Planning a destination wedding in Florida (or the Caribbean) while living miles, or states, away? It’s completely doable with the right team and a few smart strategies. Whether you’re dreaming of a Gulf Coast sunset ceremony or a luxurious St. Lucia beach celebration, here’s how to make the planning process smooth and stress-free.
1. Hire a Local Wedding Planner You Trust
This is step number one for a reason. A great local planner knows the best vendors, can navigate weather backups, and keeps everything moving even when you’re not there in person. We work closely with some of the best wedding planners in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Pete, and beyond. We’ve seen firsthand how much peace of mind they bring to our couples.
We have had the opportunity to work with many wedding planners throughout the last 20 years. Below are a few that we highly recommend!
2. Book a Wedding Photographer Who’s Comfortable With Destination Couples
As Florida wedding photographers specializing in destination weddings, we know how important clear communication is, especially when you're not local. From the moment you inquire to the final gallery delivery, we prioritize getting to know you as a couple so your images reflect your love story authentically. We’ve photographed weddings across Florida and in dreamy places like St. Lucia, so we know how to roll with travel and timeline changes with grace.
3. Schedule One In-Person Trip (If You Can)
If you can fly in once before the wedding, plan a venue tour, menu tasting, hair + makeup trial, and your engagement session all during that trip. It’s a great way to build rapport with your vendor team and to feel more connected to your wedding location.
4. Plan for the Weather (Florida’s Forecast Is No Joke)
Beach ceremony in St. Pete? Garden vows in Sarasota? Make sure your vendors have a solid rain plan. Summer weddings especially need a Plan B, and we’ll work with your planner to scout the best covered or indoor options for photos that still feel magical.
6. Trust Your Vendor Team
Working with experienced local vendors means you can relax on your wedding day. From lighting timelines to photo locations, we collaborate with planners and venue coordinators to make sure nothing gets missed and that you can be present in every moment.
Planning your Florida or St. Lucia wedding from afar?
Whether you’re saying "I do" in Tampa, Clearwater, or on a white sand beach in the Caribbean, our team is here to help you capture every detail with elegance and authenticity.
Let’s start planning your dream wedding photography experience, no matter where you live.
📍 We are based in Florida, but available for destination weddings anywhere! ✈️
✨ Our team is composed of Florida wedding photographers, videographers, and content creators.
Article by Tara Zimmerman from Limelight Photography — passionate about capturing the unscripted, emotional moments that tell your love story in the most genuine and heartfelt way.