Pre-wedding and bridal shoots are different sessions
Both happen away from the wedding events themselves, which is why they are priced as sessions rather than per event. But they are planned differently, and knowing which one you want makes quotes easier to compare.
Prices for pre-wedding and bridal sessions are rarely published in Lahore and vary widely, so rather than quote ranges we cannot source, this guide shows how our sessions are structured, what our wedding packages cost, and how to compare any quote.
| Session | Who it is for | What it usually involves |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-wedding / engagement | The couple together | A relaxed session of about two hours at golden hour, on a rooftop, in a garden or in a studio; often used for save-the-dates and invitations |
| Bridal (dulhan) shoot | The bride | Editorial portraits of two to three hours in the bridal outfit and jewellery, with outfit and set changes, retouched to print quality |
| Shoot with a short film | Couples who want motion too | The same session with a 30–60 second couple film delivered alongside the photos |
What actually changes your quote
Roughly in order of how much they move the number:
- —Session length — a two-hour couple session and a two-to-three-hour bridal shoot with several looks are different amounts of time on set.
- —Outfits and looks — each change needs time for dressing, styling checks and new light.
- —Locations — one spot is quick; moving between a heritage site, a garden and a studio adds travel and set-up time.
- —Venue permissions — some heritage and managed venues charge their own entry or shoot fees, which sit outside the photographer's price.
- —Retouching — skin, jewellery and fabric detail on a bridal portrait take longer than a natural couple frame.
- —Hair and makeup — usually booked with your own artist; confirm whether it is part of the quote or separate.
- —Video — adding a short couple film adds a videographer and edit time.
- —Prints and albums — digital delivery is standard; framed prints and albums are usually extra (our Heirloom wedding package includes a printed album).
Basil Studios wedding photography packages
We publish starting prices for wedding coverage so you can plan before you message anyone. None of these includes a pre-wedding or bridal session; the session is added to your wedding package or booked on its own, and either way its quote is confirmed the same day on WhatsApp and reflects your session length, locations and dates.
| Package | Price | Works out to | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | From PKR 65,000 | per event | Couples celebrating a single key event — Nikah, Mehndi, or Baraat. |
| Signature | From PKR 165,000 | two events · two photographers | Couples wanting cohesive coverage of the two biggest events of their wedding. |
| Heirloom | From PKR 385,000 | full multi-day wedding · photo + film | Couples planning a multi-day wedding who want every moment archived in heirloom-grade frames. |
Standalone session or part of your wedding package?
Booking the shoot with your wedding coverage means the same team sees you before the big day, learns your best angles and plans the event shot list with you. Our Signature package includes a pre-wedding consultation call and Heirloom includes two, so adding the shoot to either is a natural fit.
A standalone session makes sense if your wedding photographer is already booked elsewhere, or if you only want bridal portraits or save-the-date images. For the wedding events themselves, see the wedding photography price guide linked below.
What to confirm in writing
Whoever you hire, ask for these before you pay a holding fee:
- —How long the session is, and how many outfit or location changes it covers.
- —How many retouched images you receive, and by when.
- —Who arranges and pays for venue permissions or entry fees.
- —Whether hair and makeup, props or a stylist are included.
- —Whether a short couple film can be added, and what it delivers.
- —What happens if weather or light forces a reschedule.
- —Whether travel outside Lahore is included or added on top.
When to book and plan the shoot
If the images are for invitations or save-the-dates, shoot early enough to leave time for design and printing. November to February is Lahore's busy wedding season, so weekend dates in those months go first. Golden-hour sessions depend on sunset, so plan outfits and locations around the light rather than the clock.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a pre-wedding shoot cost in Lahore?
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It depends on session length, outfits and locations. At Basil Studios a standalone pre-wedding session is quoted the same day on WhatsApp, and most couples add it to a wedding package, which starts from PKR 65,000 for one event.
Is a pre-wedding or bridal shoot included in a wedding package?
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No. Our wedding packages cover the wedding events; the pre-wedding or bridal session is quoted separately, whether you add it to your package or book it on its own.
Who pays venue fees for the shoot?
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Some heritage and managed venues charge their own entry or shoot fees, which sit outside the photographer's price. Confirm in writing who arranges and pays for them before the day.
Can I add the shoot to my wedding package?
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Yes. Couples often add it to Signature at PKR 165,000 or Heirloom at PKR 385,000, which include pre-wedding planning calls (the shoot itself is quoted on top). It can also be booked as a standalone session.
Does adding a short couple film change the price?
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Yes. A 30–60 second couple film adds a videographer and edit time, so it is quoted with the session and delivered alongside the photos.