Picking the perfect photographer for your destination wedding.
Your destination wedding is more than an event—it’s an experience you’ll relive through photographs for years to come. The right photographer doesn’t just capture the day; they tell your story through light, emotion, and detail. At Four19 Weddings, we’ve worked with incredibly talented photographers across Costa Rica, Europe, and Central America, and we’re sharing our top tips for choosing the perfect one for your big day.
1. Style Comes First
Do you gravitate toward light and airy imagery? Warm and romantic? Editorial and bold?
Start by saving your favorite wedding photos on Pinterest or Instagram. This helps you (and your planner!) identify the style that resonates with you.
💡 Pro Tip: A great photographer can adapt—but the best results come when their natural editing and shooting style matches your vision.
2. Destination Experience Matters
Destination weddings come with unique challenges: shifting light, unpredictable weather, remote locations, and unfamiliar terrain. You need someone who knows how to handle these gracefully.
Ask:
– Have they photographed a wedding in your destination or similar setting before?
– Are they comfortable working internationally or with new lighting conditions?
We recommend photographers who are either local to the region or seasoned travelers with experience shooting abroad.
3. Connection Is Key
You’ll spend more time with your photographer on your wedding day than almost anyone else. It’s essential that you feel comfortable and understood.
Book a call or Zoom meeting early on. Do they listen to your vision? Are they calm, confident, and kind?
Your energy will come through in the photos, so having a great connection truly matters.
4. Logistics & Travel Fees
If you’re bringing a photographer from abroad, be sure to budget for:
Flights & accommodations
Per diems or meals
Extra travel days, especially for remote locations
We can help you assess whether it’s better to fly someone in or hire a local pro with the right style and experience.
5. Understand What’s Included
Photographers offer different packages, so be sure to compare:
Number of hours of coverage
Second shooter availability
Delivery timeline and method
Print rights, albums, or sneak peeks
Four19 Couples: We review all contracts and packages with you to make sure everything’s covered—before you sign.
6. Real Reviews, Real Weddings
Look beyond just the highlight reels. Ask to see full wedding galleries, not just the prettiest 10 photos.
Reviews from past couples also reveal a lot: professionalism, punctuality, and how they handle unexpected situations.
Our Favorites
We’ve had the privilege of working with some extraordinary photographers throughout Costa Rica, Spain, Italy, Guatemala and beyond. If you're not sure where to begin, just ask—we’re happy to recommend a curated shortlist based on your venue, style, and budget.
Final Thought
The right photographer doesn’t just take photos—they capture the feeling of your day. And that, more than anything, is what you’ll treasure years from now.
Let’s find someone who gets your vision.
We’ll help every step of the way.