Destination pre-wedding photo session in France by European wedding photographer

Pre-Wedding Photographer in Europe​

creating timeless pre-wedding photos in London, Paris, Santorini, Lake Como, Switzerland & beyond​

Planning a destination pre-wedding in Europe—or right here in London? I create elegant, cinematic photographs that feel effortless and look beautiful for a lifetime. From sunrise at Westminster and Tower Bridge to a boat on Lake Como or white-washed rooftops in Santorini, I handle the plan, the light, the permits advice, and the little details—so you can just enjoy the experience.

Wedding photographer London portrait Janis Ratnieks
Santorini pre-wedding photographer

as seen in

Paris wedding photographer
Bride in an elegant lace gown seated on a vintage yellow sofa in a luxurious European setting

What you’ll get

  • Photography that flatters: relaxed direction, natural movement, thoughtful composition.

  • Location & timing plan: sunrise/sunset schedules, crowd-avoiding routes, weather backup.

  • Logistics help: sample itineraries, car/boat coordination, and permit guidance.

  • Careful editing: colour-true, clean, timeless retouching + a curated B&W set.

  • Fast preview: sneak peeks within 72 hours; full gallery delivered online.

  • Easy downloads & prints: high-res files for personal use and fine-art options.

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Featured pre-wedding destination

I photograph pre-wedding sessions across Europe’s most romantic locations — from iconic city landmarks to hidden villages and dramatic mountain peaks. If you’re still wondering why book a pre-wedding shoot, I’ve put together a full guide that explains the benefits and shows how these sessions can make your wedding photography even more special. Scroll down to explore destinations like Santorini, Venice, the Dolomites, and beyond, each with sample routes, highlight spots, and real couple galleries.

(Also available: Amalfi Coast, French Riviera, the UK beyond London—ask for a custom plan.)

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Sample Pre-Wedding Itineraries in Europe

Every destination is different — but great pre-wedding days have one thing in common: a thoughtful flow. Here are three sample itineraries to spark ideas and help you imagine your own.

Paris Sunrise Route (4–6 hours)

Start the day when the city is quiet and light is soft. A Paris sunrise itinerary gives you iconic backdrops without the crowds.

Stops:

  • 05:40 — Meet at hotel with driver; outfit check.

  • Sunrise — Trocadéro for Eiffel Tower views.

  • Bir-Hakeim Bridge for architectural frames.

  • Louvre & Palais Royal for stone arches and clean lines.

  • Île Saint-Louis cobbled streets to finish.

Lake Como Golden Hour (7 hours)

Romance on the water, elegant villas, and charming towns. At golden hour, the lake turns every stroll or boat ride into a cinematic moment.

Award winning Wedding Photographer in Lake Como, couple sitting on the riva boat and in the background local italians jumping from the bridge

Stops:

  • Late morning — Stroll through Varenna old town.

  • Villa Monastero gardens for greenery and lake views.

  • Afternoon break — local café or gelato.

  • Private boat on the lake for open-water portraits.

  • Golden hour in Bellagio with cobbled alleys and waterfront.

Dolomites Sunrise & Peaks (Full-day)

For couples who love dramatic scenery and crisp alpine light, the Dolomites blend meadows, soaring peaks, and golden horizons.

Couple walking on a mountain trail in the Dolomites, Italy, perfect for wedding photography

Stops:

  • Pre-dawn — Drive to Lago di Braies; reflections at first light.

  • Mid-morning — Hike or cable car to Seceda ridges.

  • Picnic lunch on the meadow.

  • Golden hour — Alpe di Siusi with mountains glowing behind.
    Weather plan: swap sunrise/sunset or use sheltered spots for misty drama.

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Pre-wedding Packages & Pricing

Every couple’s plan is unique, but here’s what’s included in every package: full-resolution edited photos, travel planning help, and location guidance. Choose the option that fits your vision — half-day, full-day, or multi-day.

1. Classic Day Session

A complete day of storytelling in one destination.

  • 6–7 hours of photography

  • At least 4 carefully chosen locations

  • Includes golden hour and evening lights

  • Planning support for routes, timing, and styling

2. Extended Day Experience

For couples who want more variety and a mix of settings.

  • 8–10 hours of photography

  • 6+ locations in one region or city

  • Flexible pace with outfit changes and breaks

  • Full planning support and local guidance

3. Multi-Day Adventure

Capture your story across multiple destinations.

  • 2–3 days of photography

  • Combine cities, countryside, or coastal settings

  • Flexible itineraries tailored to your vision

  • Full planning, travel, and timing guidance

paris pre-wedding packages

Recent pre-wedding galleries

Best Rome pre-wedding photographer

What Couples Say

Real stories from couples across Europe who trusted me as their pre-wedding photographer.

Paris Pre-Wedding

“Choosing Janis as our Paris pre-wedding photographer was the best decision. He guided us through sunrise at Trocadéro, quiet streets by the Louvre, and romantic alleys in Montmartre. The photos look like they belong in a magazine — elegant, cinematic, and truly Parisian.”

Best Paris pre-wedding photographer

— Emily & James, Paris

Lake Como Session

“Our Lake Como pre-wedding session was unforgettable. Janis planned everything from the villa gardens to a private boat ride at golden hour. As destination wedding photographers go, he stands out — creative, professional, and able to make every moment look natural.”

best como pre-wedding photographer

— Anna & Luca, Lake Como

London Home Base

“We wanted timeless London pre-wedding photos and Janis knew all the perfect spots — Westminster, Tower Bridge, hidden Notting Hill mews. He captured the classic architecture and city lights with such style. If you’re looking for a wedding or engagement photographer in London, he’s the one.”

Best London Pre-wedding photographer

— Sofia & Marco, London

Dolomites Adventure

“We dreamed of dramatic mountain photos and Janis delivered. Our Dolomites pre-wedding shoot included sunrise at Lago di Braies and golden hour at Alpe di Siusi. The combination of nature and romance was breathtaking. Truly the best Europe pre-wedding photographer for adventurous couples.”

Best Dolomites pre-wedding photographer

— Mei & David, Dolomites

Pre-wedding photographer in Italy

Travel Resources for Your Pre-Wedding in Europe

A beautiful pre-wedding photoshoot depends not only on locations and light but also on timing. Big events, festivals, or even seasonal closures can affect crowds, prices, and availability. Here are official tourism resources for each destination — and what you should check before booking your trip.

Paris

Paris Tourism
Check the calendar for major events, strikes, or exhibitions that may cause crowds or traffic (e.g., Fashion Week, the Olympics, Bastille Day). Hotels and flights rise sharply in peak times. For quiet photos, early mornings outside of high season are best.

London

Visit London
Look out for bank holidays, royal events, or large concerts around Westminster and central London. These can affect access to landmarks and make certain areas unusually busy. Also, hotel prices in summer months can spike.

Lake Como

Visit Lake Como
The lake is busiest during wedding season (May–September) and on Italian public holidays. Check ferry timetables, as some routes run less frequently outside summer. For couples who want quieter towns, spring and late autumn are magical.

Santorini

Visit Greece – Santorini
Look at the cruise ship schedule — when multiple ships dock, Oia can be packed. Also, hotel rates peak in July and August. Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) often bring the best light and fewer crowds.

Venice

Venezia Unica Official Tourism
Check for Carnevale dates, Biennale, or major regattas — these bring thousands of extra visitors. Accommodation costs also rise sharply. For photos, weekdays at sunrise are best to avoid crowds on the canals and squares.

Dolomites

Dolomiti UNESCO
Look at seasonal openings of mountain passes and cable cars — many close in winter. Check weather forecasts and local events like trail races, which can block access. For golden landscapes, late September and early October are stunning.

These resources will help you choose the best time to travel, avoid surprises, and make the most of each destination. When you’re ready, I’ll plan your pre-wedding itinerary around the light, the season, and the quietest moments — so your photos look effortless, not crowded.

A bride in a strapless white gown with feather details, enjoying her prewedding photoshoot in a vibrant garden, with a grand chateau in the background.

Let's Create Beautiful Memories Together

Your love story deserves to be told with passion, creativity, and a touch of magic. With my 20+ years of experience in pre-wedding photography in Europe, I’ll ensure that your journey is as memorable as your destination.

Don’t wait!

Your European adventure is just a click away.

Get in Touch – Let’s start planning the pre-wedding photoshoot of your dreams!

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Ready to Plan Your Pre-Wedding in Europe?

Your story deserves to be told beautifully. Whether in Paris, Lake Como, or a quiet London street, I’ll help plan every detail so your pre-wedding photos feel effortless, elegant, and true to you.

Pre-Wedding Photography – Frequently Asked Questions

In most places we can shoot freely, but some locations (like museums, private villas, or famous gardens) may require permits. I’ll guide you on what’s needed and handle the planning.

I always prepare a flexible route with backup spots. Soft rain can even be romantic in photos, and if needed, we’ll adjust timing for the best light.

Most sessions cover at least 6 hours and 2–3 locations (depending on package you choose). Enough time for relaxed portraits, outfit changes, and a mix of iconic and hidden spots.

You’ll receive a fully edited, high-resolution online gallery. Typically, a full-day pre-wedding session results in 200–300 finished photos.

Yes! Many couples combine Paris, Lake Como, or Venice in one trip. I’ll help design a travel-friendly schedule so you enjoy the journey without stress.

Absolutely. I’m based in Europe and regularly photograph in Paris, London, Santorini, Lake Como, the Dolomites, Venice, and beyond.