PARIS PRE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
A Guide to Planning a Pre Wedding Photoshoot in Paris
Paris Pre Wedding Photoshoot Ultimate Location Guide
Paris is undoubtedly one of the most scenic locations in the world for a pre wedding photoshoot. The romantic atmosphere, historical landmarks, and charming streets provide an excellent backdrop for unique elopement and destination pre wedding photo sessions.
If you are considering a destination shoot in Paris, take a look at some of the best locations for a Parisian pre wedding photography shoot, as well as some tips and advice on planning your trip to the city. You can explore various ideas to make the most of your time in Paris and get inspired by sample shoots from this beautiful city.
The 9 best locations in Paris for a pre wedding shoot include:
Eiffel Tower
Montmartre
Louvre Museum
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Luxembourg Gardens
Palais-Royal
Seine River
Trocadéro
Alexandre III Bridge
Eiffel Tower Pre Wedding Photography
The Eiffel Tower is the iconic symbol of Paris, making it a must-visit location for your pre wedding photoshoot. Capture your love story against the iconic backdrop of the Iron Lady at different spots, such as the Trocadéro, Champ de Mars, or along the Seine River. The Eiffel Tower is stunning day and night, providing many diverse photographic opportunities.
Montmartre Pre Wedding Photography
Montmartre is a charming, artistic neighborhood in Paris, famous for its bohemian atmosphere and stunning views of the city. The cobbled streets, historic buildings, and the beautiful Sacré-Cœur Basilica create a perfect setting for romantic and intimate pre wedding photographs. You can also find local cafes and hidden alleys to add a touch of Parisian charm to your pictures.
Louvre Museum Pre Wedding Photography
The Louvre Museum is not only the world's largest art museum but also an architectural masterpiece with its iconic glass pyramid. The courtyard and surrounding gardens offer a fantastic backdrop for elegant and sophisticated pre wedding photographs, capturing the essence of Parisian culture.
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Notre-Dame Cathedral Pre Wedding Photography
The historic Notre-Dame Cathedral is a must-visit spot for a pre wedding shoot, with its stunning gothic architecture and intricate details. Although the cathedral has been under restoration after the 2019 fire, the exterior still provides a breathtaking backdrop. Nearby, you can also explore the charming Île de la Cité and the picturesque Seine River for more photo opportunities.
Luxembourg Gardens Pre Wedding Photography
The Luxembourg Gardens are an oasis of greenery and tranquility in the heart of Paris. The beautifully landscaped gardens, statues, and fountains provide a serene and romantic atmosphere for your pre wedding photography session. The gardens are particularly stunning during spring and autumn when the foliage changes colour, adding a touch of natural beauty to your pictures.
Palais-Royal Pre Wedding Photography
The Palais-Royal is a historic palace with beautiful gardens, arcades, and the famous black-and-white-striped Buren columns. This location offers a unique and artistic backdrop for your pre wedding photographs, combining classic Parisian elegance with contemporary art.
Seine River Pre Wedding Photography
The Seine River runs through the heart of Paris, offering a picturesque setting for your pre wedding photographs. Some popular spots along the river include the many charming bridges, the Île de la Cité, and the Île Saint-Louis. A sunset or nighttime shoot along the river can capture the magic of Paris as the city lights reflect on the water.
Luxembourg Gardens Pre Wedding Photography
The Luxembourg Gardens, located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, is a beautiful and serene setting for your pre wedding shoot. The perfectly manicured gardens, fountains, and sculptures create a romantic atmosphere, while the Luxembourg Palace serves as an elegant backdrop.
Tuileries Garden Pre Wedding Photography
The Tuileries Garden is a historic park located between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde, offering a beautiful and peaceful setting for your pre wedding photos. The garden features meticulously maintained lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and elegant statues, making it an ideal backdrop for romantic photographs. The garden also offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum in the distance.
Tips and Advice for Planning a Pre Wedding Shoot in Paris:
Hire a good photographer: A good pre wedding photographer will know the best spots for your pre wedding shoot and can help you navigate the city. They will also know the best times to shoot at popular locations to avoid crowds.
Dress appropriately: The weather in Paris can be unpredictable, so check the forecast before your shoot and dress accordingly. It's also a good idea to wear comfortable shoes, as many popular photo locations involve walking on cobblestone streets. If your dress covers your shoes, you can get away with something comfortable all day, but if not, then it may be worth changing between locations.
Consider the time of day: Early mornings and evenings typically offer the best lighting and fewer crowds. If you are having an all-day shoot, planning for a sunset session will enable you to capture the magical golden hour light.
Plan for logistics: Paris is a large city, and navigating between photo locations can be time-consuming. Working with your photographer to fine-tune your itinerary will ensure you get the most from your session. Incorporating different transport options such as taxis, public transportation, or on foot into your shoot will also give you many more photography opportunities.
Have a backup plan: In case of bad weather or unexpected events, have a backup plan for alternative photo locations. This could include indoor locations such as museums, galleries, or cafés.
Sunset Pre Wedding Photographs in Paris
Paris boasts countless locations that are perfect for sunset pre wedding photographs, such as the Seine River, Montmartre, and the Eiffel Tower. Sunset images are always a high priority when planning a pre wedding session so it's advisable to schedule your shoot to finish with some sunset images and night photographs if possible.
Night Pre Wedding Photographs in Paris
Night pre wedding photographs in Paris can give you something really special to finish your photo shoot with and provide a mesmerising way to capture the romance and allure of the City of Lights.
Paris offers an incredible range of stunning backdrops for night pre wedding photoshoots, from the illuminated Eiffel Tower to the enchanting streets of Montmartre. Adding extra time to your pre wedding shoot for night photographs can give you some unique and unforgettable images.
Getting to Paris
Many couples who choose Paris for their pre wedding photography come from various international destinations, and I work with couples from Hong Kong, Singapore and throughout Asia.
Paris is well-connected by direct flights to major airports such as Charles de Gaulle and Orly. The city is also accessible by train from other European cities, with high-speed trains like the Eurostar connecting London, Brussels, and Amsterdam directly to Paris.
Getting Around Paris
Public transportation is a convenient way to explore Paris, with its extensive network of buses, trams, and the famous Paris Metro. For a more intimate and flexible experience, consider either taxis or hiring a private driver to navigate the city at your own pace. This can be especially helpful when visiting multiple locations throughout your pre wedding photoshoot.
Hair and Makeup
Paris is home to numerous talented hair and makeup artists who can help you look your best for your pre wedding photoshoot. Once you have a rough itinerary and dates in place, I can suggest some suitable options based on the locations you'll be visiting and the style you're aiming for.
Where to Stay
Your choice of accommodation in Paris will depend on the locations you plan to visit for your photo shoot and the duration of your stay. For a single or two-day shoot, consider staying in a centrally located area such as Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or Montmartre. These neighbourhoods offer easy access to many iconic Parisian sights and a charming atmosphere to enjoy during your downtime. For multi-day shoots that include various locations across the city, I can create an itinerary and recommend accommodations for different budgets.
Itinerary Ideas for a Paris Pre Wedding Photo Shoot
A 2-3 day shoot is recommended to make the most of Paris's incredible charm and romantic atmosphere, allowing for a great variety of locations for any destination pre wedding session. Itineraries can be customised for any length of trip, so whether you are planning a short 1-day shoot or a more adventurous multi-day visit, I will work with you to come up with the perfect plan.
A few ideas about what is possible for different lengths of visits include:
1 Day Pre Wedding Photography Shoot in Paris
With one day available, I suggest focusing on the most iconic locations in Paris, such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral. This will give you the greatest variety in the shortest time and include some of Paris's most famous spots. This could also incorporate a visit to the charming streets of Montmartre or the picturesque Seine River.
2 Day Pre Wedding Photography Shoot in Paris
With two days available, you can spend an entire day exploring iconic Parisian locations and combine this with a visit to some lesser-known, enchanting spots. This might include the Luxembourg Gardens, Palais-Royal, or the Île Saint-Louis. The second day can be dedicated to additional locations around the city, such as the Trocadéro, Pont Alexandre III, or along the Seine.
3 Day Pre Wedding Photography Shoot in Paris
With three days to spare, there are several options for your Paris pre wedding itinerary. In addition to exploring the previously mentioned iconic and charming locations, you could also venture to more off-the-beaten-path spots, such as Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, the covered passages, or the Canal Saint-Martin. Alternatively, you could dedicate one of the days to a day trip outside of Paris, visiting the Palace of Versailles or the picturesque town of Giverny, home to Claude Monet's gardens.
4 and 5 Day Pre Wedding Photography Shoot in Paris
With 4 or 5 days available for your pre wedding shoot, the possibilities for adventure are endless. You could visit more locations around Paris or extend your shoot to include other romantic destinations in France, such as the Loire Valley, Provence, or the French Riviera. With this amount of time, you can create a truly unique and unforgettable pre wedding photography experience, so get in touch, and I can help you create the perfect itinerary.
Sample Paris Pre Wedding Itinerary and Timings
There are so many incredible locations in Paris, but the perfect itinerary will depend on the length of your stay and the locations you are interested in. I love customising specific schedules to make the most of your time in Paris. Here is an example of how a rough 2 or 3-day itinerary might look:
2-3 day pre wedding itinerary exploring iconic Paris locations and charming hidden spots
DAY 1: ICONIC PARIS LANDMARKS
08:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Hair and makeup
10:00 AM: Pickup at your Paris hotel or accommodation
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro
12:30 PM - 01:30 PM: Lunch break
01:30 PM - 03:30 PM: Notre-Dame Cathedral and Île de la Cité
03:30 PM - 05:30 PM: Louvre Museum and Tuileries Garden
05:30 PM - 07:30 PM: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur sunset shoot
07:30 PM: Drop off at your Paris hotel or accommodation
DAY 2: CHARMING PARIS LOCATIONS AND SUNSET/NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
08:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Hair and makeup
10:00 AM: Pickup at your Paris accommodation
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Luxembourg Gardens and Saint-Sulpice
12:30 PM - 01:30 PM: Lunch break
01:30 PM - 03:30 PM: Palais-Royal and the covered passages
03:30 PM - 05:30 PM: Île Saint-Louis and the Canal Saint-Martin
05:30 PM - 07:30 PM: Pont Alexandre III and Seine River sunset shoot
07:30 PM - 09:30 PM: Night photography at the Eiffel Tower or Louvre Pyramid
09:30 PM: Drop off at your Paris accommodation
DAY 3: OPTIONAL DAY TRIP (VERSAILLES OR GIVERNY)
08:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Hair and makeup
10:00 AM: Pickup at your Paris accommodation and leave for Versailles or Giverny
11:30 AM - 01:30 PM: Explore the Palace of Versailles and its gardens or Monet's gardens in Giverny
01:30 PM - 02:30 PM: Lunch break
02:30 PM - 04:30 PM: Continue exploring the chosen destination and capturing romantic photos
04:30 PM - 06:30 PM: Return to Paris
06:30 PM - 07:30 PM: Optional Seine River or Parisian park sunset shoot
08:00 PM: Drop off at your Paris accommodation
These itineraries are rough ideas of what might be possible, and start and end times will depend on the time of year as the sunset time varies throughout the year. I will work with you to create the perfect customised schedule to capture stunning pre wedding photos in the French Captial.
When to Visit Paris for Pre Wedding Photography
Paris is a peefect destination year-round, but the best time to visit for pre wedding photography is between April and October when the weather is generally milder and more predictable. However, each season has its unique charm and beauty, making any time of the year suitable for stunning photos. Here is a brief overview of what you can expect during each season:
Spring (March-May): Springtime in Paris is a lovely time for pre wedding photography. With blossoming trees, iconic landmarks, and vibrant flowers, it's an ideal setting for photos. The weather during spring is generally mild, making it comfortable for exploring the city.
Summer (June-August): Paris truly shines during summer. With long, bright days and lush landscapes, it's an excellent time for pre wedding photography, although some areas can get a little busy with tourists.
Autumn (September-November): Autumn in Paris is a magical time, with the city decorated in a rich palette of red, orange, and gold hues. This season provides a stunning backdrop for your pre wedding shoot, and the crisp air and vibrant foliage create a truly unforgettable setting.
Winter (December-February): Winter in Paris offers a unique opportunity for pre wedding photography with a touch of magic. The city's iconic landmarks are often dusted with snow, providing a serene and romantic backdrop for your photos. The cooler temperatures and fewer visitors make for a more intimate and peaceful experience, but you will need to be brave to make the most of things in the colder weather.
I recommend scheduling your shoot on a weekday and outside of the French school holidays to avoid crowds, as weekends tend to be busier with tourists and visitors.
Getting Started If you are interested in working with me for a pre wedding shoot in Paris or anywhere else, then get in touch with an idea of where and when you are thinking of, and we can start to plan your adventure.
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