A wedding is often a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for couples, and most choose to make it extra whimsical by capturing their beautiful story through a pre-wedding shoot. And what better place to click these pictures than the stunning state of Rajasthan! The state, with its numerous grand palaces, majestic forts, and other historic sites, makes for a perfect backdrop for your pre-wedding pictures. Let’s recommend seven locations in Rajasthan that are perfect for a pre-wedding shoot!
Pre-Wedding Shoot Locations In Rajasthan 2026
1. Patrika Gate, Jaipur
If you religiously keep a tab on pre-wedding shoots and trends, you must’ve seen countless shoots take place at Jaipur’s iconic Patrika Gate. Standing as one of the most recognizable landmarks of Jaipur, Patrika Gate is known for its stunning design and intricately decorated frescoes. The landmark is free to enter, attracting not just pre-wedding entourages but also locals and tourists alike. Patrika Gate stands out for its use of pink sandstone, accents of gold, detailed murals, and impressive architecture.
Best time to shoot: Early morning or golden hour in the evening
Ideal for: Couples seeking an elegant, majestic vibe in their pictures. The symmetric construction of the facade can be used skillfully for visually appealing pictures.
2. Neemrana Fort, Alwar
Neemrana Fort is a majestic heritage property in Alwar that was once a 15th-century palace. Nestled in the lush green Aravalli Hills, the fort has transformed into a luxury resort today. Its opulence and grandeur, coupled with the natural beauty of the place, make it great for cinematic pre-wedding shoots. The heritage property stands out for its brilliant use of hanging gardens, azure-blue pools, and landscaping that blends in with the natural landscape of the hills around it. If you’re a couple planning to execute a pre-wedding shoot here, you can spend a night in one of their majestic suites!
Best time to shoot: Early morning, golden hour in the evening, or the dimly-lit atmosphere after sunset as the property lights up.
Ideal for: Couples looking for a royal, resort-like look from their pictures. The different sections of the property can be utilized according to different times of the day.
3. Bahubali Hills
Udaipur is a haven for pre-wedding shoots, with many of its destinations being preferred by couples for their photoshoots. Udaipur’s Bahubali Hills is a stunning hilltop that overlooks Badi Lake. The lush green hills, especially just after sunrise and during sunset, promise panoramic views that even a camera cannot do justice to! Reaching to the top involves a small trek, but it is all worth it!
Best time to shoot: Early morning or golden hour in the evening
Ideal for: Couples looking to capture a glimpse of majestic hills and towering views immersed in lush green landscapes.
4. Lake Pichola, Udaipur
Pichola Jheel or Lake Pichola in Udaipur is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Rajasthan. The artificial freshwater lake is best-known for housing the iconic Lake Palace and City Palace along its banks, as well as islands like Jagmandir. The lake is popular among locals and tourists for sunset boat rides, but it is also gaining traction as a desired pre-wedding shoot destination.
Best time to shoot: Golden hour and sunset times in the evening
Ideal for: Couples looking for an ethereal touch in their pictures by the lake. You can either shoot along the banks of the lake or hire a boat to shoot within the lake.
5. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal is one of the most well-recognized landmarks in India. In fact, Jaipur’s identity as the ‘Pink City’ is closely tied to the Hawa Mahal. With its iconic pink sandstone facade, the Hawa Mahal makes for a picturesque backdrop for pre-wedding pictures. The landmark gets its name from the 953 latticed windows or ‘jharokhas’ cleverly carved out to aid air ventilation while maintaining privacy. What was once a facade for the royal women to observe street life in a discreet manner has evolved into a beloved spot for photo-ops, both in terms of casual social media photography and professional shoots.
Best time to shoot: Daylight hours, preferably golden hour
Ideal for: Couples who wish to paint the essence of Jaipur’s rich heritage in the backdrop. They can make use of spaces right in front of the Hawa Mahal, such as rooftop cafes and shop terraces, for perfect picture composition.
6. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Standing tall in the Blue City of Rajasthan, Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort is one of the most well-known forts in India. The magnificent fort spans over a hilltop, overlooking much of the city below. With the fort being featured in multiple Bollywood and international movies, it is a popular choice of background among couples planning a pre-wedding shoot. The sandstone facades, the fort museum, and a number of palaces inside the fort can be utilized cleverly for stunning pre-wedding pictures. The fort turns especially beautiful during early sunrise hours and sunset. However, you can also capture excellent pictures in the blue lanes of Jodhpur City itself – with the Mehrangarh Fort standing in the background.
Best time to shoot: Daylight hours, preferably early sunrise or sunset hours
Ideal for: Couples looking to capture sheer grandeur, rustic charm, and a touch of Rajputana elegance in their pictures.
7. Saheliyon Ki Bari, Udaipur
For our last entry on the list of some of the best Rajasthan locations for pre-wedding shoots, we have Udaipur’s Saheliyon Ki Bari. The lush garden, dating back to the Mughal era, is one of the most calming and romantic landmarks in the city. The green landscaping, embedded with marble pavilions and lotus pools, makes it look straight out of a whimsical fairy tale. Saheliyon Ki Bari’s aesthetics are well-suited for pre-wedding shoots and shoots in Indian traditional outfits, which is why we’re recommending it!
Best time to shoot: Daylight hours, preferably early morning hours
Ideal for: Couples looking for romantic garden shots with whimsical vibes
Things To Keep In Mind While Planning A Pre-Wedding Shoot
- It is likely that historical monuments and heritage sites where you plan to shoot might require prior permission for professional photography. We recommend confirming with the respective management about permission and other rules and regulations.
- Before you decide on a location, compare different locations depending on how you want your photographs to be. Do you want them to be immersed in nature, such as on a hilltop or lake? Or are you leaning towards a shoot that is shot inside a palace?
- Plan your outfits beforehand to avoid last-minute confusion. You can also decide your outfits after you’ve finalized the pre-wedding shoot location(s). You can choose outfits that provide a sharp color contrast to the backdrop so that you stand out in the picture. Alternatively, you can choose outfits that correspond to the color palette of the backdrop.
- If you’re shooting on a budget, you can make use of rental camera equipment instead of purchasing brand-new equipment.
- Make the most of natural lighting, especially during early morning or sunset hours. Natural lighting can instantly elevate your pictures, making them more cinematic and well-lit.
Summing Up
Rajasthan is a vibrant canvas for photographers and couples looking to capture tender, candid moments before their wedding day. From Jodhpur’s blue lanes and Jaipur’s pink beauty to Neemrana’s majestic atmosphere, every destination in this state feels curated to tell a love story that’s larger than life. Whether you’re comparing Udaipur vs Jaipur for a pre-wedding shoot in 2026, hunting for hidden gems in Rajasthan for couple photography, or figuring out permissions and outfits, this state gives you endless creative freedom!
