BEST COTSWOLDS PRE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS
A Guide to Planning a Pre Wedding Photography Shoot in the Cotswolds from a Cotswolds Pre Wedding Photographer
The Best Cotswolds Pre Wedding Photography Locations
The Cotswolds is a picturesque region in the heart of England and one of my favourite locations for a beautiful English pre wedding shoot. The Cotswolds offer idyllic and romantic backdrops for UK pre wedding photography and the mixture of architechture, quaint villages, rolling hills, and golden stone cottages make the Cotswolds a great choice for an amazing pre wedding photoshoot with a great diversity of locations.
The 6 best locations in the Cotswolds for Pre Wedding Photography include:
Bibury
Broadway Tower
Bourton-on-the-Water
Lower Slaughter
Castle Combe
Stanton
A pre wedding photography shoot in the Cotswolds will be full of charming scenery and amazing locations. As an international pre wedding photographer, I love working with couples to create the perfect pre wedding adventure that combines the stunning village architecture and natural landscapes that the Cotswolds is famous for.
The Cotswolds is filled with stunning villages, interesting architecture and scenic landscapes. From the gentle hills and picturesque waterways to the historic architecture and iconic landmarks, the Cotswolds is the epitome of a romantic and elegant setting for any pre wedding shoot. If you are considering a pre wedding shoot in the UK countryside, then Cotswolds should definitely be a strong consideration for a pre wedding location.
Explore some of the best locations in the Cotswolds for destination pre wedding photographs.
You can find ideas to make the most of your time in the Cotswolds and see a few sample shoots from this enchanting part of England.
Bibury Pre Wedding Photography
Bibury, often described as the most beautiful village in England, is an ideal location for pre wedding photos. With its iconic Arlington Row cottages and meandering River Coln, Bibury offers a quintessentially English setting for your pre wedding shoot. The charming village atmosphere, lush greenery, and river backdrop make Bibury one of my favourite spots for pre wedding photography.
Broadway Tower Pre Wedding Photography
Broadway Tower, a unique and historic landmark in the Cotswolds, provides a dramatic and romantic backdrop for pre wedding photography. The tower, surrounded by rolling hills and panoramic views, offers a unique setting for your pre wedding shoot.
As the second highest point in the Cotswolds, Broadway Tower provides breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. This iconic location will add a touch of grandeur and history to your pre wedding photos.
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Bourton-on-the-Water Pre Wedding Photography
Bourton-on-the-Water is often called the "Venice of the Cotswolds," is a charming village with picturesque bridges and lovely waterways. This beautiful location is perfect for romantic pre wedding photography.
The tranquil atmosphere, beautiful stone bridges, and quaint village charm make Bourton-on-the-Water an enchanting location for your pre wedding shoot. Your photographs will capture the essence of the Cotswolds' timeless beauty.
Take a look at this pre wedding photography shoot in the Cotswolds
Lower Slaughter Pre Wedding Photography
Lower Slaughter, a peaceful and unspoiled village in the heart of the Cotswolds, provides a stunning pre-wedding photography setting. The gently flowing River Eye, charming stone cottages, and lush green surroundings create a serene and romantic atmosphere.
The tranquility and natural beauty of Lower Slaughter make it an ideal location for intimate and romantic pre wedding photos. This lovely village will leave a lasting impression and give you a unique backdrop for your pre wedding session.
Castle Combe Pre Wedding Photography
Castle Combe is often called the "prettiest village in England," and is a fairytale setting for your pre wedding photography. The village's historic charm, stunning architecture, and cobbled streets create a magical atmosphere perfect for capturing the love and excitement leading up to your wedding.
The enchanting beauty of Castle Combe, with its medieval bridge, quaint cottages, and ancient market cross, will provide a timeless and elegant backdrop for your pre wedding shoot. Your photographs will reflect the charm and romance of this unique location into your pre-wedding photography session.
Stanton
Stanton is nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, offering a charming and idyllic setting for your photos. Nestled in the Cotswold Hills, Stanton is a quintessentially English village that has maintained its timeless charm with honey-colored limestone cottages, narrow streets, and an ancient church. The village boasts stunning views of the surrounding countryside, providing a romantic backdrop for your pre-wedding photos. You can capture intimate moments in front of the charming cottages or on the village green.
GETTING TO THE COTSWOLDS FOR PRE WEDDING PHOTO SHOOTS
The Cotswolds is easily accessible from London, Birmingham, and Bristol, making it a convenient destination for couples planning a pre wedding shoot. The area is well connected by train, with Moreton-in-Marsh, Kemble, and Stroud stations. Renting a car will allow you the freedom to explore the picturesque villages and hidden gems throughout the Cotswolds at your leisure.
Many couples I work with for pre wedding photography sessions in the UK countryside travel internationally from Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, and other parts of Asia. I can work closely with you to create the perfect pre wedding photography itinerary, including transport for the duration of your pre wedding photography shoot. Get in touch to explore ideas and options for your shoot, and we can plan an unforgettable destination pre wedding shoot in the Cotswolds.
Hair and Makeup
I can recommend several trusted makeup artists and hairstylists once your itinerary is in place. After we have confirmed dates and locations, I will suggest options based on the duration and areas of the shoot. Makeup artists can either be visited at a salon or can be arranged to come to your hotel for hair and makeup on the morning of your shoot.
Where to Stay
The Cotswolds offers a wide range of accommodation options, from charming bed and breakfasts to luxurious country house hotels. The best place to stay for a pre wedding photoshoot in the Cotswolds will depend on the locations you choose for your shoot and your personal preferences. Popular towns and villages to consider for your stay include Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Burford. Listed below are some recommended accommodation options but a quick search on Google, Expedia or other travel sites will give you hundreds of options for places to stay for any budget.
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Recommended Cotswolds Accommodations for Pre Wedding Shoots
To make your Cotswolds pre wedding photography experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible, consider staying at one of the many charming accommodations in the area. Here are some recommendations to suit different preferences and budgets:
Luxury Hotels:
Ellenborough Park, Cheltenham
The Slaughters Manor House, Lower Slaughter
Calcot Manor, Tetbury
Boutique Hotels:
The Old Stocks Inn, Stow-on-the-Wold
The Painswick, Painswick
The Fish Hotel, Broadway
Bed & Breakfasts and Inns:
The Village Pub, Barnsley
The Ebrington Arms, Ebrington
The Feathered Nest Country Inn, Nether Westcote
Self-Catering Cottages:
Bruern Cottages, Chipping Norton
The Chestnuts, Bourton-on-the-Water
Owl's Hoot, Kingham
Pre Wedding Photography Dress Hire In the UK
Hiring wedding gowns and dresses in the UK can be challenging and expensive. I recommend that couples bring their attire for the shoot with them. Purchasing dresses and suits before your session is often more affordable, allowing time for fittings, adjustments, and accessory selection before the shoot begins.
When to Visit the Cotswolds for Pre Wedding Photography
The Cotswolds is a beautiful destination year-round, but the best time to visit is between April and October when the weather is typically warmer and more predictable although anytime of the year can work well. Here is a brief overview of what you can expect during each season:
Spring (March-May) Springtime in the Cotswolds is a delightful time for pre wedding photography. With blossoming trees, lush green landscapes, and beautiful flowers, it's a perfect setting for romantic and enchanting photos. The weather during spring is generally mild, making it comfortable for outdoor shoots.
Summer (June-August) The Cotswolds truly come to life during summer. With long, warm days and vibrant landscapes, it's an ideal time for pre wedding photography. The picturesque villages are bustling with visitors, and the countryside is awash with vibrant colours, providing a stunning backdrop for your photos.
Autumn (September-November) Autumn in the Cotswolds is a magical time, with the landscapes adorned in a rich tapestry of red, orange, and gold hues. This season provides a cosy, romantic atmosphere for your pre wedding shoot, and the crisp air and stunning foliage create a truly unforgettable setting.
Winter (December-February) Winter in the Cotswolds offers a unique opportunity for pre wedding photography with a touch of enchantment. The quaint villages and rolling hills are often dusted with snow, providing a serene and magical backdrop for your photos. The cooler temperatures and fewer visitors make for a more intimate and peaceful experience.
I recommend scheduling your shoot on a weekday and outside of the UK school holidays to avoid crowds, as weekends tend to be busier with tourists and visitors. Locations such as Bourton-on-the-Water get particularly busy from late morning with day visitors so I try to schedule itineraries so that we get images in the more popular locations early to avoid the main crowds.
Itinerary Ideas for a Cotswolds Pre Wedding Photo Shoot
A full-day or two-day shoot in the Cotswolds is recommended to make the most of the region's stunning scenery. However, itineraries can be fully customized for any length of visit. Whether you are considering a short 3-hour shoot or a multi-day adventure, feel free to get in touch, and I will work with you to create the perfect itinerary for your Cotswolds pre wedding shoot.
A few ideas for different lengths of visits include:
3-HOUR PRE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY SHOOT IN THE COTSWOLDS
With a few hours to spare, I suggest focusing on one or two iconic locations, such as Bourton-on-the-Water and Lower Slaughter. Three hours is the perfect amount of time to capture the charm and beauty of these picturesque villages.
Starting your pre-wedding photoshoot early in the day to avoid the peak lunchtime crowds is advisable or you can start around 3 hours before sunset will allow us to capture some stunning golden hour engagement photographs. I will suggest the best starting time for your session once a date has been selected.
1-DAY PRE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY SHOOT IN THE COTSWOLDS
With a full day available, we can explore multiple locations throughout the Cotswolds, such as Broadway Tower, Bibury, and Castle Combe. This will give you a diverse and breathtaking collection of images showcasing the region's idyllic landscapes and charming architecture.
2-DAY PRE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY SHOOT IN THE COTSWOLDS
If you have two days available for your pre wedding photography shoot, we can delve deeper into the Cotswolds, discovering hidden gems and lesser-known locations. This will provide an even greater variety of backdrops and create a truly unique collection of pre wedding photographs or we can mix the Cotswolds with other locations such as the Peak District, Oxford or London.
Additional Locations and Combination Pre Wedding Photography Shoots
Combining a Cotswolds pre wedding shoot with other locations in the UK, Europe, or worldwide can create a unique set of images. Some recommendations that work well with UK pre wedding photography in the Cotswolds include:
London
The Lake District
Yorkshire Dales
Venice
If you are considering combining a Cotswolds pre wedding shoot with an additional location, take a look at the best places in London for a pre wedding photoshoot here or some planning advice for a Scotland pre wedding shoot here. Then get in touch, and let me know your ideas for combining locations, and I will come up with some suggestions for an incredible multi-location pre wedding shoot.
Getting Started If you are interested in finding out more about a pre wedding shoot in the Cotswolds or anywhere else, then get in touch, and I can talk you through the next steps in planning your adventure.
More Information to Help Plan Your Pre Wedding Adventure in the Cotswolds
I hope this information has been helpful, and I am always available to help you make the most of your time in the UK and the Cotswolds. You can learn more about this incredible area via the official Cotswolds tourism website here.
FAQs on Cotswolds Pre Wedding Photography
How long does it take to travel between locations in the Cotswolds? The Cotswolds is a large region, so travel times between locations can vary. However, most of the popular pre wedding photography spots are within a 30-60 minute drive of one another.
Are there any permits required for pre wedding photography in the Cotswolds? Some locations may require permits for professional photography. It's essential to check with the specific location you plan to visit and obtain any necessary permits before your shoot.
What is the best time of year for a Cotswolds pre wedding shoot? The Cotswolds is beautiful year-round, but the ideal time for a pre wedding shoot is between late spring and early autumn when the weather is generally mild and the countryside is in full bloom. April to June and September to October are particularly popular months for pre wedding photography. Take a look at the information above which details what to expect in each season.
What should I wear for my Cotswolds pre wedding shoot? Wedding dresses always look incredible with the architecture and natural backdrops of the Cotswolds. Aside from these, it's best to choose outfits that complement the natural beauty and color palette of the Cotswolds. Soft, earthy tones and pastel colors work well in this setting as well as bold colours like red which contrasts the natural environment. Consider wearing comfortable shoes or boots if your dress hides your feet, as some locations may require walking on uneven terrain or cobblestone streets. If your feet are showing then you can always change footwear at each location
How can we make the most of our Cotswolds pre wedding shoot? To get the most out of your pre wedding photography session in the Cotswolds, I will help plan your itinerary well in advance, and we will ideally be visiting multiple locations to capture a variety of backdrops. Also, be prepared to be flexible with your schedule, as the weather can be unpredictable in this region so if we can have a backup date or some buffer time then this will ensure we will not be hindered too much in the case of adverse weather.
Do you have any recommendations for hair and makeup artists in the Cotswolds? Yes absolutely. I have several trusted hair and makeup artists I can recommend for your pre wedding shoot in the Cotswolds. Once we have your itinerary in place, I can suggest options based on the duration and locations of your shoot.
What if it rains on the day of our Cotswolds pre wedding shoot? I always check the forecast a couple of days before to ensure that things will not be too wet. If we have a backup date then a very wet forecast might mean we move to the backup date but if not then we can continue in any weather if you wish. Although the weather in the Cotswolds can be unpredictable, don't worry if it rains a little on the day of your shoot as I am able to capture beautiful images even in less-than-perfect conditions.
How long should we plan for our Cotswolds pre wedding shoot? The duration of your pre wedding shoot in the Cotswolds depends on the number of locations you wish to visit and the variety of images you want to capture. A full day or even a 2-day shoot is recommended to make the most of the stunning scenery and diverse backdrops the Cotswolds has to offer.
Is it possible to combine our Cotswolds pre wedding shoot with other locations? Yes,and this is highly recommended if you are able to do this. It's possible to combine your Cotswolds pre wedding shoot with other locations in the UK or even Europe. Popular nearby options include Peak District, Scotland, London, Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon, or Oxford. Additionally, European destinations like Paris, Venice, or Santorini can be easily reached. You can view sample shoots from all over the country and world on my blog to get inspiration or just get in touch and I can suggest some great options.
Do we need to provide our own transportation during the Cotswolds pre wedding shoot? While some couples prefer to rent a car or use their own vehicle, I do offer transportation services as part of your pre wedding photography packages and can arrange to meet you at your hotel, a location of your choosing or even the airport depending on your itinerary.
Can we have a sunset or sunrise pre wedding shoot in the Cotswolds? Yes, capturing your pre wedding photos during the golden hour at sunset is always high on my priority list and I will build this into the itinerary. Sunrise is not usually recommended as it is very difficult to get hair and makeup done in time for sunrise images.
The Cotswolds is an enchanting location for pre wedding photography, with its picturesque villages, rolling hills, and charming countryside. By planning your shoot carefully and considering factors such as season, accommodation, and locations, you can create a memorable and romantic pre wedding photography experience in this amazing part of the UK.
Getting Started With Your Pre Wedding Adventure
If capturing your pre wedding moments in the Cotswolds, Scotland or anywhere else sounds like an adventure you're interested in, reach out to me with your desired location and timing. From there, we can begin putting together a plan for your shoot.
Connect with Me
To begin planning your pre wedding shoot, send me a brief message below with your initial ideas. I'll get back to you with detailed pricing information, as well as some creative ideas to help get the planning process started. You can also reach me via WhatsApp at +447515876975.