Capturing Forever: Top Pre-Wedding Photoshoot

Locations in Maharashtra

Your pre-wedding photoshoot is more than just pictures—it's the first chapter of your wedding story, capturing the excitement and romance before you say "I do." Maharashtra, with its diverse landscapes ranging from bustling cityscapes to serene hill stations, offers countless stunning backdrops for couples looking to create magical memories.

In this guide, we've curated the best pre-wedding photoshoot locations across Mumbai, Nashik, and Pune regions to help you find the perfect setting that matches your style and personality as a couple. To simplify your planning, we've included travel times from Mumbai and entry fees where applicable.

Mumbai: Where Urban Charm Meets Coastal Beauty

Within the City

1. Marine Drive & Nariman Point: Capture your love against Mumbai's iconic skyline and the Arabian Sea. The Queen's Necklace view at sunset creates a romantic golden glow, perfect for those dreamy shots. Travel Time: Accessible within the city Entry Fee: Free

2. Bandra Bandstand: This scenic coastline with rocky outcrops offers a beautiful juxtaposition of natural elements against the city backdrop. The sea breeze adds a magical touch to flowing dresses and candid moments. Travel Time: 30-45 minutes from South Mumbai Entry Fee: Free

3. Gateway of India & Taj Mahal Palace Hotel: These historic landmarks provide a majestic setting with their colonial architecture. The contrast of your modern love story against these timeless structures creates photographs with depth and character. Travel Time: Within South Mumbai Entry Fee: Free for Gateway of India; permission may be required for photoshoots near Taj Hotel

4. Worli Sea Face & Sea Link: For couples who want to showcase modern Mumbai, the Sea Link provides an impressive engineering marvel as your backdrop, especially stunning when lit up in the evening. Travel Time: 20-30 minutes from South Mumbai Entry Fee: Free for Sea Face; Sea Link viewing points are free, but professional photography on the bridge itself requires permission

5. Film City, Goregaon: With its diverse sets and landscapes, Film City offers multiple themes within one location—from rustic villages to garden settings. Travel Time: 1-1.5 hours from South Mumbai Entry Fee: ₹500-3,000 for photography permit depending on the location within Film City

6. Sanjay Gandhi National Park: Escape the urban jungle for actual greenery. The forest settings provide a natural, intimate atmosphere for couples who prefer a connection with nature. Travel Time: 1-1.5 hours from South Mumbai Entry Fee: ₹85 per person entry + ₹300 for camera fee + additional fees for specific zones

Around Mumbai

1. Alibaug Beaches: Just a short ferry ride away, these beautiful coastal settings offer white sand, clear waters, and stunning sunsets—perfect for romantic beach shots. Travel Time: 1-2 hour ferry ride or 3-hour drive Entry Fee: Ferry costs ₹150-250 per person each way; beaches are free

2. Lonavala & Khandala: These twin hill stations provide stunning viewpoints, dramatic valleys, and lush greenery, which are especially breathtaking during the monsoon season. Travel Time: 2-hour drive Entry Fee: Free for most viewpoints; some managed spots like Bhushi Dam charge ₹20-50 per person

3. Matheran: As India's only car-free hill station, Matheran offers peaceful nature trails and viewpoints without modern intrusions, creating a timeless quality in your photos. Travel Time: 2-3 hours drive plus 40-minute toy train ride or 30-minute trek Entry Fee: ₹100 entry fee + ₹50 camera fee

4. Elephanta Caves: Combine historical architecture with a pleasant boat ride for a unique photoshoot experience. The ancient cave sculptures add an artistic element to your pictures. Travel Time: 1 hour ferry from Gateway of India Entry Fee: ₹80 ferry cost per person each way + ₹40 for Indian nationals (₹600 for foreigners) + ₹25 for camera

Nashik: Vineyards, Waterfalls, and Ancient History

Within Nashik

1. Sula Vineyards: Walk hand-in-hand through picturesque vineyard landscapes that offer a distinct European vibe without leaving Maharashtra. The rows of grapevines create leading lines that draw focus to you as a couple. Travel Time: 3.5-4 hours from Mumbai Entry Fee: ₹100-500 per person depending on tour options; professional photography permits start at ₹5,000

2. Gangapur Dam: This serene waterfront setting is particularly magical during sunset, with the water reflecting golden and pink hues. Travel Time: 3.5 hours from Mumbai plus 20 minutes from Nashik city center Entry Fee: Free

3. Pandavleni Caves: These ancient Buddhist caves provide a historical backdrop with unique architecture carved into the hillside, offering a sense of timelessness to your photographs. Travel Time: 3.5 hours from Mumbai plus 15 minutes from Nashik city center Entry Fee: ₹25 for Indian nationals (₹300 for foreigners) + ₹25 for camera

4. Someshwar Waterfall: During the monsoon season, this natural waterfall creates a dramatic and romantic setting for couples who love the raw beauty of nature. Travel Time: 3.5 hours from Mumbai plus 30 minutes from Nashik city center Entry Fee: Free

Around Nashik

1. Trimbakeshwar Temple: Just 30 minutes from Nashik, this historic temple offers beautiful architecture and spiritual significance for traditionally-minded couples. Travel Time: 4 hours from Mumbai Entry Fee: Free for temple premises; professional photography inside may require permission

2. Igatpuri: This hill station, with its waterfalls and lush greenery, provides multiple picturesque spots within a short drive from Nashik. Travel Time: 3 hours from Mumbai Entry Fee: Free for most locations; some private resorts offer photoshoot packages for ₹3,000-8,000

3. Bhandardara: The serene lake and Arthur Lake Dam surrounded by hills create perfect reflection shots and panoramic views that showcase the region's natural beauty. Travel Time: 3.5 hours from Mumbai Entry Fee: Free for general areas; boat rides cost ₹200-400 per couple

4. Vaitarna Dam: The combination of water, surrounding hills, and open skies creates a peaceful, expansive backdrop for couples who want to symbolize their boundless love. Travel Time: 3 hours from Mumbai Entry Fee: Free, but permission may be required for professional photography

Pune: Historical Elegance and Natural Splendor

Within Pune

1. Shaniwar Wada: This historic fort, with its intricate architecture, offers a glimpse into Maharashtra's rich cultural heritage. The ornate designs and sprawling grounds provide numerous spots for creative photography. Travel Time: 3-3.5 hours from Mumbai Entry Fee: ₹25 for Indian nationals (₹500 for foreigners) + ₹25 for camera + professional photography permit ₹500-1,000

2. Aga Khan Palace: With its elegant colonial architecture and beautifully manicured gardens, this location offers a sophisticated backdrop that never goes out of style. Travel Time: 3-3.5 hours from Mumbai plus 20 minutes from Pune city center Entry Fee: ₹25 for Indian nationals (₹300 for foreigners) + ₹50 for camera + professional photography permit ₹2,000-5,000

3. Koregaon Park: The tree-lined streets create natural tunnels of green, while the urban cafes and spots add a contemporary vibe to your shoot. Travel Time: 3-3.5 hours from Mumbai plus 30 minutes from Pune city center Entry Fee: Free for public areas; cafes may charge for photography or require minimum consumption

4. Pashan Lake: This serene setting is stunning during the golden hour, with the lake reflecting the sunset colors for dreamy, romantic photos. Travel Time: 3-3.5 hours from Mumbai plus 30 minutes from Pune city center Entry Fee: Free

Around Pune

1. Lavasa: Often called India's Italian town, Lavasa's colorful buildings and European town planning create a unique setting that feels like a destination pre-wedding shoot without leaving Maharashtra. Travel Time: 4 hours from Mumbai Entry Fee: ₹500 entry fee per vehicle + ₹1,000-3,000 for professional photography permit

2. Sinhagad Fort: Just an hour's drive from Pune, this historic fort offers panoramic valley views that create a sense of vastness and beauty, perfect for epic wide shots of you and your partner. Travel Time: 4-4.5 hours from Mumbai Entry Fee: ₹50 per person + ₹20 camera fee

3. Mulshi Dam & Backwaters: The serene water views surrounded by hills provide a peaceful, natural setting away from the city's hustle and bustle. Travel Time: 4 hours from Mumbai Entry Fee: Free for general areas; some private properties charge for access

4. Kamshet: Known for paragliding, this area offers elevated views and open landscapes that symbolize the new heights you'll reach together. Travel Time: 2.5 hours from Mumbai Entry Fee: Free for general areas; some viewpoints on private property may charge ₹50-100 per person

Planning Tips for Your Pre-Wedding Photoshoot

1. Consider the season: Locations like waterfalls shine during monsoon, while hill stations are most beautiful in winter. Plan according to when you'll be shooting.

2. Match the location to your personality: Urban couples might prefer city landmarks, while nature lovers might choose forests or hills.

3. Time of day matters: Most photographers prefer the "golden hours," shortly after sunrise or before sunset, for the most flattering natural light.

4. Permissions and fees:

   • Many historical sites require special photography permits beyond regular entry fees

   • Some locations have different weekday vs. weekend rates

   • Always call ahead to confirm current fees and permit requirements

   • Budget ₹2,000-10,000 for professional photography permits at premium locations

5. Travel logistics:

   • For locations outside Mumbai, consider staying overnight to capture both evening and morning light

   • Account for Mumbai traffic when planning city shoots; early morning sessions often work best

   • Some remote locations may require 4x4 vehicles during monsoon season

6. Outfit coordination: Consider how your outfits will look against your chosen backdrop. Bright colors pop against natural settings while subtle tones work well in urban environments.

Conclusion

Maharashtra's diverse landscapes offer something for every couple's pre-wedding photoshoot dreams—from the glamorous city backdrops of Mumbai to the vineyard romance of Nashik and the historical elegance of Pune. Whether you're looking for seaside romance, historical grandeur, or natural serenity, these locations provide the perfect canvas for telling your unique love story.

With proper planning around travel times, entry fees, and photography permits, your pre-wedding shoot can be as smooth as it is memorable. Remember, the best photographs capture genuine moments between you two, so choose a location where you both feel comfortable and can be yourselves. After all, your authentic connection is what will truly make your pre-wedding photos timeless treasures.