Featuring Tips and Photos by Mountain Made Photography
Planning to travel for your wedding or elopement? One thing we know can feel stressful is finding the right vendors-- especially when it comes to the right destination photographer.
For all destination couples getting married in 2023, we agree that it can be a challenge to find a good photographer who serves the venue or location of your dream wedding. If the Southwest is where your vision takes you, the right vendors need to follow. So how does a couple find just the right photographer for their special day? We took a moment to interview one of the pros in the wedding industry, Brittany Durham from Mountain Made Photography, and asked for her best advice to couples with such a crucial vendor.
To all readers meeting Brittany for the first time, she's a Utah-based wedding photographer who serves the adventure-ish at heart. She loves working with couples who enjoy the outdoors and seek those jaw-dropping views. Brittany also takes pride in having her couple's elopement or intimate wedding feel authentic and show off things they love doing together. She's a must-follow on Instagram for her ability to capture her couples in epic places. We'll dive into her top advice when you're selecting a destination photographer.
#1. Always Request Full Galleries
"Have them send you at least 3 full galleries from previous elopements/weddings they've done. This way you can get a feel for the work they produce and not just see the best work that they share online."
#2. Book Someone Who Shares Your Vibe
"Book someone that you truly vibe with and that has the same values that you do. You are spending one of the biggest days of your life with this person, so you want to make sure it is someone you feel comfortable with and could relax and have fun with! I have Zoom calls with all of my couples before they book me, just to get to know them a little better and to hear about the dreams they have for their wedding day.
If we vibe during the call and I feel like I would do their wedding day justice and provide them with the best service, I move forward with having them book with me. If I don't think we vibed or that I would be the best fit for their day, I don't. I want you to have the best wedding experience possible, whether you are working with me or someone else!"
#3. You'll get a lot of opinions on how your wedding should look-- just do this...
"Do what YOU have envisioned for your wedding day, not what everyone tells you you should or shouldn't do. When you are planning your wedding/elopement day, you will likely get advice and opinions from everyone you talk to.
As well-meaning as these people may be, ultimately, the only opinions that matter are yours and your partner's. This is your day and one that should be remembered forever as being one of the best days ever, filled with love and adventure."
We're thankful to Brittany for taking a moment to help our Southwestern-bound couples find the destination photographer of their dreams. Nothing makes us happier than knowing you'll have the resources needed to find the right wedding vendors for you. Whether you're headed to Zion, Moab, Joshua Tree, Sedona, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon or Big Sur, congratulations on your engagement and we wish you all the best from Zion Brides!
