How to Choose the Right Destination Elopement & Wedding Photographer (Patagonia, Italy, NYC & Puerto Rico)
Why Choosing the Right Photographer Matters
When it comes to your wedding day, you only get one chance to capture it. That’s why choosing the right destination elopement photographer matters so much. The flowers will fade, the cake will be eaten, but your photos will outlive everything; they’re the one thing you’ll hold onto forever.
And let me be clear: this is your wedding day, not a photoshoot. You deserve a photographer with experience, someone who knows how to capture the flow of a day without turning it into a staged production.
When I first started, I didn’t jump straight into photographing weddings on my own. I began as an assistant, learning the rhythm of a wedding, paying attention to details, and understanding what mattered most. Slowly, I added my camera into the mix, practicing beside the lead photographer until I felt confident enough to capture a wedding myself.
If you’re a new photographer reading this, my advice is simple: never put your client’s day at risk. Weddings are once-in-a-lifetime events. Practice with a mentor, learn from real experience, and only take on full responsibility when you’re truly ready.
For couples, this is precisely why experience is essential.
Weddings can be unpredictable — weather shifts, emotions run high, and travel delays happen. You need someone who knows how to adapt with calm confidence, so you can stay present and actually enjoy your day.
And connection matters too. Your photographer will be by your side for almost the entire day — more than any guest, vendor, or even family member. You should feel comfortable with them, like they could be a friend you’d actually want to hang out with. That comfort shows in your photos.
Look Beyond Pretty Photos
It’s easy to scroll through Instagram and fall in love with one epic shot. But choosing your destination elopement photographer isn’t just about a single “wow” photo; it’s about trusting that they can capture your entire story, from start to finish.
Ask yourself: do their galleries feel consistent? Do they show full wedding stories, not just highlight reels?
For me, my style is documentary. I want your photos to feel timeless, not staged. That’s why I spend time getting to know you; your love languages, what makes you comfortable, and what you don’t like. When I understand you, I can capture moments that feel natural and real.
Because your wedding day shouldn’t feel like posing for the camera. It should feel like being fully present with your partner, and knowing your story is being captured in a way that feels true.
Personality & Connection
Your photographer will be with you more than almost anyone else on your wedding day. That’s why connection matters just as much as skill. Even if you’re camera-shy (and most couples tell me they are!), the right photographer will help you feel comfortable and at ease. That’s the difference connection makes — and why it’s so important to find someone who feels like a friend, not just a vendor.
“We were so nervous because we’re both shy, but Nicole made us feel like we were just hanging out together. It didn’t feel like a photoshoot at all — it felt natural, fun, and the photos captured the love between us perfectly.”
Pro tip: When you’re searching for your wedding vendors — whether it’s a photographer, planner, florist, or officiant — always take time to read their reviews. It gives you a window into what it’s really like to work with them. Feel free to check my Google Reviews as a starting point, and then do the same for every vendor you’re considering. Reviews are one of the best ways to feel confident in your choices.
Experience with Elopements & Travel
Eloping or planning a destination wedding is about more than choosing a beautiful place — it’s about creating an intentional experience. Over the years, I’ve photographed couples across New York, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Italy, Argentina, and the Patagonia region of Chile. Each destination has its own rhythm: the winds of Patagonia, the vibrant streets of San Juan, the crowded piazzas of Italy, the fast pace of New York. Experience in these places has taught me how to adapt, plan ahead, and keep the focus on what matters most — you and your story.
And while I’ve worked in some incredible corners of the world, I don’t see those as limits — I see them as a foundation. Every couple has a different vision, and I love helping bring that to life, whether it’s in a place I know well or somewhere brand new we get to explore together.
When we work together, you’re not just getting someone to show up with a camera. You’re getting a photographer who:
- Understands permits, light, weather, and cultural nuances.
- Always builds in backup plans (A, B, and C).
- Blocks extra time around travel dates to protect against delays.
- Helps you plan a day that feels effortless, no matter the location.
Curious where I’ll be this year? Check my travel schedule. If you don’t see your dream destination listed, reach out anyway — my calendar always leaves space for new adventures.
Questions to Ask Your Elopement Photographer
When you’re meeting with photographers, here are some essential questions that not only help you find the right fit but also protect your peace of mind:
- What’s your photography style? (Documentary, posed, editorial, etc.)
- Do you help with planning and timelines?
- Have you photographed in Patagonia / Italy / New York / Puerto Rico before?
- How do you handle bad weather or unexpected changes?
- How many hours are included in your packages?
- Do you offer albums or only digital galleries?
- How do you back up and protect our photos?
- How quickly will we receive our gallery after the wedding?
- Do you include travel in your pricing for destination weddings?
These questions don’t just help you compare photographers — they also help you feel confident in your choice.
Trust Your Gut
Beyond portfolios and packages, trust your instincts. Your photographer isn’t just someone taking pictures — they’re someone sharing your most intimate day.
If you feel like they could be a friend, if you feel safe and comfortable with them, that’s the sign you’ve found the right fit.
Because in the end, your photos aren’t just images. They’re memories of how you felt on your wedding day.
My Philosophy as Your Photographer
Your wedding day shouldn’t feel like a performance. It should feel like an experience you get to live fully, knowing every raw and honest moment is being preserved.
As a destination elopement photographer, my philosophy is simple: document, don’t stage.
Whether it’s a sunrise elopement in Patagonia, a vineyard wedding in Italy, a rooftop celebration in NYC, or a colorful ceremony in Puerto Rico — my goal is always the same: to create space for you to enjoy, and to capture it so you’ll treasure it forever.
Ready to chat? Click here to book a free consultation; let’s talk about your vision, your destination, and how we can make your wedding day feel true to you.
