Destination Pre Wedding Photography Paris France
Paris Pre-Wedding Photography in France
I love working with so many international couples and pre wedding photography is always so much fun! Edward and Rachel flew over from Hong Kong for their pre wedding photography session and I was lucky enough to work with them in Paris and London to capture their engagement photographs as well as flying over to Hong Kong to tell their amazing wedding day story.
Paris is such an amazing place for a pre wedding engagement session and even one of the wettest days of the summer did not stop us having an amazing time. We started the day at the jardins du trocadéro which has amazing views over the iconic Eiffel Tower before crossing the Seine river and moving down towards Notre-Dame de Paris and spending some time along the river and the lock bridges where thousands of couples put their initials on locks and lock them to the bridge. We ended the day at the Pompidou Centre and the Louvre which was the perfect location to end this Paris pre wedding session.
Here are a few images from this beautiful engagement session in Paris. You can check out their incredible Hong Kong wedding photography here
Paris Pre-Wedding Photoshoot Guide: Best Locations and Essential Tips
There's something magical about Paris that makes it feel like it was designed for love stories. The soft morning light catching the Eiffel Tower, couples strolling hand-in-hand along the Seine, those charming cobblestone streets that seem to exist purely for romantic moments—it's no wonder so many couples dream of having their pre-wedding photos taken here.
If you're planning a Paris pre-wedding shoot, you're in for an incredible experience. The city offers an amazing variety of looks all in one place—from grand monuments and elegant gardens to intimate side streets and modern architectural gems. Let me walk you through the best locations and share some tips I've picked up from photographing couples across this beautiful city.
Why Paris is Perfect for Pre-Wedding Photography
Paris isn't called the City of Love for nothing. What makes it truly special for pre-wedding photography is the sheer variety. You can start your morning at the Trocadéro with sweeping Eiffel Tower views, wander through historic streets around Notre-Dame, and end your day with golden hour shots along the Seine—all within a single session.
The architecture here tells a story at every turn. Whether you're after that classic, timeless editorial look or something more modern and artistic, Paris has got you covered.
The Best Paris Pre-Wedding Photography Locations
Jardins du Trocadéro: Your Postcard-Perfect Eiffel Tower Shots
If there's one spot that delivers those "wow" Eiffel Tower photos, it's the Jardins du Trocadéro. The gardens sit directly across from the tower, giving you those sweeping, unobstructed views that look straight out of a magazine.
What I love about Trocadéro is how many different compositions you can create. The fountains add movement and drama (especially the Warsaw Fountain with its Eiffel Tower reflections), the grand steps work beautifully for editorial poses, and the landscaped gardens offer softer, more romantic close-ups.
Insider tip: Get here at sunrise. Trust me on this. The light is absolutely gorgeous, you'll have the place mostly to yourselves, and there's something incredibly romantic about watching Paris wake up together. The Eiffel Tower glowing in the early morning sky with just the two of you there? That's the kind of magic you're looking for.
The Eiffel Tower & Champ de Mars: Classic Paris Romance
Obviously, you can't come to Paris without photographing the Eiffel Tower itself. It's the symbol of romance, and for good reason. Whether you're standing right at its base looking up at the ironwork, wandering through the tree-lined paths of the Champ de Mars, or stepping back for those wide cinematic shots, every angle tells a different story.
Best time to shoot: Golden hour is your friend here—either just after sunrise or just before sunset. The warm, flattering light creates beautiful silhouettes and that dreamy glow everyone loves. Morning is particularly special if you want it to feel like you have Paris all to yourselves, with fewer tourists and that soft, intimate atmosphere.
The Seine River & Paris Bridges: Timeless Waterfront Backdrops
The Seine adds something special to your photos—movement, reflections, and that quintessentially Parisian feel. The tree-lined banks, historic bridges, and those charming bookstalls create endless opportunities for both intimate moments and grand city views.
Pont Alexandre III: Where Luxury Meets Romance
If I had to choose just one bridge for pre-wedding photos, it would be Pont Alexandre III. This is Paris at its most elegant—ornate lampposts, gilded statues, and stunning views of the Eiffel Tower in the background. It's perfect for couples who want that high-end editorial look while still keeping things romantic and timeless.
The bridge photographs beautifully at any time of day, but the golden hour light hitting those gold details? Absolutely stunning.
Notre-Dame & Île de la Cité: Historic Parisian Charm
Even after the 2019 fire, Notre-Dame remains one of the most atmospheric locations in Paris. The gothic façade, intricate sculptural details, and riverside setting create a powerful backdrop. The surrounding Île de la Cité and nearby streets offer quieter corners and classic Parisian architecture that work beautifully for more intimate, storytelling shots.
A note on respect: Remember that Notre-Dame is not just a beautiful building—it's an active place of worship and a symbol of Parisian history. Focus on the exterior architecture, the nearby gardens, and the riverside paths. You'll get dramatic photos while being respectful to the space and other visitors.
The Louvre & Cour Carrée: Editorial Elegance
The Louvre is pure magic for photography. You've got the iconic glass pyramid creating these sleek, modern lines against the grand French Renaissance architecture—it's like old meets new in the most cinematic way possible.
The Cour Carrée courtyard, with its archways and colonnades, gives you so many composition options. Try using reflections in the pyramid or nearby water features to add depth and drama to your shots. Early morning or late evening sessions here are ideal—you'll avoid the crowds and get that beautiful directional light on the stone façades.
Centre Pompidou: For the Modern Couple
Not every couple wants only classic Parisian romance, and that's where the Centre Pompidou comes in. This modern art museum, with its exposed structure, colourful pipes, and industrial lines, creates a bold, graphic backdrop that's perfect for contemporary, fashion-forward looks.
If you love clean lines, urban aesthetics, and a bit of edge in your photos, definitely add this to your list.
Essential Tips for Your Paris Pre-Wedding Shoot
Timing is Everything
For most locations, sunrise really is the sweet spot. You get that calm, intimate atmosphere, soft and flattering light, and minimal crowds—it's the trifecta of perfect photography conditions.
Sunset and evening can be spectacular too, especially along the Seine or when the Eiffel Tower lights up. Just know that you'll be dealing with more people and might need extra time and flexibility in your schedule.
Plan Your Route Smartly
The good news? Many of Paris's best pre-wedding locations are relatively close to each other. The key is planning a logical route to maximize your shooting time. For example: start at Trocadéro, move to the Eiffel Tower, stroll along the Seine, and finish at the Louvre. This flow feels natural and doesn't waste precious time zigzagging across the city.
Factor in travel and walking time between spots—Paris traffic can be unpredictable, and those cobblestone streets in heels might take longer than you think!
Dress for the City
Paris has a certain elegance to it, so many couples lean into that with formal or semi-formal outfits that complement the architecture and luxurious feel. Think flowing gowns, well-tailored suits, and classic silhouettes.
My advice? Bring two looks. Have one classic, formal outfit for the iconic spots like the Louvre and Trocadéro, and another slightly more relaxed option for wandering the streets, popping into cafés, or exploring the riverbanks. The variety will show beautifully in your final gallery.
Prepare for Paris Weather
Paris weather can be... let's call it "moody." Having a flexible plan is crucial. If possible, scout some indoor or covered backup locations—a beautiful hotel lobby, an elegant gallery, or a charming café can all work wonderfully.
Here's something many couples don't realize: overcast days can actually be beautiful for photography. That soft, even light is incredibly flattering for skin tones and eliminates harsh shadows. So if you wake up to grey skies, don't panic—you might end up with some of the most romantic, dreamy shots.
Work with Someone Who Knows Paris
This makes such a difference. A photographer who regularly works with destination pre-wedding shoots will guide you on timing, locations, logistics, and posing—taking all that stress off your plate so you can just enjoy the experience.
Having photographed pre-weddings across Europe—from the Eiffel Tower to the Scottish Highlands, Santorini sunsets to Iceland's dramatic landscapes—I've learned that the best photos happen when couples feel relaxed and trust the process. That's what I aim for: a storytelling approach that captures both your connection and the beauty of wherever we are.
Ready to Plan Your Paris Pre-Wedding Shoot?
Paris is waiting for you. Whether you're dreaming of classic elegance at the Louvre, romantic moments along the Seine, or that perfect Eiffel Tower sunrise, this city will give you photos you'll treasure forever.
If you're considering Paris or another destination like Scotland, Santorini, Iceland, London, the Peak District, the Lake District, or the Cotswolds, I'd love to help you create something beautiful.
Specialising in luxury, multicultural, and destination pre-wedding photography across the UK and worldwide.
To find out more about planning a pre-wedding photography shoot in Paris, then visit my guide to planning the perfect Paris pre-wedding photography shoot here.
If you are considering a pre-wedding session in another location, then there are many incredible places in Europe, and you can get some ideas as well as view sample sessions from Paris, Scotland, Santorini, Iceland, London and all over the world on my pre-wedding photography page.
Paris pre wedding photography by Nick Rose Photography
