Why I Love Capturing Destination Weddings (and Where I’m Dreaming of Going Next)

There’s Just Something Different About Destination Weddings

As a wedding photographer based in Oklahoma who travels often, I’ve discovered that destination weddings offer a kind of magic that traditional weddings can’t always replicate. Whether it’s exchanging vows on a sun-soaked terrace in Italy or running barefoot along the Oregon coast, destination weddings invite intentionality, presence, and emotion.

They’re more than a celebration — they’re a full experience. From welcome dinners and adventure sessions to quiet mornings and candlelit nights, these weddings are layered with stories I love capturing.

It’s About the Experience, Not Just the Location

One of the reasons I love photographing destination weddings is that couples who choose to travel for their wedding often value connection and memories above all else. They want every moment to feel true to them — slow, sweet, meaningful.

That’s exactly the kind of story I’m passionate about telling. I’m not just there to photograph the day — I’m there to blend in like a friend, catch those real in-between moments, and help my couples feel at ease in front of the camera no matter where we are in the world.

My Favorite Destination Weddings So Far

One of my most memorable weddings was at Haseltine Estate in Springfield, Missouri, a hidden gem with lush gardens and intimate backyard wedding vibes. From the soft greenery to the tear-filled hugs and golden light, it felt like a fairytale tucked away in the heart of the Midwest.

I also had the pleasure of documenting a dreamy wedding at Sandos Playacar in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, where turquoise waters, soft white sand, and towering rock formations created an unforgettable backdrop. Between the stunning architecture, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and curious monkeys swinging nearby, every moment felt like a storybook come to life.

Where I’m Dreaming of Going Next

Oklahoma & Tulsa Favorite Wedding Venues (Including Surrounding States)

These are some of my favorite venues in Tulsa and across Oklahoma — and I’d love the opportunity to photograph your wedding at any of them:

• The Philbrook Museum – Tulsa, OK – Historic architecture, formal gardens, and a timeless, romantic atmosphere.
• Aspen Ranch – Edmond, OK – Elegant barn charm surrounded by serene Oklahoma landscapes.
• Spain Ranch – Tulsa, OK – A rustic, intimate venue perfect for cozy celebrations.
• The Baumberhof – OKC – European-style estate with classic elegance.
• The Glass Chapel – Tulsa, OK – Modern design with natural light flooding every corner.
• Vinterra – Tulsa, OK – Contemporary elegance with sophisticated indoor and outdoor spaces.
• The Bower Venue – Edmond, OK – A romantic estate feel with personalized touches.
• The Range – Stillwater, OK – Barn-style charm with intimate outdoor areas.
• The Mayo Hotel – Tulsa, OK – Grand spaces for elegant, timeless celebrations.
• The Emerson – DFW, TX – Chic design with modern interiors and romantic outdoor areas.
• The Grand Ivory – Leonard, TX – Luxurious estate perfect for private and grand weddings.
• Osage House – Cave Springs, AR – Rustic elegance with warmth and character.
• Crystal Bridges Museum – Bentonville, AR – Modern art, serene landscapes, and light-filled spaces.
• Dogwood Canyon – Lampe, MI – Scenic outdoors, waterfalls, and nature’s beauty.
• Big Cedar Lodge Chapel – Ridgedale, MI – Lush forests and timeless charm for intimate ceremonies.

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Destination Wedding Locations in the U.S.

I love traveling for weddings! For these locations, you only need to cover my U.S. travel fee — I’ll photograph your wedding for free.

• Horseshoe Bend – Page, AZ – Iconic sandstone curves with breathtaking views.
• Salt Lake City, UT – Urban elegance meets stunning mountain backdrops.
• Zion National Park – Springdale, UT – Dramatic cliffs, epic hikes, and unforgettable scenery.
• Joshua Tree, CA – Desert landscapes with unique rock formations for adventurous couples.
• San Francisco, CA – Iconic city charm and golden-hued sunsets.
• Big Sur, CA – Majestic cliffsides and ocean panoramas.
• Yosemite National Park, CA – Towering waterfalls, giant sequoias, and epic outdoor ceremonies.
• Lake Tahoe, CA/NV – Sparkling alpine lakes and breathtaking mountain views.
• Aspen, CO – Rustic elegance meets vibrant alpine colors.
• Telluride, CO – Mountain tops and romantic forested settings.
• Cannon Beach, OR – Oceanfront cliffs and windswept beaches.
• New York City, NY – Rooftop elopements, chic courthouse weddings, and iconic backdrops.
• Hawaii – Beaches, volcanic landscapes, and tropical elegance.
• Alaska – Wilderness, glaciers, and intimate lodges for adventurous couples.

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International Destination Weddings

For international weddings, you only cover the travel fee — I’ll photograph your day for free. These locations are at the top of my dream list:

• Iceland – Waterfalls, glaciers, and Northern Lights vows.
• Santorini, Greece – El Viento, Villa Irini, Canaves Oia Suites; cliffside ceremonies with endless Aegean views.
• Bali, Indonesia – Ayana Resort, The Kayon Resort Ubud; tropical jungles and beachfront resorts.
• Paris, France – City elopements and romantic chateau weddings.
• Amalfi Coast, Italy – Le Sirenuse, Villa del Balbianello, Marincanto; pastel cliffside towns and ocean terraces.
• Tulum, Mexico – Ambre Epices, Kima, Hotel Panamera; boho-chic beach weddings.
• Cabo & Los Cabos, Mexico – Sandos Finisterra, Sandos Playacar, Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos, Baja Luna; oceanfront luxury.
• Cancun / Riviera Maya, Mexico – Sandos Caracol, Hotel Xcaret, Excellence Riviera Cancun, Grand Fiesta Americana; tropical luxury and intimate celebrations.
• Paris / Île-de-France, France – Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay, Château du Vivier; historic elegance.
• Tuscany / Italy – Castiglion del Bosco, Villa Belvedere, Villa del Balbianello; vineyards and rolling hills.
• Segovia / Spain – Los Claustros de Ayllón; historic charm.
• Umbria / Italy – La Badia di Orvieto; centuries-old abbey weddings.
• Fontenay-Trésigny / France – Château du Vivier; fairytale castle.
• Positano / Amalfi Coast – Le Sirenuse, Marincanto; cliffside romance.
• Lake Como / Italy – Villa del Balbianello; cinematic luxury.
• Philippines – Hayahay Beach Resort; tropical serenity.

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Upcoming Venues I’m Dreaming of Photographing

As a destination wedding photographer, I’m endlessly inspired by venues filled with natural beauty, history, and a touch of magic. From rugged coastlines to glass-walled greenhouses and European villas, these are at the top of my list:

Alaska

• Inn at Tern Lake – Cozy mountain elegance surrounded by pristine lakes and pines.
• Seward Windsong Lodge – Breathtaking wilderness with intimate lodge charm.
• Raven Glacier Lodge – Secluded, scenic, and perfect for adventurous couples.
• Veil and Vine – Rustic beauty meets modern romance.
• Sheep Mountain Lodge – Panoramic views and serene settings.
• The Venue on Anderson Lake – Lakeside tranquility for romantic outdoor ceremonies.

Arkansas

• Rocky Top Falls – Dreamy waterfall setting for intimate elopements.
• Moss Mountain Farm – Elegant gardens and rolling hills with timeless charm.

Missouri

• Greenhouse Two Rivers – Airy modern greenhouse with romantic natural light.

Hawaii Islands & Venues

• Four Seasons Resort Hualalai – Black lava coastlines and serene luxury.
• Olowalu Plantation House – Secluded oceanfront paradise.
• Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea – Sunset views with oceanfront elegance.
• Gather on Maui – Modern coastal charm with sunlit spaces.
• Waialua Valley Farms, Oahu – Lush greenery and mountain vistas.
• Male’ana Gardens, Oahu – Secluded tropical garden for intimate vows.
• Holomua Farms, Oahu – Vibrant landscapes and natural Hawaiian beauty.
• Kealohiwai + Pahalona Beach, Kualoa Ranch, Oahu – Stunning mountain and ocean scenery.
• Oahu Wedding Villas & Venues – Oceanfront estates for private celebrations.
• The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Oahu – Classic island luxury and serene settings.

Oregon

• The Griffin House – Dramatic views overlooking the Columbia River Gorge.
• Cape Horn Estates – Sweeping mountain views and lush greenery.
• Crook Point – Rugged coastal cliffs and ocean breezes.
• Mt. Hood Organic Farms – Mountain views, colorful orchards, and rustic charm.

Virginia

• Natural Bridge State Park – Iconic rock formations and natural beauty.
• Goodstone Inn – Rolling countryside elegance in wine country.

South Carolina

• Pretty Place Chapel – Stunning views over the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Montana

• White Raven – Nestled in the mountains with panoramic forest views.

Michigan

• Greencrest Manor – French-inspired estate surrounded by lush gardens.
• Glass House Creative Community – Bright, airy, and artistic.

Colorado

• The Little Nell, Aspen – Mountaintop luxury with alpine views.
• Three Peaks Ranch – Secluded ranch surrounded by golden light and mountains.
• Alta Lakes – Alpine lake paradise for adventurous couples.

Utah

• The Red Earth Venue – Red rock desert landscapes with surreal sunsets.
• Sundance – Forested mountain beauty with rustic romance.

Maine

• The Viewpoint Hotel – Coastal cliffs and ocean panoramas.

Florida

• Bella Cosa Lakeside – Lakeside elegance with tropical charm.
• Secret Gardens, Miami – Lush greenery and fairytale-inspired beauty.

California

• Pelican Inn – Charming English-style inn along the coast.
• Cavallo Point – Golden Gate Bridge views and refined coastal luxury.
• The Inn at Newport Ranch – Rugged coastal views and secluded charm.
• Slide Ranch – Dramatic ocean cliffs and organic farm vibe.
• China Cabin – Historic seaside elegance.
• Golden Gate Club at the Presidio – Elegant San Francisco views steeped in history.
• Presidio Yacht Club – Perfect for coastal celebrations.
• General’s Residence, Fort Mason – Classic architecture with city skyline views.
• Sea Ranch Lodge – Minimalist coastal retreat with ocean panoramas.
• Wind and Sea Estate – Coastal elegance with dramatic ocean views.

New York

• Windrift Hall – Romantic old-world estate surrounded by golden fields.

Europe & International

• Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay, Île-de-France, France – Ancient abbey charm.
• Castiglion del Bosco, Tuscany, Italy – Vineyards and rolling hills.
• Los Claustros de Ayllón, Segovia, Spain – Historic architecture.
• La Badia di Orvieto, Umbria, Italy – Centuries-old abbey wedding venue.
• Château du Vivier, Fontenay-Trésigny, France – Fairytale castle.
• Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy – Amalfi Coast cliffs and pastel charm.
• Villa del Balbianello, Lake Como, Italy – Timeless lakefront luxury.
• Marincanto Romantic Hotel, Italy – Cliffside terraces with stunning views.
• Villa Belvedere, Bertinoro, Italy – Classic countryside elegance.
• Hayahay Beach Resort, Philippines – Crystal-clear waters and tropical serenity.
• Santorini, Greece (El Viento, Villa Irini, Canaves Oia Suites) – Iconic sunsets and cliffside views.
• Ambre Epices, Tulum – Lush tropical charm.
• Kima, Tulum – Bohemian-inspired elegance.
• Hotel Panamera, Tulum – Vibrant, modern, and intimate.
• Ayana Resort, Bali – Oceanfront luxury and glowing sunsets.
• The Kayon Resort, Ubud, Bali – Jungle paradise for intimate celebrations.

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Why I Love Destination Weddings

No matter where your love story takes us — intimate local estates, far-flung beaches, majestic mountains, or historic European cities — destination weddings inspire me. Each location tells a unique story and gives me the chance to capture your love in a way that’s truly unforgettable.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding at any of these venues or locations, let’s make it happen! Your story deserves to be photographed with creativity, care, and heart.

Bonus Venues/Locations I’ve Photographed (and Loved!)

• The Philbrook Museum, OK – Artistic gardens, timeless architecture, and elegant outdoor spaces perfect for romantic portraits.
• The Mansion at Woodward Park, OK – Elegant historic architecture and lush gardens, ideal for intimate weddings or couples sessions.
• Thorncrown Chapel, Eureka Springs, AR – Modern glass-and-wood design set amidst lush natural landscapes, offering a serene and unforgettable setting.
• Haseltine Estate, Springfield, MO – Charming estate with intimate outdoor spaces, perfect for classic and candid wedding photography.
• The Gardenia Venue, TX – Modern, romantic venue with beautiful spaces and elegant indoor settings, perfect for weddings and intimate celebrations.
• Sandos Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Mexico – Coastal luxury with glowing sunsets and tropical vibes ideal for destination couples and weddings.
• Lake Tahoe, California – Stunning lakefront views, forested backdrops, and magical twilight moments for dreamy engagement or wedding photos.
• Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA – Iconic skyline and dramatic bridge views, perfect for couples or engagement photography.
• Lighthouse at Point Reyes, San Francisco, CA – Coastal cliffs and a scenic lighthouse setting, perfect for intimate elopements or romantic portraits.
• Cypress Tree Tunnel, San Francisco, CA – Iconic tree-lined avenue providing a dramatic, romantic backdrop for couples or engagement sessions.

…and truly, anywhere your love will take me. If your heart is leading you somewhere meaningful — near or far — I’m already packing my bags.

Considering a Destination Wedding?

If you’re dreaming up your own destination wedding — whether it’s local, cross-country, or across the globe — I’d love to hear what you’re envisioning. I offer custom destination wedding photography collections and always travel with intention, flexibility, and excitement.

💌 Contact me here and let’s create something unforgettable, wherever your love takes you!