London pre wedding photographer
London Pre-Wedding Photographer & Pre Wedding Photoshoots in London
Cinematic, natural pre wedding photography for couples travelling to London from Asia, Europe & beyond.
Hi, I’m Janis Ratnieks, a London-based wedding and pre-wedding photographer.
For more than 15 years I’ve photographed hundreds of couples across Europe — many from Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Korea, India and Indonesia — who fly to the UK for a once-in-a-lifetime London pre wedding photoshoot in one of the most cinematic cities on earth.
If you’re planning your own pre wedding photography in London, start with my London pre-wedding guide for the best seasons, routes, permits and outfit tips.
You might have seen my work in Huffington Post, which once named me among the world’s best wedding photographers, or through my WPJA award-winning images. My approach is relaxed and friendly — a mix of elegance, wit, and spontaneity. No stiff poses, no endless instructions — just genuine moments, beautiful light and meticulous storytelling.
Prefer to plan first? Explore the London pre-wedding guide with routes, timing & locations.
Planning the wedding day as well? See my London wedding photographer page.
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Why London Is The Perfect City For Your Pre-Wedding Photoshoot
A city that gives you royal palaces, secret streets and riverside sunsets in a single pre wedding in London.
Where else can you find royal palaces, quiet mews, grand parks and iconic bridges all within a few Underground stops? For a pre-wedding photoshoot in London, you get an entire mood-board of looks in one day without ever leaving the city.
In a single route we can mix:
- Classic London landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster and St Paul’s for timeless portraits,
- Notting Hill’s pastel townhouses and hidden mews for softer, romantic frames,
- Grand parks and skyline views from Primrose Hill or Greenwich,
- And the Thames at blue hour, when bridges, buses and city lights all come alive.
For couples flying in from Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan or the Middle East, a London pre wedding means you don’t have to choose between city chic and classic romance — you can have both. And when the weather does something unexpected (which it usually does), we simply fold it into the story: misty rain on the river, wind catching a veil, or a burst of late evening sun over the Houses of Parliament.
How I Photograph London Pre-Weddings
Here’s a fun fact: most London landmarks need a permit only if you use a tripod or a big crew. So I travel light and shoot handheld, which gives us freedom to move quickly, react to the light and capture real moments — no paperwork, no waiting, no security guards stopping the kiss.
My London pre wedding photography style is a mix of gentle direction and honest, in-between moments. I’ll guide you into flattering light and simple, natural poses, then let you relax, talk and laugh so the photos feel like you, not a staged catalogue shoot.
On a typical pre-wedding photoshoot in London, you can expect:
- Clear planning before the day, so you always know where we’re going next,
- Simple cues instead of stiff posing (“walk towards me”, “look at each other”, “fix his bow tie”),
- A balance of wide cityscapes and close, intimate portraits,
- Magazine-quality editing that keeps skin tones and colours looking natural.
The result: cinematic, editorial images that still feel spontaneous and timeless when you look at them years from now.
My Favourite London Pre-Wedding Locations
London is full of good backdrops, but a handful of London pre wedding locations always deliver — whatever the season and whatever the weather decides to do.
Big Ben, Westminster & the Thames River Walk
Classic London in one sweep: Big Ben, Westminster Bridge and the Thames in the background. At sunrise we get soft light, fewer crowds and room to move. It’s perfect if you want your London pre wedding photoshoot to feel unmistakably “London” from the very first frame. You can see this in action in Oey & Day’s spring pre-wedding in London.
St Paul’s Cathedral & Millennium Bridge
St Paul’s gives you grand architecture and clean lines, while Millennium Bridge adds a modern touch and leading lines towards the dome. We can play with walking shots, long perspectives and a few quiet corners nearby that work beautifully for more intimate portraits. I often pair this with riverside scenes like in Shree & John’s autumn pre-wedding in London.
Notting Hill & Portobello Streets
Pastel townhouses, painted doors and tucked-away mews make Notting Hill ideal for softer, romantic frames. It’s a great contrast to the big landmarks — like a little piece of a European village inside the city, especially lovely for couples flying in from Asia for a pre-wedding photoshoot in London. Have a look at Erin & Khalid’s Notting Hill pre-wedding to see what it can look like.
Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill & Luxury London
Blossoms in spring, deep colour in autumn and long avenues of trees all year round. From Primrose Hill you also get a wide skyline view back over central London. Sometimes we finish in a hotel or private venue for a more luxurious evening look — like Xi & Yang’s summer pre-wedding at The Ritz London.
Want to go deeper? Have a look at my full guide to the top London pre-wedding photography spots with more locations, maps and timing ideas.
Planning Your London Pre-Wedding From Overseas
Most of my couples plan everything from Hong Kong, Singapore, the US or the Middle East — and it works beautifully.
Almost every London pre wedding I photograph is planned remotely. We’ll keep things simple: a video call to get to know each other, a shared plan for locations and timing, and clear updates as we get closer to the day.
I’ll help you choose locations that fit your style and season, build a realistic schedule around sunrise or sunset, and suggest outfit changes that work with the route. We’ll also have a backup plan in case London decides to drizzle, so you never feel stressed about the weather.
If you like to prepare in detail, you can also use my London pre-wedding guide and locations guide as a starting point, then we’ll customise everything to your trip.
What To Wear For Your London Pre-Wedding
London’s architecture loves movement: flowing dresses, sharp suits and fabrics that catch the light. Long coats, clean silhouettes and good tailoring always photograph well against stone, glass and old brick.
Whether you choose a couture gown or something simple and stylish, comfort is key. If you can walk, spin and climb a few steps in it, it will usually look better on camera. Soft neutrals, pastels and deep jewel tones all work beautifully for a pre-wedding photoshoot in London.
If you’d like more ideas, have a look at my guide on what to wear to a pre-wedding photoshoot in London with example outfits and colour suggestions for every season.
Packages & Availability
My London pre-wedding photography packages start from £2,000, covering around 6–8 hours, multiple locations and full planning support.
Every package includes a private online gallery and fully edited, high-resolution images ready for print or album, with personal printing and sharing rights for you and your families.
Signature London Pre-Wedding
From £2,000 · 6–8 hours in London
- Planning call and custom route with 3–4 locations,
- 6–8 hours of continuous pre wedding photography,
- Time for one or two outfit changes,
- Natural, cinematic portraits and editorial-style images,
- Curated online gallery with fully edited, high-resolution photos,
- Fine art album design and analogue film coverage available as add-ons.
Extra hours, a second day of shooting or additional album copies and film rolls can be added once we’ve planned your route and schedule.
Recent London Pre-Wedding Stories
Every season tells a different version of London. Explore three real sessions — each one a love story in its own light.
How a London Pre-Wedding Photoshoot Works
Planning a London pre wedding photoshoot is simpler than it looks. Here’s the step-by-step flow most of my couples follow, from first message to receiving your finished photos.
1. Enquiry & Date Check
You send a quick message with your travel dates, preferred locations and a little about your story. I confirm availability and share a starting quote based on how many hours you need.
2. Video Call & Ideas
We meet on Zoom or WhatsApp to talk through your style, outfits and must-see places. I’ll suggest locations that fit the season and light, plus ideas from my London pre-wedding locations guide.
3. Custom Route & Booking
I create a simple timeline with 3–4 locations, travel time and best moments for outfit changes. Once you’re happy, a booking fee and signed agreement secure your London pre-wedding photography date.
4. Outfits, Hair & Details
We refine outfits using my guide on what to wear for a London pre-wedding. I also share tips for hair and makeup timing, transport and what to bring for the day.
5. Shoot Day in London
We meet at sunrise or late afternoon, depending on your route. I direct gently, keep the pace relaxed and build in short breaks so you can enjoy the city while we move between locations.
6. Gallery, Film & Albums
Within a few weeks you receive a private online gallery with fully edited, high-resolution images. If you’ve added analogue film or a fine art album, we choose favourites and design everything together.
Ready to start planning? Send me your dates and a few ideas via the contact form and I’ll reply with availability and a suggested London pre wedding route.
Sample London Pre-Wedding Routes & Timings
Every couple’s London pre wedding route is customised, but these example itineraries give a good idea of how 6–8 hours in the city can look. Use them as inspiration for planning your own pre wedding itinerary and locations.
Classic Icons Route
- Westminster & Big Ben at first light
- St Paul’s Cathedral & Millennium Bridge
- Thames river walk and bridges at dusk / blue hour
A classic London pre wedding itinerary if it’s your first time in the city. We start early for soft light and fewer people around Big Ben, then move east for long lines and architecture at St Paul’s. As evening falls, we finish along the river with city lights and reflections. You can see a similar feel in my spring pre-wedding in London and autumn London pre-wedding.
Romantic Neighbourhoods Route
- Notting Hill mews and pastel townhouses
- Kensington side streets and crescents
- Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens at sunset
This route keeps your London pre wedding photoshoot softer and more intimate, with fewer tourists and more local character. Think quiet mews, colourful doors and leafy parks. It’s perfect if you prefer a lifestyle look over big landmarks. For a taste of this route, have a look at Erin & Khalid’s Notting Hill pre-wedding.
Luxury London Route
- The Ritz or Mayfair hotel interiors
- Green Park or St James’s Park for greenery
- Mayfair / Piccadilly and evening city lights
Designed for couples who love grand interiors and couture outfits. We start in a luxury hotel like The Ritz for staircases and chandeliers, step outside for soft portraits in the park, then end with evening city lights in Mayfair. This kind of London pre wedding route works beautifully for formal gowns and black-tie looks, like in Xi & Yang’s Ritz London pre-wedding.
These are just starting points. When you enquire, I’ll suggest a London pre wedding route tailored to your dates, hotel location and how much walking or travel you’d like to do. You can also explore more ideas in my London pre-wedding locations guide.
Thinking About Europe Too?
If London isn’t your only dream destination, I also photograph pre-weddings across Europe — from timeless cities to breathtaking mountain views.
Each location offers its own light, mood, and story, and I love helping couples plan multi-destination sessions that combine them all.
➡️ Paris Pre-Wedding Photographer — romance by the Seine and Eiffel Tower glow
➡️ Lake Como Pre-Wedding Photographer— villas, reflections, and Italian elegance
➡️ Santorini Pre-Wedding Photographer — white rooftops, sunsets, and endless blue
➡️ Switzerland Pre-Wedding Photographer — alpine lakes and snow-kissed mountain scenes
➡️ Venice Pre-Wedding Photographer — canals, gondolas, and classic Venetian charm
➡️ Dolomites Pre-Wedding Photographer — dramatic peaks and cinematic landscapes
➡️ Austria Pre-Wedding Photographer — baroque streets and fairytale lakes
Wherever you imagine your story, I’ll help you turn it into a journey worth framing.
Let’s Create Your London Story
Whether it’s sunrise at Primrose Hill or chandeliers at The Ritz, London always finds a way to surprise us.
If you’re planning your own pre-wedding here, I’d love to help you make it unforgettable.
WhatsApp, Email, or Call — whatever works best for you.
Let’s chat ideas, outfits, and maybe a few secret photo spots only locals know.
Ready? Let’s plan your London pre-wedding adventure together.
bookings 2025/26
London Pre-Wedding FAQ
Answers to the questions couples from Hong Kong, Singapore, Europe and the US ask most often about planning a pre wedding in London.
When is the best time of year for a London pre-wedding photoshoot?
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Spring (April–May) is popular for cherry blossoms and soft light. Summer brings long evenings and later sunset times. Autumn has rich colour in the parks and a cosy mood by the Thames. Winter can also be beautiful if you like night lights, Christmas decorations and a slightly moodier look.
How long does a London pre-wedding session last and how many locations can we cover?
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Most couples book my signature London pre wedding photography package which is 6–8 hours. That usually covers 3–4 main locations plus travel time and one outfit change. If you want a sunrise and a separate sunset look, or extra outfits, we can extend or split the shoot across two days.
Do we need permits for London pre-wedding photos at famous landmarks?
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In many places you only need a permit if you use a tripod, stand or large crew. I shoot handheld and natural light, which gives us freedom to move without drawing attention. Some private spaces or indoor venues do require permission or fees – I’ll advise you on this when we plan your London pre-wedding locations.
What happens if it rains on our London pre-wedding day?
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Light rain can actually look very romantic with reflections, umbrellas and city lights. We always plan a backup version of the route with arcades, covered walkways and indoor options. If the forecast is truly extreme we’ll look at adjusting the start time or, where possible, shifting to another slot during your trip.
We’re flying in from overseas. How do we plan everything with you?
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Most of my couples plan everything from abroad. We start with email or a short video call to confirm your date, rough locations and style. Then I suggest a route and timing that works with sunrise or sunset, plus a simple plan for outfits, hair and makeup. You can also use my London pre-wedding guide as a checklist before you travel.
How much are your London pre-wedding photography packages and what is included?
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Packages for a pre-wedding photoshoot in London start from £2,000 for 6–8 hours of coverage. That includes planning support, a custom route, time for outfit changes and a curated online gallery of fully edited, high-resolution images ready to print. Tell me your dates and travel plans and I’ll send a detailed quote for your shoot.
Can we add film (analog) and albums to our pre-wedding package?
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Yes. I offer analogue film as an add-on for couples who love that timeless texture and colour. You can also order custom-designed fine art albums in different sizes for yourselves and your parents. We decide the exact mix of digital, film and albums once we’ve planned your route and know how many images we’ll create.
Client Testimonials
