How to Plan a Seamless Destination or Out-of-Town Wedding
- Tara Murphy
- Aug 17
- 2 min read
Whether you’re dreaming of a mountaintop ceremony in Colorado or a coastal celebration in New England, planning an out-of-town wedding takes a little extra strategy. The good news? With the right approach, it can be stress-free and unforgettable.
Here are my top tips from years of photographing and designing weddings across different destinations:
1. Choose Vendors Experienced with Destination Weddings
Local knowledge is everything. A photographer who knows how to work with mountain light or coastal weather, or a designer who understands which papers hold up in humidity, makes all the difference. Bonus points if you can find one creative partner who can handle both photography + design (so you’re not juggling multiple vendors from afar).
2. Plan Around Travel Logistics
Send save-the-dates earlier (9–12 months out) to give guests time to arrange travel.
Choose venues near hotels or shuttles—guest experience matters.
Budget extra for shipping or transporting design pieces (signage, invitations, welcome bags).
3. Use Your Engagement Session as a Test Run
If you’re traveling for your wedding, schedule your engagement session in the same location. Not only do you get a gorgeous preview of your wedding backdrop, but you’ll also learn how your photographer works with the environment.
4. Create a Cohesive Experience for Guests
Your wedding begins before the first photo. Cohesive stationery, signage, and photography create a sense of place—from invitations that hint at your mountain or coastal setting, to menus and programs that tie into your overall design.
5. Embrace the Location in Your Photos
Lean into the destination—whether it’s sweeping mountain views, a historic estate, or an oceanside cliff. The environment is part of your love story, so let it shine.
✨ Pro Tip: Always build in a little extra buffer time on your wedding day timeline when traveling. Destination weddings often come with more moving parts, and a relaxed schedule means more room for genuine, joy-filled photos.
Planning a destination or out-of-town wedding? I specialize in photographing + designing weddings across Colorado, New England, and beyond. Let’s talk about how we can make your wedding feel effortless and cohesive, no matter the location.
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