When looking at resorts’ destination wedding packages, you will probably notice that they’re mostly all-inclusive, but photography and videography are typically not included. Why is that?

The simple answer is that photography and videography services are typically so involved, and have so many different variables, that it’s nearly impossible to include them all in a single wedding package.. Along with all the other variables that already exist there.

Destination Wedding Photography and Videography Packages

Some of the variables you might need to decide on when choosing a photographer, videographer, or one of their service packages could include:

• Length of shoot / number of hours on-site 
• Number of events attended (Will they photograph just your ceremony? The reception, too? What about getting ready? Your guests entering the venue? Something else?
• Number of photos / videos delivered 
• Number of shooters on-site (most wedding photographers work in a team of at least two, but this varies)
• The list goes on and on…

As you can see, these services alone already constitute a variety of packages, just within those service providers’ businesses. 

It’s basically impossible for a resort’s wedding team to put together an all-inclusive wedding package that includes all the ‘normal’ things you’d need for a wedding (check that out here), PLUS these very detailed services.

Why am I telling you about photographers and wedding packages?

Many destination wedding couples ask me about photography and videography services and why they aren’t already included in the resorts’ wedding packages. 

They often want to know if they are responsible for doing research, finding, and choosing these vendors on their own, since they’re not usually in the wedding packages… isn’t that why they’re going with an all-inclusive wedding in the first place!? 

And luckily, the answer is NO!  You do NOT have to go find your own wedding photographer or videographer, unless you just really want to. The resort you choose will have at least one photographer that is a “preferred supplier” of the resort, meaning that the resort trusts their team, recommends their service, and will allow them to come work with you on-site for no additional charge.

What if I want to bring my own photographer or videographer for my destination wedding?

That’s perfectly fine, you can bring outside vendors to most resorts, BUT there are a few details to consider before you make a final decision. 

An “outside vendor” is just one that is not listed on the resort’s “preferred vendors” list. It could be someone local to the destination, who you’ve researched, spoken with, and trust to capture your big day. It could be someone local to you, who you’ve worked with before, is a friend, and you trust to travel with you and capture your wedding day. 

No matter who that outside vendor is, you’ll want to make sure of all the normal vendor things (Do they provide what you’re looking for? Do they have the team / equipment to handle your needs? Are they insured? etc.), but you’ll also want to consider this:

Outside Vendor Fees for Destination Weddings

Most resorts do charge an “outside vendor fee” for any of those vendors who aren’t on their preferred vendor list. 

This fee varies by resort, and sometimes by the type of vendor, and resorts can change their policies on this at any time. (In fact, some resorts have very recently increased their fees! Ugh!)

But most resorts start with an outside vendor fee of $1,000 per vendor, per event day. 

Again, this can vary, but you should assume a fee of at least $1,000 per outside vendor you wish to bring.

How to Waiver Outside Vendor Fees

As soon as engaged couples hear about these outside vendor fees, the next question they always ask is, “is there a way to waive these fees?” – and the answer is, yes! (usually, at least)

Most resorts will allow you to waiver that outside vendor fee IF your vendor physically stays on-site as a guest, within your room block, for the minimum number of nights required by your room block contract. (this is usually 3, but some resorts like Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres have a 4-night minimum stay requirement). 

Sure, you might not want to pay for a local photographer and her second shooter to stay at the resort for 3+ nights, if they live right in town. The outside vendor fee will be less than their stay.

But if you’re hiring a friend or wedding vendor from home and paying for their travel (in addition to paying them for their services! Please don’t be that guy and just pay for their travel ‘in exchange’ for wedding photos. That’s not cool), this is a great opportunity for you to save $1,000+ ! 

Questions about destination wedding photographers, videographers, or outside vendor fees?

I know this was a LOT of information! If you’ve got any questions, feel free to send me an email at: allison@ttravelex.com or leave a comment below. I’m not a photography expert, but I know a lot about destination wedding contracts and rules surrounding outside vendors at all-inclusive resorts, and I’d be happy to help!

Congratulations, and happy planning!

P.S. some of my favorite photographers are Eduardo Paralizabal, Dream Art Photography, and there are more.. just ask! 🙂