Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Top Places for Pre-Wedding Shoots in Andaman
• Suggested Photo Circuits (Island-Hopping Routes)
• Themed Shots & Signature Activities
• Festivals & Events for Cultural Backdrops
• Sample Itineraries (3–7 Days)
• Budget & Costing Tips
• How to Reach Andaman
• Where to Stay (By Island & Budget)
• Eat, Shop & Culture
• Travel Tips for Different Traveler Types
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Best Pre-Wedding Shoot Spots in Andaman: A Complete Guide

Dreaming of powder-soft beaches, emerald mangroves, and pastel sunsets for your pre-wedding photos? The Andaman Islands deliver cinematic frames at every turn—from the famed Radhanagar Beach to the twin-island sandbar at Ross & Smith. This expert guide curates the best shoot locations, photo-friendly itineraries, permits and costs, plus practical tips to help you return with a timeless album.

Top Places for Pre-Wedding Shoots in Andaman

1) Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7), Swaraj Dweep (Havelock)

Why it’s perfect: Silky white sand, turquoise lagoon, and a broad horizon line for minimalist, editorial frames.

• Best light: Golden hour (sunset); dawn for empty frames.
• Vibe: Classic, romantic, clean aesthetic.
• Notes: No drones without permissions; respect no-swim flags and turtle-nesting zones.

2) Kalapathar Beach, Swaraj Dweep (Havelock)

Why: Black rock outcrops against soft sands—dramatic contrasts for fashion-forward poses.

• Best light: Early morning for calm seas and soft tones.
• Vibe: Moody seascapes, windswept looks.

3) Elephant Beach, Swaraj Dweep (Havelock)

Why: Vivid blues, fallen tree trunks, and water activities for playful frames.

• Access: Boat from Havelock jetty or trek (check trail status).
• Best light: Morning to early noon for bright aquas.
• Notes: Photography is fine in public areas; avoid cordoned reef restoration zones.

4) Laxmanpur Beach & Sunset Point, Shaheed Dweep (Neil)

Why: Fiery sunsets, long sand stretches, and tidal pools for reflections.

• Best light: Sunset (arrive early to scout foregrounds).
• Vibe: Warm, intimate silhouettes.

5) Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge), Shaheed Dweep (Neil)

Why: Iconic limestone arch and tidal life pools—unique geological backdrop.

• Best light: Mid to late afternoon at low tide (check tide charts).
• Notes: Watch your step on slippery rocks; sturdy footwear advised.

6) Chidiya Tapu & Munda Pahad, South Andaman

Why: Lush forests, rugged shoreline, and Andaman’s most reliable sunsets.

• Best light: Golden hour to blue hour.
• Vibe: Forest-meets-ocean, cinematic cliffside trails.

7) Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island), near Port Blair

Why: Creeper-draped colonial ruins, banyan tunnels, and ocean views—vintage romance.

• Access: Short boat from Water Sports Complex.
• Notes: Restricted zones are marked; stick to paths. Drones need prior approvals.

8) North Bay Island & Lighthouse View

Why: Iconic lighthouse in the backdrop, clear shallows for barefoot shots.

• Best light: Morning for tranquility.

9) Wandoor Beach & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park Jetty

Why: Mangrove-framed jetties, quiet sands, and glassy water.

• Notes: Park islands like Jolly Buoy have strict rules; confirm camera permissions and closures.

10) Ross & Smith Twin Islands, Diglipur (North Andaman)

Why: A surreal sandbar connecting two islands—signature Andaman shot.

• Access: Permit + boat from Aerial Bay jetty.
• Best light: Mid-morning to capture sandbar contours.

11) Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway, Rangat

Why: Long wooden boardwalk under a mangrove canopy—frame-within-frame compositions.

12) Lalaji Bay, Long Island (Offbeat)

Why: Secluded paradise feel, ideal for minimalist, crowd-free imagery.

• Access: Ferry to Long Island + forest trail/boat to the bay.

Honourable Mentions

• Corbyn’s Cove (Port Blair) for quick, easy beach frames.
• Karmatang Beach (Mayabunder) for coconut groves and empty sands.
• Cellular Jail exterior gardens for heritage backdrops (respect signage; interior restrictions apply).

Suggested Photo Circuits (Island-Hopping Routes)

Classic 4–5 Day Circuit: Port Blair – Havelock – Neil

• Day 1: Port Blair (Corbyn’s Cove, Cellular Jail exteriors, sunset at Marina Park).
• Day 2: Havelock (Radhanagar at sunset; morning at Kalapathar).
• Day 3: Havelock (Elephant Beach by boat; blue-hour beach silhouettes).
• Day 4: Neil (Natural Bridge at low tide; Laxmanpur sunset).
• Day 5: Return via Port Blair; optional Chidiya Tapu.

South Andaman Sunsets: 2–3 Days

• Chidiya Tapu, Wandoor Beach, and Ross Island day trip for vintage ruins.

North Andaman Adventure: 3–4 Days (Add-on)

• Diglipur (Ross & Smith), Saddle Peak viewpoints (for trekking couples), Karmatang Beach.
• Long drives; plan buffer days.

Offbeat & Minimalist: 3–4 Days

• Long Island (Lalaji Bay) + Rangat (Dhani Nallah), fewer crowds, raw backdrops.

Themed Shots & Signature Activities

• Underwater-inspired: Snorkel hand-in-hand near Elephant Beach or North Bay (use action cams/housings; follow reef rules).
• Mangrove moods: Kayak at Havelock or Port Blair backwaters for reflections and leading lines.
• Sandbar strolls: Ross & Smith for wide, symmetrical compositions.
• Boat jetties: Wandoor/Neil jetties for vanishing-point shots at sunrise.
• Night skies: Minimal light pollution on Neil/Havelock—try starry silhouettes (check moon phase).
• Bioluminescence: Occasionally visible around Havelock shores in certain months; unpredictable—treat as a bonus, not a plan.

Festivals & Events for Cultural Backdrops

• Island Tourism Festival (usually January, Port Blair): Cultural shows, installations, and evening lights.
• Beach-focused events (periodic): Music, sand art, and markets at popular beaches—schedules vary annually.
• Local bazaars year-round: Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair) for colourful street shots.

Note: Indigenous communities are protected; do not attempt village photography or interactions in restricted areas.

Sample Itineraries (3–7 Days)

3 Days (Highlights)

• Day 1: Port Blair city frames + Chidiya Tapu sunset.
• Day 2: Havelock (Kalapathar AM, Radhanagar PM).
• Day 3: Elephant Beach boat shoot; back to Port Blair.

5 Days (Balanced)

• Day 1: Port Blair + Ross Island.
• Day 2: Havelock (Kalapathar, Radhanagar).
• Day 3: Elephant Beach + blue-hour silhouettes.
• Day 4: Neil (Natural Bridge low tide, Laxmanpur sunset).
• Day 5: Wandoor or Cellular Jail exteriors; depart.

7 Days (Extended & Offbeat)

• Days 1–4: Follow 5-day plan.
• Day 5–6: North Andaman (Diglipur: Ross & Smith, Karmatang).
• Day 7: Return south with buffer for weather/ferry changes.

Budget & Costing Tips

Indicative Costs (per couple, INR)

• Inter-island ferries: 400–1,500 (government) or 1,000–2,800 (private catamaran) per person per sector.
• Local transport: Scooter 500–800/day; car with driver 2,500–3,500/8 hours on main islands.
• Boats/permits: Elephant Beach boat 1,000–1,500 per person; Ross & Smith permits + boat 1,000–2,500 total.
• Photographer:
  • Local Andaman professional: ~15,000–40,000/day.
  • Destination photographer from mainland: ~50,000–150,000/day + travel/stay.
• Makeup & hair: 5,000–15,000 per session (availability improves in Port Blair/Havelock).
• Entry/camera fees: 30–300 at certain sites; check signage.

Money-Savers

• Shoot at sunrise to avoid crowds—less retouching, more usable frames.
• Bundle locations by proximity to cut commute time and costs.
• Carry simple props (umbrella, scarf) instead of renting.
• Use natural light; flash is often unnecessary on bright beaches.

Drones & Permissions

• Drone flying is regulated (DGCA NPNT, UIN) and may require local police/administration permissions; many zones are restricted (near airports, national parks, defense areas).
• When in doubt, avoid drones and focus on ground/handheld gimbal shots.

How to Reach Andaman

• By Air: Direct flights to Port Blair (IXZ) from cities like Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi (seasonal). Flight time ~2–5 hours.
• By Sea: Occasional passenger ships from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam (multi-day; limited comfort). Not ideal for photo schedules.
• Between Islands: Government ferries and private catamarans connect Port Blair–Havelock–Neil. Book early in peak season (Oct–Apr).

Where to Stay (By Island & Budget)

Port Blair

• Budget: Clean city hotels near Aberdeen Bazaar.
• Mid-range: Sea-view stays near the Marina/Corbyn’s Cove.
• Premium: Boutique properties with pools; good for getting-ready shots.

Swaraj Dweep (Havelock)

• Budget: Cottages near Govind Nagar.
• Mid-range: Beachfront resorts along Vineeta Nagar/Beach No. 5.
• Premium: Luxury villas with private beach access—ideal for sunrise shoots.

Shaheed Dweep (Neil)

• Budget: Simple homestays close to the jetty.
• Mid-range: Garden/beach resorts near Laxmanpur/Bharatpur.
• Premium: Limited—book well in advance.

Tip: Choose stays within 10–15 minutes of your prime beach to catch dawn light without rush.

Eat, Shop & Culture

Food

• Fresh seafood grills, coconut-based curries, and simple island breakfasts.
• Cafe culture at Havelock/Neil: beachside brunches and sunset mocktails.
• Vegetarian options widely available in main towns.

Shopping

• Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair): handicrafts, spices, shell-inspired art (avoid buying corals/shells—many are illegal to collect).
• Locally-made coconut crafts, areca products, and handloom items.

Culture & Etiquette

• Friendly, slow-paced island life—plan with buffers.
• Respect eco-rules: no littering, no reef stepping, no plastic on certain islands.

Travel Tips for Different Traveler Types

Honeymooners / Couples

• Outfits: Flowing pastels or bold solids; avoid busy prints that clash with beaches.
• Footwear: Barefoot or nude sandals for cleaner lines.
• Hair & makeup: Humidity-resistant products; pack anti-frizz and blotting paper.

Families & Elders

• Pick easy-access beaches (Radhanagar, Laxmanpur); avoid slippery tidal zones.
• Schedule midday breaks; carry hydration, hats, reef-safe sunscreen.

Friends / Creative Crews

• Split props and gear; assign a “light bag” handler.
• Use walkie apps or offline maps where networks fade.

Packing & Safety Essentials

• Reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, compact first-aid, microfiber towel.
• Dry bags, silica gel packs, spare batteries, lens cloths.
• Monsoon (May–Sep): carry rain covers; expect choppy seas and flexible plans.
• Connectivity: Airtel/BSNL work best; speeds vary—download offline maps and playlists.
• Cash/ATMs: Available in towns; carry some cash for remote spots.

FAQs

Q: What is the best time for a pre-wedding shoot in Andaman?

A: October to April offers the most reliable weather, calmer seas, and golden sunsets. For fewer crowds and lush greens, try October–November or mid-February–March.

Q: Do we need permits to shoot at beaches and islands?

A: Public beaches generally don’t need special permits for personal photography. However, drones, national parks, certain jetties, and heritage sites may require permissions or have restrictions. Always check local notices and avoid restricted/protected areas.

Q: Can we use a drone for aerial shots?

A: Drone flying is regulated and often restricted near airports, defense zones, and protected areas. You’ll need DGCA registration and local permissions; enforcement is strict. When unsure, skip drones and focus on ground/gimbal footage.

Q: What outfits work best for beach shoots?

A: Solid colours in pastels or jewel tones, breathable fabrics (linen, chiffon), and coordinated palettes. Avoid fluorescent tones and heavy layers. Carry a change for wet/sandy setups.

Q: How many days should we plan for a varied album?

A: A 4–5 day plan across Port Blair–Havelock–Neil covers beaches, ruins, mangroves, and sunsets. Add 2 days for North Andaman sandbars if you want offbeat frames.

Conclusion

From Radhanagar’s sweeping sands to Neil’s limestone arches and Diglipur’s postcard sandbar, Andaman offers diverse, natural sets for a pre-wedding story. Time your sessions around sunrise and sunset, plan island hops smartly, keep gear light and eco-friendly, and respect local regulations. With the right mix of beaches, mangroves, and heritage corners, your album will glow with soft island light and timeless frames.