Pre Wedding Shoot Cost: City-Wise Pricing Guide (2026)
Planning a pre wedding shoot before your big day? You're not alone. Over the last few years, pre wedding photography has become one of the most loved parts of the wedding journey. It gives couples a chance to create beautiful memories, get comfortable in front of the camera, and capture their story before the wedding celebrations begin.
However, one of the most common questions couples ask is:
"How much does a pre wedding shoot cost in India?"
The truth is, there is no single answer. The cost of a pre wedding shoot can vary significantly depending on the city, photographer, location, travel requirements, and the type of package you choose.
For example, one of our clients recently planned a destination pre wedding shoot in Udaipur. Initially, they expected the entire shoot to cost around ₹50,000. However, once travel expenses, accommodation, location permissions, drone coverage, and premium video editing were added, the final budget crossed ₹1.2 lakh. This is exactly why understanding the complete cost breakdown beforehand is so important.
This is exactly why understanding the complete cost breakdown beforehand is so important. You can also use our
Wedding Budget Calculator to plan your entire wedding spending category-wise.
In this guide, we'll break down pre wedding shoot costs across major Indian cities and help you plan your budget more effectively.
What Factors Affect Pre Wedding Shoot Costs?
Before comparing prices city by city, it's important to understand where your money actually goes.
Photographer's Experience
A photographer's experience plays a huge role in pricing.
A beginner photographer may charge anywhere between ₹15,000 and ₹30,000, while an established wedding photography studio with years of experience can charge ₹75,000 or more for a similar shoot.
Experienced photographers not only offer better camera skills but also provide creative direction, location planning, posing guidance, and professional editing.
Personally, I've always felt that investing in a good photographer delivers far better results than spending heavily on multiple outfit changes. A talented photographer can make a simple location look extraordinary, while even the most expensive outfit won't save poorly captured photos.
Location Selection
Your chosen location has a direct impact on your budget.
A local garden or nearby heritage site will be much more affordable compared to destination locations such as Udaipur, Jaipur, Goa, or Kashmir.
Some locations also require entry fees or special shooting permissions, which can increase overall costs.
Number of Outfits and Looks
Most couples prefer two to four outfit changes during their shoot.
More outfit changes usually mean:
- Longer shooting hours
- Additional makeup touch-ups
- More editing work
As a result, photographers often charge more for extended sessions.
Photography or Cinematic Video?
Do you only want photos, or do you also want:
- Cinematic video
- Drone shots
- Instagram reels
- Teaser films
Adding video coverage can significantly increase your overall package price.
Editing and Deliverables
Different photographers include different deliverables.
Typical packages may include:
- Edited photographs
- Cinematic highlight video
- Instagram reels
- Albums
- Online gallery access
Always confirm what is included before booking.
Pre Wedding Shoot Cost by City
Below are average pricing ranges based on current market trends in 2026.
Mumbai
Mumbai is one of the most expensive cities for wedding photography.
Popular locations include:
- Marine Drive
- Bandra Fort
- Madh Island
- Film City studios
Average Pricing:
- Budget Package: ₹40,000 – ₹60,000
- Mid-Range Package: ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000
- Premium Package: ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,50,000+
Photographers in Mumbai often charge extra for permits, travel, and premium editing services.
Delhi NCR
Delhi offers a wide range of options for every budget.
Popular shoot locations include:
- Lodhi Garden
- Sunder Nursery
- Hauz Khas Fort
- Humayun's Tomb surroundings
Average Pricing:
- Budget Package: ₹35,000 – ₹50,000
- Mid-Range Package: ₹50,000 – ₹80,000
- Premium Package: ₹80,000 – ₹1,20,000+
Couples looking for luxury concepts often choose Gurgaon-based studios, which generally fall into the premium category.
Bangalore
Bangalore has become a popular destination for modern and outdoor pre wedding shoots.
Popular locations:
- Nandi Hills
- Lalbagh Botanical Garden
- Private resorts
Average Pricing:
- Budget Package: ₹35,000 – ₹50,000
- Mid-Range Package: ₹50,000 – ₹80,000
- Premium Package: ₹80,000 – ₹1,00,000+
Sunrise shoots at Nandi Hills remain one of the most requested concepts among couples.
Jaipur and Udaipur
If you're looking for royal aesthetics, Rajasthan remains unmatched.
Palaces, heritage properties, and lakeside views create stunning backdrops, but they also come with higher costs.
Average Pricing:
- Budget Package: ₹50,000 – ₹80,000
- Mid-Range Package: ₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000
- Premium Package: ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,00,000+
One shoot that still stands out to me was a sunrise session near the City Palace area in Udaipur. The combination of soft morning light, traditional architecture, and lake views created some of the most timeless images I've seen. While the couple initially felt the location fees were expensive, they later told us those photographs became their favorite part of the entire wedding album.
Goa
Goa remains one of India's most popular pre wedding destinations.
Popular themes include:
- Beach shoots
- Sunset photography
- Resort-based luxury shoots
Average Pricing:
- Budget Package: ₹45,000 – ₹70,000
- Mid-Range Package: ₹70,000 – ₹1,00,000
- Premium Package: ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,50,000+
Remember that travel and accommodation costs are usually separate.
Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
Cities such as:
- Lucknow
- Indore
- Bhopal
- Surat
- Nagpur
often offer excellent value for money.
Average Pricing:
- Budget Package: ₹15,000 – ₹25,000
- Mid-Range Package: ₹25,000 – ₹40,000
- Premium Package: ₹40,000 – ₹50,000+
I've personally seen couples get incredible results in smaller cities for less than half the cost of metro city shoots. The talent gap has reduced significantly over the last few years, and many photographers outside major cities now produce work that rivals premium studios.
What Is Usually Included in a Pre Wedding Package?
Most packages typically include:
- 4–8 hours of shooting
- One or two locations
- 50–200 edited photographs
- Basic cinematic video
- Digital delivery of files
However, inclusions vary from photographer to photographer.
Always ask for a detailed package breakdown before making any payment.
Hidden Costs Couples Often Miss
One of the biggest mistakes couples make is focusing only on the quoted package price.
For example, one couple booked what appeared to be a ₹45,000 package. Everything seemed perfect until they requested a cinematic teaser film after the shoot. Only then did they discover that teaser editing was not included and would cost an additional ₹15,000.
Other hidden costs may include:
- Drone charges
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation
- Makeup artists
- Location permits
- Additional reels
- Album printing
Always request a written quotation to avoid surprises.
Smart Ways to Save Money
A beautiful pre wedding shoot doesn't have to break your budget....and then asking them for location recommendations.
You can also explore our free Wedding Planning Tools
to manage your checklist, budget, and more in one place.
Here are a few practical tips:
Choose Off-Season Dates
Summer and monsoon months often come with lower rates compared to peak wedding season.
Book Weekdays
Weekday shoots are generally more affordable than weekends.
Pick Local Locations
Reducing travel expenses can save a significant portion of your budget.
Limit Outfit Changes
Two well-planned outfits are often more than enough.
Compare Multiple Photographers
Never book the first photographer you contact.
One strategy I've seen work well is finalizing the photographer first and then asking them for location recommendations. Experienced photographers often know hidden local spots that look premium without charging expensive entry fees.
What Budget Should You Keep?
If you're planning your first pre wedding shoot, a budget of ₹40,000–₹70,000 is usually a comfortable range for getting professional-quality results.
If you're working with a tighter budget, you can still find excellent photographers in the ₹20,000–₹30,000 range, especially in smaller cities.
For luxury destination shoots with cinematic videos, drone coverage, and premium locations, keeping a budget of ₹1 lakh or more is realistic.
Remember, these photographs and videos will stay with you long after the wedding celebrations are over. While it's important to stay within budget, investing in quality memories is often worth it.
Many couples we've worked with later tell us that the shoot day itself became one of their favorite memories. Beyond the photos and videos, it gave them a chance to slow down, enjoy each other's company, and create moments they still smile about years later.
Conclusion
