In the third part of this series, we travel around the glorious historic sights of Europe to find the most spectacular and scenic locations for amazing pre-wedding photos, with knowledgable local photographers who will travel around the continent to help you get those perfect shots, whether it's capturing the historic architecture of Paris and London, or retreating to more secluded locations around Santorini, Norway and Morocco.
Paris, France
Catherine O'Hara
Prices: EUR 2,700 for a pre-wedding shoot
Known as the City of Lights, and the City of Love, if you're looking to take stunning pre nuptial photos, Paris is definitely the right place to go, where your pictures will be framed by popular monuments, stunning greenery, and spectacular historic architecture. All that's missing is you and your significant other in glamorous formal wear--in Paris, black is always très chic. One of the best photographers based in France is Catherine O'Hara who will capture amazing photos with minimum interference, preferring instead to focus on the couple's natural interaction with each other, bringing out each couple's personalities through the smallest details.
Sara and Nemo's engagement shoot in Paris
Chat with Catherine O'Hara
Lainville-en-Vexin, France
Pierre Atelier
Price: A two-hour shoot will cost EUR490.
Escape to Lainville-en-Vexin, a commune in north-central France, and a 45km from Paris, The 19th century industrial chic feel, with gorgeous brick walls, exposed rafters, concrete floors, and sprawling lawns makes for an Instaworthy, laid-back location for a pre wedding shoot, or a great destination wedding venue.
Featured in several publications, and having worked with brands like Adidas and ASOS, Pierre Atelier is based in Paris, France, but can travel to any part of France--or the world--to capture moments of your special day, to weave a story of you as a couple through the images captured by his lens.
Alexandra and Alexis's wedding at Les Bonnes Joies in Lainville-en-Vexin
Chat with Pierre Atelier
Lofoten, Norway
Christin Eide Photography
Price: Prices for elopements and destination weddings start at USD$2,000 and up.
It's a journey to get to Lofoten--a flight from Oslo to Bodø, and then a three to four-hour ferry ride--but the stunning view is well worth the journey. Located on Norway's northwestern coast, some of its most remarkable sights are the mountains, crystal clear waters, and the midnight sun phenomenon, all of which make this location a fantastic one for your engagement shoot or pre wedding photos. Bonus: If you come during September to March, you might be able to catch the famed Northern Lights too!
Based in Norway, Christin is the perfect guide for you to venture around the country, and she'll even lead you to secret spots and remote areas that perfectly fit your personality and ideas for your pre-wedding shoot. She says, "getting to experience two people commit the rest of their lives to each other is the most exciting and beautiful thing in the world."
Alex and Emma's elopement shoot
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Cavo Ventus, Santorini, Greece
Cinematic Tide
Price upon request
Known as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Santorini is famed for its white buildings and blue roofs. Escape away from the main sights to a luxury resort in the village of Akrotiri, and enjoy the best the island has to offer in terms of its rugged beauty, with panoramic views of the surrounding islands atop your perch high above the sea level.
Have your pre-wedding pictures taken by husband-and-wife duo Dani and Sam--who grew up in Singapore!--who are perfectly willing to travel to any part of the world to capture breathtaking images for your special day. Their creative approach is a blend of documentary, storytelling and art.
Patti and Lawson's three-day wedding adventure
Chat with Cinematic Tide
Venice, Italy
David Frain Photographer
Price for pre wedding photography: EUR 1,500
Built on more than 100 islands, with a network of canals replacing roads, Venice is one of the quintessential European cities you definitely have to visit...and of course, the only thing better than stepping foot into The Floating City is having someone along to perfectly document your adventure, whether it's for engagement photos, blissful elopements or a destination wedding.
An award-winning fine art photographer, Dublin-based David Frain is available to travel worldwide, including Venice, of course, where these photos were taken, and will take spectacular photos for your pre wedding shoots...just be warned, you might not have enough wall space to fit all your favourite photos!
Izabela & Tadej elopement photos in Venice, Italy
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Lake Como, Italy
Roncaglione Wedding Photographers
Price for pre wedding photography: EUR2,000
Filled with artistic and cultural gems, as well as a famed retreat for celebrities, the wealthy and aristocrats, Lake Como has been called the most beautiful lake in the world by the Huffington Post, and thus is a great location for a surprise proposal, which is exactly what Zhiqun planned for his soon-to-be fiancee, Abigail. To document their trip and the pivotal moment, they hired Roncaglione Wedding Photographers, a husband and wife team based in that area, and who have nine years of experience shooting weddings, as well as pre-wedding photos, elopements and engagement shoots.
Zhiqun and Abigail's proposal at Lake Como
Chat with Roncaglione Wedding Photographers
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Spazio46
Price: EUR2,000 for pre-wedding photography
The rocks and sea cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, paired with the teal waters, creates a glorious backdrop for wedding photos. For the best views, hold your wedding high above the sea level, like Ilaria and Giordano did, and create a romantic ambience with sparklers against the dusky sky. To chronicle your wedding, choose Naples-based Spazio46, run by husband and wife team Salvo and Viviane, who by the way, is an award-winning photographer, for discreet, natural pictures, of you and your cherished guests.
Ilaria and Giordano's wedding on the Amalfi Coast
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Devon, Cornwall, UK
Liberty Pearl Photo & Film Collective
Price for His and Hers Engagement shoot: GBP350 for two hours' shoot on location
In every photo Amber from Liberty Pearl (her venture is named after her daughter) takes, there's sure to be an element of nature in it, where they form a magical background for the couple, as they swing, twirl or share a moment together. If you're uncomfortable in front of the camera, she'll be able to put you at ease and capture wonderfully natural and gorgeous photos of you as a couple. Based in Devon, Cornwall, she'll be able to recommend some of the most beautiful landscapes to have your photos taken in the area.
Stunning wedding pictures in Devon, Cornwall, images from Liberty Pearl's Facebook page
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Essex and London, UK
Natalie Martinez Photography
Price for Pre-wedding photography: EUR 1,100
The Gaynes Park is a stupendous wedding reception venue, either in the barn or for outdoor weddings, with picturesque nooks you can take amazing wedding pictures at, whether it's a simple brick wall, or get creative and shoot through a heart-shaped hole in the gate to create the perfect framing. Embrace the best of nature in this secluded retreat, a 45 min drive away from the bustling city of London, accompanied by Hertfordshire-based photographer Natalie Martinez, who strives to create classic and romantic pictures you--and your guests--will love seeing.
Grace and Rory's wedding at Gaynes Park in Essex
Near the Cavendish Square Gardens, lies The Riding House, where Liz and Anselm got married. It's a cafe serving food all day, and can be a great venue for intimate weddings (the private space seats up to 16), otherwise, photo-worthy locations around London abound--using the architecture, green spaces as a background while you showcase your love for each other through beautifully shot pictures.
The wedding of Liz and Anselm at The Riding House, London, UK
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London, UK
Helen Abraham
Request for rates
Wander down the scenic streets of London, where the classic architecture, iconic telephone booths and other interesting features form an interesting and visually stunning backdrop to your pre wedding photos. While you're here, capture the best photos together with Helen Abraham, whose style is mostly documentary with a touch of portrait photography. No awkward poses here, she focuses on helping you take natural, organic shots that showcase your love for each other through the photos.
Alice and Jack's wedding at the Church of St Barts and St John's restaurant in London
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Hvar, Croatia
Nikola Matić
Price upon request
Visited by celebrities like Tom Cruise and Bono and home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Stari Grad Plain, Hvar is consistently mentioned as one of the top 10 islands in the world by Conde Nast Traveller. Its rugged greenery and panoramic views of the sea are the perfect backdrop for you to steal away to for amazing pre wedding photos. If you're looking for a local photographer, try Nikola Matić, who is based in Croatia's capital Zagreb. He says, "Being a wedding photographer is not just about capturing special moments, but it also about documenting love."
Manda and Phillip's wedding in Hvar, Croatia
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Morocco
Tu Nguyen
Price for an eight-hour shoot is EUR3,600.
Just below Spain on the map, with its stunning desert landscapes, Morocco is a spectacular destination for your pre-wedding photos, and also an elopement if you'd like---that's what this couple did! They wanted a more natural feel to their photos, with a variety of shots that showcase their authentic personalities--see the full list of photos here. We love the various setups--sitting in the crimson hammock, a romantic dinner, getting married and a glorious glamping experience. Tu Nguyen's--yet another husband and wife collaboration--style is influenced by classic cinema to craft a visually compelling cinematic story.
H and V's elopement in the Sahara Desert, Morocco
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More Inspiration:
Part 1: Head Down Under to Australia and New Zealand for amazing pre wedding photos
Part 2: Wander around Asia--Bali, Japan and Korea--for gorgeous cityscapes, wearing traditional outfits and enjoying local culture
For more inspiration check out the Hitcheed app, where all things bridal are conveniently accessible in one place. Download now to view vendor profiles, rate cards and have access to message our professionals directly on App Store and Google Play.