Destination wedding or classic at home?

Martina Hiljanen
Jul 16
3 min read

What really suits you – Thoughts from a wedding photographer

As a wedding photographer, I've witnessed a wide variety of love stories—some in the heart of the Alps at 2,600 meters, others under the shimmering light of the Mediterranean. And often, my conversation with couples begins right here:

Should we get married abroad? Or at home?

This decision is deeply personal—and it deserves to be made with heart and clarity. In this post, I share my thoughts and experiences to help you make your decision.

Bride and groom in Greece - walking on a cliff

Getting married abroad – the magic of a destination wedding

I still remember the feeling of standing in the silence of the mountains, camera in hand, while two people exchanged vows – accompanied only by the breeze and a few tears of emotion. Destination weddings are more than just a wedding in a beautiful location. They are an experience. A journey. A conscious decision for something special.

Why many couples choose it:

Unique backdrops – from Tuscany to the French Riviera to the Greek islands.
Intimate atmosphere – fewer guests, more time for each other.
Visually stunning memories – as a destination wedding photographer, I love combining light, landscape and emotion.

What you should consider:

Organization and logistics are more challenging – but can be easily implemented with the right service providers.
Not all guests will be able to travel – this automatically makes the guest list more exclusive.
You need a photographer who has travel experience and can adapt to changing lighting conditions and environments.

Getting married at home – intimate, solemn, full of love

Civil Wedding - Bride and groom hand in hand on the shore of a lake

For many couples, getting married in their hometown is not only more practical, but also more emotional. They get married where their story began—in familiar surroundings, with many close friends.

What makes this variant special:

More guests, more connection – perfect for large families and long guest lists.
Planning security – shorter routes, fewer language barriers, often proven service providers.
Tradition meets personality – from church to garden weddings at parents’ homes.

But here too, the following applies:

The location is usually fully booked early – especially on popular dates.
The feeling of being special can be lost when you “just do what everyone else does.”
The challenge is to give your wedding a unique character at home – it’s possible, we promise.

5 questions that will lead you to the right decision

What means more to you: lots of guests or an intense, small experience?
Are you adventurous – or do you love familiarity?
Is the backdrop for your wedding photos particularly important to you?
How important are control, predictability and flexibility to you when planning?
Could your closest people travel with you – or would that be difficult?

My personal view as a wedding photographer

I accompany couples to a wide variety of locations – from Mallorca to Milan, from intimate elopements to glamorous luxury weddings in historic villas. For me, it's not where you get married that matters. What matters is how it feels .

What moves you. What connects you. What makes you smile when you look at your wedding photos years later.

Whether you choose a destination wedding or a wedding at home, I'm by your side. Not just as a photographer, but as a partner who shares your vision, empathizes with you, and captures it in pictures.