Tipping Your Wedding Photography + Video Team: What to Know + How Much to Tip

As Florida wedding photographers and videographers, we get a lot of questions about… tipping! We want to share a quick etiquette guide that can clear up any awkwardness or confusion around the topic. While tipping is never expected or required, it’s always deeply appreciated as a gesture of gratitude for hard work, time, and creative care.

Below is a general guide to help you navigate tipping for your visual team, should you choose to do so.

Wedding Photographers:

Recommended Tip: $100–$300 lead photographer
Recommended Tip: $50–$150 associate photographer

Our wedding photographers exhibit extreme care, with detailed calls leading up to the wedding day, tedious prep, as well as ensuring clear communication with our clients + additional team members that will be present on the wedding day. We truly pour our hearts into the work that we do, both leading up to the big day, and on the day itself.

Wedding Videographer(s):

Recommended Tip: $100–$300 for the lead videographer
$50–$150 for an assistant, if applicable.

Very similar to our wedding photography team, our wedding videographers labor over the big and small details, ensuring that everything is seamless for our clients prior to the wedding day, as well as on the day of!

Wedding Content Creator / Social Media Coverage:

Recommended Tip: $50–$150

Our wedding content creators are working behind the scenes to capture all the Insta-worthy, behind-the-scenes goodness in real time, so that you can share it just days after your wedding day! Not only are they working the day of, but they are also stitching together footage that encapsulates your entire wedding day in videos, in addition to the behind the iPhone photos that they deliver to you.

When & How to Tip:

Tips can be delivered in cash (an envelope labeled with the individual’s name is always helpful!) or added to your final payment if you prefer to do it electronically—just let us know and we’ll make sure it’s distributed accordingly. Many couples also like to give a handwritten note or small gift with a tip—those thoughtful touches go a long way! Some photographers can accept Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, Zelle, etc. on the day of the wedding.

We recommend having a trusted point person whom can distribute the tips on the wedding day (ex: your Best Man or Maid of Honor), that way you can continue dancing the night away without worry! But if you want to be the one to tip us directly, that’s not uncommon, and we do truly appreciate the gesture. 🤍

No matter what, your trust in us means everything. We’re here to serve, create, and support you fully on your big day.

How to Plan A Florida Destination Wedding from Afar

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!

• Astonishing Events

• Breezin’ Entertainment

• Brittany Bauer Events

• Coastal Coordinating

• Milan Catering and Event Design

• NK Productions

• Swanky Soiree Events

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.

Our Top 5 Tampa Engagement Session Locations

If you’re engaged, you’re in the right place! Today we’re highlighting about our Top 5 Engagement Session locations in Tampa.

Tampa has a lot of different scenic spots, whether you want waterfront, riverfront, or beautiful greenery. We know that choosing a location can be overwhelming, so we want to help make it easier for you.

1. The University of Tampa

From the beautiful architecture to the riverside park across the street, the University of Tampa provides you with a diverse set of backgrounds without needing to travel! No wonder it’s a favorite among our clients. This campus offers a perfect blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. Known for its iconic Moorish Revival-style architecture, including the striking minarets of Plant Hall, the University of Tampa provides a unique and romantic backdrop. The lush park on property, with its water views and serene atmosphere, adds a touch of elegance to any shoot, making it ideal for couples looking for a picturesque setting.

2. tampa river walk

The Tampa Riverwalk is known for its stunning waterfront views and has the perfect blend of natural beauty and urban charm. Stretching along the Hillsborough River, the Riverwalk provides a variety of backdrops, from serene waterside paths to vibrant cityscapes. The area is also home to popular spots like the Straz Center and the Tampa Museum of Art, which add cultural and artistic flair to your photos. At night, the Riverwalk also lights up, adding beautiful, bright colored lights to decorate the backdrop of your photos. The combination of lush green spaces, modern sculptures, and the relaxed yet energetic atmosphere makes the Riverwalk an ideal spot for Tampa engagement sessions.

3. Armature Works

Armature Works in Tampa is a trendy and versatile spot, offering a blend of industrial charm and modern style. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, Armature Works features exposed brick walls, large windows, and a lofted, airy interior that creates a stunning backdrop for engagement photos. The building’s unique architecture is complemented by the lively atmosphere of its vibrant shops and eateries. Whether you're capturing intimate moments in front of the glass windows or enjoying the chic ambiance of the food hall, the diverse spaces within Armature Works provide endless opportunities for creative shots. The building is home to local favorites like The Canopy rooftop bar, Oak & Ola, and an array of artisan shops, all of which add character and variety to your engagement session. With its combination of modern style and historic charm, Armature Works offers a dynamic, trendy setting perfect for couples looking for a contemporary yet intimate location

4. Curtis Hixon Park

Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa is an exceptional choice for sessions, offering a vibrant urban setting with a mix of modern architecture and lush green spaces. The park's wide-open spaces and beautiful landscapes create a romantic atmosphere, while the stunning city skyline adds a contemporary touch to your photos. Iconic buildings like the Straz Center for the Performing Arts and the Tampa Museum of Art make a dramatic backdrop, blending cultural landmarks with natural beauty.

5. Ybor city

Ybor City in Tampa is a vibrant and historic neighborhood that offers a unique and eclectic backdrop for engagement sessions. Known for its rich cultural heritage and charming cobblestone streets, Ybor City exudes character and old-world charm. The colorful buildings, historic architecture, and iconic wrought-iron balconies create a perfect setting for couples looking for a blend of vintage and urban vibes in their Tampa engagement photos. Landmarks like the Ybor City Museum State Park and the striking neon signs along 7th Avenue add a fun and dynamic touch to any shoot. Whether you're drawn to its lively atmosphere or its quiet, tucked-away corners, Ybor City's distinct character provides a memorable setting for your engagement session and offers a stylish contrast to more traditional wedding venues in Tampa.

At Limelight Photography, we believe that your engagement session should be as unique and special as your love story. Whether you're planning a destination wedding or looking for the perfect spot for a trendy engagement session in Tampa, the city offers an abundance of stunning locations to capture the magic of this exciting time. From the historic charm of Ybor City to the modern elegance of Armature Works, and the picturesque beauty of the University of Tampa and Curtis Hixon Park, each location provides its own distinct vibe and atmosphere. With our expertise in modern engagement sessions, we’ll guide you to the perfect setting that reflects your personal style and vision. No matter where you choose, Limelight Photography will ensure your engagement photos are timeless, beautiful, and filled with the authentic joy and love you share. Let’s create memories together that you'll treasure for a lifetime!

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How to Get Great First Dance Photos

Of each of the joyous moments that occur on your wedding day, taking to the dance floor with your new spouse is likely to be one of the most exciting. Although, if you’re the type to shy away from the spotlight, this experience can be nerve-wracking, too – particularly as it comes with the added pressure of ensuring that your moves are dazzling enough to be captured on camera.

Of course, there is undoubtedly nothing to worry about when it comes to having this special moment photographed. Alongside trusting your professional photographer to do their job, there are a few actions you can take in order to make sure that the experience runs smoothly.

Choose the right song

It’s hard to get great candid shots if you don’t feel completely comfortable, so you’ll want to do everything you can to make sure that your first dance feels as natural and enjoyable as possible. While there are lots of details you’ll need to give your attention to (such as the space and lighting options available to you), your choice of song can go a long way in allowing you to feel good and truly be yourself in this moment.

It’s best to choose a song that means something to the both of you as a couple; a song that you’ve bonded over and that will make for some great memories of your special day. This way, you’re guaranteed to find that relaxed, happy energy that you exude translates to your photos. 

You’ll also want to think about the kind of images you’d like to have of your first dance. If you’re after romantic photos that move you, you may want to choose a slow ballad, while if you want your images to capture a vibrant, lively dance floor, you may want to choose a song that’s more upbeat.

Involve your guests

The only thing better than sharing this meaningful moment with your new spouse is also experiencing it alongside the friends and family who mean so much to you. As well as adding to the fun, getting your guests up and dancing will allow your photographer the opportunity to get some great action shots.

Of course, this day is entirely yours, and having your first dance surrounded by your guests doesn’t have to mean that the attention is taken off of you and your partner. By taking dance lessons prior to your wedding day, you can wow each and every one of your attendees when you take to the floor – plus, their surprised faces are likely to make for some humorous photos.

Meet with your photographer

While you’re likely to have chosen your photographer because you enjoy their style and way of working, they’ll never know exactly what it is you want from your photos unless you communicate it to them.

Naturally, a professional photographer will come equipped with plenty of creative ideas and techniques that’ll make your photos look stunning. Despite this, there may be certain angles that you think you’d like best, or a particular vision for your images that you’d like to achieve. By setting up a meeting with your photographer prior to your wedding day, you can make sure that you’re both on the same page when it comes to getting great photos of this intimate moment.

Have fun with it

If you know how you’d like your first dance photos to turn out, that’s great – but if not, there’s no need to worry. As long as you allow yourself to let loose and have fun with your partner, and keep a smile on your face, you’re guaranteed to be left with truly beautiful photos worth treasuring.