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Pre-Wedding Shoots
Your love story on the Sharavathi backwaters — decorated boat, golden light.
Say it on the water
Shoot on the Backwaters
The Sharavathi backwaters have quietly become one of coastal Karnataka's favourite pre-wedding locations — mirror-still water, coconut channels that look straight out of Kerala, mangrove tunnels with soft green light, and a golden sunset stretch made for silhouettes. Couples drive in from Bengaluru, Goa and Mangalore for a single evening on this river.
We've hosted shoots on these waters for years: we know where the light lands at 6:40 AM, which channel is glass-calm when the wind picks up, and how to position a second boat so your photographer gets the wide shot.
Pre-Wedding Boat Package
₹2,500
- Private decorated boat for about 2 hours
- Route planned around the light — sunrise or golden hour
- Multiple locations in one ride: Kerala Spot, mangroves, open water
- Space for outfit bags and an assisted, dry boarding
- Life jackets for everyone on board, always
- A second boat for your photographer can be arranged on request
Real shoots from our boats — see more in the gallery
Where we shoot
Shoot Locations
Mirror-Water Backwaters
Still morning water that reflects the sky and your boat — the signature Sharavathi shot every couple asks for.
Kerala Spot
Coconut-fringed channels that read pure Alleppey on camera, minutes from the jetty.
Mangrove Tunnel
A green canopy corridor with soft, diffused light — beautiful for close portraits even at midday.
Lotus Point
Seasonal lotus and lily blooms on calm water, at their best in the cooler months.
Golden Sunset Stretch
Open west-facing water for silhouettes and warm backlight in the last hour of the day.
Mangrove Boardwalk
The wooden walkway through the Kandla mangroves nearby — a land location to pair with the boat shots.
A sunset shoot, hour by hour
How the Day Runs
Arrive at the Tari-Bagel jetty
Meet your boatman, load outfit bags, quick decor check on the boat. Parking is right by the jetty, and there's a spot to change before boarding.
First look: Kerala Spot
The coconut channels are shaded and calm in the afternoon — wide couple shots and the classic 'boat between the palms' frame.
Mangrove tunnel + outfit change
Soft green light for close portraits, then a quiet bank stop for the second outfit while the boatman repositions.
The golden stretch
Open west-facing water as the sun drops — silhouettes, veil-in-the-wind shots, and the photographer boat circling for wide angles.
Wrap at the jetty
Back on land just after sunset. Sunrise shoots run the same route in reverse, starting 6:15 AM on mirror-still water.
Coming from Bengaluru, Goa or Mangalore?
Stay the night before at our homestay — 100 metres from the jetty — and shoot at sunrise on mirror-still water before the day's boats go out. Couples usually reach Honnavar by evening, shoot 6:30–8:30 AM, and are free by breakfast for the drive back or a day in Gokarna. Ask for the shoot + stay combined rate on WhatsApp.
Plan the shoot
Shoot FAQ
How much does a pre-wedding shoot in Honnavar cost?
Our pre-wedding boat package is ₹2,500 for about 2 hours on a decorated private boat, couple plus your photo crew. Your photographer's fee is separate — we provide the boat, route and timing; you bring the photographer of your choice.
Can we bring our own photographer and drone?
Yes — most couples bring their own photographer or team, and drones are welcome over the backwaters. Share your shot list in advance and we'll plan the route and timing around it. A second boat for the photographer can be arranged for angles of your boat from the water.
What is the best time of year and day for the shoot?
October to March gives clear skies and soft light. Within the day, the first hour after sunrise (mirror water, mist) and the last hour before sunset (golden backlight) are the two slots we recommend — book those a few days ahead.
Can we change outfits during the shoot?
Yes — there's space to keep outfit bags dry on board, and we can pause at the jetty or a quiet bank between looks. Tell us how many changes you plan so we manage the time.
What if it rains on our shoot date?
Since there's no advance payment, bad weather simply means we reschedule your slot free of charge — we'd rather move your date than put you on rough water with camera gear.
Can you recommend a local photographer?
Yes — several photographers shoot on our boats regularly and know the route's light well. Tell us your budget and style on WhatsApp and we'll connect you; you deal with the photographer directly, so there's no middleman markup.
We're coming from Bengaluru or Goa — how do we plan it?
Most out-of-town couples stay the night before at our homestay, 100 metres from the jetty, and shoot at sunrise when the water is glass-calm. Reach Honnavar by evening, sleep well, and be on the water by 6:30 AM — then you're free by 9 for breakfast and the drive back or a day in Gokarna.
How do we book a shoot date?
WhatsApp +91 88280 91411 with your date, preferred slot (sunrise or sunset) and whether you need the photographer boat. Shoot slots are limited to keep the water calm around your boat, so book early for wedding-season weekends.
Lock your shoot date
Wedding-season sunrise and sunset slots go first — message us with your dates and we'll hold the boat.
WhatsApp +91 88280 91411