Why Your Resort's "Free" Photographer is a Bad Idea

Hi, I’m Evan Whitney. As a destination wedding photographer, I’ve spent years capturing love stories in some of the most beautiful places on earth. I've also heard all the stories from couples planning their weddings. One of the most tempting offers they come across is from their all-inclusive resort: a "free" or heavily discounted photo package. And I get it. When you're looking at your wedding budget, "free" sounds like the most beautiful word in the world.

But I'm here to give you some straight talk. That "free" package is almost never a good deal. It’s a marketing tactic that often leads to disappointment, hidden costs, and photos that don't truly reflect your incredible day. Your wedding photos are one of the only things you'll have left to remember it all by. They are too important to be treated as a complimentary add-on.

The "One-Size-Fits-All" Style

First, let's talk about the photos themselves. Resort photographers work on a high-volume model. They might shoot several weddings in a single day, all at the same resort. The result is a generic, cookie-cutter style. They have a checklist of poses and locations—the gazebo, by the main fountain, the same spot on the beach—and they run every couple through the exact same routine. The final product is often stiff, lacking personality, and indistinguishable from the hundred other wedding albums they've produced that year.

My approach, and that of any dedicated destination wedding photographer, is the complete opposite. My goal is to tell your story. I want to know how you two met, what makes you laugh, and what you envision for your day. I focus on capturing the real, unscripted moments: the tearful glance from your partner during the vows, the burst of laughter with your friends, the quiet way you hold hands when you think no one is watching. Your photos should be a unique reflection of your love, not a carbon copy of someone else's wedding.

You're Just Another Number on Their List

When you opt for the in-house photographer, you're not hiring a person; you're filling a time slot. You likely won't speak with or even know the name of your photographer until they show up on your wedding day. There’s no pre-wedding consultation to discuss your vision, no time to build a rapport, and no opportunity for them to understand what truly matters to you. This lack of personal connection can make the experience feel transactional and rushed, which is the last thing you want to feel on your wedding day.

I believe the connection between a couple and their photographer is essential. We spend a lot of time together on one of the most important days of your life! That's why I prioritize getting to know my clients. We’ll have video calls to chat about your plans, your personalities, and your priorities. By the time your wedding day arrives, we're comfortable with each other. This allows you to relax and be yourselves in front of the camera, which is the key to creating natural, emotional, and authentic photographs.

The Hidden Costs of "Free"

Here’s the part they don't advertise. The "free" package is intentionally limited. It typically includes the photographer's time for a very short window and a small, often disappointing, number of photos. Want all the images from your day? Want them in high-resolution without a giant watermark? Want the rights to print them wherever you like? That’s where the hidden costs come in. The prices to upgrade and purchase your own wedding photos can be astronomical.

This is a classic upsell strategy. The resort banks on the fact that you will become emotionally attached to your pictures and will pay whatever it takes to get them. Suddenly, your "free" photographer ends up costing more than an independent professional would have from the start. When you hire a dedicated photographer like me, you get transparent, all-inclusive pricing. You know exactly what you’re paying for and what you’ll receive—no stressful surprises or high-pressure sales tactics.

Your Wedding Photos Are an Investment, Not a Freebie

Ultimately, you have to decide what your wedding photos are worth to you. After the cake has been eaten and the music has faded, your photos will be the primary way you revisit the memories of your day. They are the only thing you will share with your family for generations to come. This is an investment in your legacy, and it deserves to be placed in the hands of a passionate professional who is as invested in your day as you are.

Choosing your photographer should be about more than just checking a box. It’s about finding an artist whose style you love and a person you trust to capture your story with care and creativity. Don’t let your most precious memories be compromised by a tempting but misleading offer. You deserve photos that are as unique, beautiful, and full of life as your love story.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a photographer who is dedicated to telling your story authentically and creating timeless images of your destination wedding, I would be honored to chat with you. I'm Evan Whitney, the photographer behind Arch Wedding Studio.