Top Questions Every Couple Should Ask Their Wedding Photographer
You wouldn’t head out on a weekend canoe trip without checking the weather, grabbing some snacks, and making sure your paddle’s in the trunk… right?
Booking your wedding photographer is a bit like that. You’re setting off on something exciting — possibly a little nerve-wracking — and full of memories you want to hold onto forever. But most couples aren’t quite sure what to ask their photographer before they book, especially if they’re planning a destination wedding or elopement. And that’s totally fair.
Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of wedding checklists, and honestly, many of them miss the good stuff. The stuff that actually shapes how you feel on your wedding day and what kind of connection you have with your photographer — especially when you’re celebrating somewhere new, far from home.
So let’s talk about the questions that really matter — and a few hidden gems that might surprise you.
The Usual Questions Are Fine, But Don’t Stop There
By all means, ask about coverage hours, backup plans, and what happens if it rains. Those things matter. But some of the most meaningful questions I’ve ever been asked didn’t come from a checklist.
Once, a couple asked me, “Do you do elopements?” I did — and what started as a standard inquiry quickly turned into a full collaboration on a destination wedding in Chile. That trip involved scouting quiet coastal locations, managing hotel logistics, renting cars, and navigating a new country with a camera bag over one shoulder and Google Translate in the other.
That question told me they were looking for more than just a vendor. They wanted someone who could go beyond clicking a shutter — someone who could be present, flexible, and help shape the entire experience.
If you’re planning a destination elopement or wedding, I want to help you connect with a photographer who gets you. So below are a few questions I recommend asking — the kind that actually shape your experience, wherever you decide to say “I do.”
Questions That Will Actually Make a Difference
1. How do you help us feel natural in front of the camera?
Most couples I work with tell me upfront: “We’re awkward in photos.”
That’s normal — and even more understandable when you’re in a new place, surrounded by unfamiliar scenery, maybe a bit jet-lagged, and running on excitement and espresso.
Your day isn’t a photoshoot, and I never want it to feel like one. The best moments happen when you can just be: walk barefoot along the cliffs, dance in the streets of Lisbon, share an inside joke under the Northern Lights. I offer just enough direction to spark that energy — and then step back to let the moment breathe.
Look for a photographer who’ll guide you gently, knows how to read your body language, and can get you laughing without a script — no matter the location or the time zone.
2. What’s your approach to the getting ready part of the day?
It’s easy to overlook, but this can set the tone for your whole gallery.
When you’re getting ready in a Tuscan villa, a beachfront Airbnb, or a cozy Icelandic cabin, light and space matter more than ever. Professionally done hair and makeup hold up beautifully through travel, humidity, or mountain breezes — and clean, natural light? That’s everything.
I always chat with my couples about how to plan this part intentionally, even if it just means choosing the room with the best window light or leaving extra time to soak it all in.
Ask your photographer what they suggest for a photo-friendly morning — not just for golden hour portraits later in the day.
3. Can we see full galleries, not just highlights?
Styled shoots are fun, but real weddings? That’s where a photographer proves they can handle anything — from sandy ceremony spots and bright sunlight to moody candlelit dinners.
I share complete galleries with every couple curious about working together so you can see how I tell the whole story. The in-between glances, the wild energy of the dance floor, the quiet moments when you’re just taking in the view together.
This will give you a true sense of what you’ll be receiving afterward — not just the Instagram-ready sneak peeks.
4. What kind of direction do you give during portraits?
Sometimes, a little goes a long way. I often tell my couples to interact like no one’s watching: explore the market streets, run into the ocean, lean in close until you lose your balance, laugh like you’re on your first date again.
That natural chemistry comes through with a bit of movement and play — not stiff posing. Ask your photographer how they guide during portraits: do they encourage interaction? Will they give you prompts or tell you where to put your hands?
You want someone who knows how to support you without breaking your connection — especially when you’re in a new and beautiful place that’s meant to feel like your adventure, not a staged production.
5. What happens if the timeline goes sideways?
Because let’s be real… it usually does.
Flights get delayed. The weather changes. A car rental mix-up turns a quick drive into a scenic detour (and honestly, sometimes those become the best photos).
I plan every destination wedding with flexibility in mind. That way, if the ceremony starts late or you need a breather before portraits, I can adjust without missing meaningful moments.
Ask your photographer how they handle the “in-between.” The ones who bring calm to the chaos — who can pivot with a smile — are worth their weight in gold.
It’s Not a Job, It’s a Creative Relationship
You want your photographer to create images that feel like you — not just of you. That connection doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from trust, shared vision, and open communication.
When you ask thoughtful questions, you’re not just collecting information — you’re starting a collaboration. You’re helping your photographer understand who you are, how you travel, and what you care about most.
So ask away. Get curious. Skip the script. And don’t be afraid to ask if I do elopements… because the answer is still yes.
Want to Keep This Easy?
f you’re a Toronto couple dreaming of a destination wedding or elopement, and you want photos that feel real, story-driven, and full of heart — I’d love to hear from you.
Whether it’s a clifftop ceremony in Ireland, a seaside elopement in Portugal, or a mountain escape in Patagonia, let’s make your day unforgettable.
Reach out here and let’s start planning your story — one question at a time.
FAQ: Destination Wedding Photography
1. Do we need to cover travel and accommodation for our destination photographer?
Yes — typically your photographer’s travel and stay are included in your package or added as a simple travel fee. I always build this in upfront, so there are no surprises later. It also means I can arrive early, scout locations, and be ready for anything — from sunrise portraits to impromptu espresso breaks in town.
2. How far in advance should we book our destination wedding photographer?
For destination weddings and elopements, 9–12 months ahead is ideal. This gives time to secure travel, permits (if needed), and scout your dream location. If you’re planning something more spontaneous, though, reach out anyway — I’ve made magic happen on short notice before!
3. What’s the difference between a local photographer and bringing someone from Toronto with us?
Hiring a Toronto-based destination wedding photographer means you’ll already have a trusted connection before you travel. We’ll plan your timeline, help with logistics, and make sure the experience feels seamless. Plus, it’s one less “unknown” on your big day — I already know your story before we even board the plane.
4. What if the weather doesn’t cooperate on our wedding day?
Destination weddings come with wild cards — tropical rain, windy beaches, unexpected fog. The good news? Those moments often create the most cinematic photos. I always plan flexible timelines and backup options, so whatever the weather brings, your story still shines.
5. Can you help us plan locations or timelines for photos abroad?
Absolutely. I love helping couples map out photo-friendly timelines — from scouting the best light at your venue to sneaking away for a quiet sunset shoot. Whether it’s cliffside vows in Santorini or an early morning wander through Lisbon’s old streets, we’ll plan it in a way that feels easy, intentional, and full of heart.
