fbpx

Your Wedding Day Photoshoot Guide:
Explore Melbourne’s Most Stunning
Wedding Photography Locations

You’ve said yes to your dream Wedding Venue in Melbourne… Congratulations!
Now, as the wedding planning continues, let us (your expert wedding dream team) help you along your journey in searching for the most perfect spots in Melbourne to capture your gorgeous wedding photos!

We’ve curated a list of the most cherished photography spots – each a favourite among our couples over the years – for all engaged couples getting married in and around Melbourne CBD, to inspire you with location ideas for your newlywed photoshoot.

Welcome to Melbourne: a city renowned for its vibrant culture and stunning aesthetics – from historic landmarks and luscious gardens, to hidden gems around every corner – offers a diverse array of picturesque locations ensuring every couple finds the perfect backdrop that resonates with their style and love story. You’ll find endless iconic and unique spots across this incredible city that provide timeless elegance and urban charm for your wedding album, including the Fitzroy and Carlton Gardens, with their expansive greenery and floral displays, and the architectural grandeur of the Royal Exhibition Building and the historic Parliament House, and the vibrant laneways of the CBD.

Nestled just 2 kilometers from Melbourne’s vibrant heart, San Remo Ballroom in Carlton North is ideally positioned for couples, with less than a 10 minute drive, to seamlessly transition from their photo session to their reception. This close proximity to Melbourne’s top photography locations from our iconic venue means less travel and more time to capture those perfect moments and then arrive at your venue with ample time to freshen up and enjoy the magic of our ballroom beautifully set up for your reception before your guests arrive.

This guide explores the most sought-after photography spots, each offering a unique backdrop to your wedding photos, ensuring every snapshot reflects the elegance and romance of your celebration.

Melbourne’s most popular wedding photography locations:

  • Carlton Gardens: Situated a short 6 minute drive from San Remo Ballroom, this World Heritage-listed site spans over 26 hectares, presenting an exemplary visual backdrop for wedding photography with its grand Victorian landscape. The gardens are famed for their well-preserved Victorian-era design, featuring sweeping lawns, mature tree avenues and ornamental lakes.

The broad walkways lined with towering trees lead to tranquil spots that are perfect for intimate shots, while the expansive green spaces are ideal for larger group photos, showcasing the grandeur of the gardens and their serene setting.

Carlton Gardens is home to the iconic Royal Exhibition Building, one of Melbourne’s architectural gems known for its stunning grand dome and intricate details, which provides a spectacular backdrop for wedding photos, particularly on bright sunny days with picture perfect blue skies.

You’ll also find two significant fountains here: the ornate Hochgurtel Fountain and the circular French Fountain. These fountains, with their elaborate water features and sculptural details, are popular among couples seeking a romantic and historic essence in their photos.

  • The University of Melbourne: Victoria’s oldest and Australia’s second oldest University offers multiple picturesque settings, featuring striking gothic revival architecture, a tapestry of grand arches, majestic towers, and serene courtyards – perfect for traditional yet unique wedding photographs that both awe and inspire. 

Also located within just a 6 minute drive from San Remo Ballroom, this venue boasts Melbourne’s rich academic heritage, ideal for couples desiring a sophisticated wedding photography experience.
Important to note: Permits are required to be purchased for wedding photoshoots, and is only available on weekends if no university events are taking place.

  • Fitzroy Gardens: Located in the heart of the city in East Melbourne, just 10 minutes from San Remo Ballroom, Fitzroy Gardens offers a breathtaking, dreamy setting for your romantic wedding photos with its expansive 26 hectares of lush greenery, perfect for your wedding photos all year round (permitting the weather is not too hot or raining), especially during Spring with its bright, blossoming flowers. This garden is renowned for its well-maintained avenues of mature elm trees, sprawling lawns, floral displays and a collection of ornate Victorian-era landscaped features.

One of the garden’s highlights, The Conservatory, is home to vibrant tropical and subtropical plants, providing a colourful setting and an exotic touch perfect for intimate shots for your wedding album.
It’s important to note that access for exclusive photography within the conservatory is restricted to times outside of its public opening hours, from 9 AM to 5:30 PM.

Additionally, the garden’s historical elements like the iconic Cook’s Cottage and Sinclair’s Cottage offer unique settings that combine natural beauty with authentic architecture. The symmetry of the majestic Elm Trees, in particular, creates a visually striking effect that is perfect for capturing breathtaking, lined perspectives in your photos.

  • Victoria Barracks offers a unique historical and natural blended setting for wedding photography. This iconic 19th-century Melbourne heritage building, now famous for its climbing ivy plant, transforms into a breathtaking backdrop with its stately architecture and vibrant foliage. 
    As the seasons change, so does the scenic beauty of this site. Autumn is the best time of the year as you get to witness the rich orangy-red autumnal colours of the leaves crawling around the entire building. This picturesque change in foliage creates an enchanting atmosphere, making it a favoured spot for capturing the essence of Melbourne’s historic elegance.
  • St Ignatius’ Church Complex: A breathtaking Catholic Church & School located in Richmond, renowned for both ceremonies and photo shoots, offers a stunning combination of majestic, French Gothic interiors and a captivating exterior. This historic church provides a unique backdrop featuring Melbourne’s CBD skyline visible from its elevated backyard stairs. The church’s position on one of Richmond’s highest points allows for stunning photo opportunities, capturing the grandeur of the cityscape behind the elegance of wedding attire. This makes it an ideal spot for couples looking for a mix of architectural beauty and urban landscapes.
    Important to note: Restricted access during non-ceremony times; photography may require coordination with Church events.
  • State Library of Victoria: If you’re a couple searching for an indoor space that offers the perfect blend of history, elegance, sophistication and old-world charm, this 1854 built building and Australia’s oldest public library is perfect for you. With its majestic architecture featuring grand marble staircases, Corinthian columns, and elegantly long halls, the library exudes a timeless luxury for your classy, romantic wedding photos.
    Inside, the Library’s galleries and expansive reading rooms, adorned with ornate details and historical charm, present a variety of stunning photo opportunities. Whether capturing intimate moments amidst the quiet sophistication of the book-lined walls or dramatic shots on the sweeping staircases, the Victoria State Library ensures each photo narrates your charming, grand love story.
  • Parliament House: This iconic Melbourne landmark, would have to be the most recognisable wedding photography location for newlyweds in the city, and understandably too, with its grand steps and majestic façade, providing a dramatic and authoritative feel for couples wanting to make a stately declaration of their love in their wedding photos. The visually striking Parliament House is located right next to Fitzroy Gardens in East Melbourne, again only a 10-minute drive from San Remo Ballroom.
  • Hosier Lane: Nestled in the heart of the CBD, this quirky famous Melbourne laneway offers an ever-changing mosaic of vibrant street art, providing a dynamic and colourful backdrop that reflects Melbourne’s artistic soul—ideal for the creative and daring couples wanting fun, unique, intimate photos to add to their wedding album. The alley is constantly evolving, with new artwork appearing regularly, which means no two photo sessions are ever the same. This spot is perfect for couples who want their wedding photos to stand out and capture the essence of Melbourne’s extensive art scene.
  • RMIT Design Hub: With its striking geometric façade and minimalist aesthetic, this location is a dream for couples who appreciate modern design and fine art and want a contemporary twist to their wedding photos. The iconic RMIT staircase provides a dramatic setting, ideal for creating emotionally cinematic-like photographs. The contrast of a beautiful long white wedding dress against the dark stairs and a dark suit against a brightly lit exit at the top of the staircase enhances the visual effects.
  • Chanel Store Melbourne: Located on the famous Flinders Lane, the Boutique Chanel store offers a setting that combines contemporary elegance with Melbourne’s vibrant street culture, making it a highly sought-after location for luxurious wedding photography. The store’s modern architecture and sophisticated allure of the Chanel brand provide a backdrop that exudes fashion and elegance.

Important note: please be aware that this area can be quite crowded, with significant traffic and pedestrian flow, to be sure to allow for some flexibility in timing for your photoshoot here.

  • Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA): Situated in South Bank, you’ll find this unique urban canvas for bold wedding photography, boasting expansive parking areas ideal for staging your luxurious and unique wedding cars, from limousines to vintage collections. Renowned for its contemporary architecture – the iconic sculpture ‘Vault 1980’ with its vibrant yellow colour and geometric abstraction, ACCA creates a dramatic backdrop that gives an artistic flair to your wedding photos.

Other Notable Melbourne Wedding Photography Hotspots

There are, of course, many more locations for newlyweds to have their special day captured. We’ve found those listed above, as well as the following to be most popular for our SRB Couples: Iconic Melbourne landmarks such as The Hotel Windsor Melbourne, Fitzroy Town Hall, The Old Treasury Building, and Melbourne Town Hall and are perfect for timeless sophistication, or Federation Square and The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) for some added colour and artistic flair. 

For those seeking a dynamic urban setting to capture the essence of Melbourne’s lively atmosphere, we recommend the front of the bustling Flinders Street Station, amongst any of the city streets in front of the iconic trams and architectural buildings, or on South Bank along the Yarra River for a vibrant city backdrop. The city’s beautiful gardens, lakes and rivers also provide endless opportunities for creative shots among nature, including the The Royal Botanic Gardens or Edinburgh Gardens.

Intimate and Meaningful: Spots with a Personal Touch

For couples looking for more intimate and personalised photo locations, Melbourne’s array of unique spots offers something special for each different love story, meaningful to them. Imagine having your photoshoot whilst sipping coffee together in your favourite cafe or enjoying a gelato at your favourite ice cream store, such as Spring Street Grocer or Messina Gelato, capturing casual, fun and intimate moments. Or perhaps other significant spots like the bar where you first met, The Tan track if you’re both running enthusiasts, or even your local tennis courts for sports lovers to add a deeply personal touch to your wedding photos. These locations not only provide a backdrop but also tell a story of shared interests and moments, making your wedding album uniquely yours.

Capturing the Essence at San Remo Ballroom

And of course, our couple’s favourite spot, saved for the end of the day – their glamorous Melbourne wedding reception venue, San Remo Ballroom with breathtaking photographic opportunities, particularly inside our Ballroom. Our iconic grand six-meter wide grand crystal chandelier provides ‘The shot’ most couples desire, set against the lavish backdrop of our Ballroom’s art deco and contemporary styling. The glamorous surrounding chandeliers and expansive dance floor offer a multitude of angles for spectacular images.

Outside the venue, the old Hollywood style of the San Remo Ballroom sign, standing by your vintage wedding car, or a celebratory champagne pop with your bridal party on the street, adds a charming, classic cinematic touch to your wedding narrative. Every corner of our venue is designed to provide stunning visuals that echo the elegance and romance of your special day.

Whether you desire your wedding photos to speak timeless elegance, sophistication, or casual and quirky vibes, Melbourne’s array of picturesque locations offers a canvas for each and every unique love story. From natural beauty within the famous gardens, to the historic architectural buildings and urban cityscapes, there’s a backdrop to suit each different couple. 

If you have any questions about any of these stunning locations or you’re after more ideas, feel free to get in touch with our weddings team, or we encourage you to book a personalised venue tour, where you’ll be able to chat with us and explore the beauty of our venue in person.

Enquire