Dreaming of saying “I do” on a white-sand beach, at a Tuscan villa, or in a clifftop chapel overlooking the sea? Destination weddings are unforgettable — but they also come with extra layers of planning, especially when it comes to capturing every moment on film.

At Wedding Diaries, we’ve filmed destination weddings across Europe and beyond. Here are six things to consider when planning your big day abroad — and how to make sure it’s beautifully documented.

1. Choose Vendors Who Travel Often

Not all photographers and videographers are comfortable with destination weddings. From navigating airports with gear to scouting unfamiliar venues and dealing with different lighting conditions — there’s a lot to manage.

We’ve worked in a range of locations and climates, so we know how to adapt quickly, work discreetly, and still capture those cinematic moments that feel completely natural.

2. Plan for Multiple Days

Destination weddings often span more than just one day — think welcome dinners, pool parties, boat trips, or farewell brunches. These are some of the most relaxed and joyful moments of the whole trip, and they’re worth capturing.

Our multi-day packages (like Package C or D) include additional coverage beyond the ceremony day, ensuring the full story of your wedding experience is told.

3. Budget for Travel & Accommodation

All our destination packages exclude travel, accommodation, and car hire, which are charged separately. We’ll work with you to plan this in the simplest, most cost-effective way — whether you book it for us directly or reimburse the expense.

The benefit? You’re hiring someone you already trust, not someone local you’ve never met.

4. Weather and Light Matter

Shooting in outdoor locations — from beaches to mountaintops — means working with the natural light and weather of that region. The golden hour in Santorini? Absolutely magical. But midday Caribbean sun? Harsh without the right equipment.

We always plan ahead and bring professional gear to get the best possible results, no matter the location or lighting.

5. Use the Scenery to Your Advantage

Destination weddings offer breathtaking backdrops that deserve to be part of your film — not just in wide shots, but woven into your story. We use cinematic techniques and aerial drone footage (included in some packages) to make your location a real character in your film.

6. Book a Pre-Wedding Meeting

Before we ever hit record, we’ll jump on a pre-wedding video call to discuss your vision, go over the timeline, and make sure every detail is covered. This call also includes your photographer if you’re booking a combined photo & video package.

It’s a great chance to ask questions, share ideas, and ensure we’re all on the same page before the flights are even booked.

Final Thoughts

A destination wedding is more than just a ceremony — it’s an entire experience. And it deserves to be captured in a way that reflects how it felt: magical, emotional, and completely you.

If you’re planning a wedding abroad and want a relaxed, cinematic approach to your video or photography, explore our Destination Packages or get in touch today.

Let’s tell your story — beautifully.