An elopement away from home is an exciting adventure, no doubt. You get to have a little getaway while marrying the love of your life—I’d love to see you try to name something better than that. But with all this excitement comes some important decisions, like whether to hire a local photographer or bring someone from home to capture your special day. In this article, I’ll get into the pros and cons of each option to help you decide which choice is the best fit for your elopement. 

Bringing a Photographer With You

Bringing a photographer from your home city, state, or region to your elopement destination has many benefits. This choice can add a sense of comfort to your experience, but it also comes with its own set of pros and cons.

Pro: A Friendly Face in a New Place

One of the biggest benefits of bringing your own photographer is the comfort of having a familiar face in an unfamiliar setting. When you’re in a new location, especially if it’s somewhere with different environments, attitudes, and norms, having someone you trust can make all the difference—this can be especially important for LGBTQIA+ couples. This is someone you’ve likely already connected with, who shares your language, and who knows how to capture your love in a perfect way.

Pro: A Fresh Perspective on the Location

Bringing a photographer with you can also mean bringing a fresh set of eyes to your chosen elopement spot. Local photographers might be accustomed to capturing the same iconic locations in the same ways, but someone new to the area can bring a unique perspective. Your photographer might see things differently—perhaps they’ll capture an angle or a moment that a local might overlook because they’re so used to the scenery. Plus, a photographer who’s exploring the location alongside you might have an added sense of curiosity and creativity, which can translate beautifully into your elopement photos.

Pro: Knowledge from a Traveler’s Perspective

If your photographer has experience traveling to your chosen destination or even specializes in destination elopements, they bring some tips and knowledge to the table. Generally, they understand the logistics of traveling for an elopement—things like keeping your passport safe, navigating currency exchanges, or knowing how to research the best spots. This “traveler’s perspective” can help you avoid setbacks and other elopement planning complications. 

Con: Costs and Logistics

The cost of bringing an elopement photographer with you can vary depending on the person. Many photographers will have the travel fees built into their pricing, but others might charge extra to cover the cost of traveling, accommodation, meals, and other travel-related expenses. 

Read More: How to Create An Elopement Budget

Con: Limited Local Knowledge

Another potential downside is that your photographer, no matter how experienced, won’t have the same intimate knowledge of the location as a local photographer would. While they might do extensive research or even have visited the area before, they may not be as familiar with hidden gems or the best spots to avoid crowds.

Con: Potential for Added Stress

Lastly, bringing a photographer with you can sometimes add an extra layer of logistics and potential stress. Coordinating travel plans, ensuring that they arrive on time, and dealing with any unexpected travel issues can be an added burden on top of planning your elopement. While a professional photographer will do everything they can to avoid issues, it’s something to keep in mind when making your decision.

Hiring Someone Locally

When planning your elopement away from home, the other option is to hire a local photographer from your chosen destination. Just like bringing a photographer with you, this also comes with its own set of pros and cons.

Pro: Deep Local Knowledge

One of the most significant advantages of hiring a local photographer is their deep knowledge of the area. They know the best spots for those breathtaking photos, unique areas that tourists might miss, and the best timing to capture the best shots. They’re also familiar with local weather patterns, which can be crucial for outdoor elopements, and they can suggest backup plans if the weather doesn’t cooperate. 

Pro: Easier Logistics

Hiring a local photographer often means fewer logistical things to think about. You likely don’t have to worry about coordinating travel plans for your photographer, covering their accommodations, or dealing with the potential complications of international travel, like lost luggage or delayed flights. Your photographer will already be on the ground, familiar with local customs and legalities, and ready to go when you are. 

Pro: Supporting the Local Economy

By hiring a local photographer, you’re also contributing to the local economy of your elopement destination. Local photographers are often small business owners who take pride in their work and their connection to the area. By choosing to work with them, you’re supporting their livelihood and helping to sustain the unique culture and beauty of the place you’ve chosen to say “I do” in.

Con: Potential Language Barriers

On the flip side, hiring a local photographer might come with the challenge of language barriers, especially if you’re eloping internationally. Communication is key when it comes to making your vision a reality, and if there is a slight language barrier, there could be misunderstandings or missed opportunities. Even if you share a common language, cultural differences might affect how you communicate your ideas and preferences. 

Con: Limited Familiarity with Your Story

While local photographers bring a wealth of knowledge about the area, they might not have the same understanding of your personal story or relationship dynamics as someone you’ve worked with before. Chances are, you probably haven’t had a chance to work with them or talk with them in person, simply because they live far away. This could impact how they capture your love and the little details that make your relationship unique. A photographer who knows you well might be better at anticipating those special moments and understanding what’s most important to you. 

Con: Availability and Popularity

Another potential con is that popular local photographers in beautiful or high-demand destinations can be booked out well in advance. If you’re set on hiring someone locally, you’ll need to start your search early. In some cases, you might find that the photographer you want is already booked, which means you might need to settle for someone else or adjust your elopement date to accommodate their schedule. 

Making the Decision: Key Factors to Consider

Deciding whether to bring a photographer with you or hire someone locally for your out-of-state or destination elopement ultimately comes down to what matters most to you as a couple. Here are some key factors to consider when making a choice:

Budget Considerations

One of the first factors to consider is your budget. Bringing a photographer from your home area may (but not always) include additional costs like travel, accommodation, and meals, which can quickly add up. While this option might offer the comfort of a familiar face and a deeper understanding of your relationship, it’s essential to determine whether these benefits are worth the expense. Keep in mind that hiring local photographers can be pricey too, it just depends on how they have developed their pricing structure.

Comfort and Connection

If you’ve already worked with someone and built a rapport, bringing them along can make your day feel more relaxed and natural. They already understand your story, your dynamic as a couple, and how to capture your love. This comfort can be particularly important if you’re eloping in a location where you might feel out of your element. However, hiring a local photographer doesn’t mean sacrificing connection. Many local photographers are skilled at quickly building rapport with new clients.

Importance of Local Knowledge

Local photographers bring an intimate understanding of the area, from the best photo spots to hidden gems and how to navigate the local culture. They’re also likely to have backup plans in case of unexpected weather or other challenges. On the flip side, a photographer from your home area might bring a fresh perspective to the location, offering unique angles and creative ideas that a local might overlook.

Questions to Ask Your Photographer

Here are some key questions to consider asking potential photographers before making a decision about whether to hire locally or bring someone with you:

1. What is your experience with elopements and destination weddings?

Start by understanding their experience. Destination elopements can be quite different from traditional weddings, so it’s important to choose a photographer who is comfortable with the intimacy of an elopement and the complex logistics of traveling to a new place or working with non-local couples. It’s important to also keep in mind that photographers may need to get work visas or approval from the destination country before they travel for your elopement. So, someone who has experience in handling these logistics would be ideal.

2. Are you familiar with the location we’re eloping to?

Whether you’re hiring someone from close to home or a local photographer, don’t forget to ask them about their knowledge of the area. If you’re hiring locally, try to gauge their knowledge of the destination. For example, ask if they have favorite spots for photos, or if they know of any hidden gems that could make your elopement even more special. If you’re bringing someone with you, ask if they’ve photographed in the area before or how they plan to scout locations to ensure the best possible shots.

3. How do you approach working with LGBTQIA+ couples?

For LGBTQIA+ couples, it’s crucial to choose a photographer who is not only supportive but also understands the unique nature of queer relationships—and what this could mean in a new environment in a different state and country. Aside from browsing their social media and work online to gauge their queer-friendliness, you can also ask how they create inclusive and affirming spaces for couples. You can even inquire about their experience working with LGBTQIA+ couples.

4. What logistical considerations should we be aware of?

Whether you’re hiring locally or bringing someone along, there are logistical details to iron out. Ask about travel arrangements, accommodations, and any special equipment they might need. For international elopements, discuss potential challenges like language barriers, currency exchange, and legalities. Understanding how your photographer handles these details can help you have a smoother experience.

5. What is your backup plan in case of unforeseen circumstances?

It’s always a good idea to ask about contingency plans. Whether it’s bad weather, a missed flight, or equipment issues, a good photographer should have a backup plan in place to ensure your day isn’t disrupted. Knowing they’re prepared for the unexpected can also give you peace of mind!

Additional Tips for Eloping Abroad or Out of State

Here are some additional tips in mind:

1. Get Travel Insurance:

Travel insurance is a must for any destination elopement. It can cover unexpected events like flight cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies, giving you room to breathe as you focus on the excitement of your big day.

2. Research Legal Requirements:

Make sure you understand the legal requirements for getting married in your chosen destination (if you choose to make it legal there). This might include obtaining specific documents, such as a marriage license. Don’t forget to look into travel visas, if applicable!

3. Embrace Cultural Sensitivity:

When eloping internationally, it’s important to be aware of and respect the local culture. Research local customs, traditions, and etiquette to ensure that your elopement is not only beautiful but also respectful. 

4. Plan for Time Zone Differences:

If you’re traveling to a different time zone, allow yourselves some extra time to adjust. Plan your elopement day with this in mind—you want to make sure you’re well-rested and fully present for the moments that matter most!

Read More: How to Elope: The Ultimate Guide

Final Thoughts: Trust Your Gut

When it comes to deciding whether to bring a photographer with you or hire someone locally for your elopement, the most important thing is to trust your gut. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and what works best for one couple might not be the right choice for another. Think about the factors that matter most to you—whether it’s the comfort of a familiar face, the insights of a local expert, or simply what makes you feel the most excited about your day.

If you’re from Minnesota and want to bring a photographer along to your destination elopement, I’ve traveled to many locations to help capture special moments for countless couples. Or, if you’re from out-of-state or another country and want to elope in the Midwest, I also have a wealth of knowledge to bring to the table about the best spots to make your big day unforgettable!