Pre wedding photoshoots are one of the rare opportunities for couples to capture raw emotions felt leading up to their big day — making it essential for you and your significant other to invest time and effort into planning a creative shoot that uniquely encapsulates the two of you as a couple.
It pays off to start planning and envisioning your pre wedding photoshoot as soon as you can, so here’s a dedicated list of amazing wedding photoshoot ideas to help you get started.
1. Secret garden
Take your love on a wild, secret adventure among lush greenery. Using nature as an idyllic backdrop is an idea that hardly goes wrong.
Pro tip: a sunset can add extra glow and warmth to highlight your emotions and expressions.
2. Foodies for life
Maybe you might be able to relate: food just seems to taste better when you’re in good company, especially when with someone you love.
Are both you and your partner extreme foodies? Have you gone on many epic, drool-worthy food adventures together? This would definitely be a fun and satisfying theme for your photoshoot!
3. Theme it up
If you and your partner are huge fans of Harry Potter or bond over video games like PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds), letting your pre wedding photoshoot revolve around a mutual interest is not only unique, but also meaningful.
Or if you play with toys and figurines, you can also create an illusion with forced perspectives where you set your camera to have a deep depth of field so that everything’s sharp and in focus, then you place toys in the foreground, while you ‘interact’ with them while you stand far away enough in the background to look like you’re smaller or the same size as your figurines.
Plus, who wouldn’t want to see fun images based on your backstory?
4. Traditional bliss
Who said traditional elements had to be boring? Reminding yourselves of your distinct heritages and incorporating it into your photoshoot is a beautiful way to capture your timeless love (and not to mention, earn a thumbs up from the elder folks).
5. Shifting perspectives
Not keen on having too many of the ‘standard’ cheek-to-cheek and forehead-to-forehead photos shot in a photography studio?
Go outdoors for a portion of your session. Drone or aerial shots in different locations or settings relevant to your love story provide unique angles and add to the variety.
6. Beach vibes
Think breezy cool wind in your hair, walking along the beach with fine sand under your feet, one hand lightly dangling your shoes with one hand, while holding on to your lover with their other.
Some of the most intimate photos can be set against a picturesque backdrop of the sea, with palm trees lines along pristine beaches – free-of-charge and without need for additional props!
7. A dose of vintage
There’s just something charming about the vintage photography look that will never go out of style.
Think polaroids, film cameras and retro diners to instantly transport you back to the ’80s and evoke feelings of nostalgia.
8. First date
Still remember every sweet (or hilarious) little detail about your first date?
Recreate romantic moments you first shared with your partner — after all, that’s where your whole journey began. This #throwback, #downmemorylane approach is sure to set you up for beautiful, heartwarming imagery and memories.
9. Out of a K-drama
Who doesn’t love dreamy, romantic scenes from Crash Landing on You or Descendants of the Sun?
Pre-wedding photoshoots are the perfect opportunities for you to be the star of your own show, just like this couple!
10. Furry friends
Have pets that are more than eager to join in on the fun? Let your pup or feline friend make a cameo appearance to ramp up the cuteness quotient.
Warning: be prepared for a deluge of oooohs and awwwws when people see your photos taken with your furkids.
11. Gather the squad
Celebrate the friends and loved ones who have consistently been there for you, have played pivotal roles throughout your personal journeys, or even brought the two of you together!
Include them for a segment of your photoshoot, and consider adding a splash of cheeky humour with fun dynamic poses!
12. Common interests
Are you both gym junkies, extreme sports enthusiasts, or avid backpackers?
Be it a shared love for rock music or sci-fi novels, as long as it’s something sacred and special to your relationship — you’ve got yourself a winning idea.
13. Illuminating dreams
Instead of relying on the golden hour to get your shots, use your creativity to design a set that perfectly illuminates you and your partner.
This idea would be perfect for close-up, intimate shots, or for creating beautiful silhouettes.
14. Picnic for two
A picnic for two in grassy plains or a field of flowers naturally sets the mood for stunning romantic photos with your soulmate.
Nestle him/her close to you, gently play with their hands or hair, plant tiny kisses on the forehead, pop some bubbly, and lie blissfully in your partner’s lap.
15. Road to paradise
Feel the wind in your hair and throw some shades on with a picturesque road trip-themed photoshoot.
Think about it: you’re literally heading towards a brighter future, hand-in-hand. It’s just you and your ride-or-die against the world!
16. Walk down memory lane
This pose works exceptionally well on a tall bridge with scenic views and a sunset to boot.
As a guy, for extra brownie points, carry or piggyback your partner as you step towards the start of an exciting new chapter together.
17. Reflections
A simple trick to add a touch of magic and visual intrigue to your photos is to use reflections to your advantage.
Try taking photos by pools of water for that naturally stunning shot, go low to the ground and close to the water surface for a better reflection. Or use the smooth flat surface of your camera phone to create the reflection. Or even flip your camera upside down and play with negative space in your frame for some epic looks.
18. Dancing in the rain
What do romantic, climatic scenes in movies and dramas have in common? Answer: rain.
Huddle under an umbrella or sneak a shared kiss under the still pouring rain and capture those intimate moments.
19. Feels like home
Home photoshoots radiate authenticity and allow you and your partner to showcase your playful and loving personalities while in your place of natural habitat.
Put on your pajamas, chat about life as you recline against your bedframe. Or if periodical surprise tickles and pillow fights are more your thing – do it! This is your space, be free to do whatever you want!
20. The little details
The secret to brilliant wedding photoshoot ideas is in the little details.
Every tiny element of your relationship can be captured to add to your love story. This means bringing focus on subtle things like couple tattoos, fun footwear, or even your non-traditional handmade engagement rings.
Keep calm and snap those shots
Your pre-wedding photoshoot should be a curation of your fondest memories that perfectly captures both you and partner’s unique styles and personalities.
Remember to keep it as natural as possible for best results – the last thing you’d want is for your photos to come across as awkward, or trying too hard.
If you feel like taking it a step further, pre-wedding videography can also add a compelling layer to your love story, and make for a memorable keepsake, too.
Featured image credit: Douglas Fun Photography
