Best Pre-Wedding Shoot Locations in Delhi NCR
Why Location Matters for Pre-Wedding Shoots
Pre-wedding photography is about capturing a couple's story before the chaos of the wedding day. The right location sets the mood, provides visual variety, and often becomes part of their love story. After shooting 30+ pre-wedding sessions across Delhi NCR, here are my favorite spots and how to make the most of them.
Heritage & Architecture
Lodhi Garden
**Best for**: Classic, timeless elegance
**When to shoot**: Early morning (6-8am) or golden hour (4-6pm)
**Permits**: Not required for personal shoots, but avoid weekends when it's crowded
The tombs and manicured gardens offer incredible backdrops. The Muhammad Shah's Tomb area is particularly photogenic. Pro tip: The bridge near the rose garden is perfect for silhouette shots at sunset.
Humayun's Tomb
**Best for**: Mughal grandeur, architectural symmetry
**When to shoot**: Weekday mornings to avoid crowds
**Permits**: Required for professional shoots (apply through ASI)
The symmetry here is unmatched. The central lawn provides both wide establishing shots and intimate corners. The char bagh (garden) sections offer variety without moving locations.
Safdarjung Tomb
**Best for**: Dramatic, less crowded alternative to Humayun's Tomb
**When to shoot**: Late afternoon for warm light on the sandstone
**Permits**: Required for professional shoots
Often overlooked, but the arched corridors and central dome are stunning. The crowds are manageable even on weekends.
Modern & Urban
Cyber Hub, Gurgaon
**Best for**: Contemporary, urban couple vibes
**When to shoot**: Evening for city lights, or early morning for empty streets
**Permits**: Check with individual restaurants if shooting inside
The glass buildings, café culture, and modern architecture work great for couples who want a non-traditional look. The amphitheater area is particularly versatile.
Aerocity
**Best for**: Sleek, international feel
**When to shoot**: Blue hour (just after sunset)
**Permits**: Varies by specific location
The hotels and walkways here photograph like a European city. Great for couples in formal western attire.
Nature & Gardens
Garden of Five Senses
**Best for**: Artistic, varied backdrops in one location
**When to shoot**: Morning light is magical here
**Permits**: Required (reasonable fees)
This is my go-to when clients want variety without location-hopping. Stone sculptures, bamboo groves, water features, and flowering plants—all in one place.
Sunder Nursery
**Best for**: Heritage meets nature
**When to shoot**: Winter mornings when the light is soft
**Permits**: Check current requirements
Recently restored, this space combines Mughal monuments with beautiful landscaping. The amphitheater and heritage structures are perfect for couple portraits.
Hidden Gems
Hauz Khas Village
**Best for**: Bohemian, artistic couples
**When to shoot**: Weekday mornings (it gets busy)
**Permits**: Not typically required for outdoor areas
The lake, ruins, and colorful streets offer incredible variety. The deer park nearby adds a unique element.
Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary
**Best for**: Nature lovers, winter shoots
**When to shoot**: Early morning during winter migration season
**Permits**: Entry fee applies
When migratory birds are present (Nov-Feb), this becomes magical. Requires a couple comfortable with early mornings and walking.
Practical Tips for Location Shoots
**Scout Beforehand**: I visit every new location before a shoot to understand light direction and identify specific spots.
**Have a Backup**: Delhi weather is unpredictable. If outdoor shoots get rained out, I keep a list of covered heritage locations.
**Respect the Space**: Many of these are heritage sites. We shoot responsibly—no climbing on monuments, no blocking pathways.
**Timing is Everything**: The difference between a crowded disaster and a peaceful shoot is often just 2 hours. Golden hour and early mornings are worth the effort.
The best location is one that resonates with the couple's personality. Some want the grandeur of Humayun's Tomb; others feel more at home in the cafés of Cyber Hub. Listen to their story first, then recommend accordingly.