Insights · Next day abroad
Some couples want the last chapter of their wedding story to happen somewhere far away: among hot air balloons, on a bridge in Paris, beside a canal in Venice. A next day shoot abroad is a trip and a photo shoot in one: your first destination as a married couple, with the dress and the suit in your suitcase.
We have photographed couples in every destination below. Here's what makes each one special, when to go, and how to plan a trip like this without the stress.
Contents (9)
Why a next day shoot abroad
Because it combines two things you'd do anyway: your honeymoon and your photographs as a couple. In a place where nobody knows you, you feel freer. You walk across a square in your wedding dress and passers-by smile. That feeling shows in the photographs.
And years later, these photos won't just remind you of the wedding. They'll remind you of your first trip together as a family.
Cappadocia
In Cappadocia, couples are up before the sun. At sunrise, hundreds of hot air balloons rise above the valleys and the sky fills with colour. Then come the strangely shaped rock formations, the caves, the valleys at golden hour. It is perhaps the most cinematic destination we photograph. See Cappadocia on our site.
Balloon flights depend on the weather, so we recommend keeping at least two mornings free in the area.
See the full shoot of Konstantinos and Katerina in our article on a next day in Cappadocia.
Italy
Lake Como
Bellagio and Varenna with their colourful houses on the water, historic villas with gardens, and sunset on a wooden boat. Lake Como has an elegance that suits a wedding dress perfectly. See our page on Lake Como.
Rome
Empty piazzas at sunrise, the ivy-covered lanes of Trastevere, and sunset from the city's hills. In Rome we start very early, because a few hours later the same squares are full of people. See our page on Rome.
Positano and the Amalfi Coast
Colourful houses tumbling down the cliff, steps all the way to the sea, the gardens of Ravello from above, and a boat at sunset. The Amalfi Coast is the Italy of postcards. See our page on Positano and the Amalfi Coast.
Venice
St Mark's Square at sunrise, almost empty, the canals, a gondola, and the colourful houses of Burano. Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world, and the morning light on the water is hard to beat. See our page on Venice.
Puglia and Alberobello
The trulli of Alberobello with their conical stone roofs, white Ostuni, the cliffs of Polignano above the sea, and centuries-old olive groves. Puglia is warm and quiet, and feels a little like Greece. See our page on Puglia.
Milan
The Duomo with its marble spires, the Galleria, the lanes of Brera and sunset on the Navigli canals. Perfect for couples who love fashion and city life. See our page on Milan.
France, Spain, England and the Netherlands
Paris
The Eiffel Tower at sunrise, the bridges over the Seine, the steps of Montmartre and sunset over the river. Paris needs no introduction. All you need to do is get up early to have it almost to yourselves. See Paris on our site.
Madrid
Almudena Cathedral, the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor and the sunlit lanes of the old town. Madrid is grand and warm at the same time. See our page on Madrid.
London
The colourful houses of Notting Hill, Westminster, the Thames and sunset from Primrose Hill. London has a classic, cinematic atmosphere. See our page on London.
Cotswolds
Honey-coloured stone villages, Bibury, green hills, lavender in summer and English gardens. The Cotswolds are the English countryside you know from the movies. See our page on the Cotswolds.
Giethoorn
A village with canals instead of roads, wooden bridges, thatched houses and a boat ride. It suits couples looking for peace and nature. See our page on Giethoorn.
Central and Eastern Europe
Prague
Charles Bridge at sunrise, with its statues and the mist over the river, the Old Town, and the view over the red rooftops. Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, especially in autumn. See our page on Prague.
Moscow
Red Square at sunrise, the colourful domes of St Basil's, large parks and the city lights at night. See our page on Moscow.
St Petersburg
The Winter Palace, the canals, the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood and the white nights of summer, when the sun barely sets. See our page on St Petersburg.
How a next day shoot abroad is organised
- Combine it with your honeymoon. Most of our destinations are in Europe, a few hours' flight from Greece. The shoot usually takes place in the first days of the trip, so that afterwards you can simply enjoy your holiday.
- We start early. In big cities, the famous spots get crowded during the day. At sunrise they are empty, and the light is at its most beautiful.
- We plan the route together. Before the trip we decide on the spots, the order and how we get around, so no time is lost once we are there.
- We check the permits. At some monuments, parks and private venues, professional photography requires a permit. We check this before we travel.
- Check your travel documents. Destinations outside the European Union may require a passport or a visa, and conditions change. Check the official guidance before you book.
Above all, a next day shoot abroad is your first trip as a married couple, and the photos are what you bring home from it.
The wedding dress in your suitcase
The question we hear most. The dress travels best in a garment bag as cabin luggage, so it does not get lost or crushed. Check with your airline for size limits. At the destination, a steamer takes care of most problems. Don't worry if the dress gets a little dirty: it is part of the story.
Bring comfortable shoes for getting around, something warm for the early mornings, and whatever you need for a touch-up of hair and make-up.
Which season to choose
For Italy, Cappadocia and Puglia, spring and autumn bring the softest light and fewer crowds. For London, the Cotswolds and Giethoorn, late spring and summer mean more settled weather and greenery everywhere. Prague is lovely in autumn, and St Petersburg in June, with its white nights.
If you'd prefer somewhere closer, see our next day photo shoot locations in Greece. For all our destinations abroad, see Explore Worldwide.
Frequently asked questions about next day shoots abroad
Do you travel for next day shoots outside Greece?
Yes. We photograph couples in every destination in this guide, and anywhere else you have in mind.
When does the shoot take place?
Usually in the first days of your honeymoon, or on a separate trip shortly after the wedding. We set the date together.
How do I take my wedding dress on the plane?
In a garment bag, as cabin luggage. Check your airline's size limits in advance.
Do we need a permit for the shoot?
At some monuments, parks and private venues, yes. We check this when we plan the route.
What is the most popular destination?
Cappadocia with its balloons and Paris are among the favourites, but every couple has a place of their own.
Where in the world would you like us to go?
Tell us your wedding date and where you'd love to go. We'll plan the trip and the shoot together.
Photographs: Dimitris Stergiou and the studio team