Winter pre-wedding photoshoot in Austria
Disclaimer - Some posts on this website contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase using my links, which I'll almost certainly use to buy more skis and climbing gear.
Just two weeks ago, I photographed this beautiful couple from Singapore during their winter pre-wedding photoshoot in Austria, surrounded by fresh snow, mountain views, and the quiet magic that only winter brings. Travelling halfway across the world, they chose Austria for its alpine landscapes and fairytale winter atmosphere – something completely different from what they were used to at home.
In this post, I’m sharing not only their images, but also their experience planning a winter pre-wedding photoshoot in Austria. From travelling abroad and choosing outfits, to what it’s really like posing in the snow, so that other couples dreaming of having a pre-wedding photoshoot in the Alps in winter can plan with confidence.
Alvin & Lihui’s Winter Pre-Wedding Shoot in Austria
What made you choose Austria for your pre-wedding photoshoot?
We actually wanted to come for the Christmas market (which was still open in the first week of Jan) and to visit friends.
Alvin loved the mountains and had always wanted to do a pre-wedding shoot in the mountains. The Austrian Alps came to mind, and we decided to combine the 2 into 1 trip.
Did you face any challenges planning a pre-wedding photoshoot in Austria from Singapore?
As it was not quite the norm to do pre-wedding shoots in Austria, there weren’t a lot of options for vendors like gown rental and makeup artists. Lucky for us, we had a very flexible gown rental vendor who allowed us to rent the gown for an extended period of time and bring it all the way to Austria. Thanks to Cat’s recommendation, we also managed to find a good makeup artist at a reasonable rate.
What expectations did you have about shooting in the snow before coming? How was it on the day?
I was very worried about the cold as the gown I had selected had bare shoulders.
It was definitely very cold (-14C), but the excitement and euphoria of doing something that we always wanted helped. I was so laser-focused on the outcome that it didn’t really feel that cold (in the beginning anyway 🤣). We took breaks in between to warm up, and Cat’s electric hand warmer and herbal tea definitely helped!
Did the winter weather affect your timeline or locations?
Not really, our main focus was the shoot in the mountains. The winter weather made it more magical. We did have to be flexible for which day the photoshoot would happen, in case of weather changes. Pre-trip communication and regular updates from Cat helped in the planning. We allocated a few days in the mountains where we could do some skiing on the other days.
How did you choose your outfits for the shoot? What advice would you give other couples about what works best in the snow/cold temperatures?
Colour was the main focus for us, as we expected the background to be snowy, so we decided against the traditional white wedding gowns. Attire that allows you to wear thermals underneath or jackets over it easily will help greatly.
How did you stay warm? Did you bring any special items (coats, boots, heat packs, layers)? Is there anything you would do differently with outfits or styling?
Have a thick jacket that you can slip on easily in between shoots.
We wore thermals and boots underneath and also brought along heat packs to keep our feet and hands warm.
We actually brought along a few pieces of accessories like a shawl and long gloves to switch up the styling, but these got forgotten in the midst of the excitement and cold. It wasn’t too big of an issue for us as the photos were still great without them.
What was your favourite moment/memory from the day? What was your favourite location?
The moment when we reached the top of the mountains and saw the breathtaking scenery.
Other favorite moments – dancing and a snow fight in the valley.
Favorite location – the top of the mountain
What advice would you give other international couples planning a destination pre-wedding shoot in Austria?
Find a good local photographer who can give you good advice and prepare you for the trip!
How did having a local photographer help with locations and timing? How important do you think it is to work with someone experienced in winter photography?
It was very important to have a local photographer as we were not familiar with the location. Cat helped to recommend places suitable for the shoot and adjusted based on the weather to give us the best possible results.
She also brought along a lot of gear that would help us during the shoot, like ice grips for walking in the snow, electric hand warmers, and warm tea for us.
What was your favourite thing about working with Cat? What did you appreciate most about the experience on the shoot day?
We loved that she was experienced and well prepared, able to make changes according to the weather. We only had a short time frame with good weather during our stay, but she managed to capture it at the best location! We also appreciated how she went above and beyond to ensure our safety and warmth with the ice cleats and hand warmers.
Photography & logistics: Wild Connections Photography
Hair & Makeup: Andrea Lener
Hotel: Stubaierhof
The Photos
Want to learn more about planning a pre-wedding shoot in Austria? Read my ➡️ Austria Pre-Wedding Photoshoot Guide ⬅️
