In recent years, pre-wedding shoots have become an essential part of the modern wedding journey for many couples.
More than just a photography session. It’s a chance to capture your love story in a relaxed, creative setting before the formalities of the big day begin.
Typically scheduled a few months ahead of the wedding. A pre-wedding shoot offers couples the opportunity to create beautiful, personal imagery that reflects their relationship, style, and story. Whether it’s a romantic countryside escape, a city-chic shoot at a favorite landmark, or a styled concept that reflects a shared passion. These sessions go far beyond traditional portraits and are much more about embracing you as a couple.
For many couples about to say “I do”, it’s also a practical step that can help you feel much more comfortable in front of the camera.
Is a pre-wedding shoot the same as an engagement shoot?
There is a subtle difference between pre-wedding shoots and engagement shoots. The engagement shoot is very much focussed on the proposal so you might expect lots of close up shots of the ring. These photos are often then used for Save the Dates or even to announce the engagement on social media.
While pre-wedding shoots are often much closer to the wedding date than the proposal. It’s there to help couples get to know their wedding photographer and capture those precious moments before walking down the aisle.
Do we need to do a pre-wedding shoot?
Some couples will do an engagement shoot and a pre-wedding shoot, some will do one or the other and some couples will not do any at all. It’s really all down to personal preference. If you are not sure whether you should or shouldn’t have a pre-wedding shoot think about these things:
- Do you both already feel quite comfortable in front of the camera or could you do with some practice?
- Do you feel like you have enough photos of you as a couple or would you like some more?
- Are you comfortable and happy with your wedding photographer?
When should we book our pre-wedding shoot?
The ideal time to book your pre-wedding shoot is around 2 to 6 months before the big day. This gives you enough time to plan the shoot, receive the edited photos, and use them for things like wedding invites or social media announcements. When choosing your date, consider the season and weather. If you plan on being outdoors, you’ll want to avoid harsh midday sun or rainy spells, especially for outdoor locations. It’s also wise to factor in your wedding planning schedule, making sure the shoot doesn’t fall during a particularly busy or stressful period. Most importantly, popular photographers tend to get booked up months in advance, so securing your slot early ensures you won’t miss out.
More frequently asked questions about pre-wedding shoots
Should I use my wedding photographer for the pre-wedding shoot?
If you are able to use your wedding photographer for your session then we highly recommend it. It’s a great way to build rapport and learn each other’s style.
What should I wear to a pre-wedding shoot?
It’s entirely up to you! Some couples like to feel comfortable and casual so it’s a deep contrast to the photos taken on the wedding day. While others want to make an occasion of the day and be dressed up.
Don’t forget you will be standing and possibly walking around a lot of the time. So make sure you feel comfortable (or bring comfortable shoes and layers to change in and out of!).
Where should a pre-wedding shoot take place?
Some couples like to have the shoot at their wedding venue, so they have some wonderful contrasting pics to the official portraits. It also gives the photographer an extra chance to scope out all the best photo spots. Alternatively you might have a special place that has in mind.
How much do pre-wedding shoots cost?
Basic sessions can typically range from $300 to $1,000, covering 1–2 hours of shooting at one location. While more luxury or destination shoots can cost in excess of $5,000. Some photographers also offer more detailed packages when you are booking your engagement, pre-wedding and wedding shoot all together.
You know, it’s also never too early to start sharing your wedding pics! So if you have a stunning pre-wedding shoot then don’t forget to upload the photos to your Wedding Photo Swap app. This way all your guests can see them and even have the option to download the high res versions for themselves without the hassle of you needing to send multiple files.
