Ever since Malaysia relaxed its standard operating procedures (SOPs), as almost all of our adult population has been vaccinated, we have seen a surge in weddings. All weddings come with a long list of to-dos, and one of the tasks usually is a pre-wedding photoshoot. It’s equally as important as an actual wedding photoshoot for some!
In the past, couples would travel far and wide to exotic locations like New Zealand or Japan, but with travelling not as simple as it used to be, many couples in Malaysia are staying put.
The truth is, instead of a breathtaking mountain view in New Zealand, you can find an equally spellbinding shot on the hills of Pahang. If you didn’t know, Malaysia is full of beautiful and scenic locations that provide the perfect backdrop to a romantic photo. Paired with the right photographer, you’ll be mesmerised by their creativity and have fun taking the photos you’ll eventually share with loved ones.
We’ve compiled a list of paid and free locations that can meet anyone’s budget and provide distinct themes and backdrops.
Paid Locations
The Banjaran Hotsprings and Retreat — Ipoh, Perak
The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Malaysia’s and Sunway Group’s first luxury natural wellness hot springs getaway, is nestled in a 16.19-acre valley cradled by lush tropical rainforest, geothermal hot springs, natural caves, cascading waterfalls, and 260 million-year-old Paleozoic limestone hills.
It offers magnificent views of the rainforest, waterfall, and natural caves. Basically, everything that nature has to offer! Now, who wouldn’t want any of that as the stunning background of a photoshoot?
Pangkor Laut Resort — Pulau Pangkor, Perak
Located on a private island off the West Coast of Malaysia in the Straits of Malacca, Pangkor Laut Resort is unique in its natural beauty. The drive up north to Lumut jetty only takes two hours from Kuala Lumpur (KL), and all you have to do is take a 40-minute ferry ride, and you’ll arrive at this beautiful island. Here, sophisticated romance plays against the breathtaking views of a tropical paradise, offering the perfect backdrop for your photoshoot.
Colmar Square — Bukit Tinggi, Pahang
Located atop Bukit Tinggi, Colmar Tropicale is the replica of French village Colmar Alsace in France. When you get there, the place brings you into a whole new world of make-believe amidst the serenity of the hills. The adorable French medieval and early Renaissance buildings are infused with a European vibe, complete with cobbled paths, colourful flowers, and quaint shops.
This French-inspired elegance exerts an imaginary realm for a perfect fairytale wedding photoshoot with its architectural marvel. Let the place transform your wedding photoshoot into a whimsical fantasy of sheer blissfulness.
AVANI Sepang Gold Coast Resort — Sepang, Selangor
Located just a two-hour drive away from KL’s city centre, the Sepang Gold Coast coastline offers a picture-perfect background for a pre-wedding photoshoot. AVANI Sepang Gold Coast Resort is the nearest beach venue from Klang Valley with a charming and romantic view.
It’s no wonder badminton champion Dato Lee Chong Wei held his registration of marriage (ROM) ceremony here. Take your wedding photoshoot outdoors to the soft sensuous caresses of the sea breeze and bronzing kisses from the glorious sun on the sandy beach or the deck.
Free Locations
Perdana Botanical Gardens — Kuala Lumpur
Located in the heart of KL, the Perdana Botanical Gardens (formerly and informally known as Lake Gardens) is ideal for couples who enjoy both the city’s grandeur and nature’s humble environment. A sweet escape away from the noisy city’s hustle and bustle, the garden’s large expanse is blanketed with trees and extensive lawns that are perfect for romantic photoshoots amidst nature.
This recreational park will also give your pre-wedding photographs a hybrid landscape of city and nature. Come here early in the morning (before 9am) or in the evening (after 4:30pm) for the best lighting conditions.
Putrajaya Bridges — Putrajaya
Apart from lovely gardens, Putrajaya is also home to Malaysia’s most unique bridges.
Putrajaya’s infrastructures reflect architectural brilliance, and some of them have been coined as some of the most photogenic bridges to shoot at.
Take, for example, the infamous Seri Gemilang Bridge, which is incredibly romantic at night, when the golden lights bring the entire bridge to life. Compared to other bridges, Seri Gemilang is a more traditionally designed steel and concrete bridge but with very grand decorative towers, trimmed with marble and gold.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building — Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur
Located across the historical Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square), the Sultan Abdul Samad Building is an iconic landmark deeply rooted in Malaysia’s history. Built in the 19th century, it was once the administrative building of the British and also housed the superior courts in Malaysia.
Constructed entirely of brick, with graceful arches and a clock tower that looks like a mini Big Ben, it’s not uncommon to see newlyweds lingering around the area for their pre-wedding photos!
Sekinchan — Selangor
Sekinchan is located in Sabak Bernam of Selangor. With an endless horizon of rice fields and a lovely beach to catch mesmerising sunsets, Sekinchan is a favourite spot for pre-wedding photos. If you were born and bred in the city, perhaps a back-to-basics-themed photoshoot in Sekinchan would be an exciting option for you.
Tip – If you want to capture the green landscapes of the paddy fields, go between March to May or September to November. The time between June and December is perfect for golden-yellowish scenery.
We hope that our curated list of eight stunning pre-wedding photoshoot destinations in Malaysia will help you choose the right one. After all, these pictures will very likely be framed and hung in your homes!
