Destination wedding photography that feels like you
If you’re dreaming of a wedding abroad, you don’t need to become a “wedding planner” overnight. You just need a calm plan, a destination wedding photographer who can work with any light and any timeline, and the confidence to stay present.
We’re Marta May Photography – also known as The Mays (Marta + Artur). You might recognise us from TWIA – we won as “The Mays”, and we’re now TWIA judges. Our signature is DOCU-ART: candid documentary moments first, with cinematic portraits when the light is gorgeous.
QUICK ANSWER
The best destination wedding photos happen when you plan for the place (light, weather, crowds, travel time) and then forget the rest. We’ll help you build a simple timeline with tiny “photo pockets”, so you get real moments and beautiful portraits – without feeling staged.
KEY FACTS
Style: DOCU-ART (documentary emotion + cinematic portraits)
Approach: Calm guidance, zero cringe, real storytelling
Coverage: UK-based, travelling across Europe (and beyond)
Proof: Real destination weddings in Italy + destination work in Greece (plus Venice & Norway shoots)
Best planning move: Choose ceremony time with light in mind (everything gets easier)
What you’ll find on this hub
Real destination weddings (full stories, real timelines, real light)
Destination shoots & workshops (clearly labelled, shared as location inspiration + proof of how we shoot)
Practical destination planning tips (so your day runs smoothly and feels effortless)
If you’re already thinking, “Yes – but how does it actually work with travel?” Don’t worry. We keep it simple and transparent, and we’ll guide you through it step by step.
Choose your destination (jump to what you need)
Whether you’re planning a full destination wedding, an elopement, or a “we’re abroad anyway, let’s do something beautiful” session – this is where to start. Pick your place, then go straight to the most relevant stories and tips.
Italy destination wedding photography
A real wedding story in Italy, photographed in our DOCU-ART style – the honest moments, the atmosphere, and the cinematic portraits when the light is perfect.
Venice wedding photography (guide + inspiration)
Venice is unreal, and it’s also busy, bright, reflective, and full of crowds. The good news is: if you time it well, it’s one of the most cinematic places in the world. These posts are a mix of guide-style advice and location inspiration.
- How about getting married in Venice, Italy?
- Count Ceconi Castle, Venice (shoot + inspiration)
Greece destination wedding photography (coming soon)
We’ve photographed a destination wedding in Greece, and we’re turning it into a full story post with practical tips (light, heat, timelines, and the easiest ways to keep the day relaxed).
- Greece destination wedding photography (real wedding story)
Norway engagement sessions (Northern lights inspiration)
These shoots were photographed during a workshop/training trip, and we’re sharing them because they show exactly how we work in epic landscapes, cold conditions, and low light – still documentary, still natural, still you.
Canary Islands (May 2026 scouting – guide to follow)
We’re heading to the Canary Islands in May 2026 to scout locations for wedding photography training. If you’re planning a wedding or elopement there, we’ll be sharing our favourite spots, light notes, and planning tips.
- Post to follow: Canary Islands destination wedding photography guide
DOCU-ART note (so you know what to expect)
No matter the country, our approach stays the same: real moments first, calm guidance, and portraits that feel like a scene from a film, but still completely you.
How destination wedding photography works (simple, calm, no surprises)
Destination weddings feel like a dream… until you start thinking about flights, timelines, travel days, and “what if something goes wrong?”. So here’s the honest version: we keep destination coverage simple, clear, and built around calm.
What you get with The Mays
We’re not a big crew. It’s Marta + Artur – the same two people from enquiry to delivery – so the style stays consistent and the experience stays relaxed. Our DOCU-ART approach is documentary-first (real moments, real reactions), with a short pocket of cinematic portraits when the light is at its best.
How many days do you need? Most destination weddings work brilliantly with one of these:
- Option 1: One-day coverage (the “classic”)
Perfect if you’re having your wedding day in one main location and you want the full story from getting ready through the evening.
- Option 2: Two-day coverage (the “best story”)
Ideal if you’ve got a welcome dinner, pool party, rehearsal, or a relaxed day-before gathering. It makes the whole gallery feel deeper and more personal – and it takes pressure off the wedding day.
- Option 3: Add a short couple session (the “cinematic bonus”)
A sunrise or sunset session the day before/after. This is how you get epic location portraits without stealing time from your wedding day.
How we plan it (so it runs smoothly). We help you build a timeline that works with the destination, not against it. That usually means:
- Light first
If we can influence one thing, it’s ceremony time. A small shift (even 30–60 minutes) can completely change the feel of the photos.
- Travel time is real time
We build in buffers for boats, taxis, shuttles, narrow roads, parking, and “this place is stunning, we stopped for five minutes”.
- Crowds are normal – we plan around them
Busy places like Venice can still feel intimate if we choose the right route and the right time. We’ll suggest the calmest, most photo-friendly pockets.
- Weather is part of the story (but you still get a plan)
We’ll create a simple Plan A/B/C for weather and light, so you don’t spend the week checking five weather apps.
What about travel costs?
We keep it transparent and simple. Destination travel is usually built from three parts:
- travel (flights/transport)
- accommodation (where we stay near your base)
- the coverage itself (your photo/film package)
We’ll always show this clearly, and we’ll always recommend the simplest option that works. No weird extras, no surprises.
The big promise (because trust matters)
You only get one chance to do this. So we plan carefully, we carry backups, and we approach your day calmly – so you can actually enjoy it.
Real destination weddings we’ve photographed (Italy + Greece)
If you’re choosing a destination wedding photographer, the most useful thing you can see isn’t a handful of highlight shots – it’s real stories in real light, with real timelines.
These are full destination wedding posts where you can see how we photograph a day from start to finish in our DOCU-ART style: candid documentary moments, atmosphere, and cinematic portraits when the light is gorgeous.
Italy: real wedding stories
- Villa Podernovo wedding photography
A relaxed Italian wedding with warm, soft light and a story-led approach – the kind of day where the little moments end up being the big ones.
Greece: destination wedding (post to follow)
- We’ve photographed a destination wedding in Greece and we’re turning it into a full story post with practical tips (heat, travel time, light, ceremony timing, and the best portrait pockets).
Post to follow: Greece destination wedding photography (real wedding story)
The Mays promise
We don’t do “samey” destination galleries. We photograph your wedding like a story – the place, the people, the chaos, the joy – and we keep the experience relaxed so you can actually live it.
Destination shoots & workshops (Venice + Norway inspiration)
Not every destination post on our blog is a “real wedding day” – and we want to be totally clear about that.
Some of our destination work happened during wedding photography workshops / training trips (where we were learning, creating, and building new ideas). We’re still sharing those posts here because they show something couples genuinely care about: how we shoot in dramatic landscapes, tricky light, and unfamiliar locations, while keeping everything natural, relaxed, and story-led.
In other words: even when we travel, our DOCU-ART approach stays the same.
- Count Ceconi Castle, Venice (shoot + inspiration)
A styled/training shoot at an incredible Venetian location – shared as visual inspiration and proof of how we work in that light and setting.
- Norway (Northern lights engagement inspiration)
Norwegian wedding photography workshop
Training trip + location inspiration for couples dreaming of elopements or engagement sessions in epic landscapes.
Why we include these in the destination hub? They show how we work when things aren’t “easy”:
- unfamiliar locations
- extreme weather or temperatures
- low light and night skies
- busy public places
That’s exactly the kind of experience that makes destination wedding days feel calm and well-photographed.
And yes – we’re also obsessed with travel because new places keep our creativity fresh. Different light, different textures, different stories.
Destination wedding planning tips (so it feels effortless on the day)
Destination weddings are meant to feel like an adventure – not like a logistics marathon. These tips are the ones that make the biggest difference to how the day feels (and how it photographs), wherever you’re getting married.
- Choose ceremony time with light in mind
This is the single biggest upgrade you can make. The same location can look completely different depending on the time of day. If you can be flexible by even 30–60 minutes, everything gets easier: the ceremony photos, the portraits, and the relaxed flow of the day. - Build tiny “photo pockets” into your plan (not a long photoshoot)
DOCU-ART isn’t about dragging you away for ages. It’s about a few short pockets of time:
- 5–10 minutes for couple portraits (once or twice)
- 5 minutes for a calm reset after the ceremony
- 5 minutes at sunset if the light is gorgeous
Those small pockets protect your photos without stealing your day.
- Accept that travel time is part of the timeline
Boats, taxis, shuttles, parking, walking through old towns… it all takes longer than you expect (and it’s part of the fun). The mistake is planning a tight schedule. Add buffers and you’ll feel calm. - Plan for crowds (especially in places like Venice)
Crowds don’t ruin destination photos – rushing does. We’ll help you choose the quietest routes and the best times, and we’ll find pockets that feel intimate even in busy places. - Heat changes everything (Greece, Italy, Canary Islands…)
If it’s going to be hot, plan for shade and comfort: water nearby, slower pacing, and portrait pockets at cooler times. You’ll look better, feel better, and enjoy it more. - Choose a “good indoors” Plan B, not just an “acceptable” one
Even in sunny destinations, weather and wind can surprise you. The best venues have an indoor option that still feels beautiful – not a backup that kills the vibe. - Keep the morning calm (your photos will follow)
Destination mornings can feel extra exciting because you’re in a new place. That’s great – just don’t cram the schedule. Eat, hydrate, and keep the room to the people who make you feel good. - Make the day about people, not perfection
The most powerful destination galleries aren’t the ones with the most dramatic views. They’re the ones where the couple is present, laughing, hugging their people, and actually living it. That’s what you’ll want to remember.
Want the full wedding day planning playbook (not destination-specific, but it works everywhere)? See WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FOR COUPLES.
FAQs about destination wedding photography
Where are you based, and do you travel abroad?
We’re UK-based (Herefordshire / the Cotswolds) and we travel for destination weddings across Europe and beyond. We’re Marta May Photography – also known as The Mays (Marta + Artur) – and we photograph destination weddings in our DOCU-ART style: real moments first, with cinematic portraits when the light is gorgeous.
How far in advance should we book a destination wedding photographer?
As early as you can once you’ve chosen your date and location. Destination dates can involve travel days and limited availability, so booking earlier gives you the best choice and the calmest planning process.
Do you photograph destination elopements and smaller weddings too?
Yes. Destination elopements and intimate weddings are perfect for DOCU-ART storytelling – fewer logistics, more presence, more real moments. If you’re planning something small, tell us the vibe and we’ll help you shape the coverage around it.
How many days of coverage do we need?
One day works for many destination weddings. However, two days can be incredible if you’re having a welcome dinner, pool party, rehearsal, or relaxed gathering – it gives you a fuller story and takes pressure off the wedding day. We can also add a short sunrise/sunset session the day before or after.
Do you help with the timeline?
Yes. We’ll help you plan a timeline that works with your destination: travel time, ceremony light, crowds, heat, and your venue flow. Our goal is a calm day with tiny “photo pockets” – not a long photoshoot.
What if it rains, it’s windy, or the weather changes?
We always build a simple Plan A/B/C for light and weather. You don’t need to obsess over the forecast – you just need a plan once, then you can relax.
What if flights are delayed or travel plans change?
We plan with buffers and sensible arrival times wherever possible. If something unexpected happens, we stay calm and adapt – that’s part of being experienced destination photographers. The key is building a timeline that isn’t fragile.
Do you work with planners and venues abroad?
Yes. We’re happy to liaise with your planner and venue to keep things smooth – especially around ceremony timing, portrait locations, and any venue rules.
Do you photograph both digital and film abroad?
Yes, if you’d like a touch of 35mm film alongside digital, we can build that into your coverage (it’s a beautiful fit for destinations, especially for sun-soaked, cinematic locations).
How do travel costs work?
We keep it simple and transparent. Destination travel is typically made up of travel, accommodation, and your photography package. We’ll always show this clearly, recommend the simplest option, and avoid surprise extras.
Can we see full destination galleries?
Yes. The best way to choose a destination photographer is to view real stories in real light, not just highlights. Start with our Italy weddings and destination posts linked above, and we’ll also share relevant full galleries on enquiry.
Wrap up: destination weddings, photographed like a real story
If you’re planning a destination wedding, you deserve photos that feel like you: real moments, real emotion, and a cinematic sense of place – without turning your day into a staged production.
We’re Marta May Photography – also known as The Mays (Marta + Artur). We won TWIA in 2023 as “The Mays” and we’re now TWIA judges. We’re documentary-first, calm on the day, and obsessed with capturing the atmosphere and people as they truly are.
If you’re dreaming of Italy, Venice, Greece, the Canary Islands – or somewhere completely different – tell us your location and your date, and we’ll let you know what’s possible.
