Budgeting for a destination wedding involves a lot of spreadsheets. You have the venue fee, the catering cost per head, and the decor budget. The last thing you want is to hire a vendor and then get hit with a surprise bill for mileage, gas, or flights that you didn’t account for.
A common budget question is: Do you charge travel fees? The answer depends entirely on your location, but for the vast majority of my couples, the answer is No. I believe in simple, all-inclusive pricing for my local area. This post breaks down the geography of Adrian Bonet Photography’s service zones and explains exactly when and why travel fees might apply.
Do not let logistics stress you out. Secure a photographer who knows the area inside and out. Contact Adrian Bonet Photography to check availability for your venue today.
Index
The “No Fee” Zones: Riviera Maya
Traveling Beyond: Mexico & International
The Quote Process: No Surprises
When is Accommodation Required?
Final Thoughts
The “No Fee” Zones: Riviera Maya
Home Turf Advantage
I am fortunate to be based in one of the world’s most beautiful wedding destinations. Because this is my home, I do not charge travel fees for weddings located within the standard Riviera Maya corridor. This includes Cancun (Hotel Zone and Downtown), Playa Mujeres, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and Tulum.
All-Inclusive Packages
If your venue is in one of these cities, the price you see on your package is the price you pay. I cover my own gas and transportation time. You do not need to worry about calculating mileage or reimbursing Uber rides. It is all built into the base rate to keep things simple for you.
Traveling Beyond: Mexico & International
Exploring New Horizons
I love to travel. If you are planning a wedding outside of the Riviera Maya—perhaps in the colonial city of Merida, the beaches of Cabo, or even an international destination—I am absolutely available to join you. However, for these locations, travel fees do apply.
What the Fee Covers
For weddings outside my local zone, the travel fee covers the hard costs of getting me to you. This typically includes Round-Trip Flights (or ferry tickets for islands like Holbox or Cozumel), Ground Transportation (car rental or shuttles), and a modest stipend for Meals while I am traveling.
The Quote Process: No Surprises
Upfront Pricing
I hate hidden costs as much as you do. I will never bill you for travel after the wedding. If your wedding requires travel, I will calculate the costs Before You Book. I research current flight prices and hotel rates and present you with a flat travel fee included in your initial proposal.
One Invoice
By agreeing on the travel costs upfront, we lock in the price. Even if flight prices jump up three months later, you won’t pay extra. The travel fee is added to your total package price, meaning you make one payment for everything. It keeps your accounting clean and your stress levels low.
When is Accommodation Required?
Safety First
For weddings more than a 2-hour drive from my base (like Bacalar or Valladolid), or for weddings on islands with ferry schedules (like Isla Mujeres or Cozumel), I may require Overnight Accommodation. This is primarily for safety.
Ensuring Coverage
Driving long distances late at night after shooting for 10 hours is risky. Staying overnight ensures that I am rested and fresh for your wedding day, or safe after a long night of work. We usually require a simple, clean hotel room nearby for 1 or 2 nights, depending on the schedule. This cost is included in the travel quote we discuss.
Final Thoughts
You shouldn’t have to guess what your wedding photography will cost.
When you book Adrian Bonet Photography, you get transparency. Whether you are getting married down the street in Tulum or flying me to a hacienda in central Mexico, you will know exactly what the investment is from day one. My goal is to make the logistics invisible so you can focus on the adventure.