12 Hidden Pre-Wedding Shoot Locations in SriLanka
- Minoli Senanayake
- Apr 27, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 9, 2021
Still in a state of undecidedness about a good spot for your pre-wedding shoot?
Trick your friends into thinking your pre-wedding shoot took place overseas with thirteen stunning locations hidden away in Colombo and beyond. Whether you’re in the mood for urban scenes or lush greenery, these spots will add charm to your pre-wedding shoot.
112 Gampaha Fly-Over, Gampaha
+94 332 222 316
Photo credits gampahatown.lk
This spot is especially popular amongst couples who fancy a golden sunset glow affair amongst the greenery. This garden sprawls over forty-three acres and was established under the British rule in 1876 and is accessible in a little over an hour. Come between 5:30 pm and dusk for surreal sunsets and pink-hued glow of nature.
Do: Call in advance to check on the necessary clearance!
Don’t: Forget to pack plenty of water to stay hydrated.
139 Rampart Road, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
+94 113 047 974
Photo credits beddagana wetland park facebook page
The tranquil waters of the Diyawannawa and extensive expanse of the skyline at the Beddagana Wetland Park create stunning backdrops for a pre-wedding photoshoot. Head on over at dawn or sundown for your own magical garden experience.
Do: Get clearance from the closest urban council if it’s an extensive shoot.
Don’t: Forget that it’s a public park, so you’re bound to have a few onlookers!
Brief Garden Kalawila Village, Beruwala
+94 77 350 9290
Photo credits geoffreybawa.com
The Bawa brothers each carved a niche in Sri Lanka’s southern coast that is venerated as their legacies – the Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa is more than just a garden: it's a magical oasis. The verdant landscape is ideal for photoshoots and can be reached within 90 minutes from Colombo.
Do: Be on the lookout for a room to change and freshen up before the shoot
Don’t: Forget the closing hours!
47/1, Jawatte Road, Colombo 05
+94 (0) 117 235 232
info@ceilaovillas.com
Photo credits ceilaovillas.com
For those who take to eclectic colours and a touch of old-world charm, the Colombo House is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. The tasteful interior will bring life to your special moments – and what’s better it’s set in the heart of Colombo.
Do: Write to them in advance for clearance!
Don’t: Forget it’s a villa - so having guests walking into your shoot could be challenging
634 Sama Mawatha, Pelawatte, Battaramulla
+94 112787216
Photo credits lightofasiafoundation.org
The Light of Asia Centre is ideal for those who want to retain a traditional theme for their pre-wedding shoot. By day this is a wellness temple, but its magnificent and bold interior works wonders for photoshoots. For a dramatic look and feel, stop by at night. Located in Battaramulla, the centre boasts of broad walkways, flora, and Lankan themes.
06 ApeGama
110, New Parliament Road, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
+94 112 785 826
Photo credits Ape gama facebook page
Ape Game is an events venues and heritage museum with rustic village living areas – it’s a simple rural village in the middle of the Colombo metropolis, just outside Kotte. This curios village attracts both locals and tourists who enjoy a glimpse of what Sri Lankan villages were like several decades ago. For a pre-wedding shoot, Ape Gama offers clean lawns and a refreshing village concept.
Do: Be prepared for tourists and on-lookers!
Don’t: It’s outdoors – don’t forget to freshen up between takes
B94, Dehiwala Rd, Boralesgamuwa
+94 75 453 5783
Photo credits Weras Ganga Park facebook page
This public park is adjacent to the Rahamaha Viharaya in Bellanwila is fast becoming a clear favourite amongst fitness enthusiasts and families in the vicinity – it’s also a stunning location alongside a serene body of water and is an especially stunning backdrop.
110 Wewa Ihala Road, Jambureliya, Madapatha
+94 1126 95431, 2691401, 2682917
mms@rcgcsl.com
Photo credits olcoteinceylon.com
This private villa marries traditional Sinhalese culture and contemporary luxury. "Our Little Corner of the Earth" – or Olcote – with its eclectic interior is both cosy and trendy. With an indoor pool, checkered spaces, and curious walls, Olcote is a treasure waiting to be discovered.
Do: Book the villa in advance
Don’t: Forget to leave allowance for traffic
Rosmead Place, Colombo 7
+94 112 686 883, 2681883
res@zylan.lk
Photo credits zylan.lk
The vibrant Zylan Luxury Villa is tucked away in Rosmead Place and retains its signature ‘homely’ feel. The name of the hotel – ‘to bloom’ or ‘to blossom’ resonates in its tropical – rustic interior making it easy to spot why it is a favourite location for photoshoots.
Do: Remember that it’s also a restaurant so it can get busy!
Don’t: Forget to check the location in advance to get the right angles
10. D Pavilion Inn
82 Stratford Ave, Colombo
+94 112 553 436
Photo credits d-pavilion-boutique-hotel-colombo-sri-lanka-en.ww.lk
Mid-twentieth century structures and antique furnishings welcome you at D Pavilion Inn. Being located centrally in Colombo is a definite advantage with planning logistics of a shoot.
82 Stratford Ave, Colombo
+94 112 553 436
Photo credits COi at dè Bungalow facebook page
The surroundings of COi is lush and green and brings a quiet vibe that is most seldom found in central Colombo. The al-fresco dining is truly refreshing as is the charming vibe that can be an added benefit for pre-wedding shoots.
32, Alfred House Avenue, Colombo 03
+94 112 553 436
Photo credits colombocourthotel.com
Colombo Courtyard is a boutique hotel that is versatile to appease travellers, diners, and even those looking for an artistic location, it is within easy access. With several restaurants and open spaces, this is a masterpiece to work with.
We hope this list inspires your decision! Do run these locations by your photographer who may be able to help you decide on a location that works best for you. For tips and checklist for every bride check our guide that every bride-to-be must consult and many more when prepping for photoshoots.
Minoli Senanayake is a full-time marketer who counts over 10 years of experience and freelance content specialist, based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. When not typing furiously on her laptop, she enjoys following dogs on Instagram, indulging her slight obsession of red lipstick, and dreaming of being a late-night talk-show host.
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