Since the start of 2020, COVID-19 has disrupted a lot of our plans, including our travel ones. Because of the travel restrictions, many couples have either had to postpone their pre-wedding photoshoots overseas or just scrap the whole shoot entirely. I can only imagine the amount of disappointment they must have felt when they had to cancel their plans. They had to say goodbye to those dreamy shots taken amongst the fields of New Zealand, or in the enchanted forests of Germany.
But, what if I tell you that Singapore has places where you can take similar photos?
Our little island city actually has many beautiful spots where you can take your pre-wedding photos, some of which might be comparable to those that you can find overseas.
1. Singapore Botanic Gardens
If you’ve ever done a photography course in Singapore before, you will know that the Botanic Gardens is one of the best locations for outdoor photoshoots, and it is easy to see why. With 82 acres of land and over 60,000 species of flora and fauna, you get photo opportunities around every corner. For this reason, it is not uncommon to see many couples dressed in their full wedding attire scattered all over the Gardens taking their pre-wedding photos.
The most iconic landmark of the Botanic Gardens is arguably the fairy-tale-like white gazebo, otherwise known as the Bandstand. It is a favourite photo spot for many couples because of the picturesque Yellow Rain Trees surrounding it — the ring of yellow-leaved trees adds to the allure of the Bandstand, allowing for many beautiful and dreamy photos to be captured.
For those that prefer a quieter and more intimate location, you can try the Swan Lake Gazebo, which has a more vintage look as compared to the Bandstand. If you’re lucky enough, your photos might even feature some feathery friends!
2. Grasslands at Lakeside Garden
Lalang fields have been a popular choice amongst couples looking for a romantic photoshoot. While you can still visit the Punggol lalang field, the one at Tuas is no longer open to the public. But, no need to worry Westies, taking its place is the new lalang field at Jurong Lakeside Garden, so you won’t have to travel across the country for your photoshoot!
This mildly hilly area is covered in a sea of lalang, perfect for capturing photos with that soft, dreamy look that you might be looking for. Go ahead and frolic among the lalang while your photographer shoots away. The area is quite big, so you won’t have to worry about having other people appear in your photos.
There is also the popular “Lone Tree”, which stands out in the midst of the lalang. With its rust-like colour, it contrasts sharply with the soft, light-coloured tendrils of the lalang.
Try heading down during the golden hour and watch as the setting sun bathes the entire lalang field in a golden hue, giving your photos an additional warm and glowy effect.
3. Coney Island
Another go-to location for local couples embarking on their pre-wedding shoots, Coney Island is the perfect location if you’re aiming for a fairy-tale-themed pre-wedding shoot. Hidden away from the bustling city chaos, the tranquility of the park gives one the feeling that they’ve been transported to another world.
This little island has a lot to offer: picturesque lalang fields, wooden canopies, and even five quiet beaches. The lush forest is especially popular; with the tall trees and dense foliage, pictures taken here will make it seem like you and your partner are traversing the woods in a Grimm’s fairy tale.
Whatever backdrop you choose, the pictures will definitely have that dreamy, ethereal vibe to them.
4. Seletar North Link
Not too far from Coney Island is another photo spot favored by nature-lovers: Seletar North Link. Like Coney Island, this location offers multiple different backdrops for you to choose from.
In particular, many couples choose to take their photos on the bridge that connects the 2 reclaimed islands of Punggol Barat Island and Punggol Timor Island. From this spot, you get a clear view of the reservoir, flanked by lush greenery.
This place looks like it’s straight out of a postcard or painting: the still waters reflect the surrounding greenery and even the clouds in the sky, lending an air of tranquillity to your photos.
Tip: stand in the middle of the bridge so that the water and greenery are nicely balanced on both sides, forming a symmetrical image. This will help draw attention to the main subject of the photo: you and your partner!
5. Canterbury Road
Last but not least is Canterbury Road. This place has become a famous spot in recent years for being one of the best locations in Singapore to take sunset photos.
Since the best pre-wedding photos are ones that showcase your natural expressions and real emotions, try not to think so much and just enjoy basking in the golden hues of the setting sun with your loved one. The green open field is a great spot for photo opportunities: you can run around, lay down on the grass or just stand there relishing a moment with your partner.
Regardless of what you choose to do, your photos will definitely look magical with the help of the golden hour (and your photographer’s skills).
Alternatively, if you find the open field to be too crowded, you can venture beyond the winding path below the slope to find what looks like a hidden bamboo forest.
Conclusion
And there you have it, 5 spots for you to take your dreamy and romantic pre-wedding photos.
It’s best if you and your partner do a recce while planning locations for your photo shoot so that you know what to expect, and look for alternative locations if necessary. Don’t forget to bring along a friend who knows how to work a camera and has some basic understanding of key photography terms, so that they can help you take some photos.
This will allow you to better visualise what sort of photos you’ll be able to take at that particular location. At the same time, you can try out some poses with your partner, so that you will not be so stiff or awkward in front of the camera on the day of the actual shoot.
Alternatively, you can bring your own tripod and set it up a distance away from you and your partner, and use a remote control to control the camera.
MAD School's professional photography course is also recently named by Study Ramen as one of the top photography courses in Singapore in 2021!
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