Cinematic pre-weddings in Europe, 2026

Cinematic pre-wedding experiences for couples who secretly wanted to be in a film.

Nine handcrafted, movie-inspired pre-wedding stories across Europe. Less “tourist at noon in front of a monument”, more “this could be the opening scene of our favourite film”.

Film + digital Destination pre-weddings Limited 2026 slots Europe only (for now)

I’ve photographed hundreds of weddings and pre-weddings in 37+ countries. This page is the “director’s cut”: the locations, light and stories that always stay with me.

As seen in As seen in wedding and editorial publications
The 2026 cinematic collection

Nine film-inspired pre-wedding experiences across Europe

Each experience has its own mood, locations and colour palette. Together they cover Paris, Italy, the UK, the Alps, the Riviera, Venice, Scotland, Santorini and French châteaux. Choose the one that feels like “your” movie.

Night pre-wedding portrait in Paris with Eiffel Tower lights
Night in Paris

Midnight in Paris – After-Hours Cinematic

Blue hour bridges, Louvre reflections, empty Montmartre streets and Eiffel lights. A full evening from twilight to midnight, when Paris finally exhales.

Paris Twilight → midnight Film + digital
From €7,500 · all-inclusive View details
Pre-wedding couple in front of a French château at sunset
French château

Château Weekend – French Castle Escape

Two slow days in and around a French château: grand halls, garden paths, balcony views and candlelit evenings. One location that feels like its own film set.

Loire / Normandy / near Paris 2 days Château stay
From €10,500 · all-inclusive View details
Pre-wedding couple on the Amalfi Coast cliffside at sunset
Rome + Amalfi

La Dolce Vita – Rome & Amalfi coast (2 days)

Roman cobblestones, café scenes, coastal roads and Amalfi boats. Two days of warm Italian light and old-world charm, without the chaos.

Rome & Amalfi 2 days Private boat
From €11,000 · all-inclusive View details
Elegant pre-wedding couple in London near royal architecture
London · Windsor · Oxford

The Crown Experience – Royal & Historic

Pastel Notting Hill streets, Kensington gardens, Windsor riverside walks and Oxford courtyards. Calm, refined and very British.

London, Windsor, Oxford 2 days Royal mood
From €9,000 · all-inclusive View details
Pre-wedding couple on a mountain ridge in the Dolomites
Dolomites & Swiss Alps

Alpine Fairytale – Dolomites & Switzerland

Sunrise ridges, glacier lakes, cliff paths and cosy chalets. A dramatic mountain story for couples who love thin air and big views.

Dolomites + Switzerland 2–3 days Heli optional
From €12,000 · all-inclusive View details
French Riviera pre-wedding couple by the sea in soft evening light
French Riviera

Riviera Affair – 1960s French Riviera romance

Convertible cars, Mediterranean villas and late-afternoon light. A soft, glamorous story along the Côte d’Azur.

Côte d’Azur 1–2 days 1960s mood
From €8,500 · all-inclusive View details
Masked pre-wedding couple in Venice at night with reflections
Venice at night

Midnight Venice Masquerade

Masks, candlelight and quiet canals. A darker, more mysterious Venice, shot after the crowds are finally asleep.

Venice Evening + night Masquerade
From €9,000 · all-inclusive View details
Pre-wedding couple on a misty cliff in the Scottish Highlands
Scottish Highlands

Scottish Highlands Epic

Castles, lochs and moody cliffs. A rugged, cinematic story in some of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe.

Scotland 2 days Castles + cliffs
From €10,000 · all-inclusive View details
Editorial pre-wedding couple in Santorini with white houses and sea
Santorini

Santorini Cinematic – Editorial island edition

Clean, graphic light, quiet alleys and cliffside views. Less postcard, more minimal, editorial Greek island story.

Santorini 1–2 days Editorial
From €7,500 · all-inclusive View details
Off-season cinematic slots

Same locations, fewer tourists, better prices

Off-season is when the magic happens: softer light, quieter streets, cheaper hotels. I open a small number of off-season slots in each location each year. When they’re gone, they’re gone.

Why off-season works so well

• fewer people in the background
• more flexible timings
• better rates on hotels, cars and boats
• I can focus more on you and less on dodging selfie sticks

Off-season doesn’t mean “bad weather”. It usually means shoulder season: February–March and late September–November, depending on the country.

Experience Off-season months Slots From
Midnight in Paris Feb–Mar, Oct–Nov 4–6 €6,000
La Dolce Vita Mar, Nov 4 €9,500
The Crown (UK) Feb–Mar, Oct 3–4 €7,500
Alpine Fairytale Apr–May, Oct–Nov 3–4 €10,000
Riviera Affair Apr–May, Sep–Oct 4–5 €6,500
Midnight Venice Nov–Dec, Jan–Feb 4 €7,500
Scottish Highlands Apr, Oct–Nov 3 €8,500
Santorini Cinematic Apr–May, Sep–Oct 4–5 €6,500

Note Exact dates and pricing depend on year, flights and hotel rates. I’ll confirm everything in writing before you book.

How this actually works

From “we love this idea” to “we have a full cinematic plan”

No spreadsheets required on your side. You tell me the vibe and rough dates, I handle locations, timing, light, logistics and plan B if the mountains decide to be dramatic.

Choose your film & dates

Pick one (or two) experiences that feel like you. Share your month/year and where you’re travelling from. If you’re indecisive, that’s okay, I’m used to it.

We plan the story & logistics

I suggest routes, timings, outfits and backup options. We lock in hotels, cars, boats and makeup artists that match the mood and your budget.

Shoot, enjoy, then relive

We shoot like a small film crew, but with less drama and more snacks. You get a preview within 48 hours and the full gallery after editing.

Collage of all-inclusive cinematic pre-wedding packages in Europe by Janis Ratnieks
Questions you might ask

FAQ about cinematic pre-weddings in Europe

If your question isn’t here, just ask in your enquiry. I promise there are no silly questions, only slightly confused time zones.

Do you shoot both film and digital?

Yes. All cinematic experiences include digital coverage and at least one roll of 35mm film. You can add more film or go “mostly film” if you love the look. I’ll still make sure you have plenty of sharp, clean, modern images too.

Can we combine two experiences in one trip?

Yes. Popular combinations are Paris + London, Paris + Amalfi, Dolomites + Swiss Alps, and Riviera + Monaco. Tell me your travel route and I’ll tell you what actually makes sense without turning your pre-wedding into a triathlon.

What’s included in the “all-inclusive” price?

My fee, planning time, shooting time, editing, film costs, local transport on shoot days, and usually hotel nights in the main locations. Flights to Europe and your general travel costs are separate. I’ll always give you a clear breakdown so nothing is a surprise… except maybe the weather.

When should we book for 2026?

As early as you can. Cinematic experiences are limited per region and popular months go first (Paris in May, Amalfi in September, Santorini in October, etc.). If you already know your month, send an enquiry now and we can hold a slot while you finalise flights.

What if the weather is bad?

Some of the best photos happen in “bad” weather. Mist, clouds and light rain often look more cinematic than clear blue skies. But I always have a plan B (and sometimes a plan C) for locations and timings.

Tell me which film you want to be in.

Share your favourite experience, your ideal month and where you’re travelling from. I’ll reply with availability, a rough quote, and a plan that makes sense for your trip (and your sanity).

Not sure which experience fits you best? Write “Help, I like three of them” in the message and I’ll gently talk you out of at least one.