Destination Wedding Photographer: Janis Ratnieks | Fine Art & Editorial Stories Worldwide
Documenting the Poetry of Movement and Light Since 2004
Choosing a destination wedding photographer is about more than hiring someone with a camera; it is about finding a guide who understands the shifting light of the Faroe Islands, the ancient textures of Jordan, and the luxury timelines of a Lake Como villa. Since 2004, I have documented over 600 love stories across 36 countries, capturing the space between reality and reverie.
Working alongside my wife—the color genius behind our high-end retouching—we deliver a dual-framework approach: a calm documentary perspective to capture raw emotion and an editorial eye for timeless, cinematic portraits.
Since
2004
Experience
600+ love stories
Coverage
36 countries
Popular starting points: Lake Como, Paris, Venice, French château weddings.
What you get
- Calm documentary coverage (for real emotion and unscripted moments)
- Editorial portrait direction (timeless, cinematic, never stiff)
- High-end color and retouching (crafted with my wife)
- Planning guidance (light, timing, and luxury timelines)
How it works
Share your date and location and I’ll reply with availability and a clear coverage plan. From there, I guide you through timing, light, and logistics so the day stays relaxed and the photographs feel effortless.
Analog film photography available
35mm and medium format film can be added for select parts of the day (portraits, ceremony, details) for a timeless, organic look that pairs beautifully with digital coverage.
High-quality wedding albums
Museum-grade prints, thick pages, and clean design. I help you choose images and build the layout so your story lives as a real heirloom.
Multiple photographers when needed
For larger weddings, two locations, or fast timelines, I can bring additional photographers so key moments are never missed, while keeping a consistent style across the final gallery.
Vendor consultation and practical recommendations
Guidance on planners, venues, hair and makeup, and timelines based on real wedding-day experience, so your vendor choices support the experience and the photography.
Why it matters
Why hire a destination wedding photographer
Destination weddings are part travel, part production, part family reunion. The photography should feel calm and simple, with portraits planned around the best light and the day documented as it really happened.
What you gain
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Light-first planning
Portraits happen fast, in flattering light, without turning your wedding into a photo shoot.
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Calm direction, real moments
You get editorial portraits plus documentary coverage of the parts you can’t rehearse.
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Venue rules handled quietly
No-flash churches, tight access, strict timing and transitions are normal for me.
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Consistent story in the final gallery
Clean colour, strong details, and a complete narrative from prep to party.
Popular destinations
- Italy destination wedding photographer Lake Como, Tuscany, Venice and iconic villa weekends.
- France destination wedding photographer Paris, château celebrations, and the French Riviera atmosphere.
- United Kingdom wedding photographer London weddings and countryside venues with editorial energy.
- Greece wedding photographer Santorini light, clean architecture, and sea-view ceremonies.
- Scotland destination wedding photographer Castles, Highlands elopements, and dramatic landscapes.
- Venice wedding photography Old-world romance and cinematic city portraits.
If you’re still choosing a location, browse the guides above and then send me your month, guest count, and venue style. I’ll suggest a light-friendly timeline and vendor approach that fits your day. You can also start with checking availability.
Full galleries
Real destination weddings, not just highlights
A destination wedding photographer should be judged on complete stories: how the day flows, how families look, how the light changes, and how moments are captured when nobody is “posing”. Here are a few strong starting points.
Process
How destination wedding photography works
Clear planning, calm direction, and fast portraits. The goal is simple: you enjoy your day, and the photos look effortless.
Send your date + location
You’ll get a straight answer on availability and the best next step.
Planning call (short, useful)
We talk timeline, light, and what matters most to you. No fluff.
A calm photo plan
I’ll suggest timing that protects the ceremony experience and the portraits.
Wedding day coverage
Documentary coverage with gentle guidance when it helps. No awkward posing.
Gallery delivery
A full story you can relive, with consistent color and clean editing.
Travel & planning
Travel, permits, and planning help
Destination weddings have extra moving parts. Here’s what I help with most, so the photography feels simple and the day stays relaxed.
Light & timing
We plan portraits when the light is flattering, and keep it fast so you’re not missing your own wedding.
Venue rules
Many venues have restrictions. I’m used to tight windows, “no flash” rules, and limited access areas.
Weather backup
Rain plan doesn’t mean boring photos. I’ll help you pick indoor spots and keep the mood strong.
Travel approach
I keep travel simple: arrive with buffer time, stay close to the venue, and avoid anything risky.
Popular planning guides
What couples say
What couples say
Janis was absolutely incredible! Not only were the photos beautiful and exactly what we asked for, but he was such a pleasure to have around on the day! I would highly recommend Janis!
I don't know what I expected prior to looking at our wedding photos, but Janis' work was exceptional. The photos were gorgeous. He was there ready with his camera for every important moment and the photos are cute, candid and so un-cringe. Janis helped make two very un-photogenic people feel comfortable and look great. He did everything I wanted and more! Couldn't recommend him enough!
Janis photographed our 3-day wedding in France, and I highly recommend him. Janis was a great photographer and lots of fun to work with. Our photographs were stunning and delivered quickly after the event. He was especially great at taking action shots and bringing life into our photoshoots. We'll always treasure these special memories photographed by Janis.
Featured destinations
One large image per destination, then a practical mini-guide. Each link takes you to full galleries and stories so you can judge a destination wedding photographer by complete coverage, not just highlights.
Italy
Italy destination wedding photographer
Italy is where destination weddings feel effortless: villa weekends, long dinners, and streets that look cinematic in every direction. Florence, Lake Como, Tuscany, Venice, Portofino and Rome all share one truth: the best photos happen when the timeline follows the light.
I photograph Italy with calm documentary coverage and fast, natural direction for portraits. You’ll get the atmosphere of Italy, plus the real moments that make the weekend feel like yours.
France
France destination wedding photographer
France is perfect for couples who want elegance without stiffness. Think Paris city portraits, château weekends, and receptions where the best photos happen between the “big” moments.
The key is pacing: calm prep, a ceremony plan that respects restrictions, and portraits timed to avoid harsh midday light. If you want a refined editorial feel without losing the real story, France delivers.
Greece
Greece destination wedding photographer
Greece is bright, minimal, and fast-moving. In Santorini and the Aegean islands, the light changes quickly, crowds appear out of nowhere, and sunset portraits need a real plan.
I keep direction simple: shade strategy for midday, ceremony timing that protects the experience, and portraits that feel natural. The result is crisp Mediterranean storytelling with a relaxed finish.
Spain
Spain destination wedding photographer
Spain is made for destination wedding weekends: warm evenings, outdoor cocktails, and venues that feel stylish without trying. Celebrations often run later, which is great for golden hour and night photography.
Expect candid storytelling with a clean editorial edge. I plan portraits around the best light, then let the celebration breathe so your gallery feels like the real weekend.
Mexico
Mexico destination wedding photographer
Mexico weddings are vibrant and full of movement. Whether it’s Mérida, the coast, or a hacienda celebration, the energy is the story: families, music, colour, and a party that looks alive in photos.
Heat and fast transitions from sun to shade matter here. You want clean skin tones, strong low-light coverage, and an editorial finish that still feels real.
Scotland
Scotland destination wedding photographer
Scotland is atmosphere: stone castles, moody skies, and landscapes that feel cinematic even in wind and rain. It’s perfect for elopements and small weddings that lean into the wild.
The secret is flexibility. I plan for changing weather, fast portraits between showers, and documentary coverage that keeps the story honest and beautiful.
United Kingdom
United Kingdom wedding photographer (London, Kent & countryside venues)
UK weddings are about pace and atmosphere: classic churches, manor houses, and modern city venues, often with unpredictable weather and tight ceremony rules. Great photography here comes from planning, not luck.
I focus on documentary coverage with clean portraits that take minutes, not hours. If you want a premium, editorial feel while keeping the day relaxed, the UK is a perfect fit.
Austria
Austria destination wedding photographer (Hallstatt & the Alps)
Austria is for couples who want mountains, lakes, and that clean alpine look. Hallstatt in winter is especially photogenic: soft light, snowy textures, and a calm atmosphere that suits intimate weddings and elopements.
Winter days are short, so we plan carefully: ceremony timing, portrait windows, and simple movement between locations. The result feels cinematic without turning the day into a production.
New Zealand
New Zealand destination wedding photographer
New Zealand is the ultimate adventure backdrop: lakes, mountains, and open space. It suits elopements and intimate weddings where the landscape is part of the story, not just scenery.
Logistics and light matter. Distances are real, weather moves fast, and golden hour can be short. I plan buffer time and simple portrait direction so the day stays calm and the photos still look epic.
Not sure where to get married? Tell me your season, guest count, and what you care about most (views, privacy, food, party). I’ll suggest destinations that work for light, logistics, and the kind of photos you want.
Travel reliability
Reliable destination wedding photographer for Europe & worldwide travel
When couples search for a destination wedding photographer, the real question is usually reliability: will I show up early, handle travel disruptions, work within venue rules, and still deliver beautiful photography under pressure? This is the unglamorous part of the job, and it’s what keeps your wedding day calm.
Buffer days for destination weddings
I arrive with time to spare, not the night before. That protects you from delays, cancellations, and last-minute changes.
Redundant professional camera gear
Two camera bodies, backup lenses, and backup lighting. If something fails, coverage continues without drama.
Carry-on critical kit
The essentials stay with me. Even if checked luggage is delayed, I can still photograph your wedding properly.
Venue rules and restrictions are normal
No-flash churches, tight access windows, limited portrait time, “no photos during key moments” rules. I work within them quietly.
Weather plan that still looks premium
We choose indoor options that look elegant, not like a compromise. Your gallery should feel intentional, not “backup”.
Fast portraits with clear direction
I give simple direction, get what we need quickly, then you’re back with your people. The day stays yours.
If you share your location and month, I’ll suggest a light-friendly portrait window, a weather-safe plan, and the simplest logistics for your venue.
A world of weddings
Here’s a humble brag: I’ve shot weddings on six continents
(Antarctica, I’m still waiting for your invite).
That global experience helps me adapt fast — to different light, customs, and dance moves.
I’ll blend in like a local… except with two cameras and a questionable addiction to airport coffee.
Interactive tool
Not sure where to have your destination wedding?
Answer a few quick questions and get a shortlist of destination wedding locations that match your vibe. Each result links to a full guide so you can see real photos and plan with confidence.
Tip: answer fast. Your first instinct is usually your real preference.
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Your top matches
This is a starting point, not a rule. If you’re stuck between two results, message me your shortlist and I’ll suggest the best fit for light, timeline, and atmosphere.
Browse destination wedding photography guides
Prefer browsing? These destination wedding pages include real galleries, location insights, and planning notes. (This list is also here to help search engines understand the structure of my destination photography coverage.)
Honest comparison
Local wedding photographer vs traveling destination wedding photographer
Both can be a great choice. The best option depends on what you value most: deep local familiarity, or a specific photographic style you’ve chosen for your destination wedding. The key is to be clear about what you’re actually trying to protect: the look, the flow of the day, or the logistics that can quietly derail portraits and coverage.
Hire local if
A local photographer can be perfect when you want someone rooted in the area and fluent in the day-to-day details. This is especially strong when your wedding is very venue-driven and you want a vendor who has repeated familiarity with that exact place.
- Venue mastery matters most: they may know every corner, staff routine, and the “best at this time” spots without thinking.
- You prefer a vendor who lives there: language, etiquette, and local expectations are second nature, every day.
- Your plans are highly location-specific: local access rules, parking, traffic patterns, and seasonal crowd behaviour are easier to navigate.
- You want quick on-the-ground problem solving: if something changes, they often have local contacts to fix it fast.
- You’re keeping it simple: one venue, one day, minimal moving parts. In that structure, local is often an excellent fit.
Hire traveling if
A traveling destination wedding photographer is a strong fit when you’re choosing a consistent style and calm coverage, regardless of location. You’re hiring someone because you already trust what the full galleries look like, in different countries, different weather, and different timelines.
- You’re hiring for a specific look: editorial portraits and documentary storytelling you’ve already seen in full galleries.
- You want one standard of delivery: planning support, clean timeline pacing, and consistent editing from start to finish.
- Your wedding spans multiple days or places: welcome dinner, ceremony day, and day-after session covered as one story.
- You value travel readiness: buffer planning, redundancy, and experience with delays, ferry schedules, and tight access windows.
- You want continuity: one photographer who understands your priorities and carries them through every part of the weekend.
A practical way to decide is to compare full galleries, not highlight reels. If you consistently love the colour, pacing,
and portraits across different weddings, that photographer is a safe choice anywhere. If your top priority is local fluency with one specific venue,
and your schedule is simple, a strong local photographer can be perfect.
One more honest point: local vs traveling is not about “better” or “worse.” It’s about where you want reliability. Some couples want reliability in
local navigation. Others want reliability in style and delivery. Decide which one matters most to you, then hire accordingly.
The Logistics of Luxury: Why Expertise Matters in Global Wedding Photography
Planning a wedding across borders introduces a layer of complexity that goes far beyond a standard ceremony. When you hire a destination wedding photographer, you aren't just paying for a person with a camera; you are investing in a logistical expert who understands the nuances of international light, travel risks, and the unique rhythm of a wedding in a foreign environment.
Proactive Location Scouting & Light Analysis
A wedding in the Amalfi Coast does not behave like a wedding in the Scottish Highlands. The sun’s angle, the duration of "Golden Hour," and the way light reflects off Mediterranean stone versus Northern greenery requires technical adaptation.
For every destination wedding, I perform a deep-dive light analysis using advanced solar tracking software. My process often involves arriving 48 hours early to scout your venue at the exact time of your ceremony, ensuring that when the moment arrives, we aren't "finding" the light—we are ready for it.
Managing the Risks of International Production
International travel for a wedding is a high-stakes environment. My workflow is built on a foundation of technological redundancy. I travel with redundant camera systems, specialized lighting for varied architectural interiors, and a tiered backup system.
Your images are recorded to dual memory cards in-camera, and I begin the off-site backup process to secure cloud storage before I even leave your wedding venue. This level of security is non-negotiable when dealing with once-in-a-lifetime events thousands of miles from home.
Navigating Permits, Customs, and Global Etiquette
Every country carries its own set of rules for professional photography. From the strict permit requirements of Parisian public landmarks to the cultural etiquette of a traditional ceremony in Marrakesh or Lake Como, I handle the "unseen" paperwork and social navigation.
By coordinating with local planners and understanding international photography permits, I ensure that your wedding day remains seamless and stress-free, protecting you from unexpected interruptions during your portrait sessions.
Seamless All-Inclusive Travel Integration
My philosophy is to be a value-add, not a logistical burden. My destination wedding photography packages are designed to be all-inclusive regarding travel. I manage my own flights, visas, and accommodation logistics.
This "turn-key" approach allows you to focus on your guests and your celebration, knowing that your visual legacy is being handled by a professional who is as comfortable navigating an international airport as he is a luxury wedding venue.
If you want, send me your venue, month, and ceremony time. I’ll tell you what I’d adjust for light, access windows, and pacing.
Send venue + details See full galleries
Pricing clarity
Destination wedding photography cost: what actually changes the price
Destination wedding photography pricing depends less on the country and more on the structure of the weekend. A one-day celebration in Paris can be simpler than a three-day wedding in Tuscany, even if the flights are longer. These are the factors that actually move the number, and why.
Number of days
Welcome dinner, rehearsal, wedding day, and day-after coverage change the scope more than the location does. More days means more planning time, more story to cover, and more editing volume. It also changes how early I arrive, how much contingency I build in, and how the final gallery is delivered as a complete narrative rather than a single event.
How many locations
Boats, churches, villas, city portraits, and multiple venues add travel time and reduce margin for delays. A timeline with four “short” moves is often harder than one long venue because parking, access rules, stairs, and crowd control stack up. More locations also means more scouting and more coordination with planners and drivers.
Logistics
Remote areas, ferry flights, permits, and tight access windows require more buffer and a more robust plan. The cost change is usually about risk management: what happens if weather turns, a ferry is delayed, a road is closed, or a landmark has restricted hours. Complex logistics also affects equipment choices, backup strategy, and travel days.
Team size
Second photographer, additional coverage, or multi-angle storytelling for larger weddings affects pricing. A bigger guest count or multiple simultaneous moments (prep in two places, ceremony + cocktail details, speeches + reactions) is where a second shooter makes the difference. It’s less about “more photos” and more about not missing moments when the day splits.
What couples often miss
- Timeline pressure: If your plan has tight ceremony windows, sunset portraits, and strict venue rules, the job gets harder and needs more margin.
- Access and restrictions: Some churches and landmarks limit movement, flash, or time on-site. Working cleanly inside constraints takes experience.
- Editing complexity: Mixed lighting, long days, and multi-location coverage increases post-production time. That’s where quality is won or lost.
- Travel structure: One direct flight is not the same as two flights + a ferry + a mountain drive. The structure matters because it affects reliability.
If you want a straight answer, message me with your date, location, and approximate schedule. I’ll send options that make sense for your plan, and tell you what’s worth paying for and what usually isn’t.
Quality markers
What makes a good destination wedding photographer (and how to spot one)
A good destination wedding photographer is not just a strong shooter in nice locations. They are a planner, problem-solver, and storyteller who can deliver consistent results in unfamiliar light, tight timelines, restricted venues, and fast-changing weather. The difference usually shows up in the unglamorous moments: harsh midday sun, a ceremony running late, rain in the forecast, a church with strict rules, and portraits that still need to happen without turning your day into a photoshoot.
Full galleries, not highlights
Ask to see 2–3 complete wedding galleries in similar conditions. The best photographers can tell a full story: prep, ceremony, family, details, portraits, and party, with consistent quality throughout. You’re looking for clean exposure indoors, believable skin tones, and strong moments even when nothing “Instagram-perfect” is happening.
Light-first planning
They can explain exactly how they plan portraits around the best light without stealing time from the day. Clear direction, fast portraits, then you’re back with your people. A good sign is when they talk in practical terms: ceremony start time, shade options, sunset window, and where the wind usually hits.
Reliability under travel risk
Buffer days, carry-on critical kit, and redundant camera gear. If flights delay or luggage is lost, coverage still happens. Reliability is part of the job. You want someone who builds the plan around travel reality, not best-case scenarios, especially for islands, remote villas, and multi-stop routes.
Experience with venue restrictions
No-flash ceremonies, tight access windows, and strict rules are common in churches, historic villas, and luxury venues. A good photographer works within these quietly and still delivers strong images. That means knowing when to step back, how to shoot silently, and how to keep coverage elegant without turning the ceremony into a production.
Calm presence and strong communication
Destination weddings can feel intense. The right photographer keeps it calm, communicates clearly, and helps the timeline run smoothly without taking over the day. They can direct portraits quickly, manage family photos efficiently, and still disappear during emotional moments so they stay real.
Consistent editing and delivery
A cohesive colour signature, clean skin tones, and reliable turnaround matter. Great work looks great in every room, not only in one hero shot. Look for consistency across mixed lighting: warm tungsten interiors, bright sun, shade, and candles during dinner.
Fast portraits without rushing you
A strong destination wedding photographer can get flattering portraits quickly, even with crowds, heat, or a late timeline. They give simple direction, keep you moving, and protect your time with guests. If they can explain their portrait plan in 30 seconds, they usually run it well on the day.
Backups and file security
Ask how they protect your photos during and after the wedding. Dual-card recording is a baseline. The best workflows include multiple backups, fast offloading, and a clear plan for safeguarding files while traveling. It’s boring, but it’s what protects you from the one thing you can’t re-create.
They work well with planners and teams
Destination weddings often involve planners, florists, venues, drivers, and sometimes boats or villas with strict schedules. A good photographer fits into that machine: clear communication, good timing, no drama. This is also where multi-day coverage becomes smoother, because everyone knows what’s next and when portraits happen.
Quick shortcut: judge the photographer by three things. 1) full galleries in tough conditions, 2) a clear travel reliability plan, and 3) a portrait approach that protects your time. If they can explain those in plain language and their galleries back it up, you’re usually looking at a professional who can handle a destination wedding properly.
Smart booking checklist
What to ask before you book any destination wedding photographer
If you want to hire well, ask these. They reveal reliability, speed under pressure, and whether the photographer can deliver full stories, not just highlights. A good answer should sound specific: dates, buffers, process, and examples. If everything is “don’t worry, it’s fine,” that’s a red flag.
How early do you arrive before the wedding?
Look for buffer planning (especially for islands, remote areas, or multi-stop travel). “Morning of” is rarely the safest plan.What’s your backup plan if weather changes fast?
A good photographer can describe Plan A, Plan B, and where portraits happen if the forecast turns. Not just “we’ll figure it out.”Can we see 2–3 full galleries in similar conditions?
Full galleries show consistency: ceremony indoors, mixed light at dinner, harsh sun, rain, crowds, and real timelines.How do you keep portraits fast without rushing us?
You want a simple plan: where, when, how long, and how they direct you. Fast portraits should feel calm, not chaotic.Do you handle multi-day schedules smoothly?
Ask how they structure coverage across welcome dinner, wedding day, and day-after. The best approach is one connected story.What’s your approach to no-flash ceremonies and restricted venues?
They should be comfortable with quiet movement, long lenses, and working respectfully in churches and historic venues.What happens if flights are delayed or luggage is lost?
Listen for redundancy: critical kit in carry-on, backup bodies, and a process that doesn’t rely on checked luggage.How do you protect the files during and after the wedding?
Dual-card recording is baseline. Strong answers include multiple backups, fast offload, and a clear storage workflow while traveling.Who will actually photograph the wedding?
If it’s a studio or a team, confirm the lead photographer, who edits, and whether you’ll meet the person shooting your day.How do you work with planners and venue teams?
Great destination coverage is collaborative. You want someone who communicates clearly, stays calm, and fits into the schedule.How to use this checklist: ask the questions, then listen for specifics. A professional will give clear answers and real examples, not vague reassurance. If you want, send me your venue and month and I’ll tell you the simplest way to plan portraits around the best light, plus what to watch for in your timeline so the day stays relaxed.
Ready to tell your story?
If you’re planning a destination wedding and want photos that feel like you — natural, cinematic, and honest — I’ll help you keep the day relaxed and the images strong.
Send your date, venue, and rough schedule. I’ll reply with availability and a simple plan for timing, light, and portraits.