Your Complete Guide to Pre-Wedding Shoots with Fountain Photography

A pre-wedding shoot is exactly what it sounds like - a relaxed, fun session before the big day where we get to know each other better and help you realise just how easy it is to have amazing wedding photos. Most couples tell us they’re nervous about being photographed, but by the end of their shoot they always say the same thing: “We’re so glad we did that.”

These sessions help you feel natural in front of the camera, give you a taste of how we work, and allow us to learn what you love (and what you don’t). We offer two types of pre-wedding shoots - one complimentary session at our studio, and one personalised location shoot anywhere you like.

This guide will help you understand both options and choose the one that feels right for you.

Why Pre-Wedding Shoots Really Matter

A pre-wedding shoot is more than just a warm-up - it’s a chance to build confidence, enjoy some time together, and create memorable photos before the wedding day itself.

Here’s why couples end up loving them:

• Confidence in front of the camera: By the time the wedding arrives, you know exactly what to expect.

• Natural, relaxed photos: You’ll learn how to move, interact and be yourselves without worrying about posing.

• A chance to connect: It’s quality time together in the midst of wedding planning.

• Beautiful early memories: Many couples use their photos for stationery, décor, save-the-dates and venue styling.

• A stress-free experience: What feels daunting beforehand always feels easy and fun afterwards.

Our Complimentary Studio Pre-Wedding Shoot

This session is included with your wedding photography collection and is completely optional - no pressure at all. The aim is simple:
A relaxed warm-up before the big day.

During this shoot, you’ll:

• Get comfortable being photographed

• Learn how we work and what to expect

• Chat through final details of the wedding timeline

• Build confidence so you feel at ease on the day itself

You’ll meet us at our studio first, and then we’ll head to a nearby location for your practice run. Images from this session aren’t included, but you can purchase them afterwards if you’d like.

This is perfect for couples who feel a little nervous and simply want a relaxed introduction to photos before the wedding.

The Location Pre-Wedding Shoot (The Premium Experience)

If you want something more personalised, creative and meaningful, our location shoot is the perfect choice.

You pick the location:

Your favourite beach, A quiet forest or countryside, Your wedding venue, A meaningful place, like the proposal spot, And yes, pets and kids are absolutely welcome!

Location shoots start from £275 and include all edited high-resolution images, along with any social media edits we create and share.

With this option, you'll recieve:

• All edited images

• All social media versions

• A styled collaborative Instagram post to share

This session gives us more time, more creativity, and more freedom to create images that really feel like you. It’s ideal for save-the-dates, prints, wall art, wedding décor, or just capturing a moment in your lives together.

If you have a theme, style or aesthetic in mind, tell us! We love making your vision come to life.

Real Location Shoot Inspiration

Which Pre-Wedding Shoot Is Right for You?

Choose the Complimentary Studio Shoot if:

• You mainly want confidence building

• You’d like to meet us and practise being photographed

• You're not fussed about having the images (but can buy them if you change your mind)

Choose the Location Shoot if:

• You want photos you’ll print, frame, or share

• You’d like a meaningful setting

• You want something more personalised to your story

• You want a longer, more creative session

• You’d like to bring pets or family

Frequently Asked Questions

What should we wear for a pre-wedding shoot?

We suggest wearing outfits that feel like you - comfortable, stylish and suitable for the location and season. Think soft tones, coordinated colours (not matching), and pieces that you can move in. If you’re shooting in woodland or somewhere muddy, bring appropriate footwear for walking between shots!

When should we book our engagement session?

We recommend around two months before the wedding, so everything feels fresh on the day.
But if you’re dreaming of a summer shoot and getting married in winter, go for it! Just tell us what you’d prefer.

Can we bring pets or children?

Absolutely, for our location pre-wedding shoots, pets and children are more than welcome. If they’re part of your story, bring them along!

What happens if it rains?

If you’d prefer sunshine, we can happily reschedule your shoot.
If you're up for a bit of fun in the rain, we’ll grab the umbrellas and make magic anyway!

How long does a pre-wedding shoot take?

• The complimentary studio session: around 30-45 minutes

• The location shoot: typically 1.5–2 hours, sometimes longer depending on what you'd like to create

Can we have our shoot at our wedding venue?

Yes, as long as the venue allows it. We actually love this option! It gives us a chance to see the spaces you’re excited about and plan ideas ahead of the big day.

Your Pre-Wedding Shoot, Your Story

A pre-wedding shoot isn’t just another photoshoot, it’s a chance to slow down, shake off the nerves, and simply enjoy being together before the wedding whirlwind begins. Whether you choose the relaxed complimentary session at our studio or a personalised location shoot somewhere meaningful, the goal is the same: to create natural, joyful images that feel like you.

Think of it as pressing pause. You get to laugh, chat, practise a few poses without even realising it, and rediscover the excitement of what’s ahead. And the best part? These moments become beautiful memories in their own right, not just a warm-up for the big day, but a celebration of this chapter too.

Most couples arrive saying they're awkward on camera… and leave saying, “That was actually so much fun.”
That little transformation is exactly why we love offering these sessions.

If you’re considering a pre-wedding shoot or want to talk locations, ideas, or timings, we’d love to help you plan the perfect session.
Get in touch, and let’s create something unforgettable before the wedding day even begins.