At The Brighton Savoy, one of Melbourne’s most popular wedding venues, couple often ask us where are the best wedding photography locations in Melbourne?
Time is very precious on your wedding day, and the last thing you want to be doing is driving around Melbourne looking for wedding photo locations.
Melbourne is a big city and wedding photography can have very different backdrops – you can have busy and stylish city life to old farms and vineyards just a few km outside the city. Many couples select their venue and have their photos taken on site. There are many venues that have beautiful locations at their doorstep or on their grounds.
From churches and pavilions to secluded beaches and breathtaking resorts, the list of mesmerizing locations is endless.
Why is it important to pick the right wedding photo locations.
Choosing the right wedding photo location in Melbourne, or anywhere else for that matter, is crucial for several reasons:
- Memorable Backdrop: Wedding photos are cherished memories that last a lifetime. A beautiful and unique location will complement and enhance these memories, making them even more special when you look back on them years later.
- Captures the Essence of the Couple: The chosen location can reflect the personalities, tastes, and shared experiences of the couple. A location with sentimental value can add depth and emotional resonance to the photos.
- Environmental Factors: The quality of the photographs depends greatly on lighting, background, and space. The right location ensures good lighting, whether it’s the soft light of the Golden Hour or the right amount of shade, a distraction-free background, and ample space for group shots or different angles.
- Aesthetic and Theme: A well-chosen location can complement the theme or aesthetic of the wedding. For instance, a beach might suit a relaxed, boho wedding, while a grand historic building in Melbourne might suit a more formal and elegant affair.
- Diverse Shots: Different locations or a location with diverse settings allow for a variety of shots. This can keep your wedding album interesting and varied, with a mix of close-ups, group shots, candid moments, and more.
- Practical Considerations: Some locations might be more accessible than others. If a location is close to the wedding venue, it can save time and reduce logistical complications. It’s also worth considering factors like parking, restrooms, and shelter in case of unexpected weather.
- Avoiding Crowds: Popular tourist spots can be crowded, leading to unwanted distractions in the background. By choosing the right time and location, you can avoid crowds and ensure a more intimate and peaceful photo session.
- Regulations and Permissions: Some locations in Melbourne, like public parks or historic sites, might require permits for photography. Choosing a location where you can secure permissions ensures there are no hiccups on the big day.
- Incorporate Melbourne’s Charm: Melbourne has a rich tapestry of urban, coastal, and park settings. Picking a location that showcases the city’s beauty, whether it’s the iconic laneways, serene parks, or stunning beachfronts, can add a touch of Melbourne’s charm to your photos.
- Emotional Comfort: You want to be relaxed and comfortable during the shoot, so it’s essential to choose a location where both the bride and groom feel at ease. This comfort will be reflected in the authenticity and beauty of the shots.
In summary, your wedding photos are more than just pictures; they are a tangible connection to one of the most important days of your life. The right location in Melbourne can greatly influence the overall look and feel of these memories, making it crucial to choose wisely.
Brighton Bathing Boxes
82 vibrant, multi coloured Bathing Boxes line the shore at Brighton Beach. Sitting on the spotless sand with views to the City, their vibrant colours will add extra joy to your photos.
Address: Foreshore between Dendy and Gould Streets Brighton.
Brighton Beach
Brighton Town Hall & Gardens
Address: Corner Wilson and Carpenter Streets Brighton.
Brighton Town Hall Gardens provides a grand and historic site for all your wedding photography.
Green Point Gardens
Address: Foreshore Green Point Brighton Beach.
The Norfolk Island Pines frame city views while still providing an intimate atmosphere. The garden offers private nooks, grass or shade for your special photographs.
North Road Gardens
Address: Foreshore North Road Brighton.
With a rock seawall instead of beach, North Road Gardens is a photographers’ dream with panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay and the City.
Middle Brighton Beach
Middle Brighton beach has the iconic bathing boxes. There are 82 vibrant bathing boxes to pick from. It’s very popular with the wedding couples from Brighton Savoy to hop over the road to the beach boxes to get some bridal snaps with the vibrant boxes.
Address: Foreshore between Park Street and Keith Court Brighton.
Band Rotunda, Sandringham
Address: Foreshore at end of Bay Road Sandringham.
The interestingly designed 1926 Band Rotunda, set among palm trees overlooking the beach provides excellent photo opportunities with unrivalled views of the bay, beach and cliffs.
Sandringham Cliffs (Red Bluff Lookout)
Address: Black Rock Vic 3193
The Sandringham cliffs have amazing photo opportunities with great views of the beach and red rocked cliff faces.
Elwood Beach Pier
Address: Elwood beach (Opposite Head St Brighton 3186)
Elwood Beach Pier has a couple amazing photo opportunities with a great view of the water. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to get a view of the city skyline. Elwood Beach Pier is perfect at sunset and its romantic as well, especially if you are able to get a colourful sunset.
Ricketts Point, Beaumaris
Address: Foreshore between Reserve and Haydens Roads Beaumaris.
Ricketts Point reaches into Port Phillip Bay with spectacular uninterrupted views. Turn around and see native scrub and hidden paths.
Kerferd Road Pier
Address: Albert Park Vic 3206
Kerferd Road Pier would look amazing at sunset. The rustic wood with look great in photos and the water is a great backdrop. If you’re daring enough you could get an amazing picture jumping off the pier.
North Road Pier, Brighton
Address: North Rd Foreshore, Brighton 3186
North Road Pier over looks the beach and it has a couple amazing photo opportunities. It’s only about 10 minutes from Brighton Savoy which is handy.
Mordialloc Beach
Address: Mentone Vic 3194
Mordialloc Beach is a calm beach to get your wedding photos taken. If you’re lucky the water would be crystal clear. There is also a rotunda at the grass area just before you head down to the beach.
Half Moon Bay
Address: Around 232 Beach Rd (the beach side)
Half Moon Bay has amazing photo opportunities. The red cliff face and the beach gives ana amazing back drop, especially at sunset. You could also get a cute photo running along the sand next to the water together, particularly at golden hour.
Gem Pier
Address: Williamstown
Gem Pier was built in 1839, is now home to the HMAS Castlemaine. There is a great view of Port Melbourne. There is so many great photo opportunities at Gem Pier.
Billilla Gardens
Address: 26 Halifax Street Brighton.
Romance is in the air at Billilla Gardens. With a 1880’s Art Nouveau mansion as a backdrop, choose a picture perfect spot on the manicured lawns, by the roses or under the towering trees
Landcox Park
Address: Mavis Ave, Brighton East.
Landcox Park offers blazing autumn colour, delicate winter light, welcoming spring warmth or tranquil summer shade. There’s also a lake with wild life.
Kamesburgh Gardens
Address: In between Downes Ave & North Rd, Brighton
The Italianate-style Kamesburgh mansion was built in the 1870s and is best known as being an Anzac veterans hostel. Its formal gardens are exquisite, secluded and simply unmatched for elegant outdoor photographs.
Rippon Lea Estate
Address: 192 Hotham St, Elsternwick Vic 3185
Rippon Lea Estate was built in 1868. The gardens are the perfect place to have your wedding photos taken with all the cute little nooks around the whole gardens. Rippon Lea Estate has magnificent trees and a tranquil lake. It’s picturesque gardens surround the gorgeous mansion.
Treasury Gardens, East Melbourne
Address: 2-18 Spring St, East Melbourne
Treasury Gardens is right near the city. The gardens offers blazing autumn colour, delicate winter light, welcoming spring warmth or tranquil summer shade. There are water features all around the gardens which look amazing in photos.
Captain Cook’s Cottage
Address: Fitzroy Gardens, Wellington Parade, East Melbourne
Captain Cook’s Cottage is a cute little building in the middle of Fitzroy park. The cottage is part of Australian history.
Royal Botanical Gardens
Address: 11 Herbert St, St Kilda Vic 3182
The Royal Botanical Gardens offers blazing autumn colour, delicate winter light, welcoming spring warmth or tranquil summer shade. There are so many opportunities for photos. Tucked away from the city all you can see and hear is nature.
St. Vincents Gardens, Albert Park
Address: In between St Vincent Pl North & St Vincent Pl South, Albert Park
St. Vincents Gardens has amazing opportunities for photos. The trees form a tunnel over the foot path in some part, it both looks athletically pleasing and its great in summer.
Williamstown Botanic Gardens
Address: Giffard St & Osborne St, Williamstown, Vic 3016
Who doesn’t love a good park for wedding photos. The venue is peaceful and in the middle of nature. The front gates would look amazing in your wedding photos. There is also a pond with lily pads!
Sherbrooke Forest
Address: Sassafras
Sherbrook Forest is an amazing place to get wedding photo taken. The cute and romantic place is just outside Melbourne.
Melbourne Zoo
Address: Elliott Ave, Parkville Vic 3052
Being able to take photos with animals in the background or feeding them would be amazing. It’s a unique way and place to get your photos taken.
Parliament House and Steps.
Address: Spring Street East Melbourne
The steps of Parliament House is a great place to get your wedding photos taken. With the old building as a back drop or the old heavy wooden doors is a great pace to take a few snaps.
National Gallery of Victoria
Address: 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne 3006
The NGV is a unique place for art lovers to some awesome wedding photos taken. The water feature out the front is a great hit for everyone too.
The Palais Theatre, St. Kilda
Address: Lower Esplanade, St Kilda, Vic 3182
The Palais Theatre is perfect for theatre lovers and actors. There are many photo opportunities, either in and amongst the seats or on stage.
Melbourne Museum
Address: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton Vic 3053
Any history buff would love the Melbourne museum as their backdrop. It is certainly a unique place for a wedding as well as getting your wedding photos taken there.
Crown Rooftop
Address: 8 Whiteman St, Southbank, Vic 3006
Crown Roodtop has an amazing view of the city and it has a great atmosphere. With ample photo opportunities you’ll be able to capture the perfect wedding photo.
Federation Square
Address: Swanston St & flinders St, Melbourne Vic 3000
Federation Square was built in 2002 and is one of Melbourne’s famous landmarks which makes it amazing as a back drop for any wedding photos. It is also across the road from Flinders Street Station.
Flinders Street Station
Address: Swanston St & flinders St, Melbourne Vic 3000
The iconic train station of Melbourne was built in 1905 and is stunning in wedding photos it then leads to the Melbourne city circle trams.
Melbourne City Circle Trams
Address: Melbourne CBD
The retro City Circle Tram is a classic. It goes hand in hand with Flinders t Station and the good thing is you don’t have to go far for awesome photo opportunities.
Royal Exhibition Building
Address: 9 Nicholson St, Carlton Vic 3053
The Royal Exhibition Building was built in 1879 and is now a World Heritage- listed. Located next to the city it is an amazing place for photos.
Royal Block Arcade
Address: 282 Collins St, Melbourne Vic, 3000
The Royal Block Arcade was built in 183 and is heritage-listed. The arcade is gorgeous and looks great in photos. It is also a unique place for your wedding photos.
Victoria Army Barracks
Address: Southbank
Victoria Army Barracks was built in 1856. The original blue stone covered in vines looks really cool as a backdrop. The Barracks also isn’t too far from the city.
Old Treasury Building
Address: 20 Spring St, Melbourne Vic 3000
The old Treasury building was built in 1858 is considered one of Australia’s finest Renaissance Revival buildings. It was built from wealth accumulated during the Victoria goldrush.
Melbourne Cricket Ground
Address: Brunton Ave, Richmond Vic 3002
The MCG is perfect for any footy or cricket lover. It is certainly a unique place for wedding photos.
Werribee Mansion
Address: 171-237 K Rd, Werribee South, Vic 3030
Werribee Mansion was built between 1874 and 1877. The gardens and the mansion have a lovely atmosphere where there are plenty of photo opportunities.
Melbourne Town Hall
Address: 90 -130 Swanston St, Melbourne Vic 3000
Melbourne Town Hall was built in 1867 by the Duke of Edinburgh. The old building is pretty good for a wedding photo backdrop. It’s part of Victoria’s past which is great for history buffs.
Windsor Hotel Foyer & Entrance
Address: 111 Spring St, Melbourne Vic 3000
The Windsor hotel was built in 1883 and the entrance to the hotel has a great atmosphere. The idyllic location for elegant wedding photos. The red carpet will make any dress pop and what bride doesn’t want that?
The Park Hyatt Foyer
Address: 1 Parliament Square off, Parliament Pl, Melbourne Vic 3002
The Park Hyatt Foyer is also perfect for wedding photos. The elegant woodwork and marble floor are great for wedding photos. It is a unique location. The grand staircase is perfect for entrance photos of the bride.
The Regent Hotel
Address: 191 Collins St, Melbourne Vic 3000
The Regent Hotel is a colourful and unique location for wedding photos. The colourful marble floor that leads to an amazing staircase is great for a bride entrance to her groom. There are some great photo opportunities.
Luna Park, St. Kilda
Address: 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda, Vic 3182
Luna Park is one of Melbourne iconic locations. Taking wedding photos there is a great venue to capture cute photos. From the rides to just the iconic face out the front. Luna park is also close to the city and across the road from the beach.
Butleigh Wootton, Kew
Address: 867 Glenferrie Rd, Kew Vic 3101
Butleigh Wootton was built in 1885 and is perfect for those princess vibe wedding photos. The building has a palace feel and would make you wedding photos pop.
Abbotsford Convent
Address: 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford Vic 3067
Abbotsford Convent was built in 1863 and has a lot of history within the walls. It operated for more than 100 years through the social traumas due to the gold rush boom and bust the then also the Great depression. The convent has been transformed into amazing venue. The are a so many picture perfect places to take wedding photos either as a couple or with the bridal party.
Melbourne Laneways
Address: Melbourne CBD
There are so many different and unique lane ways in Melbourne’s CBD. From graffiti painted walls to foodie laneways with lights coming from all the cafes and restaurants. All the different surroundings give off different effects in all the wedding photos.
Hosier Lane, Melbourne
Address: Off Flinders St – Between Russell St & Swanston St.
Hosier Lane is forever changing with all the graffiti. So, who ever takes wedding photos down Hosier Lane will never be the same. The wedding photos will be very artsy and unique. It will give you and your photographer a chance to have fun.
Olivers Lane, Melbourne
Address: Off Russell St, Melbourne 3000
Olivers Lane is another lane way in Melbourne. There is a lot less graffiti and more plan walls to get wedding photos, but it is still a nice lane way to checkout for a photo location.
Spice Market, Melbourne
Address: Beaney Ln, Melbourne Vic 3000
The Spice Market is an Exotic Bar and nightclub perfect for unique wedding photos. The lighting is dim perfect for those romantic photos. It is also a very intimate place for both you and your guests.