Planning a wedding is tough, but imagine doing it from thousands of miles away. Bringing a destination wedding to life comes with its own unique set of challenges. With all that added distance, narrowing down venue options or assembling your dream team of vendors can be difficult. Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone. Hiring a destination wedding planner can easily prevent these inevitable hurdles you’ll face.
Having a local wedding professional on your team is key to a stress-free celebration anywhere in the world. Not only can they make game-changing recommendations, but they’ll also fill in any gaps you’re unable to address from far away. From expected costs to where to start your vendor search, we’re covering everything you need to know about hiring a destination wedding planner.
Why Should You Hire a Destination Wedding Planner?
Hiring local wedding vendors comes with many benefits. With valuable experience planning weddings in a specific area, they’ll likely be able to provide a list of trusted vendors and venue recommendations based on your wedding style and budget. They’ll also be able to provide guidance on logistical details like necessary permits, marriage license requirements, etc.
From the early planning stages to the day of coordination, investing in a local wedding planner will put your mind at ease every step of the way.
Before meeting with potential wedding planners, you’ll want to decide on a budget you’re comfortable with. Start by researching vendor prices specifically in your wedding location. This will give you an idea of what this number will look like and will help you avoid underestimating your wedding expenses.
The cost will inevitably vary depending on location, event size, chosen package, experience, and so much more. On average, couples should expect to spend between $2,000 and $5,000. It’s a good rule of thumb to reserve around 20% of your overall budget to cover wedding planner costs.
Finding a destination wedding planner requires a lot of research. While you can rely solely on recommendations or referrals, we suggest taking matters into your own hands. If you’ve already done a Google search and find yourself burnt out jumping from website to website, turn to social media.
Instagram and Pinterest are both visual search engines that can help you narrow down your wedding planner options. On Instagram, use hashtags to find wedding planners in your desired area. Planning a wedding in Scotland? Search #scotlandweddingplanner. Of course, this will be specific to your wedding location. For those who already have a venue in mind, the location tags will be a valuable tool in helping find vendors with experience in their dream space.
While these are all great options, they do require a lot of time—something not all wedding-planning couples have. If this sounds familiar, we have great news: all the work has already been done for you. To help save time scrolling endlessly, check out our vendor directory, which is filled with highly vetted, Junebug-approved vendors from all over the world.
2. Create a List
Depending on your wedding location, there are likely hundreds, if not thousands, of planners available. So, after researching all of your options, create a list of those who caught your eye most. On top of experience, here are a few more things to keep in mind when creating your list of destination wedding planners:
Do they have a large portfolio where you’re able to view their previous work?
Do they have experience planning events that are similar to what you envision?
Are reviews from previous clients predominantly positive?
Do they offer flexible package options that’ll provide you with exactly what you’re looking for?
Do they work with vendors I would be interested in working with?
3. Check Availability, Pricing, and Package Options
Request more information after compiling a list of those you’re interested in working with. Often, planners will have a ‘contact me’ page on their website asking specifics about your wedding, like the date, budget, guest count, and theme. This will give them a general idea of what information to send your way.
If they are available on your wedding day, they will often send you a new inquiry form with a planning guide that includes their services and pricing. Sit down with your partner and review these together, choosing up to two planners to schedule consultations with.
Scheduling an initial consultation with the planners you’re interested in hiring will give you a chance to discuss your wedding vision, ask any questions you may have, and get an overall feeling of what it’s like to work with them. The goal is to leave feeling comfortable and confident—that’s when you’ll know a planner is the right fit for your special day.
5. Sign Contracts and Pay Deposits
After you’ve put in the time, done the research, and completed your initial consultation, you’ll need to narrow your options to one. For some, this process is incredibly difficult. Just remember to trust your gut.
Then it’s to sign your contract and pay any required deposits. Keep in mind that your contract is a legal form that states everything from payments to deliverables. It’s important to read through your contract carefully to protect yourself in the long run. So, before you sign on that dotted line, look for these five things.
Hiring a wedding planner is necessary for a smooth and stress-free planning process, whether a local or destination celebration. If you’re convinced, kick off your search by checking out the best wedding planners from all over the world in our vendor directory. With a Junebug planner and our ultimate destination wedding planning guide handy, you’ll have everything you need to bring your dream wedding to life.
These talented wedding photographers in Italy know just how to beautifully capture every moment of your celebration, making sure your memories are preserved in amazing detail for years to come. Image by Hakuna Matata.
When it comes to planning your wedding, few choices are as crucial as selecting the right photographer. They’re responsible for capturing the essence of your big day, so finding a skilled and reliable pro is a must. That’s why we’ve done the legwork to bring you a handpicked collection of Italy’s top wedding photographers. From idyllic countryside scenes to stunning cityscapes, these talented professionals have the know-how to beautifully document every moment of your celebration, ensuring your memories are preserved in breathtaking detail for years to come.
Good for: Couples who appreciate authenticity and spontaneous moments.
Reviews: “Maria has made my wedding day perfect. As a photographer myself, my expectations were absolutely beyond high, and she has completely gone over and above them. She is punctual, friendly, professional, reliable, and her attention to detail is impeccable. I would not have wanted anyone else shooting photographs for my big day. She made me feel absolutely comfortable and I knew that my lifetime memories were in the safest hands. I would recommend her services to everyone looking for a wedding photographer, without the slightest doubt.”
Good for: Intentional couples who value capturing meaningful images that reflect their unique connection.
Reviews: “The most beautiful wedding photos we could have ever imagined. It was a dream working with both of them. We had our dream elopement in Tuscany, and we couldn’t have asked for a better pair to photograph us. I found In Bianco e Nero on Google and received a response right away. We communicated through WhatsApp across the world for five months leading up to our elopement. They are a lovely artistic pair with an eye for photography. Would recommend them a million times over.”
Photography style: Documentary and portrait photography
Good for: Couples who appreciate natural, candid moments.
Reviews: “Riccardo was fantastic! He took wonderful photos, capturing unforgettable moments and emotions. He made us feel natural and relaxed, he made us laugh, and he managed to fully enter into the magic of the wedding day with passion and professionalism. It would definitely be our choice again.”
Good for: Couples who are drawn to dramatic, stunning images that tell a story like a movie
Reviews: “Andrea is without doubt the most incredible photographer. I absolutely love EVERY SINGLE PHOTO he took! Not only are the photos he takes beautiful, but he is also such an approachable, warm person, and I immediately felt comfortable with him. He’s so good at gently directing you in order to get the best images without making you feel awkward or the photos looking posed. I recommend over and over!”
Good for: Couples who value authentic storytelling
Reviews: “Fabio was my calm in the storm, and he acted perfectly behind the scenes. He captured the life and energy of the day like I can’t even begin to describe. Highly recommend and worth every penny!”
Good for: Couples who want those stolen moments (like a quick kiss at dinner) captured as well as the big moments
Reviews: “Matteo has always been very kind and helpful since we first contacted him and on all subsequent occasions. He always put us at ease, and on the wedding day, he was an unobtrusive yet valuable presence with his sensitivity throughout the entire day. The pre-wedding service to get to know each other is an opportunity not to be missed, and then the quality of his photos speaks for itself. He was prompt in every communication and in delivering all the photos about a month after the wedding. Super recommended!”
Photography style: Candid, photojournalistic, and artistic
Good for: Couples who are looking for a pro that’s been around for years (and has the features to show for it).
Reviews: “Finding Dan felt like a miracle. His style and attention to detail really shine through his photographs, but the experience with him was better than we could have ever hoped for. Dan went the extra mile for us, both in the rescheduling of our big day, as well as scouting out the best locations for when the light would be absolutely perfect. Dan is meticulous in getting the shot he wants while still allowing you time to feel like it’s just the two of you and no one else is around. That’s a very tough line to walk, but he does it expertly. We were beyond impressed with our photos and are excited to share them with our families and the world!”
Good for: Couples who like photos reminiscent of fashion magazine spreads
Reviews: “If anyone is struggling to choose their photographer, choose Fotoclip! Their photographs looked like something from a timeless movie. Traveling from Spain, nothing was too much to ask from Dimitri and the team. They made us feel comfortable and instantly understood how we wanted a balance between candid, raw shots and beautiful portraits.
Photography style: Cinematic and fine art photography
Good for: Couples who appreciate dramatic storytelling reminiscent of movies and visually captivating images with artistic flair.
Reviews: “The most incredible photographer! Studio Fotografico Bacci was able to capture the best day of our lives and enhance it by providing us with such special memories to look back upon for years to come. His style is truly beautiful and exactly what we were looking for. He was extremely accommodating right from our first contact, and all throughout the morning, he made things easy and natural. We had a pretty perfect setting in Florence for our day, and the most beautiful bride in the world was involved, but the finished photos speak for themselves—they’re incredible.”
Good for: Couples who want to capture the beauty of their surroundings as much as the details of their big day
Reviews: “Rellini Art Studio is a dream team! We found them on Instagram for our destination wedding in Umbria, impressed by their more artistic shots and natural posing. They really didn’t disappoint us on our big day. They were so easy to work with and never overly demanding, never detracted from our day. One of our wedding highlights was actually the time we spent “alone” together while we did our photos. They were also extremely prompt in delivering the final photos, with a huge library of black-and-white options. They were simply wonderful from start to finish.”
Good for: Couples who love all things high-fashion
Reviews: “Federico Pannacci Photography was great. He engaged with us and our vendors during the whole event, planned out different areas, and communicated well while processing the photos. He gave us 1000 photos in under a month through an easy download link.”
Reviews: “We felt extremely lucky that we found Miks and he was taking pictures of our wedding day. From the first interaction, he paid a lot of attention to details and accommodated our asks. The day could not have gone better, and the photos turned out amazing. All our guests loved them, too. We would highly recommend Miks to anyone who is looking for a professional photographer to make memories of their special day.”
Good for: Couples who want to feel like celebrities on their big day
Reviews: “Guardasole was exceptional from start to finish; they were super friendly and professional. They made us feel comfortable from the very beginning and also managed to make us laugh a lot throughout the day! It was truly a pleasure being with them. We can’t wait to see and have all the fantastic photos in our hands.”
Good for: Couples who aren’t afraid of an adventure
Reviews: “Diana is a talented and passionate photographer. She brought so much positive energy and guidance on our wedding day. She knows how to capture stunning, artistic photos while making it a very fun and comfortable experience throughout the day. The photos she produced for us are beautiful, magical, and timeless—everything we dreamed of, and we couldn’t be happier! We will treasure these photos and memories for a lifetime. If you are looking for a wedding photographer, we highly recommend Diana without hesitation.”
Photography style: Spontaneous storytelling with a cinematic touch
Good for: Couples who value genuine, unscripted moments
Reviews: “Luigi and his team were a dream to work with. Photos were extremely important to me for our wedding day, and I was worried I wouldn’t find someone I trusted or loved, being that we were having a destination wedding in Italy. As soon as I reached out to Luigi, I knew everything was going to be perfect. My first impression of Luigi was that he is very prompt and thorough in his communication with clients. In addition to his professionalism, he has unmatched artistic vision. It was important to me that our wedding photos were not just a bunch of contrived posed moments but that they captured the true essence of our day. Our wedding photos turned out better than I could have imagined. He captured every moment beautifully and authentically. I look back on my photos, and I am able to relive our special day.”
Good for: Couples looking for wedding photography and stunning videography
Reviews: “We were totally thrilled, and so, so happy to have Kreativ Wedding there. The pictures are just awesome. They reflect exactly our big day, which was filled with love, joy, and fun. We can’t put into words how happy we are about the pictures and how much they touched us. I have said it before. They are the BEST, and no one else could have done this great work.”
Reviews: “Giuliano Lo Re was one of the best choices of our day. From the first contact, they have shown incredible professionalism but are always accompanied by total availability and kindness that we are no longer used to receiving. On the wedding day, they were always present yet at the same time absolutely discreet; they conquered all the guests with their cheerfulness and sympathy. We have received so many compliments that we turn to them because they deserve it. Now that we have received the photos (moreover, in a short time), we can only confirm how much professionalism and skill are behind their way of being totally calm. Even in post-production and the months following the wedding, they have always been more than friendly and super helpful, even beyond what was due. It was like having two more friends on our day, and it was great for us to meet you. We advise everyone to choose them, not only for the beautiful photos they took of us but because everyone immediately realizes how much heart they put into it, an added value that is disappearing while they constantly emanate it.”
Good for: Couples who want to enjoy their wedding day to the fullest without feeling constrained by posed photography.
Reviews: “We traveled from Colombia, South America to Italy. If you really want to have an outstanding experience, I highly recommend Hakuna Matata. They were not only super professional, but they are also great human beings. The shooting session was great, and we are really happy to see how each shot was taken with professionalism and love.”
Good for: Couples who want bright, colorful wedding photos
Reviews: “You only get one shot at doing everything right on your wedding day, and I can’t believe they captured every single moment that was so important to us. I get to relive my entire wedding day as often as I want for the rest of my life. They were absolutely spectacular and very professional, but you would like to call them your best friends by the end of the day. Your wedding day should feel like you’re the main character, and with 8mm, you will have your first feature film to show the world. Just incredible the way they see the wedding happen and capture and edit it just perfectly; we are so so happy!”
Good for: Couples who want to prioritize emotional portraits in their wedding album
Reviews: “We loved working with Storie Wedding Photography for our wedding celebration. They were very friendly and easy to communicate with. The wedding photos turned out to be superb, and we were very happy with their creative approach. We highly recommend them for any wedding event! We are very thankful to Monica and Nicola for their hard work.”
Good for: Couples who love elegant and artistic photos with a focus on beauty and detail.
Reviews: “On my wedding day, I had the pleasure of being accompanied by a very young and talented photographer, Spazio46. She was silent, professional, and never indiscreet or intrusive, not even for a second. Viviane was able to grasp the most intimate and natural moments of an unforgettable day, without any plastic pose, without the need to ask us to stay still, managing very well to give us wonderful shots. The thing we appreciated most about Spazio46’s photos was the attention to detail–the ones that normally pass into the background but that only their professionalism has been able to capture, enhance, and photograph. Beyond the discretion and professionalism with which they worked, what impressed me the most about Viviane is the sense of freshness, purity, and truthfulness that transpires from her shots.”
Photography style: Vibrant, ethereal, and timeless destination photography
Good for: Couples who don’t want over-edited photos.
Reviews: “Emiliano Russo Photographer was incredible! They were personable, funny, and knew exactly where to take us for stunning photos! They think through the composition of each photo, and we still cannot believe these photos are ours.”
Good for: Couples looking to embrace all things nostalgic
Reviews: “We didn’t know what to expect when we booked our session with February 30th Stories, but let me tell you, we were not disappointed! We now have pictures of our special day that we will cherish forever and that our families can look back on years from now and feel like they were there with us.”
These wedding photographers in Italy are just a glimpse of the exceptional talent we support. But that’s not all! We have a carefully curated list with more professionals–from planners to videographers to florists. So, whether you’re dreaming of a rustic Tuscan affair or a glamorous Amalfi Coast celebration, our vendor directory has everything you need to make your wedding dreams a reality.
Kat and Sam had a clear vision for their wedding: they wanted warmth, relaxation, and a vibe that everyone could connect with. Steering away from tradition, they opted for a cozy and informal affair. Choosing a venue tucked away in the countryside, enveloped by ancient woodland, they set the stage for their Marshwood Manor wedding. Overflowing with dreamy flowers, charming decor, and a romantic color palette, their day was nothing short of enchanting. Despite the rain catching them off guard–with the help of wedding planner Katie Avis–their plans fell into place effortlessly.
Underneath a canopy of woodland boughs, the couple exchanged vows surrounded by their nearest and dearest. As raindrops fell gently around them, it felt like a scene from a romantic movie. Following their rainy “I dos,” they moved on to a reception filled with rustic charm. The venue was adorned with lush greenery and elegant pampas installations gracing the charming tablescapes. String lights overhead tied everything together, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Even with a bit of rain, they didn’t let it dampen their spirits. Thanks to Laura Dean’s expertly captured photos, you can witness how the rain added an extra layer of sweetness to their wedding memories.
Our ceremony was set in a woodland bower with a stream and logs for seating, so it was very unique and picturesque. We had a violinist who created a lovely atmosphere as guests arrived and throughout the ceremony. However, being a British wedding, even in July, you cannot guarantee a sunny day. Ten minutes before the ceremony started, the rain began to fall, and the whole ceremony was conducted in the rain. This made the moment memorable and even more special, with our first kiss being in the rain, something like out of a movie.
The Importance of Booking Suppliers Early
Start planning as early as possible! Book vendors as early as you can. If they are good, they will likely get booked up very quickly. Create a wedding timeline with key deadlines and to-do lists for when payments are due, etc. Get creative and make it your own day. Do it however you want, and don’t feel obliged to follow a stereotypical wedding.
How They Added Personality to Their Marshwood Manor Wedding With Small Playful Details
We spent so much time planning the wedding and added many little details that we loved. We had temporary tattoos for guests to show their support for us on our big day. All the guests, young and old, got involved, and it was a great conversation starter. My second outfit included personalized gloves embroidered with “Till Death Do Us Part – The Freemans.” We also added elements that were only noticeable for us but made it extra special, such as the band learning a lesser-known song that was special to us and Sam’s speech subtly including quotes from my favorite movie. Even the inflatable props for the dance floor just added to the experience and got everyone involved.
How DIY Touches Made Their Marshwood Manor Wedding Day Extra Special
We created our own wedding newspaper, “The Daily Veil,” and handed it out to all our guests on arrival. It included a timeline of the day, menu, and some fun facts about the bridal party. This was a really unique keepsake for all of our guests. One of the bridesmaids kindly arranged the bridal flowers on the day. We also created our table plan and place cards and provided our own centerpiece vases, which we thrifted and painted.
Making the Most Out of Their Wedding Budget
Our budget was £25,000 – £30,000. We were strict about the number of guests and DIYed some items to save on supplier costs. Guests staying on-site paid a small amount for accommodation. We opted for a dessert buffet rather than a cake, as a wedding cake is costly and wasn’t a big deal for us. We didn’t provide wedding favors to all guests, only the bridal party. Sam wanted to be able to wear his suit again, so he opted for a high-street brand.
Investing in Their Dream Wedding Venue
Our most significant spend was on the venue itself, which was the most important. The bridesmaid dresses were also a signficiant spend, as I wanted a range of colors to be in keeping with the style of the day. It was an exclusive-use venue, which you could utilize from Friday to Sunday, and accommodated half of our wedding party in the cottages on site. We always wanted the wedding to be stretched over an entire weekend. The venue was also perfect for having multiple areas where we could have different parts of the day, so guests had new experiences throughout the day in different parts of the grounds. My previous role in the wedding industry meant I had experienced many weddings in our local area. This venue was a little further away and new to me, but it was close enough that it wasn’t too far for our local family.
Congratulations to Kat and Sam on their unforgettable Marshwood Manor wedding, rain and all! A massive thank you goes out to the incredibly talented Laura Dean for beautifully capturing every magical moment of their special day.
Even the most meticulously planned weddings may encounter a hiccup or two. Sometimes, Mother Nature decides to join in on the festivities. However, with a positive mindset, a willingness to adapt, a team of reliable experts, and perhaps even a sprinkle of rain on the big day, the experience can transform into something truly enchanting and unforgettable.
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