How Much Does a Pre-Wedding Shoot Cost in Mumbai ? Your Ultimate Guide

Are you planning a pre-wedding shoot in Mumbai but unsure what a “good” budget actually looks like? With quotes ranging from budget-friendly freelancers to high-end production houses, the confusion is real. Finding an accurate pre wedding photoshoot price in Mumbai can feel like a guessing game.

Here is the reality: Most professional shoots fall into the ₹20,000 to ₹1,50,000+ range. But what do you actually get for that price?

In this ultimate guide, we decode the costs. From location permits to crew charges, we explain exactly where your money goes and how to secure the best pre-wedding packages in Mumbai that fit your vision and wallet.

The Average Cost of a Pre-Wedding Shoot in Mumbai: At a Glance

To help you plan quickly, here is a comparison of what you get at different price points.

1. Budget-Friendly Packages (₹20,000 – ₹40,000)

Best For: Couples who want clean portraits and a few candid moments without complex logistics, drones, or cinematic films.

• What to Expect: A single lead photographer for roughly 3–4 hours.
• Locations: Usually 1–2 public locations that are close to each other (e.g., Ballard Estate and Asiatic Library).
• Deliverables: 40–80 edited photos with basic color correction. Video is usually not included, or limited to a simple phone/gimbal reel.

Pro Tip: At this price point, ask to see full galleries, not just Instagram highlights. Confirm if they provide RAW files and check their policy on “late fees” if the shoot runs overtime.

2. Mid-Range Standard Packages (₹40,000 – ₹80,000)

Best For: Couples looking for a balance of high-quality photos and a storytelling video.

• What to Expect: An experienced lead photographer plus an assistant or second shooter. Coverage usually spans 4–6 hours.
• Locations: 2 looks or locations within a tight radius to maximize shooting time.
• Deliverables: 100+ edited photos with professional lighting setups, plus a 30–60 second cinematic teaser.

3. Premium & Luxury Packages (₹80,000 – ₹1.5 Lakhs+)

Best For: Couples who want a “movie-like” experience with editorial vibes, crafted lighting, and high-end production value.

• What to Expect: Full-day coverage with a team of 2–3 professionals (Candid photographer, Traditional photographer, Cinematographer).
• Add-ons Included: Drone photography (where permitted), concept scripting, and often a professional Makeup Artist (MUA).
• Deliverables: Advanced retouching (skin finesse), a 2–4 minute cinematic highlight film, and a premium photo album.

Key Factors Influencing Pre Wedding Photoshoot Price in Mumbai​

Why does one photographer charge ₹25k and another ₹1 Lakh? Here are the variables that change the price.

Photographer’s Experience & Reputation

Seasoned professionals charge for their vision, consistency, and risk control (backup gear, proven workflows).

How to evaluate: Don’t rely on reels alone – ask for 2–3 full galleries from similar Mumbai shoots (sunset, low-light, indoors). Check Google/Instagram reviews, awards/press, and how quickly they reply with a clear scope

Red Flags: Vague deliverables, no written contract, or no backup plan mentioned.

Pro tip: If budget is tight, hire a strong mid-tier lead and skip non-essentials (props/extra album) rather than compromising on the principal shooter.

Duration of the Shoot

• Half-day (4–6 hrs): Efficient, but can feel rushed if you pick locations far apart.
• Full-day (8–12 hrs): Allows for sunrise and sunset shots (“Golden Hour”), but increases crew fees and fatigue.

Pro tip: Cluster locations within a 15–20 minute radius to convert travel time into camera time.

Location Costs: Free vs. Paid

Your choice of location can drastically change your budget.

• Free/Public: Marine Drive, Gateway of India, Bandra Bandstand, Worli Sea Face. (Note: May still require police permissions or dealing with crowds).
• Paid Studio Sets: Locations like Cine City or Sets in the City offer controlled environments with changing rooms. Expect rental fees from ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per shift.
• Heritage/Private: Sanjay Gandhi National Park or Vasai Fort may have nominal entry fees but specific camera permit charges.

Read Next : Green & Nature-Filled Pre Wedding Shoot Locations In Mumbai

 Equipment & Tech

The cost includes the usage of high-end gear. Using 4K Video cameras, Gimbal stabilizers, Drone pilots, and off-camera strobes adds to the production value and the final bill.

What is Included in the Package?

When comparing quotes, you must look beyond the final price tag. The scope of work determines the value you get. Here is a breakdown of the standard inclusions you should check for in your contract.

• Photography:
  Check the exact count of edited photos (usually 50–200 depending on the package). Clarify the RAW policy upfront—most photographers only deliver processed JPEGs, while RAW files may cost extra. Also, discuss the style balance: do you want mostly candid moments or posed editorial shots?
• Videography:
  Video deliverables vary significantly. A standard package might include a 1-minute Teaser/Highlight for Instagram. Premium packages often add a 3–5 minute Cinematic Film with interviews and storytelling. Note: Drone usage is strictly regulated in Mumbai and usually requires specific permission or a licensed operator.
•  Team Size:
  A budget shoot involves a single lead photographer. Higher-tier packages include assistants and lighting technicians. These crew members are crucial for managing heavy equipment, holding reflectors, and ensuring the lead shooter can focus purely on creativity.
•  Post-Production:
  This is where the magic happens. Basic packages often include only color correction (fixing brightness/contrast). Advanced packages include high-end retouching, which involves skin finesse, removing background distractions, and cinematic color grading to give your photos a “film look.”
• Deliverables:
  How will you receive your memories? Standard delivery is via an Online Gallery (valid for 6–12 months). Luxury packages often include a premium lay-flat album, framed prints, or a physical hard drive delivery for safety.

Popular Pre-Wedding Shoot Packages In Mumbai

1. Basic / Economy Package (₹20,000 – ₹40,000)

This entry-level tier is perfect for couples who want high-quality images without the bells and whistles of a large production. It focuses purely on photography, usually leveraging natural light.

• Inclusions: 1 Lead Photographer, 3–4 hours of coverage.
• Locations: 1–2 nearby locations (e.g., public spots like Horniman Circle or Ballard Estate).
• Deliverables: Approx. 40–80 edited high-resolution photos, basic color correction, and an online gallery.
• Ideal For: Minimalist couples, those needing just a few “Save the Date” images, or shoots scheduled on weekday mornings.

2. Standard / Mid-Range Package (₹40,000 – ₹80,000)

Currently the most popular choice in Mumbai, this tier strikes the “sweet spot” between cost and creative output. It introduces video elements, which are essential for modern Instagram Reels.

• Inclusions: 1 Photographer + 1 Videographer (or assistant), 4–6 hours of coverage.
• Locations: 1–2 locations within a tight radius to maximize shooting time (matches table).
• Deliverables: 100–150 edited photos with signature editing styles. Includes a 30–60 second cinematic teaser.
• Ideal For: Couples who want variety in their outfits and backdrops, plus a storytelling video to share on social media.

3. Premium / Luxury Package (₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000+)

This is a full-scale production designed to create a “movie-star” experience. You aren’t just paying for photos; you are paying for creative direction, advanced lighting, and a stress-free experience.

• Inclusions: A full crew (2–3 pros for Photo & Film), full-day coverage.
• Locations: 2–4 distinct looks, often including paid studio sets or private villas.
• Premium Add-ons: Drone cinematography (where permitted), professional Makeup Artist (MUA), and concept scripting.
• Deliverables: 200+ advanced retouched images, a 2–4 minute cinematic film, and a premium album.
• Ideal For: Narrative-driven shoots where you want to tell your unique love story through high-end visuals.

Hidden Costs You Must Budget For

Don’t get caught off guard. Ensure you set aside budget for these logistics:

• Travel: Cab fares or hiring a private vehicle for the crew for the whole day.
• Permits: Coping with local municipality permissions in heritage areas.
• Makeup & Styling: A professional MUA charges ₹5,000–₹15,000 per day. Reliable MUAs are essential to preserve your look through Mumbai’s humidity.
• Props & Costumes: Renting gowns or tuxedos (Avg ₹3k–₹10k per outfit).
• Food: It is standard courtesy to cover meals for the photography crew during a full-day shoot.

5 Tips for a Cost-Effective Mumbai Pre-Wedding Shoot

1. Cluster Your Locations: Mumbai traffic is unpredictable. Pick locations within a 15–20 minute radius (e.g., Fort area + Marine Drive) so your budget pays for photos, not sitting in traffic.
2. Shoot on Weekdays: Iconic spots are calmer. You get cleaner frames without photo-bombers, often resulting in a faster shoot.
3. Bundle Photo + Video: Hiring one team for both ensures a consistent color style and usually gets you a “combo package” discount.
4. Plan for “Golden Hour”: The light at 6:00 AM or 5:30 PM is free and makes budget photos look premium.
5. Lock the Contract: Agree on the number of “Edited Images” vs. “Raw Images” upfront to avoid revision costs later.

Wrapping Up: Budgeting for Your Mumbai Shoot

To summarize, the pre wedding photoshoot price in Mumbai is flexible, catering to everyone from minimalist couples (₹20k–₹40k) to those seeking luxury storytelling (₹80k+). By balancing your wish list—locations, outfits, and video requirements—you can easily find a middle ground that delivers high-quality results without breaking the bank.

Use this guide as your checklist when comparing quotes. Look for transparency in deliverables, check for hidden costs like permits, and most importantly, choose a photographer whose style resonates with your love story.