Do I need to have a pre-wedding photoshoot? 6 reasons why the answer is YES!

One of the questions I’m asked most often as a Surrey wedding photographer is:

“Do we really need a pre-wedding photoshoot?”

And my honest answer?

Yes. Absolutely. 100%.

I totally get why couples hesitate — you might feel awkward in front of the camera, worry it’s “not very you,” or wonder if it’s just another thing to add to the wedding to-do list. But trust me when I say a pre-wedding photoshoot (also known as an engagement shoot) is one of the best things you can do for your wedding photos and your confidence.

Here’s why...

1. You don’t want to meet your wedding photographer for the first time on your wedding morning

Your wedding morning is not the time for awkward introductions.

You’ve got enough going on — nerves, excitement, happy tears, possibly prosecco — without thinking, “So… who’s this person pointing a camera at me?”

A pre-wedding shoot means we’ve already met, chatted, laughed, and worked together. By the time your wedding day arrives, I’m a familiar face rather than a stranger — which makes everything feel calmer, more relaxed, and far more natural in your photos.

2. It’s a practice run (without the pressure)

Most couples tell me the same thing:

“We’re not very photogenic.”

Good news — you don’t need to be. A pre-wedding shoot is basically a no-pressure rehearsal where you learn that:

• You don’t need to know how to pose

• You don’t need to be “model-y”

• And being yourselves is more than enough

By the wedding day, you already know how I’ll guide you, where to put your hands (everyone worries about hands), and how relaxed it actually feels.

3. You’ll have limited time for portraits on your wedding day

Wedding days fly by — and portraits often get squeezed between hugs, confetti, and guests needing the loo.

Having a pre-wedding photoshoot means:

• You’ve already practised being photographed together

• You’ll feel more confident and quicker on the day

• We can make the most of the time we do have

Think of it as a warm up before the big day with less sweating and more laughing

4. You get an extra gallery (hello wedding stationery!)

One of the most underrated perks:

You’ll receive a full gallery of beautiful, relaxed photos that you can use for:

• Save the dates

• Wedding website

• Invitations

• Guestbook prints

• Or just framed on your wall because… you look great

It’s a lovely bonus gallery that tells part of your story before the wedding day even happens.

5. You get to test if your Pinterest dreams match real life

Ah yes, Pinterest — full of windswept hair, golden sunsets, and couples who look suspiciously like models.

A pre-wedding shoot lets you see:

• What locations you love

• How natural light photographs you

• Whether that “effortless” vibe is actually your thing

It’s the perfect way to check that your inspiration aligns with you — and tweak anything before the big day.

6. It turns nerves into excitement

By the time your wedding arrives, you won’t be worrying about how you’ll look in photos — you’ll be excited for them.

You’ll know:

• You can relax

• You don’t need to perform

• And you’ll be beautifully photographed just as you are

And honestly? That confidence shows in every single image.

So… do you need a pre-wedding photoshoot?

If you want to feel relaxed, confident, and genuinely excited about being photographed on your wedding day — then yes. It’s one of the best investments you can make in your wedding photography experience.

As a Surrey wedding photographer, I’ve seen first-hand how much of a difference a pre-wedding shoot makes — not just to the photos, but to how couples feel on the day.

And if it also involves a nice walk, a bit of laughter, and some very flattering photos of the two of you? That feels like a win-win to me.

Check out the lifestyle gallery if you're after some more inspiration or use my contact form to see how we can put together the perfect pre-wedding gallery for you.

Lucy x