Pre-Wedding Photography · Goa
Pre Wedding Shoot Locations
in Goa
Goa is known for the splendour of its beaches, but beyond that, it is covered with lush green forests that offer plenty of scope to experiment when taking pictures.
Destinations
5 curated in Goa
Best Season
Nov to Feb
Beaches
Calangute & more
Heritage
Panjim colonial charm
Nature
Chorla Ghats & rivers
Book
+91 83903 67637
A marriage is one of life's most awaited and celebrated events. Weddings are not just a custom or ritual these days, but more than that, they are an event to be enjoyed to the fullest. One of the many trends that have emerged over the past decades is the pre-wedding shoot, and one of the most promising and highly preferred destinations for it is Goa. This guide covers five places in Goa that photograph beautifully, plus timing, outfits and costs.
You hardly need to be told why Goa is so popular for pre-wedding photo shoots. Goa is known for the splendour of its beaches, but beyond that, it is covered with lush green forests that offer plenty of scope to experiment when taking pictures. Find out more about such lesser-known destinations to make your photo shoot memorable.
Location Guide
Pre-Wedding Shoot Locations
in Goa
India's western coast is known for some sensational locations, particularly Goa. The place boasts beautiful beaches with breathtaking views, dense, lush greenery and a vibrant culture you will not find elsewhere. Together these make it an ideal destination for couples who are soon to get married to spend some memorable time capturing pre-wedding memories.
Chorla Ghats
Once you have chosen Goa for your pre-wedding photo shoot and reach there, you will be told about the north-eastern region where Chorla Ghats are located. The Ghats offer a rare view of greenery, with forests all around. As you explore, you hear the sound of cascading waterfalls, and as you get closer, you get a mesmerizing view of them. The ambiance here is serene and romantic, which means you have the opportunity not only to shoot peacefully but also to spend some quality time together.
Calangute
Calangute Beach is yet another destination where romance is already in the air. So every single snap taken at Calangute Beach is destined to be memorable. It is a highly cherished beach in Goa for pre-wedding shoots, and there are multiple reasons why. The wide sandy beach of Calangute lets you take sensational pictures; then there are the swaying palm trees and stunning sunsets, which couples don't want to miss including in their pre-wedding photo session.
Panjim
International travellers visit Goa for a variety of reasons. Among the best of these, the colonial architecture they get to see at Panjim deserves a special mention. The capital of Goa brings together historic glory and modern charm. Whether you want photos against a historic backdrop or around trendy shops, Panjim's colourful old lanes give you both.
Bat Island
Bat Island, situated off the coast of Goa, is not large but is loved for its secluded position. You feel as if you are on a deserted island and can't miss clicking its stunning, distinctive views as part of your pre-wedding shoot. Choose it for the mangroves or love it for the azure waters around it; your photo shoot is going to be outstanding here.
Mandovi River
Can you imagine that a place world-famous for its fabulous beaches has a river as a centre of attraction? Probably not, but the fact is that the Mandovi River in Goa gives you the chance to shoot exceptional snaps. Whether you want to take snaps on the bank of the Mandovi River or get into the water in a boat to pose differently, both ideas work well here.
Pro Tips
Tips for a Successful Pre-Wedding Shoot
in Goa
It's true that there is an incredibly high number of locations in Goa where your pre-wedding photo shoot can go well. But it is equally true that you must have some tips handy before you move to Goa. First, it is important that you plan and gather every bit of information before starting your journey.
Second, do some local research and get a local photographer, because they will be familiar with each location. The weather changes more often here than in most places, so be careful. Third, you may have to wait some time for the perfect angle and shot, so be patient.
Days & Schedule
Timing is Everything
When you're ready to set up your pre-wedding shoot, ensure that the schedule is well planned so you make the best use of time at the locations you are visiting. Goa may be a small state, but it has diverse landscapes, from beaches and hills to forests and colonial towns. All this means driving between places takes time.
Choosing the Right Days
As tempting as it may be to squeeze everything into a single day, you're best off spreading your shoot over two or more days. That way, you will have the flexibility to visit different locations and travel between them without feeling pressed for time.
For example, one day could be spent at a beach like Calangute or Baga Beach, whereas the next day can be dedicated to places that have scenic beauty in the hinterland, such as Chorla Ghats and Bat Island.
Consider the Season
As for when to plan a Pre-Wedding Shoot in Goa, the best time to explore Goa is from November to February, when the weather is pleasantly cool and dry. This weather is more conducive to outdoor shoots, and you won't have to deal with the monsoon's heavy rains. It's best to plan your shoot well ahead of time, given that this is peak tourist season and locations and photographers will be in high demand.
Shooting Time
Early Mornings & Golden Hours
The time of your shoot plays a big part in how good your photos turn out, so pick a time of day that suits your needs. Goa can be quite hot, with harsh sunlight, because it's a beach destination, so try not to shoot in the afternoon, when the light is too bright and harsh for smooth shooting.
Best Time for Beach Shoots
For beach locations (e.g., Calangute, Anjuna), early morning (6 AM to 10 AM) or evening (3 PM to 7 PM) is best. These times of day, referred to as the golden hours, produce more flattering light for portrait work. Early mornings are more peaceful as well, so there will be fewer tourists and more privacy for your shoot.
Exploring Other Locations
If you are going to be exploring Goa's towns, such as Panjim, or heading up into the hills and forests, go for a mid-morning or late-afternoon pre-wedding shoot so you can make use of natural light without being burnt by the hot midday sun. Sunset works too: a few reflection shots at the Mandovi River or Bat Island will start your romance story off just right, setting the stage for sparkling wedding photography with epic results.
Planning your pre-wedding shoot requires a well-thought-out schedule to fully utilize the locations you're visiting. Goa is a relatively small state, but its varied landscapes - beaches, hills, forests, and colonial towns - can take time to travel between.
What Dresses
to Wear?
What you wear in your pre-wedding session will greatly contribute to the mood of your pictures. You should dress for Goa's tropical weather, which is hot with coastal winds. You want to be comfortable, but you also want to look cute and put-together, not thrown together or totally uncoordinated with your partner.
For Beach Locations
Choose light, breathable materials like cotton or linen, or something loose and flowy. These won't just keep you cool but will also give your pictures movement and flow. Women may opt for beachy dresses, boho outfits or pale, gossamer beach dresses, which are also more comfortable on the sand.
For photos at the beach, you might also decide to pack swimwear or casual beachwear for that carefree and playful look.
For Forest or River Shoots
If you are visiting locations such as Chorla Ghats or the Mandovi River for a pre-wedding shoot, then smart casual may be more appropriate for the mood you want to set. Natural colors, such as greens, whites, and pastel shades, can work perfectly with the surroundings. If you're shooting near water, waterproof shoes or sandals might help keep things comfy.
Dressing for the Weather
The weather in Goa is unpredictable, so packing a varied range of outfits comes in handy. If you're shooting at several locations or throughout the day, when the lighting can change from one place to another, make sure you have an assortment of casual, traditional and semi-formal outfits to switch between.
Charges
What to Expect
Pre-wedding shoot prices in Goa vary with the photographer, the number of locations and the time taken. On average, a one-day pre-wedding shoot in Goa costs ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 once travel and stay for the crew are included.
The prices on our package page are for shoots in and around Pune. A Goa shoot is quoted separately because it adds travel, stay and usually a full day or more of shooting. Call or WhatsApp us with your dates for an exact Goa quote, or compare all pre-wedding packages.
Factors Affecting Costs
Experience of the Photographer
Hiring well-established or specialist pre-wedding photographers might cost you more. Even so, it's always good to get a professional in on the action; they'll know all the best angles, lighting and locations to showcase you in your best light.
Number of Locations
If you have several places in mind, the cost will go up, as transportation, time and permits (if necessary) add to the price.
Length of Your Shoot
A full day (10 hours) has generally been the standard, though shorter shoots are becoming more common as budgets tighten. Some photographers provide packages of varying numbers of outfits and locations for a fixed price.
Extras
You might also have to pay for things like permits (particularly if they're required for drone shots or shooting at restricted locations), travel (you'll need a local guide and transportation), and makeup and styling services.
Distance Between Locations
Plan Your Travel
Goa is a small state, but it may not seem so if you're hopping between several different places in one day, so factor in how long it takes to get from one place to another. Popular locations for pre-wedding shoots are often within reasonable distances of each other, and careful scheduling can save you time.
Beaches and Towns
Calangute, Baga and Anjuna are around the corner from one another, so they can be covered in a few hours. Panjim and Vasco are a bit further but still less than an hour's drive away from the beach towns.
Countryside and Forests
On the other hand, if you head out of town, places like Chorla Ghats or Bat Island are much quieter and will take some time to get to. If you plan to shoot at both of these locations, they are best covered in a full- or half-day shoot that allows for travel time between them.
It's also worth thinking through traffic, particularly during the tourist season. A good tip is to plan well ahead and allow yourself additional time for travelling and lunch breaks between the places you visit so that you do not feel rushed.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Pre-Wedding Shoot In Goa
Most couples plan one full day. Goa has beaches, rivers, islands and forest ghats, so a day gives you enough time to shoot at a few of them.
A one-day pre wedding shoot in Goa usually costs between ₹50,000 and ₹1,00,000, including travel and stay for the crew. Contact us with your dates for an exact Goa quote.
Dress for the weather. It can be sunny one day and cloudy the next, so carry a few outfit options. You may sweat near the sea, so light cotton clothes work best.
Conclusion
Planning Your Goa Pre-Wedding Shoot
Goa is a place well within everyone's reach. The state is already famous for its beaches, and its forests, rivers and old Portuguese-era streets are just as photogenic. So now you have two reasons to be in Goa, and innumerable locations to click snaps in each other's company. Together, the touch of romance and the luxurious ambience will help you pose at your most sensational.
Related Pages
Book Your Pre-Wedding Shoot
in Goa Today
Beaches, forests, heritage towns & secluded islands - Goa has it all