Pre-Wedding Photoshoot New Zealand Guide

What is a Pre Wedding Photoshoot?

Often referred to as an engagement shoot, Pre Wedding shoots are short couple photoshoots that happen prior to your wedding date. The photoshoot often lasts anywhere between 60 minutes to a few hours, depending on how many locations you are after.

Sometimes, couples will travel all the way to New Zealand from overseas to have a Pre Wedding photoshoot. Often this will involve the couple dressing in full bridal attire to take their wedding photos.

One main benefit of booking a pre wedding shoot with the same photographer for your wedding is getting comfortable in front of the camera. It means there is no awkwardness on the wedding day, you are aware of how the photographer operates and it also gives you a sneak preview of how you will look in their photography style.

The cost of a pre wedding photoshoot/engagement shoot ranges. Some wedding photographers will only take a few each year as often wedding bookings and pre wedding shoots both occur on a weekend and full wedding bookings take priority. The cost will range between $400-$1000 for 1-2 hours depending on the experience of your photographer.

Our tip - if you are looking at booking the same photographer for your wedding and pre-wedding, check to see if they have any packages that include a pre wedding shoot. Often photographers bundle these two together or ask for a discount for a pre wedding photoshoot if it is not clear.

Benefits of a Pre Wedding Photoshoot

A pre-wedding photoshoot is one of the best investments you can make ahead of your wedding day. More than just a collection of beautiful images, it serves as the ultimate rehearsal for your wedding photography.

First and foremost, it is the perfect opportunity to build a relaxed relationship with your photographer. Stepping in front of a professional lens can feel daunting, but an engagement session breaks the ice, helping you understand how your photographer directs and allows you to shake off any camera shyness. By the time your wedding day arrives, you will already feel like pros, translating directly into natural, genuine expressions when the pressure is on.

Additionally, it gives you complete stylistic freedom. Unlike the wedding day, which follows a strict timeline, a pre-wedding shoot allows you to explore breathtaking, adventurous New Zealand locations—from dramatic coastlines to rugged mountain peaks—without watching the clock. You can dress comfortably, chase the perfect golden hour light, and experiment with different backdrops.

Ultimately, you walk away with a stunning, diverse set of images perfect for save-the-dates, wedding websites, or reception decor, all while ensuring you feel completely confident, relaxed, and excited for your wedding day photos.

Locations for Pre Wedding Shoot

Auckland

For Pre Wedding photos, we love getting to isolated locations where there is little to no public around. So of course beaches are one of the most popular locations for our Pre Wedding shoots in Auckland. Below is a list of most popular locations within Auckland;

Muriwai Beach
Karekare Beach
Waitawa Regional Park
Shakespear Regional Park
Kariotahi Beach
Bethells Beach
Auckland City
Waiheke Island

Queenstown

Queenstown is easily our favourite location for Pre Wedding photoshoots as it offers unrivaled beauty across New Zealand. We have been lucky enough to photography numerous Pre Wedding photoshoots in Queenstown and Wanaka.

There is an endless amount of locations around this area, however, most the these locations are a long drive. To help couples choose locations, we often a range of packages for Queenstown Pre Weddings. This ranges from 1 location, 3 locations or even a 2 day photoshoot!

Below is a list of the most popular locations that we included in our Queenstown Pre Wedding shoots

Glenorchy
Routeburn Track
Moke Lake
Coronet Peak
Arrowtown
Deer Heights
Mt Cook
Lake Tekapo
Helicopter flight to mountain peak

What do I wear to a Pre Wedding Photoshoot?

Most importantly, we want you to be comfortable!

But while this is a casual photoshoot, photographers also don’t want you turning up in rags. We suggest wearing smart causal clothing with neutral, warm, and earthy tones.

Crazy patterns and logos are a big no no! Lots of patterns actually cause the cameras to freak out and can ruin the images!

For females, we suggest long flowy dresses/skirts as these look fantastic with movement.

For the lads, keep it simple! Button up shirts and smart jackets along with chinos or jeans go down a treat!

In terms of colours, try use complimentary colours. The most common theme is for females to go light and the males to go dark.