Are Pre-Wedding Photos
Really Worth It?

Q: What should we wear for our pre wedding photos?

This one’s easy: wear something that feels like you if you’re comfortable in jeans and boots - perfect. If you’re dreaming of a floaty dress and barefoot moments, it's also perfect. The best pre-wedding photoshoot outfit is one that allows you to move, cuddle, and be yourself. I always help couples choose outfits that photograph beautifully while keeping it true to their vibe. And yes, bring backup layers, because UK weather is cheeky like that.

(Spoiler: absolutely yes)

engagement photo session with a wedding couple in Budapest

Hello lovebirds!

If you’re on the fence about booking a pre-wedding shoot, you’re not alone. Plenty of my couples ask if it’s just another wedding trend or something that genuinely adds value to their experience. This blog is here to give you the full picture (pun absolutely intended). You’ll find out:

Why pre-wedding photos matter
What a session actually includes
How it helps you on your wedding day
Loads of pre wedding photos ideas and planning tips

By the end, you’ll know if this is something that feels right for you, and how to make the most of it if you say yes!

What Are Pre-Wedding Photos, Really?

In the simplest terms: pre-wedding photos (also called engagement photos) are a photo session taken before the actual wedding day. It’s usually just the two of you: no big production, no venue stress, no timeline chaos.

Think: golden hour in the woods, barefoot on the beach, city strolls at sunrise, or dancing under twinkly lights in your own garden. It’s your love story in its raw, everyday glory, with a sprinkle of romance and a dash of personality.

Silhouette of Man and Woman Kissing at their beach pre wedding photos

And for the record: it’s not about cheesy matching outfits or stiff poses (unless you’re into that, then I’ll absolutely support your 90s denim moment).

Why Couples Love Their Pre-Wedding Shoot

From my experience as a wedding photographer, couples always say the same thing afterward:

“We were nervous at first but ended up having so much fun.”
“We didn’t know we could look that relaxed in photos.”
“Now we feel 100% confident for the big day.”

That sense of comfort, connection, and confidence? That’s what makes pre wedding photography so worthwhile.

It’s Not Just About the Photos

(but they’re gorgeous too)

closeup couple with an engagement ring at their pre wedding photo session

Yes, you’ll walk away with dreamy, frame-worthy images. But you’ll also:

Feel more confident and natural in front of the camera
Get to know your photographer (ahem, hi!)
Discover your favourite pre wedding photos poses and angles
Create a memory that’s just about you two, without any distractions

The photos are just the souvenir from the experience.

How to Make the Most of Your Pre-Wedding Shoot

Let’s talk logistics and the experience. Because it’s both.

Choose a Location That Feels Like You

Your pre wedding photoshoot location sets the whole tone. You could go classic, scenic, or completely unexpected. Here are some faves (and yes, all UK-approved):

an engaged couple kissing on their engagement photoshoot with Emerald Photo UK

The Forest Vibe: West Woods, Dean Forest, or any misty woodland just before bluebells bloom.
City Chic: Pre wedding photoshoot London? Think Shoreditch, Southbank, or Notting Hill.
Pre Wedding Photos Beach Edition: Cornwall, Devon, or even Weston-super-Mare at golden hour.
Old-World Romance: Ruined castles, charming manors, Cotswold villages.

You don’t need a grand backdrop, just something that makes you feel relaxed and in your element.

Outfits Matter (But Not Like You Think)

What you wear should match the vibe you’re going for, not the vibe you think you should have. Some pre wedding photoshoot dress ideas:

Flowy dresses that catch the wind (romantic and effortless)
Jeans + T-shirt combos (casual and honest)
Outfits with a pop of colour or texture (velvet, linen, lace, silk)
Something cultural and personal: Pre wedding photos Indian attire can be striking and deeply meaningful

Think comfort + character = camera-ready.

Extra informations

And now for a few extra bits that matter just as much:

Timing: The sweet spot is 6–12 months before the wedding. It gives you time to use the images for invites or guestbooks.
Pre wedding photoshoot price: Expect anywhere between £200–£600 depending on location, time, edits, and packages.
Themes and Styling: Want a wildflower picnic vibe? Retro coffee shop date? Full black-tie fantasy? There’s a pre wedding shoot theme for that.
Pre wedding photos editing: Each image is carefully edited in my signature documentary-meets-artistic style, emotional, elegant, a little cinematic.

Some couples ask: Do we really need a pre wedding shoot? Honestly, no one needs it. But almost everyone who does it ends up being so glad they did. And if you’re camera-shy? This is your safe space to warm up.

pre-wedding photos with silhouette of the couple at sunset

Do you have any questions?

Think of it as a relaxed photo session with zero pressure, zero wedding-day time crunch, and all the feels. It’s a chance for us to capture you as you are: playful, romantic, messy-haired, belly-laughing you. It’s not about getting another set of perfect pictures. It’s about freezing this beautiful, emotional in-between chapter: after the “Yes!” and before the “I do.”

If you’re feeling camera shy, nervous about looking awkward, or just want photos that truly reflect your connection… then yes, you absolutely need one. It’ll make the big day easier, and honestly? It’s just really lovely to have.

Not on my watch! This shoot is more like a fun date with a third wheel (me!) who gently guides you, makes you laugh, and knows how to catch the good stuff: like the way you scrunch your nose when you smile, or the look you give each other when no one’s watching. No stiff posing, no fake laughing. Just you being real, and me being there to catch it all.

This one’s easy: wear something that feels like you if you’re comfortable in jeans and boots – perfect. If you’re dreaming of a floaty dress and barefoot moments, it’s also perfect. The best pre-wedding photoshoot outfit is one that allows you to move, cuddle, and be yourself. I always help couples choose outfits that photograph beautifully while keeping it true to their vibe. And yes, bring backup layers, because UK weather is cheeky like that.

We’ll select a pre-wedding photoshoot location that holds special meaning for you. Maybe it’s the park where you walk the dog, the street where you shared your first kiss, or a beach you both adore. Don’t worry if you’re stuck: I’ve got a treasure trove of UK pre-wedding shoot locations (from wild woods to industrial cityscapes), and I’ll help you find the one that clicks with your story.

We’re in the UK, so that it can happen! But moody skies can make for gorgeous photos, and a bit of rain can add authentic atmosphere. I’m always up for embracing whatever nature throws at us, but we can reschedule if the weather truly isn’t playing nice. Bonus: umbrellas and windswept hair = perfect romance.

Every couple gets a relaxed, unhurried session, location planning help, outfit guidance, and a hand-edited gallery full of natural, beautiful moments. I offer flexible packages that work whether you want a quiet, cosy session or something a bit more epic. Just ask, and I’ll walk you through everything.

Yes. Yes. And triple yes. Your pre-wedding shoot should reflect your real life: quirks and all. I love it when couples bring their dogs, stop for a coffee mid-shoot, or want to recreate their Sunday morning routine (complete with a floury kitchen). This is about capturing you, not ticking a shot list.

Not necessarily! Some couples book their pre-wedding photos months in advance, while others prefer a last-minute adventure. It’s totally up to you. If you’re hoping to use the photos for save-the-dates or invitations, I recommend scheduling the shoot at least 4–6 months before the big day so we have time for editing and printing.

Totally, but in the best way. Pre-wedding photos are about everyday love, not wedding-day formalities. You’re in your clothes, in your element, doing your thing. These shots tend to be softer, sillier, and more intimate. They make a beautiful contrast to the energy of your wedding gallery and help tell the whole story of your relationship.

engaged wedding couple holding hands on the beach at their engagement photoshoot

READY TO embrace your

Laid-back, full-of-feelings
pre-wedding adventure?

This shoot isn’t just prep, it’s part of your story. The laughs before the vows. The quiet in-betweens. The awkward spins that turn into real smiles.

If you’re dreaming of pre-wedding photos that feel relaxed, artful, and unapologetically you, let’s make it happen. I’ll help with ideas, locations, styling tips, everything you need.

Let’s Chat

Still browsing? That’s totally okay too.

Head to the blog for more pre wedding photos ideas or drop me a message and let’s chat pre-wedding photoshoot tips, locations, or outfits.

Let’s turn this chapter into something beautiful. Together.