Couples say ‘I Do’ to pre-wedding shoots

From Kashmir to Kutch, flights of fancy take hold

Pre-wedding shoots have become an increasingly important part of middle-class weddings in India. They offer a blend of romance and mini getaways before getting married. Couples are opting for newer destinations and themes for their pre-wedding shoots.

Pre-wedding shoots have become a ritual among couples in India, much more than just a trend. For couples, these are becoming much more than just about a photoshoot, as they offer a mini vacation before the wedding, for them to relax and spend quality time together before tying the knot.

“It was my partner’s birthday, so we planned our pre-wedding shoot to coincide with the celebration. We opted for a one-day shoot, which allowed us to spend more time together, relax and enjoy,” says Rashi Gahlot, who has completed her MBA from Brunel University of London, who recently took a short trip to Kashmir with her fiance for her pre-wedding shoot.

Popular destinations for pre-wedding shoot

From the snowy landscapes of Kashmir to the regal backdrops of Rajasthan forts and palaces, people are going to different locations to capture those aesthetic moments and to make their pre-wedding shoots memorable.

In recent years, there has been a shift toward more natural and scenic locations, and Kashmir has become a top choice for couples looking for breathtaking landscapes.

“Snow-themed pre-wedding shoots in Gulmarg have gained immense popularity, with couples embracing the winter wonderland vibe,” says Amir Gulzar, Kashmir-based wedding photographer. He also emphasises that compared to previous years, couples are now opting for candid, storytelling-based photography rather than just traditional poses. They want their shoots to feel personal and cinematic, which is why destinations like Kashmir, with its ever-changing landscapes, have become more desirable.

“Katrina Kaif starrer movie Fitoor has been my favourite movie for the longest time. It is like watching poetry on a beautiful canvas like Kashmir! So yes, majorly that movie inspired me for my pre-wedding shoot location,” says Rashi Gahlot.

Along with the growing demands for such shoots and as per trends, couples are now travelling specifically to these locations for their pre-wedding shoots, rather than choosing local or studio-based options.

“The use of drones and slow-motion videography has increased, allowing for more dramatic and breathtaking shots in the vast landscapes,” says Amir.

He adds that he focusses on capturing the raw essence of the location while ensuring that the couple’s chemistry stands out. “The key is to blend the couple’s personality with the destination, ensuring that each shoot is unique and not just a replication of previous ones,” says Amir.

As pre-wedding shoots become increasingly popular, they have become an important source of revenue for photographers and associated service providers. In order to accommodate their clients’ needs and price ranges, wedding photographers increasingly provide customised pre-wedding packages, that can go from a few thousand to over a million rupees.

“Local photographers offer various packages according to your requirements and number of locations. Our package was for INR 25,000 only, because it was one day and one location,” says Rashi.

Top locales for photoshoots

Gulmarg, Kashmir

The snowy landscapes of Gulmarg look straight out of a fairytale. The destination features pine trees and picture-perfect cottages. Snow-capped mountains and serene meadows provide a romantic backdrop to capture the essence of love and adventure.

Rajasthan

A long-time favourite for celebrities and commoners alike, Rajasthan offers a royal setting for pre-wedding photos because of its palaces, forts and romantic deserts. Luxurious architecture, vivid colours and cultural legacy are all combined in cities like Udaipur, Jaipur and Jodhpur.

Taj Mahal, Agra

Beautiful pre-wedding memories can be made against the backdrop of Taj Mahal, in Agra. The white-marble monument, the world’s best-recognised symbol of love, features several locations for the shoot such as Yamuna Ghat, Akbar’s Fort and Rambagh Garden.

History around Delhi

Delhi is known for its Indo-Islamic architecture, historical landmarks and lively streets. The city provides a variety of locations including Humanyun’s tomb and Lodhi Garden.

Goa

One of the most popular beach destinations in India, Goa provides an enthralling and romantic backdrop for pre-wedding shoots for couples that enjoy sun, sand and sea. With its Portuguese architecture, and vibrant nightlife, Goa creates a perfect mix of romance and adventure.

Some off-beaten locations for pre-wedding shoots

Other than those typical locations, there are some not-so-popular destinations where couples can plan their pre-wedding shoot.

Lavasa, Maharashtra

This man-made hill station in Maharashtra exudes Italian vibes, offering a contemporary and cosmopolitan aura for pre-wedding shoots. It is built stylistically, based on the Italian town of Portofino.

Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Rushikonda Beach in Visakhapatnam in the south-eastern state of Andhra Pradesh is an excellent alternative to Goa, offering a tranquil beach location with less crowd.

Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

With its expansive white salt flats and ethnic diversity, the Rann of Kutch provides a distinctive and beautiful setting for pre-wedding portraits. This vast salt desert offers a surreal scene, particularly at full-moon when the surroundings turn into a blush-white panorama.