The Pros and Cons of Hiring a Photographer for a Honeymoon Photoshoot

By the time you depart for your honeymoon, you and your new spouse will likely feel likes pros in front of the camera—between your engagement photo session and the wedding day itself, you've logged some serious time smiling and posing for a photographer. Should the beautiful photography end when your reception does? Only if you want it to! Honeymoon photo sessions have been trending as of late; couples are contracting a photographer local to their honeymoon destination—more than likely someone different than their wedding photographer—for a post-nuptial photo session. Not only will you not have to worry about finding a generous passerby to take a photo of you and your new spouse at the right moment, but you'll be able to plan a picturesque photo opp complete with great light and stylish outfits.

But while working with a photographer guarantees unforgettable photos, there are pros and cons to consider before you book.

Pro: You Will Have Amazing Photos to Look Back On

If you want to guarantee incredible photos from your honeymoon, booking a session with a professional photographer is the way to go—there might not always be someone around to take a great photo, so knowing you have a series of great images from a shoot can be comforting. Plus, this trip is all about the two of you, so it might be nice to have beautiful snapshots to share with loved ones. "A honeymoon is more intimate, so hiring a photographer can provide quality images in a more relaxed and authentic setting," says Los Angeles-based wedding photographer Jessica Castro.

Con: Areas You're Visiting Might Be Busy, Which Can Make Getting Great Photos Tough

Think about your honeymoon destination and whether or not it lends itself to beautiful photos. Castro says that, in very busy tourist destinations, getting gorgeous photos of you two alone can be tricky. For that reason, you'll either want to plan around peak hours—perhaps planning for sunrise photos instead of sunset—or leaning into the hustle and bustle of the locale.

Pro: It Will Be a Fun Experience

"While you may be able to revisit the location, you'll never have another honeymoon like this," says Keith Phillips of Classic Photographers. That's why this is the perfect opportunity to hire a photographer to capture these memories forever. Plus, the session itself will be memorable—you'll likely visit a more unique or beautiful area in your honeymoon destination than you'd otherwise see in order to get those great photos.

Con: It's an Extra Expense

Phillips says to consider the cost of this experience, though. If you want to hire your wedding photographer to join you on your trip, you'll be responsible for paying for travel, which is more than likely outside of your budget for this already pricey getaway. Instead, consider hiring a local pro; there's talent to be found everywhere, and removing the cost of travel would help you save big. Still, you're looking at shelling out anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on packages, so it's important to consider whether or not the price tag is worth it.

Pro: You Might Feel More Relaxed or Natural During the Session

"You'll be way more relaxed after your engagement and wedding, so it's a great time to capture some romantic playful images of you and your partner," says Katharine Hauschka with Kate Haus Photography. "You'll come home with some incredible professional images that capture beautiful memories from your special romantic getaway that you can't get on your phone."