Ethical photography and permits
A good frame is worth it. Good manners matter more.
Every couple wants a setting that says something about them. Bangalore offers misty lakes, granite heritage buildings, painted lanes and quiet quarries. What most couples don't realise is that many of these spots need written permission for a professional shoot.
Below you'll find ten locations we shoot at regularly. For each one we've listed the best timing, the permit you'll need, and what to keep in mind so you and your photographer leave no trace. Prices and rules do change, so treat this as a starting point, not the final word.
In a nutshell
Ten Bangalore locations that work for a pre-wedding shoot, with practical permission notes for each. Book early mornings or golden hour for the best light. Always get the permit in writing before the shoot day.
- Church Street -painted walls, best 7 to 9 AM
- Hesaraghatta Lake -migratory birds, 6:30 to 8:30 AM
- Vidhana Soudha -early morning 6 to 7 AM avoids crowds
- Quarry Sunset Point -golden hour, inform local panchayat first
- Madiwala Lake -misty mornings, permission from the Lake Authority
- ZEN Park, Nagarbhavi -meditation zone, written BBMP permission only
- Jayanagar Parks -close to the metro, BBMP permit required
- Bannerghatta Hill -butterfly park, forest department permit
- MG Road -urban night vibe, police nod for tripods
- Your own home or society garden -zero travel, RWA consent needed
01 Church Street -painted walls and city energy
Best time: 7 to 9 AM for soft light and empty streets. Permission: the sidewalk is public, so no permit needed, but talk to the cafes if you want interior shots. Keep in mind: no loud music, keep tripod legs off walkways, and don't block shop entrances.
02 Hesaraghatta Lake -still water and winter birds
Built in 1894, this reservoir pulls in more than thirty thousand migratory birds between November and February. The rocky shoreline gives clean reflections and a naturally diffused light in the morning. Permission: forest and tourism department. Keep in mind: no drones, stay fifty metres away from nesting areas, and carry every piece of trash back with you.
03 Vidhana Soudha -heritage stone, empty at dawn
Early morning is the simplest time to shoot here. The area is quiet, so you won't interfere with government work or daily foot traffic. On Sunday evenings the floodlights make for dramatic night shots, but you will need a tripod. Permission: Bangalore City Police approval for professional gear. Keep in mind: no blocking roads, no disrupting pedestrians.
04 Quarry Sunset Point, Muddayyanapalya -golden hour drama
A hidden spot with white rock formations and green water. The colour window is short, so arrive early and scout your frame in advance. Permission: inform the local panchayat before any commercial shoot. Keep in mind: stay at least ten feet from the quarry edge, carry all trash out, and avoid weekends when the area gets crowded.
05 Madiwala Lake, BTM Layout -quiet water in the middle of the city
Restored in 2016, the lake now hosts over three hundred resident egrets and herons. Misty mornings give a soft, painterly look that photographs well. Permission: Lake Development Authority. Keep in mind: stay on the walking path, don't feed the birds, and keep voices low.
06 ZEN Park, Nagarbhavi -a meditation zone, not a set
The Japanese-themed garden does not allow professional pre-wedding shoots without written BBMP permission. Even when permission is granted, keep the group small, avoid blocking pathways, and go with silence. This is a place people come to sit with themselves. Treat it that way.
07 Jayanagar Parks -green pockets near the metro
Two of the better spots here are B.N. Vijayakumar Park and the mini forest next to it. Both work well for a half-shoot before moving somewhere bigger. Best time: 6:30 to 8:30 AM. Permission: BBMP permit. Keep in mind: stay on the walking tracks, don't climb trees, and give way to morning walkers who were here before you.
08 Bannerghatta Hill -butterfly park and quiet hillside
India's first butterfly park opened here in 2006 and it's still the standout feature. The surrounding hills give you forest light without needing to trek far. Permission: forest department. Keep in mind: no flash around animals, stay on marked trails, and don't litter.
09 MG Road -an urban night backdrop
Shoot early morning between 7 and 9 AM or after 7 PM. The mix of glass facades and streetlights gives you something that feels closer to editorial than wedding. Permission: tripods on public footpaths may need a police nod. Keep in mind: don't block shop entrances, watch for traffic, and be aware of the crowds after dark.
10 A spot near you -your terrace, your garden, your street
Your terrace, a society garden, or a tree-lined avenue near your home. This is often the spot couples remember most because it's where they actually live. Permission: a written NOC from the RWA or local municipality usually covers it. Keep in mind: shoot on weekdays between 10 AM and 5 PM, let neighbours know, keep music off, and clean up before you leave.
What to wear, by season and location
| Season | Months | What works | Small tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | March to May | Cotton, linen, pastel tones | Carry a mini fan and blotting paper |
| Monsoon | June to September | Quick-dry fabrics, colourful umbrellas | A clear umbrella makes rain look intentional |
| Winter | October to February | Layers, light jackets, earthy tones | Velvet or faux fur adds texture without bulk |
Golden hour and lighting, in plain terms
The golden hour is the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. The light is warm, directional and soft on faces. Overcast days act like a giant softbox and give even skin tones without much fuss. If you're shooting against backlight, a silver reflector bounces light back into the shadows. Avoid the flat midday sun between 10 AM and 3 PM. If you can't avoid it, find open shade under a tree and work there.
A recent pre-wedding shoot in Bangalore
Frequently asked questions
Cost and packages
A pre-wedding photoshoot in Bangalore costs between Rs 15,000 and Rs 75,000 depending on duration, locations and deliverables. Our packages start at Rs 25,000 for a four-hour, single-location shoot with 100 edited images. Full-day, multi-location shoots with a printed album run between Rs 40,000 and Rs 65,000.
A standard pre-wedding package includes a planning call, on-location photography for a fixed number of hours, professional editing, and delivery of high-resolution images through a private online gallery. Our packages also include location guidance and outfit change time. Printed albums and extra shoot hours are available as add-ons.
Yes. Locations inside Bangalore city limits are included in the package. For destinations outside the city, such as Nandi Hills, Coorg or Chikmagalur, we charge a travel fee that covers fuel, driver stay and photographer accommodation. We quote this upfront so there are no surprises.
We ask for a 30 percent advance to confirm the date and lock the photographer. The rest is split into two parts, half on the shoot day and half when the edited images are delivered. UPI, bank transfer and card payments are accepted.
Not with us. The quote covers photographer fees, editing and standard travel within Bangalore. Location entry fees, government permits and additional hours beyond the package are extra and quoted before booking. We list these upfront in the proposal.
Planning your shoot
Book at least four to six weeks ahead for regular dates. For peak season from October to February, book eight to ten weeks ahead. Popular photographers in Bangalore sell out during this window, and last-minute bookings usually mean limited location and time slots.
Two to three locations in a day is comfortable. Bangalore traffic makes anything more rushed and stressful. A typical plan starts at a park or lake at sunrise, moves to an urban or heritage spot mid-morning, and ends at a rooftop or terrace for golden hour.
The two best windows are 6:30 to 8:30 AM right after sunrise and 5:30 to 6:30 PM during golden hour. Midday between 10 AM and 3 PM gives harsh, flat light and is best avoided. Overcast afternoons work surprisingly well because the clouds act as a giant softbox.
A standard pre-wedding shoot runs four to six hours including travel time between locations. Full-day shoots run eight to ten hours. Half-day options of two to three hours work for couples who want just one location and a smaller set of images.
Yes. We share a shortlist of locations based on your outfit, style and the time of year. If you have a specific spot in mind, we scout it in advance to check light direction, crowd levels and permit requirements. This saves a full day of trial and error.
Choosing a location
The ten we shoot at most often are Church Street, Hesaraghatta Lake, Vidhana Soudha, Quarry Sunset Point, Madiwala Lake, ZEN Park Nagarbhavi, Jayanagar Parks, Bannerghatta Hill, MG Road, and your own terrace or society garden. Each one works best at a specific time of day and needs a different level of permission.
Public streets, footpaths and most open plazas do not need a formal permit for a small two-person shoot without tripods or lighting. Church Street sidewalks, MG Road pavement and residential streets usually fall into this category. National parks, lakes managed by the Lake Authority and protected gardens all need prior written approval.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park and the Jayanagar mini forest are the three strongest green locations in Bangalore. Lalbagh needs a permit from the horticulture department. Cubbon Park allows small shoots in the early morning. Jayanagar parks need BBMP permission and work well for a short session.
MG Road, Vidhana Soudha on Sunday evenings, and rooftop terraces work best for night shoots. MG Road has the strongest light and a city feel. Vidhana Soudha is floodlit on Sundays. Rooftops with fairy lights and a skyline view give a more private, controlled setup.
Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore Palace, Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace and the Bangalore Fort area are the four heritage spots we recommend most. Vidhana Soudha needs police permission. Bangalore Palace is a ticketed venue with a photography fee. Tipu Sultan's Palace and the Fort work better for smaller, quieter shoots.
Weather and season
October to February is the best window. Temperatures stay between 15 and 28 degrees, skies are clear, and the morning and evening light is soft. June to September brings rain but also dramatic skies for couples who want moody photos. March to May is hot and best avoided unless you shoot indoors.
Yes, and many couples do. Monsoon shoots work if you plan around short showers, use umbrellas as props and pick a location with covered areas nearby. Clear umbrellas photograph well and wet ground reflects light beautifully. We keep an indoor backup option ready for every monsoon shoot.
Bangalore weather can turn quickly. If rain is forecast we can shift to a nearby indoor venue such as a heritage bungalow, a studio or a covered courtyard, or move the shoot to another day that works for you. Your deposit stays valid either way and there is no rescheduling fee.
Permissions and rules
It depends on the location. Public streets and open plazas are usually fine for a small two-person shoot. Lakes, gardens, heritage buildings and government properties need written permission from the relevant authority. Vidhana Soudha needs police approval. Madiwala and Hesaraghatta need lake or forest department permits.
Security staff can stop the shoot, ask you to leave, and in some cases file a complaint. Authorities at Vidhana Soudha and BBMP-managed parks are strict about this. It is not worth risking a fine or a spoiled day. Always confirm the rule before the shoot and get any approval in writing.
Drone use is restricted in most of Bangalore. No-fly zones cover the airport, defence areas, Vidhana Soudha and the central business district. Flying without a permit can lead to confiscation and legal action. We do not use drones for pre-wedding shoots inside city limits and will advise you on what is legal for the specific location.
Style and preparation
Most couples get the best result from a mix. We shoot candid frames during movement and conversation, and pose a smaller set of portraits for family and framing. The candid shots usually end up being the ones you print, while the posed shots give you clean images for invitations and social media.
Get a full night's sleep, avoid alcohol the day before and eat a proper meal before you leave home. Bring a small bag with touch-up makeup, blotting paper, a change of clothes and comfortable shoes for walking between spots. Reach the first location ten minutes early so you are settled before the light is right.
Two or three outfits work well for a four to six hour shoot. Start with something formal such as a lehenga or a suit, switch to coordinated western wear for the middle section, and end with a flowy outfit for golden hour. Changing takes about twenty minutes each time, so plan the day around that.
We do not include a makeup artist in the package, but we can recommend two or three freelancers in Bangalore who work well with our style. On-location makeup and hair styling usually adds Rs 6,000 to Rs 15,000 depending on the look. Many couples hire an artist for the first two hours and do touch-ups themselves after.
Deliverables and turnaround
Edited images are delivered within two to three weeks. A preview set of ten to fifteen images is usually shared within three days after the shoot for social media use. If you have a deadline such as an invitation design or a family event, mention it when booking and we will prioritise accordingly.
Our packages include 100 edited images for a four-hour shoot, 200 for a six-hour shoot and 300 or more for a full-day shoot. You receive additional unedited frames as well, but the quoted number refers to the retouched, high-resolution set delivered in your gallery.
We do not deliver RAW files as a standard part of the package. RAW files are unprocessed originals and are not meant for sharing or printing in that state. If you need them for a specific reason, such as handing off to a family editor, we can discuss a separate arrangement.
Yes. Our Royal Story package includes a ten-page premium album. Standalone albums can be added to any package and start at Rs 8,000 for a twenty-page hardbound book. We design the layout, share a proof for approval and deliver the album within four weeks of sign-off.
Booking and cancellation
Cancellations more than fifteen days before the shoot receive a full refund minus the booking fee. Cancellations within seven days forfeit the advance. Rescheduling is free if you inform us at least three days in advance, and we try to keep the same photographer on the new date.
We inform you immediately and offer two options. Either a backup photographer from our team takes over with the same brief and equipment, or we reschedule at no cost to you. This has happened only twice in the last three years and both couples chose to reschedule.
Yes. Location changes are free up to seven days before the shoot. If the new location is more than twenty kilometres from the original, or needs a paid permit we had not quoted for, we share a revised estimate. Small shifts within the same area usually have no cost impact.
Location-specific questions
Permission from Bangalore City Police is mandatory. Early morning between 6 and 7 AM is best because the area is quiet. Tripods and professional gear need written approval.
Only with written permission from BBMP. Even then, keep the group small, no music, no blocking of pathways. This is a meditation zone and the rules are enforced.
Between 6:30 and 8:30 AM, especially November through February when migratory birds are present. Permission from the forest department is usually needed. Weekdays are quieter.
Yes, from the Lake Development Authority. Shoots using reflectors or tripods need prior approval. Entry is ten rupees per person.
Inform the local panchayat before any commercial shoot. Stay at least ten feet from the edges, carry all trash out and avoid weekends when it gets crowded.
Always confirm with the local authority before your visit. This guide is informational. Rules change, and permits are the couple's responsibility to verify.
Pre-wedding packages
Three ways to work with us. Every package includes a planning call, a location recommendation based on your date and the weather, and edited files delivered within two weeks.
| Package | Coverage | Deliverables | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essentials | 4 hours, 1 location | 100+ edited images | Rs 25,000 |
| Romance | 6 hours, 2 locations | 200+ edited images, pre-shoot consultation | Rs 40,000 |
| Royal Story | Full day, 3 locations | 300+ edited images, consultation, 10-page album | Rs 65,000 |
All prices are subject to location permits and travel. For dates in October through February we recommend booking at least six weeks ahead.