Today’s nuptials are celebrated in a few ways, but the joy of presenting pre-wedding shoot photos to guests has become a quintessential part of almost every wedding event now – whether shared as prelude photos at the wedding reception or played out as vignettes on screen during the event. 

Pre- and post-wedding photography pictures come in a variety of styles – dreamy takes at flowering gardens, romantic poses at stunning monuments, or playful re-enactments and candid shots at the place they first met. However they are taken, these photos are a way for the couple to share about themselves as well as their precious moments and love stories in a compelling, visual way.

So, when deciding on photoshoot ideas in the city-state of Singapore, where do you go for these pre-wedding and wedding photos? Unsurprisingly, being brought up in a concrete jungle, most locals will prefer photoshoot locations that are more nature-centric. The tropical climate has offered us the ideal space for lush greenery and flora, but finding an unadulterated piece of green can be challenging.

Other than the obvious sites at Gardens by the Bay and the UNESCO-listed Botanic Gardens, we ask seasoned wedding photographer Jeffery Koh for some of his secret spots to get the perfect bride and groom photo shots in Singapore.

Wedding photoshoot location #1. Upper Peirce Reservoir Park

Right at the heart of Singapore, in the Central Water Catchment area, is the serene paradise that is Upper Peirce Reservoir Park. While it used to be one large reservoir in the past, a dam was constructed in 1970 to enlarge the catchment. This created both the upper and lower sections we know today, of which the Lower Peirce Reservoir is the more popular of the two for its accessibility.

A wedding couple standing apart looks at each other with their arms outstretched as they bask in the scenery in front of the reservoir at dawn. A wedding couple standing apart looks at each other with their arms outstretched as they bask in the scenery in front of the reservoir at dawn.

We would be as excited as this couple when seeing how beautiful Upper Peirce Reservoir Park is at dawn. Photo credit: Jeffery Koh Photography

However, if you’re looking for stretches of uninterrupted forest set against blue skies and reflective waters, then Jeffery suggests taking the effort to visit the upper sections. With the nearest public transport stopping at least 30 minutes away, this makes the Upper Peirce less visited – and thus more tranquil.

For the self-conscious couple, the lack of human traffic makes for an easier photoshoot in crowded Singapore, while enjoying free play with the green surroundings at your own time. The only curious onlookers might be the occasional monkey, but otherwise the other living creatures you’ll see are often birds, dragonflies and a surfacing fish.

Jeffery recommends this spot for sunrise and golden hour lovers, when the light sets off a canvas of colour in the sky and waters, providing the couple a mesmerising backdrop for their wedding shoot in Singapore. Those timings also provide a cooler temperature for exploring choice spots, and the morning mist makes for dreamy results of picturesque shots.

Wedding photoshoot location #2. Coney Island

No it’s not THAT Coney Island in the United States. Singapore’s very own twin version sits off the waters of Punggol, and became a huge hit soon after it opened to the public for its unusual temperate-looking setting.

A groom holds his bride from the back at dawn as they gaze at the waters with soft trees in the background. A groom holds his bride from the back at dawn as they gaze at the waters with soft trees in the background.

Be transported with the right light and right trees at Coney Island. Photo credit: Jeffery Koh Photography

This is largely thanks to the casuarina trees in the area, blanketing the area with a soft natural filter courtesy of their soft-needled leaves. Not only does it bestow a dramatic effect with the sunlight peeking through the trees as they move, but the shade makes this a more comfortable venue for photoshoot ideas. Best of all, the nature reserve has small quirky features like a leafy arch and a log playground that makes for interesting photo setups and candid moments.

Other than the rustic charm, Jeffery also likes the combination of scenes from small beaches and the forest on the island. One can easily capture soft wedding shots of the flowy forest in the wind, coupled with leafy mangrove shots by the waters. Since the island is facing offshore island Pulau Ubin, you’ll also not have any large ships in the background marring your close-up shots.

Although timing is not as important to get good wedding pictures of your special moments here, Jeffery says couples who love sunrise shots like this place the most. It leaves you plenty of time to include additional wedding photos at Punggol Waterway Park nearby.

Wedding photoshoot location #3. East Coast Park

Because it is so popular with over seven million visitors a year, sometimes East Coast Park is overlooked as a photoshoot venue when brainstorming for your Singapore wedding photos. In actual fact, with its 15km coastline, the park has plenty of features that can serve as the perfect backdrop for photoshoot ideas.

A wedding couple with five groomsmen and 5 bridesmaids stand in a file under a giant tree. A wedding couple with five groomsmen and 5 bridesmaids stand in a file under a giant tree.

The scale of the trees at East Coast Park are also great for group wedding shots. Photo credit: Jeffery Koh Photography

Other than the breakwaters, Jeffery also picks out majestic old trees as beautiful backdrops that are good for wedding shots. Because so many of the businesses have operated here for a long time, it is also a great idea to feature them for those looking to include some nostalgia in their pictures. 

While some of the classics like McDonald’s and Big Splash are no more, there are still iconic towers and hawkers like the East Coast Lagoon Food Village that can still ring in older times. Just take your time to explore down the stretch during your recce trip to see what appeals to you – the logistics are made all the more simpler with the plentiful parking options.

Wedding photoshoot location #4. Chijmes

Switching things up a bit, Jeffery suggests the iconic Chijmes as the next venue for a wedding photoshoot in Singapore. Made famous by the moving wedding scene in the movie Crazy Rich Asians, the compound can be your romantic playground with clever camera play.

A wedding couple looks at each other, smiling in front of one of Chijmes’ cathedral facades. A wedding couple looks at each other, smiling in front of one of Chijmes’ cathedral facades.

Whether casual or formal, the stately Chijmes adds instant glamour with its distinctive modern architecture.

With its distinctively colonial architecture design, the photographer feels that the complex, which was once a Catholic convent and school, is best suited for those who love their classic marriage shots. The historic chapel itself is of course a highlight: built in 1904 in an Anglo-French Gothic style, featuring intricate plasterwork, wall frescoes and Belgian stained glass windows that catch the light beautifully.

Even outdoors, the compound makes for very versatile photoshoots. With iron wrought staircases, green lawns and a bevy of chic restaurants at your disposal, the afternoon can be well-spent creating a plethora of aesthetic Singapore wedding pictures.

Feeling the heat? Bring along a portable fan and wet wipes to cool down. Don’t forget to also wear sunscreen to protect your skin and touch up your make-up to get the best shots.

Wedding photoshoot location #5. Seletar Aerospace Park

With Seletar Airport’s history as Singapore’s first airport, albeit a military one, it exudes a colonial, old world nostalgic feel. Dotted with refurbished colonial houses, your wedding shots here will have a timeless historic charm to them. With lush vegetation, rolling lawns, and an untouched natural setting, photos here have an ease to them that can bring out an elegant intimacy.

To add some variety to your couple photoshoot, the area also has a unique aviation-themed playground as well as the beautifully-landscaped Hampstead Wetlands Park that has observation decks and boardwalks for some scenic views.

A wedding couple on a lawn standing in front of a colonial bungalow in an outdoor location. A wedding couple on a lawn standing in front of a colonial bungalow in an outdoor location.

The historic bungalows in this area give wedding shots a timeless appeal.

For a touch of flair, book a dinner at The Summerhouse in its garden dome and create some beautiful shots with fairy lights and all. Then sit back, relax, and tuck into a well-deserved, delicious farm-to-table meal with the love of your life.

Strike those cute couple poses at these wedding photoshoot locations in Singapore

Asking yourself where you can take a wedding photoshoot in Singapore? As small as it is, the Lion City is still able to turn up surprising spots for fresh ideas if you look hard enough. 

And as the above examples show, even the island’s green offerings can show up differently with its diverse trees, structures, and lighting. Do also check out Jewel Changi Airport, one of the most instagrammable places in Singapore, for a photoshoot. Or head to the different terminals at Changi Airport for that perfect couple shot. 

We hope this sparks inspiration for your own Singapore wedding photoshoot, and help you create beautiful lasting memories in the garden city.

 

 

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