Pre Wedding Photoshoot Ideas (to make it feel like you)

Looking for perfect pre-wedding photoshoot ideas to capture your love story ahead of the big day? You’re in the right place. I’m Kerrie Palmer, your down-to-earth, joyful Warwickshire-based wedding photographer, and I’m here to help you find the best way to make your pre-wedding shoot feel relaxed, natural and totally you.

Why a pre-wedding shoot is a great way to celebrate your journey

A pre-wedding photoshoot (sometimes called an engagement shoot) is more than just pictures. It’s a fun photo session that lets you:

• Test being in front of the camera with your partner in a low-pressure setting.

• Create beautiful images you can use for save-the-dates, wedding albums, invites or even a framed print for your home.

• Tell your unique love story — showing your personalities, connection and what this next chapter means.

• Work with a professional photographer ahead of your wedding day so you’re comfortable and ready for the big day.

  
  

In short: it’s a perfect way to get excited about your wedding day, capture meaningful moments and feel relaxed before the wedding photographer turns up.

— And yes, I’d love to help you book your session.

How to plan your pre-wedding shoot like a pro

Choose your perfect location

The sky’s the limit when it comes to location, but you’ll want a perfect location that reflects you both. Think your favourite walking spot, where you met, or just somewhere beautiful. The more your location means to you, the more you’ll cherish the photos.

If you’re unsure, ask yourself:

• Where did you first meet or fall in love?

• Do you prefer urban city-scapes, woodland walks or a golden-hour field?

• What vibe do you want: fun and playful, natural and candid, or romantic and dramatic?

Time it right for the best light

Light makes a huge difference in your end results. For outdoor shoots, early morning or golden hour (the hour before sunset) are gold.

If you’re choosing city locations, avoid busy times — fewer distractions = more relaxed poses.

Be ready for your front-of-the-camera moment

Not everyone feels comfortable being the centre of attention — that’s totally normal. Here are some reminders:

• Pick outfits that compliment each other (but don’t match too much) and feel like you.

• Bring a little bit of fun: maybe your favourite coffee, a pass-time you share, or include your dog (they’re definitely part of your love story).

• Leave your bags, phones and distractions behind — the point is to focus on each other, the laugh, the hug, the stolen glance.

Work with your wedding photographer to make it personal

The best shoots come when you lean into your unique personalities. A pre-wedding shoot is a great opportunity to show who you are — whether that’s silly, serious, stylish or casual. Use props, favourite places, shared hobbies for a personal touch.When you book me, we’ll chat about your story, your favourite ways to be together and how to get the best end results.

10 creative pre-wedding photoshoot ideas you’ll actually love

Here are some fun and fresh ideas to inspire your session. Mix and match, pick what feels right — remember, the goal is you two + connection + joy.

1. Favourite café meet-up

Keep it relaxed: meet at a café you love, order your usual coffees, chat, laugh. It’s informal, comfortable and travel-friendly. A great way to show your everyday love story.

2. Golden hour stroll in the countryside

Get outdoors. The light is dreamy, the mood relaxed, and you’ll capture some beautiful images while strolling hand in hand, laughing, whispering. Bonus: the landscape adds texture and drama.

3. Home sweet home shoot

Stay close to your roots — your house, garden or flat can become a setting for real connection. It gives your gallery a personal touch, full of moments that truly reflect you.

4. Vintage-inspired shoot

Think old cars, rustic barns, vintage clothing. It’s playful, full of personality and gives you a distinct vibe. If you love retro, this is your chance.

5. City lights and rooftop romance

For the urban lovers: city skyline, rooftop bars, street lights, reflections. A dramatic and stylish shoot that says “this is our world”.

6. Adventure couple session

If you’re active and outdoorsy, how about a hike, bike ride or coastal walk for your photoshoot? Movement adds genuine interaction and story.

7. At your favourite hobby spot

What do you share? Mountain biking, cooking classes, board games? Incorporate it. A photo shoot where you’re simply being you is always the best way to capture true emotions.

8. Fun props and playful moments

Bring balloons, a vintage bike, a blanket and a picnic – something you can interact with. These little touches make your session unique and spontaneous.

9. Seasonal theme-based shoot

Think cherry blossoms in spring, golden leaves in autumn, crisp frosty mornings in winter. These seasonal backdrops add mood and texture to your love story.

10. Bring your best friend (or four-legged friend)

If you have a dog, cat or beloved pet — yes, bring them. It adds warmth, personality and something genuine.

What to expect on the day of your shoot

A couple of hours, relaxed & fun

Plan for around a couple of hours — that gives time for outfit changes, a few locations and a mix of posed and candid shots. No rush.As your wedding photographer, I’ll guide you: from where to walk, where to pause, when to laugh, when to whisper.

Deep breaths and being present

I always encourage couples to take deep breaths, relax, chat, hold hands, walk — trust the process. The best photos happen when you forget the camera is there.

Mix in candid interaction + beautiful portraits

A combination of laughter, natural connection and a few more formal looks gives you a balanced gallery. The candid bits will show how you are together, the more posed bits give you those “wow” images to display.

Use your images for more than just the shoot

Your pre-wedding images can be used for:

• Save-the-date cards or wedding invitations

• A slideshow at your reception

• A guest-book alternative or framed prints

• Your wedding album as a “chapter one” before the wedding day

These are serious “best things” when you look back in years to come.

Why hire a professional wedding photographer for your session

A shoot like this isn’t just fun — it’s a great opportunity to invest in your visual story. Here’s why working with a professional makes the difference:

• I have 15 years’ experience and a photojournalism degree — I know how to light, pose or let you simply be yourselves.

• I understand the flow of your wedding day, so the images from your pre-wedding session tie seamlessly into your wedding photography.

• A professional photographer ensures you’ll receive high-quality images, edited to reflect your style — light, airy, colourful and natural (that’s my signature).

• I handle logistics, location advice, outfit tips and help you feel comfortable in front of the camera.

• Most of all: I care about your story and documenting meaningful, real-life moments.

So if you’re planning your big day and want to book a pre-wedding shoot that feels joyful, authentic and fun — let’s chat.

Let’s make your shoot happen

Ready to capture your love story ahead of the wedding day? Reach out today and let’s talk about your pre-wedding shoot (and beyond — we can chat about the wedding day photography too!).

🎉 Book your session, choose your location, set the tone — let’s create images you’ll treasure forever.

📩 Message me, and let’s make it happen together.