, the destination of your wedding usually won’t affect the price, however, if it’s a ‘bucket list’ location, I guess expectations can always be made in regards to a discount ;-)

For destination weddings, I offer a bespoke service that can be tailored to your needs and budget. Take a look at the album and price page or contact me today and let’s talk about your wedding photography requirements so I can assist you better.

Further details on destination wedding photographer cost can be found in the pricing section below.

Bride and groom under big tree at sunset

Pre destination wedding photoshoot

Pre-wedding photography is a fantastic addition to any photography package. And it goes without saying, a pre-wedding welcome BBQ can be pretty special.

Post destination wedding location photoshoot

Wedding days go by in a blink of an eye, so a post-wedding location photoshoot (especially in a city or beach location) is a great way to extend your wedding celebrations…

Not to mention, it’s a fantastic excuse to put on your wedding dress again!

The post-wedding shoot could include a ‘cherish the dress’ or street style photography, whereby we take advantage of nearby famous landmarks and beauty spots creating true works of art.

For the more adventurous bride, a ‘trash the dress’ style shoot at sunset on the beach might be your thing or we could capture the true essence of your destination wedding location and visit a nearby town or head to the city.

Boat Party

A lot of my couples have extended their wedding celebrations with a boat party. Both prior to the wedding day itself and letting their hair down in the days that follow. Check out a pre-wedding boat party in Lindos, Greece.  

Street Style Wedding Photography

I love mixing street style photography with wedding photography. It’s a fantastic way to include your chosen location, iconic buildings and the landscape into wedding photography. I guarantee you will feel like a celebrity for the day!

Often, on post-wedding shoots, we create works of art that my couples proudly hang on their walls.

Whatever post-wedding photoshoot option you choose, I guarantee a fun time and a truly unique set of images to add to your wedding collection.

bride and groom kissing at sunset in front of little white church in Protaras Cyprus

What about flights and accommodation?

More often than not, the client books the flights and accommodation. The client will have knowledge of the location and in addition, might be able to take advantage of adding me to a block booking for a discount or they use travel miles/rewards.

I just ask that you send me the flight information ahead of time so that we may approve the details (flight times, transfers, layovers, etc.)

I am based in the North West of England so available to travel from both Manchester and Liverpool airports.

In terms of accommodation, if it helps to keep the cost down, I don’t need to stay at your 5* hotel or luxury wedding venue. My accommodation just needs to be within proximity and to include a car hire car or pre-arranged transportation if needed.

Do you offer destination wedding photographer discounts?

Unfortunately, I don’t usually offer discounted packages for my destination wedding photographer services. I am away from my office for longer than a UK wedding and unable to carry out any other work whilst out of the country.

The prices for a destination wedding would be the same as my regular UK packages with the additional travel/lodging costs.

However, feel free to check with me, if your wedding is on my bucket list or it’s a favourite destination of mine, exceptions can always be made!

The good news! I don’t charge for travel days or for my time being away from my office on either side of the wedding day.

Destination wedding photographer photo of Bride and groom kissing with ice cream in Sorrento

Destination wedding photographer pricing

When it comes to price, I am open, honest and transparent about my pricing.

Good news! My destination wedding photographer price is the same as my regular wedding photography price. Please see the albums and prices page. The only additional costs that my clients would be responsible for are as follows:

1) Airfare & Baggage Fees

2) Hotel accommodations (typically 3/5/7 nights, dependent on the length of the event and location).

3) Rental car, transfer or travel arrangements (as required).

4) Vendor meals for the day of the event(s).

5) Expenses of £150 for the duration of stay. If all-inclusive, there is no additional charge.

Get in touch today, and I’ll send some information over! Better yet, Schedule a Call and let’s talk about your wedding plans. Hopefully, I can give you one less thing to worry about.

Bride and Groom walking down narrow street in florence

Benefits of booking me as your destination wedding photographer

Exclusive: You exclusively deal with me, before, during and after the wedding. Plus I am exclusively yours for the duration of the booking. A lot of my destination weddings are 3/7-day events which include pre-wedding party and post-wedding location shoots.

Investment: You are choosing to invest in a professional award-winning photographer that you know; therefore you can trust the style of photography you see on the website is the type of photography you will receive.

Control: You are involved in the creative process every step of the way, From the planning meeting to the completion and sign off your album design. I don’t just turn up on the last day of your holiday with some prints.

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