Destination weddings have become increasingly popular, with many couples choosing to tie the knot in exotic locations. After all, these ceremonies are a great way to combine a wedding and a honeymoon. Plus, you get to create a unique and unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
There’s a small caveat though. When it comes to destination wedding photography, the costs can add up quickly. In this blog post, we will explore why a destination wedding shoot is more expensive than a normal wedding shoot.
Potential loss of opportunity
One of the main reasons a destination wedding shoot is more expensive is the potential loss of opportunity for the photographer. Destination weddings require the photographer to be away from their regular work schedule and other clients for an extended period of time.
This means that the photographer may have to turn down other work opportunities in order to travel. Additionally, the photographer may need to spend additional time editing and processing the images, further impacting their ability to take on extra work.
Travel and accommodation fees
Depending on the location of the destination wedding, travel and accommodation costs can get quite significant. In fact, photographers will often need to arrive a few days before the wedding in order to scout locations and ensure that everything is in order.
All of these expenses can add up quickly, and photographers will typically pass on these costs to the couple.
Comprehensive services
Apart from that, the professional time required for a destination wedding shoot is another factor that contributes to the higher fees. Destination weddings are often more complex than traditional weddings, with unique challenges and requirements.
Photographers will need to spend additional time planning and coordinating the logistics of the shoot, such as scouting locations, arranging transportation, and coordinating with vendors. Plus, your photographer will need to be on-site for the entire duration of the wedding in order to capture all of the important moments. This can mean a longer work day than a traditional wedding shoot, further driving up the cost.
Finally, when your photography team travels for destination weddings, they are often away from home and their families for an extended period of time. This can be a significant sacrifice, and photographers may charge a higher fee to compensate for this time away from home.
Buffer expenditures
Next, photographer may also need to bring additional equipment to ensure that they are prepared for any situation. This can include specialized lenses, backup cameras, and lighting equipment. These additional costs will be factored into the overall cost of the shoot.
There are many things that can go wrong when you do a wedding in a foreign country. The risk factor is something that vendors will try to limit. That's why some photographers will purchase additional insurance coverage when shooting a destination wedding. This can include liability insurance, travel insurance, and equipment insurance.
Depending on the location of the destination wedding, photographers may need to obtain permits or pay fees in order to shoot at certain locations. For example, some national parks require permits for commercial photography.
This complicates the whole process, and entails another set of negotiations and fees.
Finally, when shooting a destination wedding in a foreign country, photographers need to overcome language and cultural barriers in order to capture the best images. This can require additional time and effort, as they are not familiar with the local customs.
All of these factors contribute to the higher cost of a destination wedding shoot.
It's true that a destination wedding requires a significant investment of time and resources. But a destination wedding shoot captures the beauty and magic of a special day in a way that is truly one-of-a-kind. It can be hard to put a price tag on something like that.
Want a seasoned photographer to capture your moments professionally? Big Bliss Weddings' Randy Lobiano is a California wedding photographer who has been capturing couples' stories for 9 years now. Create priceless memories you can carry forever.
You can request a quote and share your story to talk about your plans for your wedding day.