The Pre-Wedding Photoshoot
— Why Every Vancouver Couple Needs One
Think of a pre-wedding shoot as a test drive — not for the relationship, but for being photographed. By the time your wedding day arrives, you’ll already know exactly how this feels. And that changes everything.
We’ve photographed hundreds of weddings in Vancouver. The couples who did a pre-wedding shoot beforehand are noticeably different on their wedding day — relaxed, natural, confident in front of the camera. The ones who didn’t? They spend the first hour warming up, and that’s an hour they can never get back.
A pre-wedding photoshoot is one of the best investments you can make in your wedding photography. Here’s everything you need to know about making the most of one in Vancouver.
What Actually Happens in a Pre- Wedding Shoot
It’s a 1.5–2.5 hour photography session, usually at one or two locations that mean something to you — or somewhere visually stunning. There’s no ceremony, no timeline pressure, no family formals. It’s just the two of you, your photographer, and a relaxed morning or evening exploring a beautiful part of Vancouver.
We use this time to learn how you move together, what makes you laugh genuinely, what kind of direction brings out the best in you, and which side of your face you secretly prefer. (Everyone has one. We figure it out so you don’t have to think about it.)
The 5 Real Benefits Nobody Talks About
Being photographed feels awkward at first for most people. A pre-wedding shoot burns through that awkwardness before your wedding day — not during it.
Spending real time with your photographer before the wedding builds trust. On the day itself, you’re not strangers — you’re comfortable with each other.
Save-the-dates, wedding website, gifts for family, wall prints at home — pre-wedding photos serve a dozen practical purposes beyond just memories.
How you stand together, how you look at each other, what makes you laugh. We take all of this into your wedding day and use it to anticipate the best moments.
If you want to use the same location on your wedding day, the pre-wedding shoot doubles as a scout — we map the light and know exactly where to go.
Best Locations for a Pre-Wedding Shoot in Vancouver
SoWedding’s Most-Recommended Spots
What to Wear — The Short Version
Pick outfits that coordinate but don’t match exactly. Avoid loud logos or busy prints. Choose colours that feel like you — earth tones, soft neutrals, and rich jewel tones all photograph beautifully against Vancouver’s natural backgrounds. Bring a second outfit for variety. And please, break in your shoes beforehand. Blisters are not a good look on anyone.
Colours that work well in Vancouver
Sage green, dusty rose, navy, burgundy, warm cream, charcoal, rust. Basically anything that doesn’t compete with the scenery — you want to complement the backdrop, not fight it.
— The SoWedding Team, Richmond BC
When to Book Your Pre-Wedding Shoot
Ideally 2–4 months before your wedding. This gives you enough time to use the images for save-the-dates and gives us enough lead time to choose the best location and lighting conditions for your date. Spring and fall book fastest — if you’re planning a cherry blossom shoot at Nitobe in April, reach out by January.
Book 2–4 months before your wedding date
Choose a meaningful or beautiful location in Vancouver or nearby
Plan for golden hour — 1 hour before sunset is ideal
Bring 2 outfits for variety
Tell us about any locations that are meaningful to your relationship — personal stories make better photos
Let’s Plan Your
Pre-Wedding Shoot
Let’s find the perfect time and place to bring your vision to life.
