Dreaming of a destination wedding? Check out our curated list of breathtaking destinations that result in absolutely stunning wedding photography and films.
Planning your wedding is always an adventure, but deciding to take your wedding to a destination abroad adds another dimension to your big day. From romantic scenery, a change of weather, and a chance for your guests to unwind abroad while you all celebrate your wedding day… It’s important to make sure you choose the perfect spot. We’ve hand-picked our top 10 destinations for luxury wedding photography and videography, so pack your bags and get ready for a journey around the globe!
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik’s iconic city walls and terracotta rooftops make for some of the most recognisable landscape shots you could wish for in your destination wedding videography. Partner this with iconic monuments like St Luke’s Tower, Ploče Gate or Dubrovnik Bell Tower, beautiful backdrops for striking portraits, and you’ve got one dreamy location for your destination wedding!
Want examples? Take a look at Sophie & Macaulay’s wedding in Sponza Palace Dubrovnik.
The best months for a destination wedding in Dubrovnik, Croatia, are May, June, September, and October. During these months, the weather is warm and pleasant, ideal for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. May and June offer blooming flowers and vibrant landscapes, while September and October provide milder temperatures and fewer tourists, ensuring a more intimate and serene atmosphere. These months also offer beautiful sunsets and picturesque views of the Adriatic Sea, perfect for capturing stunning wedding photos.
May: 16°-23°C/61°-74°F
June: 21°-27°C/70-80°F
September: 19°-26°C/66-79°F
October: 15°-22°C/59-72°F
Here are the estimated costs of a wedding in Dubrovnik, Croatia:
Total Estimated Cost:
Small Budget Wedding: £8,600 – £17,200
Mid-Range Wedding: £17,200 – £34,400
Luxury Wedding: £34,400 – £68,800+
Breakdown:
Luxury Venues (e.g., historic palaces, high-end hotels): £4,300 – £8,600+
Mid-Range Venues (e.g., boutique hotels, scenic outdoor locations): £1,700 – £4,300
Budget Venues (e.g., local restaurants, small event spaces): £430 – £1,700
Catering: £52 – £129 per person
Wedding Planner: £860 – £4,300
Photography & Videography: Contact us for our packages
Flowers and Decorations: £500 – £2,600
Music and Entertainment: £2,000 – £5,800
Bride’s Dress: £430 – £2,600
Groom’s Suit: £172 – £860
Wedding Cake: £258 – £688
Transportation (e.g., rental cars, boats): £258 – £860
Accommodation (for couple and possibly guests): £86 – £430 per night
Legal Fees (for paperwork and officiant): £172 – £430
St George’s Bay, Malta
Malta makes for a masterclass of Mediterranean majesty, and St George’s Bay is no exception; from underground caves to scenic beaches, luxury resorts and historic churches, options for the perfect destination wedding venue are in no short supply! Start your big day in the rustic buildings of the local town, before you lose yourself to the golden sands and picturesque coastal backgrounds to frame any romantic intimate photography and videography shoot.
Want examples? Take a look at India & James’ destination wedding in St George’s Bay, Malta.
The best months for a destination wedding in St George’s Bay, Malta, are from May to October.
May to June: 20-25°C/68-77°F – Fewer tourists, but slightly cooler temperatures.
July to August: 30°C/86°F – Warm sea temperatures, but slightly crowded with tourists.
September to October: 25-30°C/77-86°F – Less busy, warm sea, but can be slightly cooler weather.
Here are the estimated costs of a wedding in St George’s Bay, Malta:
Total Estimated Cost:
Small Budget Wedding: £8,000 – £15,000
Mid-Range Wedding: £15,000 – £30,000
Luxury Wedding: £30,000 – £60,000+
Breakdown:
Luxury Venues (e.g., high-end hotels, beach resorts): £3,500 – £7,500
Mid-Range Venues (e.g., boutique hotels, scenic outdoor locations): £1,500 – £3,500
Budget Venues (e.g., local restaurants, small event spaces): £400 – £1,500
Catering: £50 – £100 per person
Wedding Planner: £750 – £3,700
Photography & Videography: Contact us for our packages
Flowers and Decorations: £350 – £2,000
Music and Entertainment: £1,200 – £3,500
Bride’s Dress: £400 – £2,000
Groom’s Suit: £150 – £700
Wedding Cake: £250 – £600
Transportation (e.g., rental cars, boats): £250 – £800
Accommodation (for couple and possibly guests): £80 – £400 per night
Legal Fees (for paperwork and officiant): £150 – £400
Loire Valley, France
A destination wedding in The Loire Valley offers a blend of romance, history, and scenic beauty. Known for its stunning châteaux and lush vineyards, it’s a perfect choice for wine lovers planning a fairytale wedding! The region’s rich culinary heritage, picturesque landscapes and charming villages create the perfect backdrops for wedding photos. The Loire Valley is an idyllic choice for an enchanting European destination wedding.
Our favourite venue in Loire Vallery is Chateau de Jalesnes. An exceptional building erected in the early 1600’s, this luxury wedding venue has been hosting some of the finest events since 2016, and we couldn’t be more in love – not just for its stunning exterior, filling the background of any divine group shot, but its atmospheric and fairy-tale like grounds surrounding, that frame the most magical moments for the best wedding photographers and videographers like ours to capture.
See Rachelle & Christopher’s destination wedding photography & films at Chateau de Jalesnes here.
The best months for a destination wedding in The Loire Valley are May through September. During this period, the weather is warm and pleasant, ideal for outdoor ceremonies and receptions.
May to June: 10-24°C/50-75°F – Blooming spring flowers and lush greenery.
July to August: 13-27°C/55-81°F – Long sunny days, perfect for evening celebrations.
September: 10-22°C/50-72°F – Milder temperatures, scenic grape harvest season.
Here are the estimated costs of a wedding in Loire Valley, France:
Total Estimated Cost:
Small Budget Wedding: £12,000 – £24,000
Mid-Range Wedding: £24,000 – £48,000
Luxury Wedding: £48,000 – £96,000+
Breakdown:
Luxury Venues (e.g., châteaux, high-end hotels): £5,000 – £10,000+
Mid-Range Venues (e.g., boutique hotels, scenic outdoor locations): £2,500 – £5,000
Budget Venues (e.g., local restaurants, small event spaces): £1,000 – £2,500
Catering: £70 – £150 per person
Wedding Planner: £2,000 – £5,000
Photography & Videography: Contact us for our packages
Flowers and Decorations: £1,100 – £3,500
Music and Entertainment: £2,500 – £7,500
Bride’s Dress: £500 – £3,000
Groom’s Suit: £200 – £1,000
Wedding Cake: £300 – £800
Transportation (e.g., rental cars, horse-drawn carriages): £300 – £1,000
Accommodation (for couple and possibly guests): £100 – £500 per night
Legal Fees (for paperwork and officiant): £200 – £500
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Nestled next to the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Amalfi Coast holds some of Italy’s finest scenery and offers any wedding photographer or videographer the whole package when it comes to cinematic establishing shots! The rolling forest hills and unmistakable architecture make for divine tableaus, ready to frame your luxury destination wedding photography.
You can watch a cinematic Highlight film we shot of Funi & Arinze’s luxury Amalfi Coast Destination Wedding below, or click this link.
The best months for a destination wedding on the Amalfi Coast are generally from late April to September.
April to May: 16-22°C/61-72°F – A great time to enjoy the lush spring florals without the peak season crowds. The sea might still be a bit cold for swimming.
June: 22-27°C/72-81°F – Warm but not overly hot weather, and the sea is typically warm enough for swimming.
July to August: 24-30°C/75-86°F – Guaranteed sunny weather, warm sea, and a vibrant atmosphere with many local events and festivals. Busiest tourist month.
September: 20-26°C/68-79°F – Warm weather, fewer tourists than the peak summer months, and a more relaxed atmosphere. The sea remains warm.
Overall, June and September are often considered the ideal months for a wedding on the Amalfi Coast due to their balance of good weather, relatively fewer crowds, and the availability of services.
Here are the estimated costs of a wedding in Amalfi Coast, Italy:
Total Estimated Cost:
Small Budget Wedding: £20,000 – £35,000
Mid-Range Wedding: £35,000 – £70,000
Luxury Wedding: £70,000 – £140,000+
Breakdown:
Luxury Venues (e.g., high-end hotels, cliffside villas): £7,000 – £15,000+
Mid-Range Venues (e.g., boutique hotels, seaside locations): £4,000 – £7,000
Budget Venues (e.g., local restaurants, smaller event spaces): £2,000 – £4,000
Catering: £100 – £200 per person
Wedding Planner: £800 – £5,000
Photography & Videography: Contact us for our packages
Flowers and Decorations: £1,650 – £4,600
Music and Entertainment: £3,600 – £8,500
Bride’s Dress: £800 – £4,000
Groom’s Suit: £300 – £1,500
Wedding Cake: £400 – £1,000
Transportation (e.g., rental cars, boats): £400 – £1,500
Accommodation (for couple and possibly guests): £100 – £600 per night
Legal Fees (for paperwork and officiant): £300 – £700
New York City, USA
Standing as perhaps the most cinematic city in the world, The Big Apple is a playground when it comes to destination wedding planning; if you’re looking for an instantly recognisable landscape, the towering high-rises and beautiful rural spots in Central Park, NYC is calling you! New York offers endless opportunities for couples and their wedding photographers alike, with a new surprise around every corner.
Our recommendation for the best season to have a destination wedding in NYC is Autumn, aka Fall (specifically, October). This month offers comfortable temperatures, mostly clear skies and less rain than other months, and best of all, the stunning warm tones of fall foliage. You also benefit from smaller crowds and lower hotel prices than holiday seasons such as Christmas and New Year.
Here are the estimated costs of a wedding in New York:
Total Estimated Cost:
Small Budget Wedding: £25,000 – £50,000
Mid-Range Wedding: £50,000 – £100,000
Luxury Wedding: £100,000 – £200,000+
Breakdown:
Luxury Venues (e.g., high-end hotels, renowned event spaces): £15,000 – £30,000+
Mid-Range Venues (e.g., boutique hotels, loft spaces): £8,000 – £15,000
Budget Venues (e.g., local restaurants, small event spaces): £4,000 – £8,000
Catering: £100 – £200 per person
Wedding Planner: £2,000-£8,000
Photography & Videography: Contact us for our packages
Flowers and Decorations: £3,300 – £9,000
Music and Entertainment: £5,000 – £12,500
Bride’s Dress: £1,000 – £5,000
Groom’s Suit: £500 – £2,000
Wedding Cake: £500 – £1,500
Transportation (e.g., limousines, classic cars): £500 – £2,000
Accommodation (for couple and possibly guests): £200 – £800 per night
Legal Fees (for paperwork and officiant): £400 – £1,000
Want examples? Take a look at Ashley & Christopher’s New York Winery Wedding.
Waipahu, Hawaii
From one American dream to another, the romance of Hawaii is famed for a reason! With goliath mountains painting the distance of every moment, zooming in to the soft and natural details of the island’s beaches, jungles and waterfalls, Waipahu holds every exotic element you could hope for in a Hawaiian paradise wedding, and gives photographers and videographers a world of luxury wonder to capture.
Here is Cherie & Jonathan’s Teaser film from their luxury Destination Wedding in Waipahu, Hawaii – watch below or click this link.
The best months for a destination wedding in Waipahu, Hawaii are generally from May to August.
May: 20-29°C/68-83°F
Celebrate Lei Day, Hawaii’s famous symbol of friendliness and hospitality – lei competitions, live music, and Hawaii’s signature dance, the hula. Perfect weather for beach weddings, long daylight hours.
June: 20-29°C/68-83°F
Celebrate the cultural Pacific Rim Festival, or join King Kamehameha Day festivities honouring Hawaii’s heritage with beautifully dressed pa’u riders on horseback, floral parades and dances.
July: 21-30°C/70-85°F
Celebrate The Prince Lot Hula Festival is the world’s largest non-competitive hula event. You’ll get to see some of the best dancers Hawaii has to offer, showcasing the island’s traditional dance.
August: 22-30°C/71-85°F
August features Hawaii’s highest temps, and you probably won’t need your galoshes since rainfall is practically non-existent. Enjoy warmer ocean swimming temperatures for a beach destination wedding.
Here are the estimated costs of a wedding in Waipahu, Hawaii:
Total Estimated Cost:
Small Budget Wedding: £15,000 – £30,000
Mid-Range Wedding: £30,000 – £60,000
Luxury Wedding: £60,000 – £120,000+
Breakdown:
Luxury Venues (e.g., beachfront resorts, private estates): £10,000 – £20,000+
Mid-Range Venues (e.g., hotels, botanical gardens): £5,000 – £10,000
Budget Venues (e.g., local community centers, smaller event spaces): £2,000 – £5,000
Catering: £80 – £150 per person
Wedding Planner: £1,500 – £5,000
Photography & Videography: Contact us for our packages
Flowers and Decorations: £2,200 – £5,800
Music and Entertainment: £3,100 – £7,500
Bride’s Dress: £800 – £3,500
Groom’s Suit: £300 – £1,500
Wedding Cake: £400 – £1,000
Transportation (e.g., rental cars, limousines): £400 – £1,500
Accommodation (for couple and possibly guests): £150 – £500 per night
Legal Fees (for paperwork and officiant): £300 – £700
Iceland
A titan of the natural world, Iceland hosts its own world of wonder. With many a church in its cosy towns, or the iconic waterfall, Skógafoss, the Nordic island offers plenty of cinematic settings for your big day. Time it right and you could even have your wedding reception under the Northern Lights (Though we’d advise you bring a warm coat for that!)
Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, but for a destination wedding or elopement with a waterfall backdrop, you’ll generally want to aim for the warmer months when access to waterfalls is easier and the landscape is lush. Here’s a breakdown of average temperatures and conditions:
June: 8-13°C/46-55°F – the beginning of summer in Iceland, almost 24 hours of daylight, perfect for long photoshoots
July: 9-14°C/48-57°F – long daylight hours, and the weather is generally pleasant
August: 8-13°C/47-56°F – long daylight hours, the weather remains mild, lush green landscapes
Here are the estimated costs of a wedding in Iceland:
Total Estimated Cost:
Small Budget Wedding: £15,000 – £30,000
Mid-Range Wedding: £30,000 – £60,000
Luxury Wedding: £60,000 – £120,000+
Breakdown:
Luxury Venues (e.g., high-end hotels, private estates): £8,000 – £15,000+
Mid-Range Venues (e.g., boutique hotels, scenic outdoor locations): £4,000 – £8,000
Budget Venues (e.g., local restaurants, smaller event spaces): £2,000 – £4,000
Catering: £80 – £150 per person
Wedding Planner: £1,000 – £4,000
Photography & Videography: Contact us for our packages
Flowers and Decorations: £1,650 – £4,000
Music and Entertainment: £3,600 – £6,500
Bride’s Dress: £800 – £3,500
Groom’s Suit: £300 – £1,500
Wedding Cake: £300 – £800
Transportation (e.g., rental cars, buses): £300 – £1,000
Accommodation (for couple and possibly guests): £100 – £500 per night
Legal Fees (for paperwork and officiant): £300 – £700
Cancún, Mexico
Everything about Playa del Carmen feels picture perfect – marry in front of the rolling Caribbean Sea before setting off on a journey through the bustling jungles that surround, maybe even greeted by the local wildlife… iykyk! This hidden gem is a luxury destination for any lucky couple, and offers a divine wedding experience like very few others.
Want examples? Take a look at Sophie & Andrew’s Seafront Cancun Destination Wedding.
The best month for a destination wedding in Cancún, Mexico, generally falls within the dry season, which spans from November to April. Specifically, the most recommended months are December, January, and February. Here’s why these months are ideal:
Weather: During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, with daytime temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). The humidity is lower, and there is minimal rainfall, providing sunny and comfortable conditions for outdoor weddings.
Hurricane Season: Cancún’s hurricane season officially runs from June to November. Planning your wedding in December, January, or February avoids this risk, ensuring more predictable and stable weather.
Events and Festivals: Planning around local events and holidays can enhance the wedding experience. For example, December offers the festive holiday atmosphere, while January and February might provide a quieter, more intimate setting.
Here are the estimated costs of a wedding in Iceland:
Total Estimated Cost:
Small Budget Wedding: £10,000 – £20,000
Mid-Range Wedding: £20,000 – £40,000
Luxury Wedding: £40,000 – £80,000+
Breakdown:
Luxury Venues (e.g., beachfront resorts, private villas): £5,000 – £10,000+
Mid-Range Venues (e.g., all-inclusive resorts, beach clubs): £2,500 – £5,000
Budget Venues (e.g., local restaurants, small event spaces): £1,000 – £2,500
Catering: £40 – £100 per person
Wedding Planner: £1,000 – £3,500
Photography & Videography: Contact us for our packages
Flowers and Decorations: £900 – £3,000
Music and Entertainment: £1,800 – £6,000
Bride’s Dress: £600 – £3,000
Groom’s Suit: £200 – £1,000
Wedding Cake: £200 – £600
Transportation (e.g., airport transfers, shuttle service): £200 – £800
Accommodation (for couple and possibly guests): £100 – £400 per night
Legal Fees (for paperwork and officiant): £100 – £300
Porto, Portugal
On Portugal’s Northern coast, Porto is as rich in history as it is in culture. Any wedding videography here would be rich with class, colour and charm, backdropped by cinematic panoramas and pulsing with the electric energy of the local scene. As the sunlight fades and the night rolls in, the soft glow of the town makes for the perfect setting for an affectionate photoshoot to immortalise your big day.
Want examples? Take a look at Jessica & Jared’s Luxury Portugal Destination Wedding.
The best month for a destination wedding in Porto is generally September. Here are a few reasons why September stands out:
Weather: The weather in Porto during September is usually warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 16°C (61°F) to 24°C (75°F). The summer heat has subsided, and the chances of rain are relatively low.
Tourist Crowds: The summer tourist crowds begin to thin out in September, making it easier to secure accommodations and venues. This also means a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere for your wedding.
Scenery: Porto is beautiful in September, with lush landscapes and vibrant autumnal colours, ideal for photography.
Availability: Wedding venues and vendors might have more availability and potentially better rates compared to the peak summer months.
Here are the estimated costs of a wedding in Porto:
Total Estimated Cost:
Small Budget Wedding: £25,000 – £60,000
Mid-Range Wedding: £60,000 – £120,000
Luxury Wedding: £120,000 – £250,000+
Breakdown:
Luxury Venues (e.g., historic palaces, waterfront hotels): £12,000 – £25,000
Mid-Range Venues (e.g., boutique hotels, vineyard estates): £6,000 – £12,000
Budget Venues (e.g., local restaurants, small event spaces): £3,000 – £8,000
Catering: £70 – £120 per person
Wedding Planner: £1,500 – £6,000
Photography & Videography: Contact us for our packages
Flowers and Decorations: £2,250 – £5,300
Music and Entertainment: £3,600 – £8,000
Bride’s Dress: £1,500 – £6,000
Groom’s Suit: £600 – £2,500
Wedding Cake: £600 – £1,500
Transportation (e.g., rental cars, vintage trolleys): £600 – £2,000
Accommodation (for couple and possibly guests): £150 – £800 per night
Legal Fees (for paperwork and officiant): £150 – £400
Ios, Greece
Azure waters, iconic white architecture and masterpiece sunsets are just a few reasons we love Ios. A plethora of beaches, churches, amphitheatres and more give endless options for the perfect wedding location; with clear skies at night, your reception is sure to take place under a blanket of the clearest stars you’ll see, lighting up every divine frame of your cinematic photography and videography! We couldn’t pick a favourite from this list, but if we had to…
Want examples? Take a look at Naima & Tyson’s Greek Amphitheatre Wedding.
September offers a balance of favorable weather, manageable crowds, and the lingering summer warmth, making it an ideal month for a destination wedding in Ios. However take into account your preference on factors such as weather, tourist crowds. Here are some considerations for different times of the year:
May to June: 20°C-25°C/68°F-77°F – Fewer tourists compared to peak summer months, offering a more intimate experience. Blooming flowers and lush landscapes.
July to August: Often exceeds 30°C/86°F – Hot and dry, peak tourist season, vibrant atmosphere and bustling nightlife. Ideal for those who enjoy lively environments.
September to October: 22°C-8°C/2°F-82°F – Less crowded than summer, sea is still warm from the summer heat, perfect for beach activities.
Here are the estimated costs for a wedding in Ios, Greece:
Total Estimated Cost:
Small Budget Wedding: £25,000 – £60,000
Mid-Range Wedding: £60,000 – £120,000
Luxury Wedding: £120,000 – £250,000+
Breakdown:
Luxury Venues (e.g., cliffside villas, upscale beach resorts): £10,000 – £20,000+
Mid-Range Venues (e.g., boutique hotels, beachfront restaurants): £5,000 – £10,000
Budget Venues (e.g., local tavernas, smaller event spaces): £2,000 – £5,000
Catering: £70 – £120 per person
Wedding Planner: £1,500 – £6,000
Photography & Videography: Contact us for our packages
Flowers and Decorations: £2,250 – £5,300
Music and Entertainment: £3,600 – £8,000
Bride’s Dress: £1,500 – £6,000
Groom’s Suit: £600 – £2,500
Wedding Cake: £600 – £1,500
Transportation (e.g., rental cars, traditional Greek boats): £600 – £2,000
Accommodation (for couple and possibly guests): £150 – £800 per night
Legal Fees (for paperwork and officiant): £150 – £400
If you’re looking for destination wedding photography and videography your guests will never forget, fill out our enquiry form and let’s get planning!
