Destination Pre Wedding Photography
Pre-wedding shoots abroad, from the streets of Paris to the ice caves of Iceland. Some couples start in London, where I'm based, and carry on to Paris or further.
A pre-wedding shoot abroad is part photoshoot, part trip.
Pre-wedding shoots have long been a tradition in many Asian countries, particularly China and Hong Kong, taking place months before the wedding so the photographs can be shown on the day. In the last few years more and more couples have started combining the shoot with a trip abroad. You get the photographs, and you get an adventure together somewhere beautiful, which is often what couples remember most.
It's a chance to tell your story against a famous landmark, a dramatic landscape or a quiet local street, and to have photographs that go well beyond the wedding day itself.
I've photographed pre-wedding shoots across Europe and the American West, and plenty in London. Here are the places couples ask for most.
Where couples go
Each one asks for something different: a different time of day, a different pace, a different amount of walking.
Paris
The Eiffel Tower, the streets of Montmartre, the Louvre. I love a walk along the Seine at sunrise, before the city fills up, or a quiet coffee in a Paris café. Classic and modern at the same time.
Ice caves and black sand
Waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and the Northern Lights if you're lucky. Some of the most dramatic photographs I've taken.
The Sun Voyager
The steel ship on the Reykjavik seafront, with the mountains across the bay. Best at the end of the day.
Antelope Canyon
Swirling sandstone and shafts of light in a narrow canyon. It feels like another planet, and it photographs like one.
Horseshoe Bend
The Colorado River a thousand feet below. Not for anyone who doesn't like heights.
The Brooklyn Bridge
The walkway over the East River, with Manhattan behind you. Go early, before the crowds.
A few more
Tuscany
Rolling hills, vineyards and medieval towns, and a warmer, more rustic kind of romance. One of my favourite photographs is a couple walking through sunflower fields at golden hour, with the Italian sun low over everything.
Venice
Canals, bridges, gondolas and old palazzos, and Piazza San Marco if you get there early enough.
Las Vegas and California
The neon of Las Vegas, then a short drive to something completely different: Death Valley, or the forests of Yosemite.
Why so many couples choose Europe
For many couples from China and Hong Kong, the pre-wedding shoot is as important as the wedding day photographs, if not more. The photographs are shown at the wedding, as a backdrop to the ceremony or in a slideshow, so there's a real appetite for grandeur and drama, and the landmarks of Europe provide it.
A lot of couples are drawn to places that are a complete contrast to home. The historic architecture of Paris or Venice has an old-world romance that's very different from the modern skylines of Hong Kong or Shanghai.
There's often a wish to blend Eastern and Western looks, too. I've photographed couples in traditional Chinese dress in front of European landmarks, and those shoots end up being about more than the place: your heritage, and where life has taken the two of you.
Planned properly, then kept loose
A shoot abroad needs more planning than one at home, and then it needs to not feel planned at all. It's not only about the camera: it's finding the locations, working with whatever light the day gives you, and above all helping you feel relaxed in front of the camera somewhere you've never been.
These shoots are more styled than a wedding day, but I'm still after real moments between the two of you.
- Research firstBefore each shoot I work out the spots, the best time of day for the light at each, how busy they get, and any permits needed.
- A plan B, and a plan CWeather in Iceland and crowds in Paris don't read the schedule. I always have somewhere else to go.
- Movement over posesA walk along the beach, a dance in a square. It gives natural photographs even when the setting is grand.
- Your storyYour first date in a Paris café, or something the two of you love doing. The best shoots are about you as much as the place.
Planning a pre-wedding shoot abroad
- TimingSeveral months before the wedding, so there's time for editing and for the photographs to go into your wedding displays. Spring and autumn often give the best balance of weather and crowds.
- OutfitsBring a mix, formal to casual. A grand dress looks wonderful against a dramatic landscape, and something practical keeps you comfortable between locations.
- Traditional dressPlenty of couples bring traditional Chinese dress to wear against European landmarks. It's one of my favourite combinations.
- LogisticsTravel time between locations, hair and makeup touch-ups, and permits. I'll put together a schedule that fits in plenty without feeling rushed.
"Choosing JB for our pre-wedding shoot in London and Paris was the best decision we ever made." Yana Ty, London & Paris
What a destination pre wedding shoot costs
London sessions have set prices. Shoots abroad depend on where, for how long and how many locations, so I quote each one.
A half day around London.
- A half-day London shoot
- 80 edited images
- Locations planned with you
- Permits arranged
More of London, and an outfit change.
- The full London day
- 150 edited images
- Outfit change
- Hair and makeup can be arranged
Days, locations and travel planned together.
- Paris, Iceland, Italy, America or somewhere new
- Locations and timings researched
- A plan B for the weather
- Combine with a London day
Getting married abroad too? I photograph destination weddings as well. Prefer to stay closer to home? See pre-wedding photography in London.
Destination pre wedding questions
Where can we have a destination pre wedding shoot?
Anywhere you like. Couples most often ask for Paris, Iceland, Tuscany, Venice, Antelope Canyon and the American West, and many start or finish with a day in London.
How much does a destination pre wedding shoot cost?
London sessions are £850 for three hours and £1,250 for five. Shoots abroad are quoted individually, depending on the destination, the number of days and locations, and travel.
Can we do London and Paris on one trip?
Yes. It's a popular combination, a day in London and then the train to Paris.
When should we have our pre wedding shoot?
Several months before the wedding, so there's time for editing and for the photographs to be used at the wedding. Spring and autumn usually give the best balance of weather and crowds.
What should we wear?
A mix of outfits, from formal to casual. Traditional dress works beautifully against European landmarks, and something practical helps between locations.
Do you photograph destination weddings too?
Yes, in Italy, France, Portugal and further afield. See my destination wedding page for details.
Planning a shoot abroad?
Tell me where you'd like to go and roughly when. I read every enquiry myself and I'll come back to you with ideas and a quote.
Rather use the longer form? Head to the contact page