Cotswolds Pre Wedding Shoot

Cotswold pre-wedding shoots

Getting engaged is such a special time! With so much to plan and organise a pre-wedding shoot is a great way for couple to relax and celebrate together. The perfect setting for capturing the most beautiful photographs has to be The Cotswolds. Running through five counties this part of the world oozes romance and is quintessentially British. Narrowing down my favourite locations in was pretty tricky, but here they are…

Castle Combe 

It’s impossible to talk about the Cotswolds without immediately thinking of pretty villages with golden stone houses and charming winding lanes. Set in the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Castle Combe’s main street is the perfect place to take an evening stroll for your Cotswolds pre wedding shoot.

And, if you’re looking for a Cotswolds wedding photographer and want some venue inspiration do check out the link.

Bourton-on-the-Water

One of the great things about the Cotswolds is you’re never far from a stream or a river. So there are bridges aplenty! At beautiful Bourton-on-the-Water there are four that span the River Windrush, so you will be spoilt for choice. So it’s not surprising that the village has become known as ‘The Venice of the Cotswolds’. It’s a must for a Cotswold pre-wedding shoot.

Bibury

A favourite of British designer and artist William Blake, Bibury is a beautiful setting. 14th century weavers cottages sit alongside The River Coln and a meadow. It’s a wonderful spot to explore on a summer’s evening. 

Cotswold Water Park

150 lakes over 40 square miles The Cotswold Water Park this place is huge! It’s the perfect location to relax and get some stunning shots. The area is also a haven for all sorts of wildlife including birds and butterflies. So you never know what we might see!

Westonbirt , The National Arboretum

One of the most natural and breathtaking places in the Cotswolds has to be Westonbirt. On a hot summers day its the coolest place in the Cotswolds to relax ahead of your big day.  Spring time it comes alive with fresh colours and birdsong. In Autumn Westonbirt is just as breathtaking, with burnt orange leaves and stunning light. The perfect place for some leaf throwing.

Bath

Of course the Cotswolds is not just about the countryside and villages. The city of Bath and its Georgian architecture are a perfect backdrop for your pre-wedding shoot stroll. The Circus is one of my favourite spots in the city. Of course The Royal Cresent is one of the most iconic areas and is a must see. Even just walking down the main street makes for some great shots. The fantastic thing about Bath is its surrounded by beautiful countryside and hills. Bathwick Hill is a prime position to check out the regency city. Why not bring a picnic and enjoy the skyline views.

Bristol

Bath’s nearby neighbour Bristol also makes the list. The cobbled streets of Clifton are a sweet spot for a wander and perhaps an ice-cream. Then head up to The Clifton Suspension Bridge for sunset and some great views of the Avon Gorge. For old meets new then head to The Harbourside. The former docks has got a great vibe and is one of my favourite places to hang out with my family. Take the chance to chill out by the waterfront before your big day. Bristol shouldn’t really be on my ‘Cotswolds pre wedding shoot’ list but it’s very close by. You can see some of my favourite photos from Bristol here.

Sudeley Castle and Gardens

Sudeley Castle and Gardens is a gem of the Cotswolds. Dating back to the 15th century this ancient castle is the perfect backdrop for a pre-wedding shoot. Framed by the rolling Cotswold Hills there are ten different gardens to explore. The Secret Garden was created to celebrate the marriage of the castles’ owners. So the ideal spot for your pre-wedding photoshoot. With 85 different varieties of roses grown in the gardens and more than two thousand tulips, you might even find some inspiration for your wedding bouquet.

Broadway Tower 

If you’ve got a head for heights,Broadway Tower in Worcestershire will give you one of the best views of the Cotswolds. The views from the top are spectacular! Known as the highest little castle in the Cotswolds, on a clear day you can see up to 16 counties. 

Lavender Fields

You might be mistaken in thinking I’ve taken you to Provence but no we are still in the Cotswolds! There is nothing more romantic than a pre-wedding summer shoot in the Lavender fields. You can see more from Chris and Regine’s Lavender field shoot in the Cotswolds right here. 

Fields of Gold

Nothing shows off the Cotswolds better than beautiful fields in the rolling countryside. A summer time must for your pre-shoot has to be a sunset shoot. A perfect end to the day!