Pre-Wedding Photoshoot: What It Is, When to Do It and How to Prepare

Insights · Before the wedding

“We've never had a photoshoot before. Will we know what to do?” If that's your first thought, a pre-wedding photoshoot is the calmest way to get used to the camera, and a reason to spend some time together, away from the wedding to-do list.

This guide covers what a pre-wedding photoshoot is, how it can become a photo or film project, when and where to do it, what to wear and how to use the photos and footage afterwards.

Contents (9)

1. What is a pre-wedding photoshoot
2. A photographic or cinematic project
3. Why it is worth doing
4. When it takes place and how to choose a date
5. Where and at what time
6. What to wear
7. What if we feel awkward in front of the camera?
8. Pre-wedding or next-day session: what is the difference?
9. Frequently asked questions about pre-wedding photoshoots

What is a pre-wedding photoshoot

It's a separate shoot for the two of you before the wedding, without a ceremony and reception schedule to work around. You usually wear everyday clothes or something a little dressier, in a place you love or one that's part of your story.

For some couples it's a walk around the city. For others, a stroll by the sea, a quiet landscape or a trip. There is no required setting, and no reason to copy a photoshoot you saw online.

A photographic or cinematic project

A pre-wedding session isn't only about photos. It can be:

• A photographic project. A series of photos built around your own idea, as a keepsake, for your invitation or for your guest book.
• A cinematic project. A short film about the two of you. It can be a save the date, a little story about how you met or a video to be screened at your reception.
• Both together. Photos and film from the same session, in one consistent style.

A cinematic project needs a little more planning: an idea, the locations and the order of the scenes. We talk them through together in advance, so that on the day all you need to do is be yourselves.

Why it is worth doing

• Getting to know the team. You meet us in person before the wedding and see how we work, on a day without pressure.
• Feeling at ease in front of the camera. You know what to expect, so on your wedding day you feel more relaxed.
• Your relationship as it is now. Photos of how you are together day to day, before the dress and the suit.
• Material for your wedding. Invitations, a save the date, a guest book or a screening at your reception.
• A record of this time. A stage of your life that passes quickly, kept in pictures.

When it takes place and how to choose a date

The right date depends on your schedule, the season and how you want to use the material. If you need it for your invitation, a save the date or a screening at the reception, start from the date you need it by and count backwards. Leave time for choosing the photos, editing, cutting the film and printing.

If you want it mainly as a keepsake, choose a day when you won't arrive in a rush from another commitment. We agree the duration and any travel in advance.

Where and at what time

Think about where you feel comfortable. City streets, the sea, or somewhere quiet in nature? A place can look wonderful in other people's photos and not suit you at all in practice.

• Light. We choose the time together, depending on the location and the season. Afternoon light is one option, not the only one.
• Access. We plan for the walk, your shoes, getting there and whether you can change clothes comfortably.
• People. If you don't want onlookers around you, we choose a quieter time or a different spot.
• Weather and permits. We have a backup plan for rain or strong wind, and we check in advance whether the location needs a permit.

The photoshoot can take place in Patras and the wider area, anywhere in Greece or even abroad. For ideas, see our guide to locations in the Peloponnese and our destinations abroad.

What to wear

Start with clothes you enjoy wearing. Try them on together before the photoshoot: walk, sit down, hug. If something needs constant adjusting, it will distract you on the day too.

Your colours don't need to match. They just need to go well together without stealing all the attention. Large logos and very bold patterns dominate the frame. A second outfit is optional. We can talk about it if it adds something and there's time to change.

A short checklist before you leave

• Clothes you have tried on and shoes suited to the walk.
• Water and anything else you need for the season.
• A small bag for phones and keys, so your pockets don't bulge.
• An agreed meeting point and a little spare time.

What if we feel awkward in front of the camera?

You don't need to arrive prepared. We start with simple movements and small directions: you walk together, talk, move closer to each other. There is room for quiet moments too. Not every photo needs laughter or a look into the camera.

Tell us in advance what you find difficult and what you don't want, so we can adapt our direction. If you're still looking for a photographer, read what to ask before you choose a wedding photographer.

Pre-wedding or next-day session: what is the difference?

A pre-wedding session takes place before the wedding, usually without the wedding dress and the groom's suit. It gives you time to get used to the camera, and pictures of your everyday life together.

A next-day session takes place after the wedding, usually in your wedding clothes, as a separate meeting. Despite the name, it doesn't have to happen literally the next day.

The two sessions have different purposes and neither is mandatory. A pre-wedding session doesn't replace coverage of your wedding day.