Varanasi or Banaras or the city itself is without any doubt simply a beautiful town in India It has numerous beautiful locations that will definitely make the pre-wedding photo session a great experience to be treasured. Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in the world and hence forms a perfect place for any couple who wish to document their love story amidst beautiful architecture and a rich cultural legacy.

By choosing Varanasi as the location for the pre-wedding shoot, the couple can express their love and assimilate all the rich cultural diversities of this ancient city. Famous ghats, ancient forts, quiet towns, and classic places will act as perfect backdrops to help capture memories that are left upon forever.

Let us look at some of the best pre wedding shoot locations in Varanasi. 

Dashashwamedh Ghat

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One of the oldest and most exquisite ghats located on the banks of the sacred River Ganges at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh is the Dashashwamedh Ghat. Its glorified ancientness, full of architectural intricacy and hue with religious value, makes it an absolute stunner for pre-wedding photography.

Imagine standing at this timeless ghat, holding the hands of your better half, when the setting sun pours its warm rays on the serene waters of the Ganges. In the evening, Aarti, as an interesting ritual of lighting dishes and chanting of mantras, infuses the whole scene with an otherworldly mysticism, simply making the moment unforgettable.

This makes it spiritually and culturally significant, as it lies close to the Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest shrines of Hindus. Couples can walk in the architecture of the temple and other sacrosanct areas, setting timeless beauty in a pre-wedding photoshoot.

Things to do:

• Evening Aarti: Join the evening Aarti, which includes Diya lighting and mantra chanting to facilitate the event. This is one of the listed events on the ghat, forming an excellent ambience for your photographs.
• Sunset Photography: Observe the subtle sunset that splits across the Ganges River and furnishes your shots with romantic warmth and light.
• Boat Ride: The Ganges Riverboat ride is a must to get a view of the Ghat from another perspective and to click all kinds of shots of unique and intimate moments.

How to get there?

• You can reach the Ghat from any part of the city by taxi or auto-rickshaw. It takes approximately 10-15 minutes from the city centre.

Also read: pre wedding shoot locations in uttar pradesh

Assi Ghats

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Placed at the confluence of the Ganges and Assi Rivers, Assi Ghat provides a tranquil atmosphere from which one can easily capture love and togetherness. Ancient architecture, delicate carvings, and ornate temples will offer that stunning background that would faultlessly match the ancient and the modern.

This ghat comes alive with the sun rising or setting, its warm and golden light dipping in the Ganges. More than all of this is the gentle lapping of the river’s waters and the soft hues in the sky, creating an atmosphere full of peace and serenity. Therefore, Assi Ghat is a perfect location for any pre-wedding photo shoot.

Things to do:

• Take a peaceful boat ride with the ghat in the backdrop, adding to the calm Ganges in front. This would create a dreamy and romantic setting for your pictures.
• Locate yourself at some quiet spot on the Ghat’s steps and let the River’s serenity embrace you. This forms a beautiful and introspective setting for a pre-wedding shoot.
• From ancient temples to bustling markets and alleys, the area around Assi Ghat speaks of a rich culture that Varanasi was imbued with hundreds of years ago. Use them in your photoshoot to create authenticity and immersion.
• Soft hues at dawn or warm glows in the setting sun—everything on Assi Ghat is magic. If you want to capture breathtaking views, organise your photoshoot during these golden hours.

How to get there?

• Assi Ghat lies in the southern part of Varanasi, approximately 8 km from the city centre. Hiring an auto-rickshaw or a taxi quickly takes one to the ghat.
• One can always have a leisurely walk if you stay somewhere near Assi Ghat Area. This will enable you to soak in the sights and sounds of the area.
• One can reach Assi Ghat from either Dashashwamedh Ghat or any other famous ghat by boat ride, and the route itself is so scenic and unique.

Also read: pre wedding shoot locations in andhra pradesh

Ganga Mahal Ghat

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The Ganga Mahal Ghats in Varanasi form one of the most striking yet serene backdrops that one may think of for a pre-wedding shoot in Varanasi. With the iconic Ganges River in the background, this tremendous castle-like structure of Ganga Mahal Ghats lends an air of royalty and grandeur to your pictures. Steps from the ghats go down to the river and are used for several religious and cultural activities like bathing, washing clothes, and performing rituals.

That is why, through pre-wedding shoots, the couples insist on capturing this ancient city’s spirit, which has so much rich cultural history. Most of it is perfect, beautiful, and romantic, showing how much love and commitment two people can have for each other, while Varanasi unfolds timeless.

Things to do:

• Snap the most romantic and quaint moments with your loved one in front of the Ganga Mahal Ghats, accompanied only by the Ganga River in the backdrop. 
• Pose against its magnificent heritage structure to create picture-perfect, royal portraits that can be timeless. 
• Try different angles and lighting to make the most of this beautiful setting, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
• Get creative with the shoot as you incorporate so many classic elements of India—colourful fabrics, flowers, or even a boat ride on the Ganga. This is indeed going to turn out to be one-of-a-kind and memorable.

How to get there?

• To visit the Ganga Mahal Ghats, you can hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or boat from Assi Ghat or Dashashwamedh Ghat, two of the main ghats of Varanasi city.

Also read: pre wedding shoot locations in himachal

Sarnath Village

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Not too far off from the hustle and bustle of Varanasi lies Sarnath Village, about 10 kilometres off. It is a serene, historic oasis that has become a place to eternalise any love story. This small village became famous because it was the first place Lord Buddha preached after enlightenment.

This village—with its many stupas dedicated to royalty, tranquil gardens, and ancient monuments—makes an alluring setting for a pre-wedding shoot. Dhamekh Stupa, built as one massive stone structure dating back to the 5th century AD, speaks volumes about the rich heritage of the place and puts the visitor in awe, which is impeccable for immortal posing by couples in the service of timeless memories.

Things to do:

• See the ancient Buddhist ruins and monuments, including the Dhamekh Stupa and Ashoka Pillar
• Visit the Sarnath Museum, which contains the richest collection of artifacts and sculptures from the times of the Mauryas and Guptas.
• Sarnath Deer Park, where Buddha expounded his first sermon; stroll here
• Dhamekh Stupa: a giant stone structure of the 5th century AD—get yourself photographed in front.
• Romantic clicks in the green gardens around the monuments

How to reach?

• Sarnath Village is located about 10 km away from Varanasi.
• One can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw from Varanasi to visit Sarnath.
• It takes at least 30-40 minutes to come here depending on the traffic condition.
• You can also take a bus from Assi Ghat or Godaulia area of Varanasi to Sarnath

Also read: best places for pre wedding shoot in gujarat

Ramnagar Fort

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In all its grandeur of Mughal-style architecture, this magnificent fort stands as a testament to the city’s royal past. It retains grand halls, ornate courtyards, and intricate carvings, offering several opportunities for stunning portraits that let the couple pose like kings and queens of some extravagantly ornate setup. Perched in a scenic location overlooking the Ganges River and surrounding countryside, this fort enhanced the beauty already present with the stunning backdrop.

This pre-wedding shoot at Ramnagar Fort is a delight for any couple looking to start off the wedding journey uniquely and memorably. It allows them to envision how their love story would look if framed within a setting that speaks to history, culture, and natural beauty. With such rich bits of this fort, a couple can create shots that speak not only of visual beauty but also of meaning and self-expression.

Things to do:

• From grand halls to ornate courtyards to intricate carvings, the fort holds every kind of setting wherein the most breathtaking portraits can be clicked. Pose like a royal couple in the opulent settings of the fort.
• At the top, the fort presents an expansive view of the countryside with the Ganges River. Schedule your shoot during the golden hour when the light is most flattering.
• Know the fort’s rich history and, if possible, use some of it to help you conceptualise your shoot. You could even pose with antique weapons or traditional attire.
• A museum within the fort also houses fascinating artefacts, paintings, and royal memorabilia. You can use those as props or backdrops for your photos.

How to get there?

• Ramnagar Fort is about 15 km from Varanasi City Centre. It can be easily reached by hiring a taxi or boarding a local bus.
• Alternatively, you could take a boat ride along the Ganges River to reach the fort’s riverfront entrance, which would be more scenic.
• Another popular and pocket-friendly option is to hire a rickshaw from the main ghats of Varanasi to the fort’s entrance.

Also read: pre wedding shoot locations in uttarakhand

What could be better than clicking the most lovey-dovey moments in the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi? This ancient city accommodates everything, from iconic ghats running by the sideline of Ganga River with their respective surnames to serene temples and historic forts that leave one with lifetime memories.

As you embark on this journey to freeze your love amidst the wedding in heart of Varanasi, let the city’s spiritual vibe drive you in making an album consisting of genuinely unforgettable pre-wedding photographs that shall be remembered throughout your lifetime with your better half.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pre Wedding Shoot Locations In Varanasi

1. What would be the most ideal time of the day for a pre-wedding shoot in Varanasi?

The best times are usually at sunrise and sunset when the light and atmosphere along the ghats and the city can be most dramatic, magical, and romantic. Even the evening Ganga Aarti rite could be shot at locations with amazing views.

2. Will it be possible to have a pre-wedding shoot at some historical place like Ramnagar Fort?

Yes, Ramnagar Fort is good for couples who want to add royalty and heritage to their pre-wedding photos. Its wonderful Mughal-style architecture will provide a majestic backdrop for your photos.

3. What is the best time of the year for a pre-wedding shoot in Varanasi?

The best time for a pre-wedding shoot in Varanasi is October to March. The weather is quite pleasant, with cool temperatures and clear skies that make for an excellent backdrop for outdoor shoots.

4. How safe is it to shoot in crowded areas like Dashashwamedh Ghat?

Yes, generally, it is safe to shoot here in crowded areas, but one has to be conscious of one’s surroundings. Early morning or late evening shoots would also help avoid the crowds as much as possible.