Being a destination wedding photographer was inevitable. I love travel. I don’t feel right if I don’t have some sort of excursion on the books. When I became a wedding photographer, then, this naturally became a part of what I do. I love nothing more than meeting you in the middle–of a city, the lake, or even nowhere.
PHILADELPHIA
This is my favorite American town these days (sorry, Chicago…). I love the vibe of this town. History meets modernity in a cool, kitchy way that I haven’t seen anywhere else. I love the idea of engagement photos in a place like Valley Forge (like my friend Meghan did!) as well as anywhere in Olde City. I am also all about the venues this city has to offer–The Curtis Atrium and the Independence Visitors Center being two top options in my book (have you seen The Liberty View at the latter? Sign me UP!)
CHICAGO
Prior to visiting Philly, Chicago had been my favorite US city, and it is still in the top five. This town was my first real vacation outside of Minnesota, and it is still where I run to when I need a weekend away. It is a gorgeous place, and I think it would be an amazing backdrop to any wedding. My favorite hotel, The Kimpton Gray, is my most desired venue in Chicago. 19 East in the Windy City’s Mae District is also a dream–all that exposed brick and the industrial vibe gets all the heart eyes from me.
NEW YORK CITY
Yup. I have been sucked in by “Sex and the City” and would love to shoot a New York City Hall wedding. Just think of all the photo options around town. I especially love photos taken at Penn Station, so I am sold on an NYC elopement or microwedding. This idea is a destination wedding photographer’s dream
FLORIDA KEYS
For those of you who know me, this one might come as a surprise as I am generally heat and humidity adverse. However. It is hard to beat the aesthetic of the Keys. This is Margaritaville in its truest form in the United States, and it is perfect for all things boho beach and tropical chic. The Key Largo Lighthouse Beach is amazing, and I would love to meet you there for your destination wedding celebration!
NAPA VALLEY + SONOMA
There is something so special about vineyard weddings. Wine culture itself is ripe with romance, and the golden sunsets over the lush green vines are a photographer’s dream. I have been in enchanted by what BR Cohn offers weddings (which includes a staging area that overlooks the rolling hills of the vineyard along with the Sonoma Mountains). Gloria Ferrer provides a unique opportunity: A wedding amidst the barrels! They are one of the few venues that allows for a wedding in the actual wine caves, which is as cool as it comes.
I have always loved the idea of using a wedding as a chance to wander. If you do make your way to any of these US locations (or anywhere in the world), let me know–I have my suitcase packed and ready to roam!
What is your favorite American city?
Kayla Lee is a Minnesota-based wedding and elopement photographer. She provides services to elegant, authentic, sentimental couples who not only choose their own adventures, but also live them to the fullest! See more about the KLP Wedding Experience!
