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DO I HAVE TO PAY?

Outside Vendor Fees At Destination Wedding Venues In Jamaica



Are you planning a destination wedding at a Jamaican hotel or resort? Have you asked about the hotel or resort's outside vendor policy? While there are many things that might go into determining whether you should have a destination wedding in Jamaica, we're certain that you're not thinking about the cost of hiring outside wedding photographers and videographers to photograph and film your wedding.


1: What to consider when choosing a venue

Jamaica is a popular tourist destination that offers stunning scenery, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes, making it a hot spot for wedding couples looking to have their dream destination wedding on the island. However, before you book your wedding venue, it is important to understand the fees involved when working with Jamaican hotels and resorts. One important fee to be aware of is the outside vendor fee that many hotels and resorts charge to offsite photographers and videographers who want to shoot on their property. These fees can often be a significant expense for your wedding budget. Additionally, you should consider the venue's policies on outside vendors, as some venues may have restrictions on the types of vendors you can bring in or may require that you use their in-house team.


2: What are outside vendor fees?

Outside vendor fees are fees that resorts and hotels here in Jamaica charge (usually all-inclusive) when wedding couples want to work with photography or videography vendors outside of their preferred vendor list, i.e. wedding vendors who are not part of the resorts and hotels' in-house team. In most cases, these fees are separate from the cost of renting the venue and must be paid in addition to any other fees.


3: What should you expect to pay for outside vendor fees in Jamaica?

It’s important to ask your destination wedding resort coordinator prior to booking if they allow outside vendors if you choose not to use their in-house vendors. The amount you can expect to pay for outside vendor fees in Jamaica varies depending on the venue and the vendor. It could simply be the cost of a day pass of US$100 or upwards of $1000. Some venues charge a flat fee per vendor, while others charge per person, per vendor so if there is a photographer and assistant, that is two separate charges. Please discuss this matter with your wedding planner and the hotel coordinator before you sign the contract.


4: How do I find out what my vendor fee is for my destination wedding in Jamaica?

As stated before, this is one of the questions to ask your hotel wedding coordinator. However, it should be listed in your contract – always ask questions and carefully read your contracts before signing.


5: Do I have to pay an outside vendor fee even if I wasn't aware when booking?

Yes, you have to. This is why we keep stating that you need to ask the resort wedding coordinator before booking the venue and to read your contract. If you’re like most couples, you want to stick to your wedding budget and not have to go over it. But, the only time you have any negotiating power with the resort is before you sign a contract with them.


6: Where does my vendor fee go?

There is no clear-cut answer to this question, but we assume it goes to the resort's bottom line or its onsite vendors.


7: How can I save money on outside vendor fees?

You can save money on outside vendor fees by choosing a venue that has a low fee or no fee at all. Some venues in Jamaica are willing to reduce their fees or waive them altogether. Additionally, you can ask your wedding photography or videography vendor to negotiate their prices to help you offset the vendor fee. If you ask, most will give you a slight discount to help cover part of the vendor fee. However, the best way to save money on outside vendor fees is to choose a wedding photography and videography team such as Lesanie Images instead of two separate wedding vendors. Our team is made up of experienced professionals who are passionate about their work and will stop at nothing to ensure that your wedding day is captured in the most stunning and meaningful way possible.



Outside vendor fees for photography and videography can be a significant expense for your destination wedding in Jamaica. To avoid unexpected fees, it's important to understand what outside vendor fees are, why venues charge them, and what you can expect to pay. By choosing a venue with reasonable fees or negotiating with the venue, you can ensure that your wedding budget stays on track and that you have the wedding of your dreams in Jamaica.


Don’t let your special moments slip away. Book Lesanie Images today and experience the beauty of your destination wedding in Jamaica captured in stunning images and films that you will treasure forever. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our services.