One of the most common questions I get asked by my couples is, “Do we really need a pre-wedding shoot?” It’s a super personal choice, and I always leave it up to you to decide what feels right. But there are some fantastic reasons why a pre-wedding shoot can be a brilliant addition to your wedding photography package. Let me break it down for you!

It’s a Fun Practice Run for Your Wedding Day

Your wedding day is going to be amazing, but let’s be honest—it’s also going to be pretty full-on! Weddings are packed with all the incredible things you’ve planned, and your feet barely touch the ground. While your couple portraits are such an important part of the day, I’ll never make you spend hours away from your guests. In fact, I only take 30 minutes max for your portraits—I promise!

That’s where a pre-wedding shoot comes in handy. It’s like a little practice run, so by the time the big day arrives, you know exactly what to expect. No awkward moments, no uncertainty—we’ve already nailed the plan! It’s a total time-saver, letting us get those gorgeous shots quickly so you can get back to enjoying your day.

I often suggest doing the shoot at your wedding venue (especially if it’s somewhere I haven’t worked before). But if you fancy switching it up, that’s cool too! Some of my favorite pre-wedding shoots have been in cities like York and Leeds or wild spots like the Yorkshire Moors or the beach. It’s your call!

It Helps You Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera

Let’s face it, most people don’t spend their days being photographed—it’s totally normal to feel a bit nervous about being in front of the camera. Nearly every couple I work with tells me they’re not “photo people” or they’re worried about looking too posed. And guess what? That’s completely fine!

A pre-wedding shoot is such a great way to shake off those nerves and get comfortable. It gives you the chance to get used to being photographed in a relaxed, no-pressure setting. By the time your wedding day rolls around, you’ll feel totally at ease, and the photos will feel natural, not forced. Trust me—it makes a huge difference!

It Makes the Wedding Day Smoother and Faster

Pre-wedding shoots aren’t just fun—they’re practical too! Think of it as a little trial run that helps us figure out what works best for you as a couple. On your wedding day, we’ll already know the best angles, the most flattering spots, and what makes you feel comfortable.

During the shoot, we’ll spend about an hour exploring different locations and experimenting with what feels right for you. And don’t worry—I don’t do stiff or awkward poses. It’s all about capturing the two of you being yourselves, in a way that’s natural and relaxed. The result? Less time spent figuring things out on the day and more time enjoying it with your guests!

You’ll Have Beautiful Photos to Use

One of the best perks of a pre-wedding shoot is the gorgeous photos you’ll have afterward. So many of my couples use these images in creative ways for their wedding day. Whether it’s a guest signing frame, framed prints for a dessert table, or even Save the Date cards, these photos become a beautiful part of the whole celebration. Plus, it’s just lovely to have some extra shots of the two of you before the wedding!

It’s a Chance to Get to Know Each Other

One of the best parts of a pre-wedding shoot is the time we get to spend together. It’s a relaxed, fun way for us to hang out, get to know each other better, and chat about your plans for the big day.

We’ll spend a couple of hours exploring, snapping photos, and talking about all the exciting details. I usually do these shoots about a month before the wedding, which is such a lovely time to reflect on everything and get properly excited! It’s also a great chance for me to learn more about you as a couple, so I can make sure your photos feel personal and unique.

So, should you book a pre-wedding shoot? It’s totally up to you, but I hope this has helped you see just how fun and useful they can be. Whether it’s to shake off those camera nerves, save time on the day, or just have some gorgeous extra photos, a pre-wedding shoot is a great way to make the most of your wedding photography experience. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love spending a little extra time making amazing memories together?

If you’d love to book a relaxed and fun engagement photoshoot, I’d be thrilled to hear from you! Get in touch here, and let’s create some beautiful memories together.