As a destination wedding photographer, I’ve witnessed just about every version of love, chaos, and celebration—but nothing prepared me for the day I accidentally became part of a stranger’s wedding in Panama.
It started like this: five friends, one last day in paradise, and a spontaneous decision to buy resort day passes. Our only plans? Sun, cocktails, and one more swim before flying home.
But fate had other ideas.
At the pool bar, we met a sweet couple who mentioned they were attending a resort wedding that same afternoon. A few drinks in, their phone buzzed with a panicked message from the bride. The resort’s hair and makeup team hadn’t been confirmed. The salon was closed. The ceremony was just hours away.
Cue five slightly sunburnt, slightly tipsy wedding professionals springing into action.
One of us grabbed a curling iron. Another started makeup touch-ups with whatever supplies we had on hand. I ran back for my camera. Within minutes, we were fully in “wedding rescue mode”—damp swimsuits, frizzy hair, adrenaline and all. Somehow, it worked. I ended up photographing the wedding alongside the resort’s (very late) in-house photographer, and we all stayed for dinner. The bride gave us the warmest shoutout in her speech, and we still laugh about it years later.
That spontaneous moment taught me a lot about the realities of resort weddings—and what couples really need to know when planning a destination wedding. So if you’re dreaming of saying “I do” with your toes in the sand, here’s what a destination wedding photographer wants you to know.
💍 The Pros and Cons of Resort Weddings
Resort weddings can be beautiful, efficient, and surprisingly affordable. But when you rely entirely on in-house teams, there’s a trade-off. Some things get lost in translation—or worse, forgotten altogether.
✅ Pros of Resort Weddings:
All-inclusive packages mean easy planning
Built-in catering, bar service, and accommodations
Stunning backdrops with minimal effort
Ideal for destination guests (everything in one place)
⚠️ Cons of Resort Weddings:
Limited control over styling, vendor quality, and communication
In-house teams are often overbooked or outdated
Hair/makeup may not match current trends or your vision
Resort photographers work on tight schedules with minimal customization
Miscommunications can happen—especially if you’re not fluent in the local language
✈️ Who You Should Absolutely Consider Bringing with You
If you’re planning a destination wedding at a resort, here’s who I recommend you fly in—or book independently outside the resort package—for a seamless, stylish, and stress-free experience.
📸 Photo + Video Team
Your photos are forever. As a destination wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how in-house resort photographers are often rushed, impersonal, or simply not aligned with your style. Bringing your own photographer or videographer ensures your memories are captured with intention, artistry, and consistency.
Pro tip: Some resorts charge an outside vendor fee. This can often be waived if your photographer is also booked as a guest.
💄 Hair + Makeup Artists
Resort salons frequently use outdated techniques or one-size-fits-all looks. Bringing in a beauty team you trust—or hiring a reputable local artist with a strong portfolio—can make a huge difference in how confident you feel on the big day.
🧳 Travel Agent (with Destination Wedding Experience)
They don’t fly in, but they’re key to pulling off a stress-free experience. A travel agent who specializes in destination weddings can coordinate flights, room blocks, guest itineraries, and even advocate for upgrades or perks with the resort. They’ll save you time, money, and inbox overwhelm.
📝 Planner or Destination Coordinator
Even if your resort includes a coordinator, they’re likely juggling several weddings at once. An independent wedding planner (either local or remote) can help with vendor sourcing, design details, and ensure that everything actually looks and feels how you imagined. They often don’t fly in, but their virtual or local presence can be essential in tying it all together.
Real Destination Wedding Tips 🏝️
Confirm vendor details in writing—especially hair, makeup, and ceremony timing.
Ask about outside vendor policies early. You may need to pay a fee or offer day passes.
Build buffer time into your day-of timeline. Resort schedules can run behind.
Make sure someone has a day-of checklist—not just a vague package summary.
Trust your gut. If something feels rushed or unclear, speak up or bring in your own people.
Planning a destination wedding doesn’t have to be stressful—but it does require intention. Resort packages can be a great starting point, but your dream wedding deserves more than the standard treatment. Invest in a few key vendors, plan with flexibility, and prioritize what matters most.
And if all else fails? Hope there’s a group of girls with cocktails and curling irons by the pool.
