If you are getting engaged or married in Barcelona, you might want to look into having a pre-wedding couples photo session in the city. Barcelona is such a versatile place and offers many beautiful backdrops. Having a pre-wedding photo session is also a great opportunity for you to get to know the photographer that you will be photographing your wedding. That way you will feel much more relaxed on the big day, and this will for sure show in the pictures. You can also use the photos for your save the date cards and your wedding website.
Here are 5 great places perfect for couples photo sessions. If you read until the end, I will give you a bonus location!
Parc Güell
World famous park by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí has it all; breathtaking views, fun architecture and many interesting areas with different looks that will give you diversity in the photos. A part from La Sagrada Familia cathedral, this is definitely one of the “trade marks” of Barcelona. Keep in mind that the park will get quite crowded in high season, so a suggestion is to try to time in the golden hour, just before the park closes.
Sagrada Familia (the outside of it)
If you go to the backside of the cathedral, you will find an open green space with a pond called Plaça Gaudí. From this direction you will get superb views of the cathedral without having to worry too much about any tourists being in the picture. This is the location that permits you to have a full shot of the cathedral.
Parc del Laberint d’Horta
Also knows as the Labyrinth Park, located in the Horta neighborhood about 30 min in metro from the city center. This place is like a dream for photographers, and a go-to place for elopement couples and wedding photo sessions. The park features a different levels with beautiful views from above of the maze. There are some areas of the maze that are being re-planted so some areas are a bit thinner, but it’s still very beautiful. Get really elegant photos with you on the stairs, and fun photos of you getting lost inside the maze. This is my favorite park of the entire city! It has such an elegant atmosphere. It’s also great for elopement ceremonies.
The Beach
With either W hotel or Port Olimpic and the famous “Goldfish” as a backdrop, the beach is a perfect place if you want that summer vibe to your photos. Best time of the day during the summers months is early morning, to avoid the crowds. At sunset it’s still usually quite crowded. The best option is if you can do the photo session here slightly season, since the beach will be less crowded then. October is a great month that usually offers really good weather too.
Bunkers del Carmel
Also known as MUHBA Turó de Rovira, is probably the best viewpoint of the entire city, giving you a 360 degree view of Barcelona. I recommend that you take a taxi to at least get there, or if your up for it, just know that you’ll have a 30 min steep uphill walk from the closest metro stop (Alfons X, yellow line L4). Once you get there you’ll experience a major wow moment, you’ll love the views! This place has become more popular, thanks to Instagram and social media.
Bonus tip
Are you in a hurry? If you want to make the most of your time, and at the same time get variety of different surroundings for your photos I would definitely choose the area that I am about to describe.
The main street of cute El Born district, which is part of the old city Ciutat Vella but separated from the gothic quarter, is perfect for couples photo shoots. There you have a small alley with trees and beautiful old buildings everywhere. Narrow, small streets to explore but less people than in the gothic area. Cute shops and restaurants, very cozy atmosphere which you will love. You have the beautiful gothic cathedral Santa Maria del Mar. You are also close to the Ciutadella Park with a lot of different green spaces to choose from on a walking distance. Outside the park you will find the Arc de Triomf, also a very nice backdrop for photos.
I hope you got some ideas from this post. If you are looking for something else, but not sure where to start, feel free to reach out 🙂