COUPLES looking to have pre-wedding photographs taken among the riverside glitz of the Rockbund development are being told they must pay for the privilege.

Combining historic and new buildings, luxury stores and cultural venues at the confluence of the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek, Rockbund is a popular backdrop for romantic photo shoots.

But when an office worker surnamed Wang and her Mr Right tried to have their pictures taken there one evening earlier this month, they were told by a security guard that they would have to pay a fee.