The new aesthetic for pre-wedding shoots in India

When it comes to pre-wedding shoots, couples are choosing centuries-old forts, palaces, temples, stairwells and mostly forgotten historical sites. These monumental sites are the new aesthetic for urban couples, offering a mix of history with Instagram-worthy pictures. “It is magical to capture new beginnings in old, historic places where love is blossoming against a backdrop that has stood the test of time,” says Diya M, a Kolkata-based wedding planner.Social media platforms like Instagram and travel blogs help people discover underrated heritage sites and turn them into beautiful backdrops for memorable pictures. According to reports, geotagged Instagram posts can increase visits to these sites by 4-8 per cent monthly, thereby boosting community belonging. “There is a clear shift happening. Couples don’t just want pictures; they want photos to feel like a story. Heritage sites add cinematic quality and make the shoot feel personal and timeless,” says Nisha Kapoor, a Bengaluru-based wedding planner. Pre-wedding shoots at heritage locations cost approximately ₹50,000-90,000, while shoots at a beach, local parks, or restaurants cost ₹15,000-35,000 (approx.)  Reportedly, 31 per cent of Indian couples are willing to spend more than ₹10 lakh, highlighting the demand for luxurious and ‘curated wedding experiences’ Neemrana Fort, Rajasthan Bara Imambara, Lucknow Hampi, Karnataka Princep Ghat, Kolkata Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad Agrasen ki Baoli, Delhi