When I first started doing pre-wedding shoots in Chennai, I thought of it as just another wedding add-on. A beautiful one, yes—but optional. Over the years, though, my view has changed completely. As a photographer—and once, as a bride-to-be—I’ve seen how meaningful this session can be. It’s not just about great pictures. It’s about finding time in the middle of wedding chaos to pause, breathe, and connect.
If you’re getting married soon and wondering whether a pre wedding shoot is worth it—especially in a place like Chennai—this is a little window into what it’s really like.
The Unexpected Gift of a Pre-Wedding Shoot
Weddings can feel like a whirlwind. Between outfit trials, decor calls, and family WhatsApp groups buzzing nonstop, it’s easy for couples to lose sight of what the day is really about: the two of you.
That’s where a pre-wedding shoot comes in. It’s like carving out a pocket of stillness before the big day. When I shoot couples during this time, I see something shift. They smile more easily, talk more freely, and forget, even just for a few hours, that there’s a long checklist waiting back home.
But this isn’t just a sentimental break—it serves a real purpose, too.
Why It’s More Than Just Pretty Pictures
The first thing I tell couples is that this shoot isn’t about posing. It’s about warming up to the camera, yes—but more importantly, it’s about warming up to being seen. Really seen.
A lot of people tell me they’re awkward in front of the camera. That they don’t know how to “act romantic” for photos. And I always say: You don’t have to. You just have to be yourselves. I’ll take care of the rest.
This session gives us time to experiment and find your rhythm. It helps me understand your dynamic—are you goofy? Quiet and affectionate? Always making each other laugh? Knowing that makes the wedding day photography so much smoother, more natural.
And honestly, the photos from this session end up being the ones couples cherish most. They use them in wedding slideshows, welcome boards, Instagram posts—but more than anything, they keep them as reminders of who they were, just before it all began.
Let Chennai Tell Your Story
Once we decide on doing a pre-wedding shoot, the first question is: where?
Luckily, Chennai gives us everything—coastlines, heritage spots, cozy cafes, lush gardens, and a sense of calm that seeps into every frame. Over the years, I’ve found myself returning to a few favourite places. These aren’t just backdrops—they’re characters in your story.
Let me walk you through some of the most beautiful ones.
- Broken Bridge, Besant Nagar: Moody and poetic. I love shooting here at sunrise when the light plays with the water and the silence feels cinematic.
- Elliot’s Beach: A classic, but never boring. The openness of the beach, the softness of the waves—it’s perfect for capturing movement and emotion.
- Theosophical Society Gardens: If you want nature and peace, this is your spot. The ancient trees and winding paths bring a quiet kind of magic.
- Mahabalipuram: For couples drawn to history and grandeur, this location never fails. The stone carvings and coastal views give us a blend of culture and romance.
- Amethyst Café, Royapettah: This one’s a personal favorite. It feels like stepping into another era. Ideal for couples who want something intimate and aesthetic.
From early morning light to cozy late afternoon shadows, each of these places tells a different part of your story.
But Maybe You Want Something Less Known…
Some couples want to go off the beaten path. And honestly, I love that—it pushes us to explore and get creative. If that’s your style, here are five more spots I often recommend:
- Covelong Beach: Less crowded, more raw. The wind, the rocks, the vastness—it all adds drama in the best way.
- Santhome Basilica: If you love architecture, this cathedral is stunning. Gothic arches, stained glass, and a peaceful courtyard.
- Napier Bridge: For couples who like a little edge. Especially stunning at night when the lights reflect off the water.
- Green Meadows Resort: It feels like a South Indian village frozen in time. Great for traditional attire or rustic-themed shoots.
- InterContinental Chennai, ECR: If elegance is your thing, this beachfront resort has luxury, architecture, and privacy—all rolled into one.
Whether you want something grand or minimal, Chennai has a way of meeting you exactly where you are.
How Do We Make It Yours?
Once we pick the location, the next step is figuring out how to make the shoot reflect you. That’s where concepts and styling come in—not to force a theme, but to guide the experience.
Some couples want to recreate their first date spot. Others bring props that mean something—like the bike they always ride together or the book they bonded over. Some change outfits through the shoot, starting with something casual, then going formal or traditional.
We talk about all of this beforehand. No pressure, no stiff poses—just building a session that feels natural to you. I’ll guide you, gently, and you’ll be surprised at how easy it becomes.
I also love playing with light. Golden hour brings out soft, romantic tones. Night shoots—with fairy lights or headlights—can be bold and cinematic. And if you’re up for it, we can use drones to get sweeping shots that look like they’re straight out of a film.
A Few Practical Things I Always Tell My Couples
Before the shoot, I always share a short checklist. It helps make the day stress-free:
- Time it right: Early morning and just-before-sunset are the best times to shoot.
- Stay hydrated and bring snacks: Especially if we’re moving between locations.
- Comfort > Trends: Wear outfits that feel like you. If you’re comfy, it shows.
- Plan for permissions: A few spots need pre-approvals—especially cafes and heritage sites.
- Be open, not perfect: The best moments happen when you stop overthinking.
Want to Plan This With Me?
If you’re somewhere in Chennai—or visiting soon—and thinking of doing a pre wedding shoot, I’d love to be a part of that journey.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of documenting so many beautiful beginnings. And what I’ve learned is this: it’s never about the fanciest outfits or the most dramatic poses. It’s about those tiny moments—when you catch each other’s eye, when you laugh unexpectedly, when you forget I’m even there.
If that’s the kind of memory you want to create, I’d be happy to help you bring it to life. I’ll take care of the details, the light, the timing. You just bring yourselves.
Chennai Isn’t Just a Location—It’s a Feeling
There’s something about this city—the way it lets love stories unfold slowly, quietly. Whether it’s the way the sun sets over the Bay of Bengal or the silence of banyan trees in the Theosophical gardens, Chennai doesn’t try to impress you. It just lets you be.
That’s why it’s perfect for pre wedding photography. Because these photos are not about perfection. They’re about presence.
So take a break from the checklists and the planning apps. Let’s take a few hours to create something that feels real, simple, and just for the two of you.
Let’s tell your story—frame by frame.
Raj Photography 