The Main Market Square with the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Church, Wawel Castle, and the streets Grodzka and Kanonicza are Kraków icons and an excellent backdrop for wedding photos. Their architecture gives pictures a timeless quality, but remember the crowds — the best times are very early morning just after sunrise or late evening when the monuments are lit and it’s calmer.
Planty is the green belt around the Old Town: gentle paths, flowering trees and atmospheric benches make a fantastic alternative to the crowded square — here you can get natural, romantic shots without long transfers.
Kazimierz is for couples looking for a more artistic, bohemian vibe. Narrow streets, colorful tenement houses, Plac Nowy and the bridges over the Vistula create many different sceneries within a short walk. For variety, plan some shots in atmospheric cafés or against the murals.
Błonia is a huge meadow just next to the city center, ideal for photos with open space and sky in the background — a great spot for boho or minimalist styles, especially in the golden hours.
The Krakus and Kościuszko mounds offer city panoramas — photos with Wawel and Kraków rooftops then gain an epic dimension. The walk up a mound can require a short hike, so plan comfortable shoes to change into.
The Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden provides a calm, plant-filled backdrop with gazebos and ponds — perfect if you want photos among greenery and flowers, especially in spring and summer.
Zakrzówek Reservoir has been one of the most photographed spots in recent years — turquoise water and rocky cliffs look tropical, even though you’re still in Kraków. Note: access to some places requires using designated paths or viewpoints — let your photographer know the planned route in advance.
Tyniec with its Benedictine abbey offers a raw, historical backdrop and peaceful meanders of the Vistula — ideal if you want an ‘outside the city’ atmosphere without a long drive.
Nowa Huta and the city’s industrial fragments are an excellent choice for couples who want to break convention and have strong, gritty shots against brick, old halls or wide avenues.
The golden hour (just after sunrise and just before sunset) is standard — soft light brings out emotions and the details of the dress and suit. In the center, early morning is better when streets are empty and the photographer can work more quickly.
When planning a session in popular places, set a specific time and have a plan B. Rain, crowds or renovation works happen often — your photographer should know alternative angles and short routes to make the most of every minute.
Remember comfortable shoes for moving between locations and pack snacks and water — a session can last several hours. If outfit changes are planned, arrange a place to change (car, nearby café, hotel).
Outdoor photos in most public places do not require a special permit, but interiors of historic sites (for example some parts of Wawel, museums, or certain gardens) may have restrictions and fees for commercial photography — check in advance.
Flying a drone in the city center and over gatherings of people is often forbidden or requires permission — if you plan aerial shots, discuss it with your photographer and check applicable regulations and no-fly zones.
Respect public space — don’t enter where it’s prohibited, don’t block traffic or interrupt religious ceremonies. Good manners will make the shoot easier and improve relations with locals.
Around the Market Square and Kazimierz you’ll find highly rated venues that welcome guests with classic Kraków hospitality. For coffee and an atmospheric interior, consider Cafe Camelot (ul. Św. Tomasza) — it’s a reliable spot for a short break and nice interior shots.
If you’re looking for well-regarded restaurants, places in the center such as Szara Gęś or Wierzynek offer both atmosphere and local flavors. For a more casual lunch with a view, try the restaurants along the Vistula Boulevards.
If your session is near Zakrzówek or Błonia, bring some provisions or plan a stop at a friendly café in the nearby neighborhoods — distances between locations can be short, but a break is always welcome.
Scheduling a session in the middle of the day during peak tourist season — result: crowds, harsh light, frustration. Solution: choose sunrise/sunset or less typical places outside the strict center.
Mismatching outfits to the location — an elegant gown at Zakrzówek can look beautiful, but remember comfort and possible stains. It’s always worth having a second, more casual outfit.
Lack of logistical planning — without planned routes and travel time, a session can drag on. Agree in advance on the order of locations, travel times and a place to change. Good preparation is the key to great shots.
Błonia once served as pastures for Kraków’s sheep — their open space and grasses create unusual, natural sceneries in the heart of the city today.
Kanonicza Street is one of the oldest in Kraków; its tenements and stone steps have a unique, almost cinematic atmosphere — it’s worth planning a few historically flavored shots here.
Zakrzówek is a former limestone quarry — its turquoise waters and vertical rocks create a contrast that looks like a piece of the tropics in the middle of the urban landscape.
Do I need a permit for a session near Wawel? In most cases photos in public spaces are allowed, but interiors and some historic areas may require permission and fees — it’s always worth asking staff or checking the site rules.
How long does an outdoor wedding session take? A standard outdoor wedding session is 1.5–3 hours, depending on the number of locations and outfit changes. Full-day sessions or shoots with many spots are planned individually.
Is it worth booking a local photographer? Yes — local photographers know the best spots, optimal times, and alternative angles and can react faster to weather or crowd changes.
If you liked this map of ideas, share the article with friends or on social media — it may save someone the trouble of planning a beautiful session.
If you’d like help planning the route for your session or need a private guide to the most beautiful places in Kraków, feel free to contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. I’m happy to help you plan a route so your photos turn out exactly as you dream.
