Having a Hawaiian wedding is like a dream come true, but it can be a nightmare trying to interview and hire a Hawaii wedding photographer when you're on the other side of the country. To learn how to find the best destination wedding photographer right from home, read on.

Ask for a Phone Interview

Unfortunately, most of us don't have the extra cash to pop over to Hawaii to interview potential photographers. So, in lieu of an in-person interview, insist on a phone discussion with at least three different Hawaii wedding photographer companies. Because your photographer will be with you throughout your wedding day and responsible for your photo memories, you want to get a good personal feeling.

When interviewing a photographer over the phone, ask him or her about their personal style (journalistic, candid, traditional, etc), favorite photo spots in the area and exactly what you can expect for your fee. During the interview, try to get a feel for the person as well as the service.

Review Their Portfolio

It's hard to hire a photographer long distance, but at least make sure you review their portfolio before you hire. Most photographers have an online portfolio or should be able to at least email you photos. If they're unwilling to provide examples of their work, then look elsewhere.

When you review a prospective photographer's portfolio, look beyond the quality of their web design or flashy gimmicks and get right to the photos. Ask yourself if they tell a compelling story? Do you like the style and feel? Would you hang those photos in your home? Do the people look good or washed out?

Be Sure to Get Client References

Whether you're hiring a wedding photographer for a destination wedding or a local one, you should always get references from past clients. You want to be able to ask a previous customer how they enjoyed the service, if they'd hire the photographer again and both the photographer's strengths and weaknesses.

Bring a Photographer From Home

It can be costly, but bringing a wedding photographer with you to your destination wedding ensures that you can meet your photographer in advance, get comfortable with the person and have the photographer you want, not the one you have to choose out of necessity.

However, bringing your photographer with you from home can be very expensive. In addition to the photographer's fees, you will be responsible fro their airfare, transportation to and from the airport, hotel accommodations and a per diem for food. To save money, many brides book their photographer's hotel at a nearby, cheaper alternative rather than at their own, more expensive resort.

Ask Your Venue or Hotel for Advice

Almost every weekend, most venues and hotels on the Hawaiian islands have at least one wedding - that means they see hundreds of local photographers. So, ask them to recommend a Hawaii wedding photographer or see if they've worked with your prospective photographer in the past. You'll get an insider opinion from local wedding experts.