A Pre-Wedding Shoot: What it is & Why It's Worth It

Couple cuddling surrounded by leaves at the University of Birmingham West Midlands engagement shoot.

Pre-Wedding Shoots: What They Are & Why They’re Worth It

If the thought of being in front of the camera makes you feel a bit awkward, you are absolutely not alone. Most couples tell me this at first. The funny thing is, by the end of their pre-wedding shoot, they are usually saying, ‘Oh… that was actually fun.’ Every single couple in these photos told me they were super nervous or didn’t think they would photograph well. Can you tell…?

A pre-wedding shoot is simply a relaxed couples session before your wedding day. No pressure. No stiff posing. Just the two of you, being yourselves, while I gently guide you so everything feels natural and easy.

Laughing engaged couple surrounded by autumn leaves at Cannon Hill Park in Birmingham during their pre-wedding shoot.

What Is a Pre-Wedding Shoot?

A pre-wedding shoot (sometimes called an engagement shoot) is a laid-back photo session designed to help you feel comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding.

My pre-wedding shoots are relaxed, simple and very un-awkward (once we’ve got going). We go for a little wander, have a chat, and I guide you with natural prompts so nothing feels forced. No modelling skills required.

Engaged couple laughing together under trees at Leasowes Park West Midlands.

When Do Pre-Wedding Shoots Happen?

For couples booking my full day wedding photography, your pre-wedding shoot is included and usually takes place around a month before the big day. This timing works perfectly because it also gives us a great chance to chat through the details of your wedding, the timeline, and anything you might be unsure about.

If you are booking a shoot separately, you can have it whenever you like. No countdown required. You may have just got engaged and want to mark the occasion with a shoot.

A character-filled pre-wedding shoot at Avoncroft Museum, natural moments.

Engaged couple smiling together under trees at Lickey Hills

How a Pre-Wedding Shoot Helps You Feel Relaxed on Your Wedding Day

The biggest benefit of having one of these shoots is confidence. By the time your wedding arrives, you will already:

Know how I work
Feel more comfortable in front of the camera
Understand simple, natural guidance
Stop worrying about what to do with your hands
Realise you might not be as awkward as you thought

This means your couple photos on the wedding day feel relaxed, quick and natural rather than posed or stressful.

Couple kissing in front of historic buildings at Avoncroft Museum during their engagement shoot.

Engaged couple running through the rain in Brindleyplace with city buildings in the background.

why a Pre-Wedding Shoot Is Worth It

Pre wedding shoots are not just about photos, although you will receive a beautiful gallery. It is about feeling calm, prepared and completely yourselves before one of the biggest days of your life.

Couples often say their pre-wedding shoot:

Settled their nerves
Helped them feel more confident
Made the wedding day feel easier
Built trust with me as their photographer
Turned ‘we are awkward in photos’ into ‘we actually loved that’ or ‘we hated that a bit less than we expected!’

And that relaxed feeling always shows in your wedding photos.

Couple smiling for a photo at Cannon Hill Park during a relaxed pre-wedding shoot.

Couple walking hand in hand at Lickey Hills during golden hour on their pre-wedding shoot.

Do You Get Photos From Your Pre-Wedding Shoot?

Yes. You will receive a lovely collection of natural, relaxed images from your pre-wedding shoot. Depending on the timing of your shoot, some couples use them for save the dates, wedding websites, guest books, or simply because they want photos of this lovely time in their lives.

What I love about couple shoots like this is that no two are ever the same. Each one reflects the couple, their location, their style, and the way they interact with each other. That’s what makes every set of photos completely unique!

Booking a Pre-Wedding Shoot in the midlands

Engagement and pre-wedding shoots are a brilliant way to help you relax in front of the camera. It is also a chance for us to spend time together, get to know each other properly, and make sure you feel completely at ease before your wedding.

Pre-wed shoots are included in my full day wedding package. You can also book an engagement/couple shoot on its own for £150, even if I am not photographing your wedding.

If you take advantage of the complimentary shoot included in my Full Day Package they take place locally within around 5 miles of Rubery. Some of the places with beautiful backdrops include the Lickey Hills, Canon Hill Park, Wasely Hills, Warley Woods, Leasowes Park and the University of Birmingham. If you would love your session somewhere meaningful a little further away, that can absolutely be arranged with a small additional travel fee. Digbeth is amazing if industrial, colour, graffiti and railway arches are your vibe.

I photograph weddings across Worcestershire, Warwickshire, the West Midlands and beyond.