More and more couples are doing engagement photo shoots and most wedding photographers even include pre-wedding photography sessions in their packages, but what are these photo for? Besides using your favourite shot from the shoot as your wedding invite or save-the-date cards, your engagement shoot photos can get creatively incorporate in your actual day reception decor or part of the wedding favour! This is also a great chance to know your wedding photographer better if you're engaging their service for your actual day wedding as well.
Whether you’re engaged already or you think he might pop the big question soon, here are 12 of our new favourite overseas destinations for pre-wedding shoot to inspire and consider!
1. Iceland
Known for its strong Viking history and jaw-dropping view, Iceland is one of the Nordic countries that have seen popularity with wedding couples for pre-wedding shoots and honeymoon trips. It's not hard to see why! From Reykjavik scenic shots and Blue Lagoon mesmerizing pools to Öxarárfoss waterfall and Jökulsárlón icebergs, Iceland is one of the top choices for a great outdoors shoot with its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and lava fields. Visiting the massive glaciers in their national parks can also be a strike off your wanderlust bucket list!
Image Credits: Acapella Photography
Acapella Photography | Portfolio
Overseas Pre-wedding Shoot Rates: From S$7,900
Hitcheed Exclusive Discount: From S$500
2. New Zealand
If you're one with nature, consider New Zealand for your pre-wedding wedding shoot with its lovely sights and sounds. With its mammoth national parks, New Zealand is teeming with photographic spots that you can definitely enjoy a shoot and quick getaway. For the adventurous, Queenstown could be a destination to check out while there with world-class sporting arenas for surfers and skiiers. It'd make a particularly interesting shoot concept if sports are your shared passion. For the less adventurous, visit Wellington for the dramatic must-have photo of Mount Victoria and the Southern lakes.
Image Credits: Acapella Studios
Acapella Studios | Portfolio
Overseas Pre-wedding Shoot Rates: From S$7,900
Hitcheed Exclusive Discount: From S$500
3. Slovenia
One of the jems of overseas destination photoshoots is Slovenia and its wonders. The quaint cities in Slovenia, Central Europe, make for an uncommon backdrop with its vast cliffs and towering castles, as well as grand national parks and waterfalls. Bled, one of its laketowns, is a great photo spot with its picturesque landscape and amazing waterfront details. Take a stroll down the boardwalk or rent a boat out into the lake for photos unique to laketowns in Europe.
Image Credits: Chris Chang Photography
Chris Chang Photography | Portfolio
Overseas Pre-wedding Shoot Rates: From S$2,500
Hitcheed Exclusive Discount: From S$300
4. Greece
Greece found favour with married couples for top honeymoon picks with Santorini's iconic blue and white structure, as well as the raw features of Athens city. With the Venetian architecture and natural features that will certainly add depth to your photo shoot, it is not hard to see why Greece is one of the world's most popular tourist destination, ranking in the top 20 countries. Take a day by the picture-perfect beach for a Grecian wedding concept shoot that will look great framed at your wedding reception or future home!
Image Credits: Depthofeel
Depthofeel | Portfolio
Overseas Pre-wedding Shoot Rates: From S$2,588
Hitcheed Exclusive Discount: From S$100
5. Hong Kong
You may have visited the vibrant city of Hong Kong previously, but you might not have seen the hidden gems of this city that makes a great look for any wedding photo shoot. With the iconic neon signboards and cityscape as your backdrop, your photos will look modern and contemporary with a certain charm. Travel out of the city to the islands for a special water-themed shoot to embrace the natural beauty Hong Kong has to offer.
Image Credits: Depthofeel
Depthofeel | Portfolio
Overseas Pre-wedding Shoot Rates: From S$2,588
Hitcheed Exclusive Discount: From S$100
6. United States of America
Much like European cities, it is hard to pin down on one specific city in North America that would offer a stunning backdrop as each city and town has its own charm and uniqueness. If you only have a week or so to visit and have your wedding shoot, consider the West Coast as your destination of choice. With the bustling San Francisco and its iconic streets, the City Hall and Golden Gate Bride, San Francisco is a great choice to kick off your wedding shoot. From there, it is easy to drive up to Nevada, home of the famous Las Vegas Strip or further to Arizon, where the majestic Grand Canyon and stunning Antelope Canyon would add to the storytelling of your wedding shoot, and possibly, pre-wedding video and drone shots.
Image Credits: Douglas Fun Photography
Douglas Fun Photography | Portfolio
Overseas Pre-wedding Shoot Rates: From S$3,000
Hitcheed Exclusive Discount: From S$200
7. East Australia
If you're looking to visit the Wonders of the World and include it into your photoshoot, then Australia is one of our top recommendations for you. Lying on the east coast, Sydney is definitely a great choice for the contemporary couple who loves the vibrancy and energy of this metropolitan city. Visit the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and even Bondi Beach if your trip allows for it. All the different charming spots of Sydney will definitely lend more fun and personality to your photos, as well as forge new memories.
Image Credits: Douglas Fun Photography
Douglas Fun Photography | Portfolio
Overseas Pre-wedding Shoot Rates: From S$3,000
Hitcheed Exclusive Discount: From S$200
8. Austria & Czech Republic
Though it is lesser visited or mentioned compared to France or Italy, Austria and Czech Republic are no less exciting places to visit and explore, and have your photo shoot at! The lovely cities of Hallstatt and Salzburg have its own flair with the various natural elements at every angle. We particularly love the photos taken in Autumn though Winter wedding photo shoots have its own beauty and charm. If you love European architecture and a shoot as if taken somewhere out of this world, consider these cities and you might find yourself falling in love with it too.
Image Credits: Douglas Fun Photography
Douglas Fun Photography | Portfolio
Overseas Pre-wedding Shoot Rates: From S$3,000
Hitcheed Exclusive Discount: From S$200
9. France
One of the most popular destinations for proposals, honeymoon, and photo shoots, France is definitely a destination for every couple! Visit one of the many classic cathedrals, take photos on the iconic steps or at the front of the European buildings, and have fun with the streets of Paris at night with the illuminating Eiffel Tower. While Paris and its iconic landmarks offer a strong backdrop, it only takes a short drive out of the city to find quaint, if not even more charming, architecture and photo spots. If time is of the essence, then try the cafes, opera house, and other spots mimicking the glamorous Parisian lifestyle!
Image Credits: Knottin Visuals
Knottin Visuals | Portfolio
Overseas Pre-wedding Shoot Rates: From S$2,600
Hitcheed Exclusive Discount: From S$500
10. Western Australia
If you want a mix of city and country, Perth could be an ideal location for your pre-wedding shoot photo opportunities. Work with your photographer to narrow down your selection from the endless options of beautiful venues; with vineyard and beaches for those who love being closer to nature or industrial warehouse spaces and cityscape, there is a little something for every couple in this amazing city.
Image Credits: Knottin Visuals
Knottin Visuals | Portfolio
Overseas Pre-wedding Shoot Rates: From S$2,600
Hitcheed Exclusive Discount: From S$500
11. The Netherlands
Europe never ceases to amaze us with its stunning beauty and countless photo opportunities. For couples looking for less crowded spots like Paris or Milan, consider Holland for its iconic windmills and lush greenery, as well as lovely waterfront townhouses. For adventurous couples, visit The Netherlands and consider travelling to more cities while you're there. We love what this couple did, by adding another stop at Italy while on their shoot; Rome is a great choice for those who love places with history and classic European structures. Some photographers do multi-city stops so you get the best of several worlds!
Image Credits: Knottin Visuals
Knottin Visuals | Portfolio
Overseas Pre-wedding Shoot Rates: From S$2,600
Hitcheed Exclusive Discount: From S$500
12. Indonesia
Much closer to home is the lovely Indonesia and its thousands of islands. With so many charming spots to choose from, you don't have to default to honeymooner's favourite–Bali! Get creative with island hopping or visiting new spots you've never been to. That's half the fun of doing an overseas shoot! Our top two picks for photo opportunies would be Gili Island and Lombok Island for its lush foliages and traditional structures. We promise that your photos will look amazing against the backdrop of the natural beauty that Indonesia has to offer!
Image Credits: Loveinstills
Loveinstills | Portfolio
Overseas Pre-wedding Shoot Rates: From S$1,200
Hitcheed Exclusive Discount: From S$100
While fun, overseas photoshoots are more demanding than local shoots because of the preparation before and the tighter timeline to travel between spots. But the photos from your pre-wedding shoot will definitely be worth it! To see all photographers who offer overseas packages, check out Hitcheed's full list of photographers.
Want to find a photography team who offers both photography and videography services, ask Hitcheed for FREE recommendations or start a conversation with our featured photographers via their Hitcheed professional pages to get the non-obligatory discussion going. Receive instant cash discounts for the professional services when you engage them via Hitcheed!
