4 September 2026 · Planning Guide
Should Your Photoshoot Be Before or After the Wedding?
On the wedding day, a few days before, or on a calm day after the wedding? We've gathered the pros and cons of all three, plus our advice on timing to catch the most beautiful light.
This is one of the questions couples ask us most when planning their photoshoot. There’s no single right answer; it depends on the flow of your wedding day, the venue and how relaxed you want the shoot to be. Let’s go through the three options, with their pros and cons.
On the wedding day
Your gown, hair and make-up are already ready for the day; no separate day of preparation is needed. The excitement of the day shows directly in the photographs.
On the other hand, the hours fly by on a wedding day. Between the ceremony, guests and transport, the time left for the photoshoot can be limited, and the light won’t always be there at the hour you’d like. This option calls for very careful planning.
Before the wedding, on a separate day
This is the route many couples choose. There’s no rush; you can pick the venue, the time and the light in the best possible way. It also means you can use the photographs at the wedding itself, on your invitations or at the welcome area.
The only thing to keep in mind is setting aside a second day of preparation for the gown, hair and make-up.
After the wedding
Shoots that happen once the wedding rush is over are often the most relaxed of all. The stress has faded and the couple have settled into each other; that ease shows in the photographs. Wearing the gown once more is also a delightful excuse for many brides.
What time of day should we shoot?
- Early morning: Soft light and quiet venues. Especially helpful for palaces and popular spots.
- Close to sunset: Warm, golden light; romantic, cinematic photographs.
- Midday: The sun is harsh and high. At these hours we prefer shaded gardens, the shade of trees or indoor venues such as Zarif Studio.
If you’re wondering how long the shoot takes, have a look at our article on how long a wedding photoshoot takes.
Season and weather
Spring and autumn, with their mild weather and colours, are the most popular seasons for photoshoots. In summer the sunset hours stand out; in winter, the soft, low-angled light. Whatever the season, agreeing on a backup plan for rain or strong wind from the start makes the day of the shoot far more relaxed.
Our advice
If you can, plan your photoshoot on a separate day, at the hours when the light is softest. Setting aside a short, quick portrait session on the wedding day as well lets you capture both the emotion of the day and the elegance of a relaxed photoshoot. See our venues for location ideas and our packages for options.
Frequently asked
Should the couple photoshoot happen on the wedding day? +
A photoshoot on the wedding day captures your gown, hair and make-up at their freshest, and no separate day of preparation is needed. But the day is busy, so the time available for the shoot is limited. For couples who want a more relaxed, longer session, a separate day is a better fit.
What are the best times of day for a photoshoot? +
Early morning and the hours close to sunset give a soft light that flatters faces beautifully. At midday the sun is harsh, so shaded spots or indoor venues are preferred.
Can we have a photoshoot around our engagement? +
Yes. A photoshoot during your engagement period is a lovely option for couples who want a relaxed day planned independently of the wedding. You're also freer in your choice of outfits.
What happens if it rains? +
A light rain sometimes creates very special photographs: umbrellas and rain-soaked streets are a good example. If the rain is heavy, we recommend agreeing on a backup plan from the start, such as moving to an indoor venue or another day.
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