Hiring Vendors for an International Elopement | Destination Elopement and Wedding Photographer

When planning your international or destination elopement, which vendors you need to hire depends on what type of elopement you’re having. A quick ceremony at a scenic spot may only require a photographer and a minister. A larger ceremony may include vendors like florists, caterers, rentals, stationary, or more. For each vendor, you may find yourself asking “Where should these vendors be based?”

So who can be US- or locally-based, who should be based at your destination? For this question, I always recommend thinking about “perishables” and large items that would be a pain to ship or pack. You may also have a local vendor that you’ve been following for a while and really hope to utilize their services. Use the guide below to see if using them is a possibility.

Destination-based vendors should be those with time-sensitive products or services, or those that would be impossible to ship to your destination. This would be your caterer and cake, which need to be refrigerated and kept close by before consumption. Others that may not be as perishable but would be an expensive hassle to ship would be fragile floral arrangements and large rentals, like tables and chairs, large portions of linens, a custom altar, or other decorations. Another consideration is if your minister speaks your preferred language. This will dictate whether you hire them locally or at your chosen destination.

Local or US-based vendors are those who are willing and able to travel; namely, your photographer, videographer, hair and makeup (though it may be a good idea to book a few sessions with an artist at home and learn to do it yourself), and possibly your minister if language is a barrier. Items that can ship easily, whether on a plane or in your car, can by done ahead of time by a vendor local to you. This means stationary, signs, favors, and things like that.

If you’re unsure about a local vendor’s ability to travel or their thoughts on what you should do, reach out to each vendor and get their opinion (or a few different opinions!) before deciding. Every vendor is different, and every destination elopement is different, so make the choices that feel right to you and that, ultimately, lessen your stress for the big day!

Amber is a Destination Elopement Photographer who is available for travel for elopements and weddings. Send in a contact form through the link above to schedule your free consultation.