Wedding photography at
Carlton Gardens
A Complete Guide by Melbourne Wedding Photographer
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With its classical beauty, natural elegance, and timeless charm, Carlton Gardens stands out as one of Melbourne’s most enchanting wedding venues. And trust me, as someone who’s photographed countless weddings across the city, there’s something truly special about this place.
Located close to Melbourne’s city centre or CBD, Carlton Gardens is home to the grand Royal Exhibition Building — an architectural icon and significant historical landmark. Built for the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880, it also hosted the first Commonwealth Parliament in 1901. To this day, both the Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Building continue to play host to major events, with the International Flower and Garden Show being a real highlight each year.
But there’s more to love. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site also features the Melbourne Museum and the iconic Hochgurtel Fountain, both offering stunning backdrops for wedding photos. Add to that the sweeping, tree-lined pathways, vibrant seasonal flowerbeds, perfectly manicured lawns, and tranquil ornamental lakes, and it’s easy to see why couples fall in love with this location.
From a photographer’s point of view, Carlton Gardens is a dream. The light filters beautifully through the trees, and the variety of textures and colours means your photos will have depth and romance from every angle. Some of my favourite ceremony and portrait spots include Lawn 11, Lawn 12, Lawn 15, Lawn 17, and Lawn 18 — each with its own unique vibe and charm.
To top it all off, this Victorian-era haven is just minutes away from some of Melbourne’s best reception venues, which makes it a practical and picturesque choice for couples planning their big day. Now, let us take you through each and every detail of this beautiful wedding venue.
Basic Information About
Carlton Gardens
Address: Carlton Gardens, 1–111 Carlton Street, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
Phone: +61 3 9658 9658
Opening Hours– 7:30 AM-6:00 PM, Monday-Friday
Map:
While entry to Carlton Gardens is free and open to the public, a permit is required for intimate ceremonies, photoshoots, and wedding calr. Any event involving 20 or more guests must also have a permit in place. It’s important to note that exclusive use of any area within the Gardens is not permitted, in accordance with the Crown Land (Reserves) Act. Permit fees vary depending on the type and scale of the event.
Spread across 64 acres of heritage-listed parkland, Carlton Gardens offers a variety of picturesque ceremony spots — each with its own charm and natural backdrop. Couples planning an outdoor ceremony can choose from over 50 lawns within the Gardens, which are spread across both sides of the Royal Exhibition Building. Once you’ve selected a lawn, you’ll need to apply for a council permit.
Lawn 15 is by far the most popular choice due to its proximity to both the Royal Exhibition Building and the iconic Hochgurtel Fountain.
Here are some of the designated lawns available for wedding ceremonies:
- Lawn 11: The Dolphin Fountain Lawn
- Lawn 12: The Tranquil Corner
- Lawn 15: The Central Lawn
- Lawn 17: Shaded Elegance
- Lawn 18: Garden Grandeur
Lawn 11 – The Dolphin Fountain Lawn
Situated near the historic Dolphin Fountain, which was installed in the Gardens in 1862, this lawn is one of the most picturesque spots available. With a subtle romantic ambience and a touch of classical elegance, it features symmetrical garden beds, soft landscaping, mature trees, and the soothing sound of running water. It’s a beautiful setting, particularly suited for medium-sized ceremonies.
Lawn 12 – The Tranquil Corner
Backed by a giant LOVE sign, Lawn 12 is a comparatively secluded space set apart from the main pathways. This open grassy area is flanked by heritage trees, offering both an aesthetically pleasing vibe and a sense of privacy, perfect for couples seeking a low-key, intimate atmosphere. Thanks to the surrounding foliage, it’s an excellent choice for smaller ceremonies with less foot traffic.
Lawn 15 – The Central Lawn
One of the most popular venues in Carlton Gardens, Lawn 15 is centrally located near the Royal Exhibition Building and the Hochgurtel Fountain. Your ceremony here enjoys a stunning backdrop of these majestic landmarks alongside tall elm trees, which provide ample shade during summer weddings. The spacious lawn is ideal for intimate celebrations with larger guest numbers and is conveniently close to parking and other Gardens amenities. It also offers fantastic photo opportunities.
Lawn 17 – Shaded Elegance
Situated near the Melbourne Museum, Lawn 17 is bordered by mature trees that provide partial shade, making it a favourite for weddings in warmer months. The natural green canopy offers shelter from the sun while allowing couples to enjoy their outdoor ceremony. The generous space also allows for flexible event layouts.
Lawn 18 – Garden Grandeur
Adjacent to the Melbourne Museum, Lawn 18 is a wide, open area suitable for larger weddings. The manicured lawns, mature trees, and historic surroundings create an elegant setting for special occasions. The lawn is easily accessible, with nearby public facilities for guests’ convenience
Wedding Ceremony Package Price at
Carlton Gardens
For your wedding ceremony at Carlton Gardens, you need to apply and obtain a permit from the City of Melbourne. The fees are as follows –
Non-refundable Application fee | $66 |
Site fee – premium sites (up to 4 hours) | $732 |
Site fee – unique sites (up to 4 hours) | $668 |
Site fee – standard sites (up to 4 hours) | $606 |
Additional fees may apply for wedding receptions and photography. If you plan to use tipis or marquees, extra charges will also be incurred. Please note that ceremony setup is not provided by the City of Melbourne, so you will need to arrange this directly with your external vendor or supplier.
To book your ceremony venue, contact the Melbourne City Council.
Top 6 Wedding Photography Locations Within Carlton Gardens
Carlton Gardens is a perfect blend of natural beauty & historic charm, making it an ideal spot for wedding photography. The grand architecture combined with lush greenery creates an unforgettable atmosphere. Here are the top six picture-perfect locations within Carlton Gardens that add timeless elegance to your wedding album:
- Royal Exhibition Building – The iconic domed backdrop
- Melbourne Museum – Striking architectural beauty
- Hochgurtel Fountain – A romantic and elegant centerpiece
- Tree-Lined Pathways – Ideal for dreamy, shaded portraits
- Flowerbeds in Bloom – Seasonal colours that enhance romance
- Ornamental Lake Area – Reflective waters and natural serenity for peaceful shots
Royal Exhibition Building
The grandeur of this Victorian-era Ionic structure is truly unmatched. A masterpiece standing tall and proud in the city, it’s the majestic crown jewel of Carlton Gardens. Its intricate detailing and massive design, crowned by the iconic dome, make it picture-perfect from every angle. If you’re after regal, royal wedding photos, this is the place to be. The surrounding outdoor areas with mature trees provide a stunning setting for wide-angle shots capturing the couple against the building’s full façade. The Dome Promenade is one of the best spots for wedding photography here.
Please note that while outdoor photography is permitted, indoor shoots inside the Royal Exhibition Building are not allowed.
The grandeur of this Victorian-era Ionic structure is truly unmatched. A masterpiece standing tall and proud in the city, it’s the majestic crown jewel of Carlton Gardens. Its intricate detailing and massive design, crowned by the iconic dome, make it picture-perfect from every angle. If you’re after regal, royal wedding photos, this is the place to be. The surrounding outdoor areas with mature trees provide a stunning setting for wide-angle shots capturing the couple against the building’s full façade. The Dome Promenade is one of the best spots for wedding photography here.
Please note that while outdoor photography is permitted, indoor shoots inside the Royal Exhibition Building are not allowed.
Melbourne Museum
Nestled within Carlton Gardens, the Melbourne Museum is an architectural marvel. Its striking modern design, featuring steel structures, geometric shapes, and glass walls, offers a visually stunning backdrop for both photography and videography. The museum’s outdoor areas are equally appealing, with lush gardens, trees, and water features adding natural beauty to your shots. Abundant natural light enhances the overall effect. However, the venue cannot be reserved exclusively for photography sessions.
Nestled within Carlton Gardens, the Melbourne Museum is an architectural marvel. Its striking modern design, featuring steel structures, geometric shapes, and glass walls, offers a visually stunning backdrop for both photography and videography. The museum’s outdoor areas are equally appealing, with lush gardens, trees, and water features adding natural beauty to your shots. Abundant natural light enhances the overall effect. However, the venue cannot be reserved exclusively for photography sessions.
Hochgurtel Fountain
Located directly in front of the Royal Exhibition Building, the Hochgurtel Fountain is a beautifully sculpted, multi-tiered fountain with flowing water that adds a dynamic, romantic element to your photos. As wedding photographers, we love capturing couples in flowing gowns and sharp suits near the fountain, especially during the golden hour when sunlight dances on the water, adding unmatched texture and warmth to the images.
Located directly in front of the Royal Exhibition Building, the Hochgurtel Fountain is a beautifully sculpted, multi-tiered fountain with flowing water that adds a dynamic, romantic element to your photos. As wedding photographers, we love capturing couples in flowing gowns and sharp suits near the fountain, especially during the golden hour when sunlight dances on the water, adding unmatched texture and warmth to the images.
Tree-Lined Pathways
Nearly every part of Carlton Gardens features tree-lined pathways, ranging from narrow lanes to wide avenues. These mature plane trees, aligned in a natural tunnel, create a stunning green corridor perfect for wedding photography. If you’re getting married in autumn, the warm hues of the changing leaves add a romantic, seasonal touch. We often recommend candid photography here, as the natural setting helps capture couples in their most genuine, relaxed moments.
Nearly every part of Carlton Gardens features tree-lined pathways, ranging from narrow lanes to wide avenues. These mature plane trees, aligned in a natural tunnel, create a stunning green corridor perfect for wedding photography. If you’re getting married in autumn, the warm hues of the changing leaves add a romantic, seasonal touch. We often recommend candid photography here, as the natural setting helps capture couples in their most genuine, relaxed moments.
Flowerbeds in Bloom
Carlton Gardens boasts beautifully maintained flowerbeds filled with vibrant seasonal blooms. Throughout the year, you’ll find roses in summer, chrysanthemums in autumn, and tulips in spring. These colourful displays provide an excellent backdrop for close-up portraits and couple shots alike. The rich, natural colours of the flowers bring a romantic brightness and visual depth to your wedding photos.
Carlton Gardens boasts beautifully maintained flowerbeds filled with vibrant seasonal blooms. Throughout the year, you’ll find roses in summer, chrysanthemums in autumn, and tulips in spring. These colourful displays provide an excellent backdrop for close-up portraits and couple shots alike. The rich, natural colours of the flowers bring a romantic brightness and visual depth to your wedding photos.
Ornamental Lake Area
On the eastern side of Carlton Gardens lies the peaceful Ornamental Lake, one of the most serene spots in the gardens. Ideal for intimate portrait photography, the lake’s reflective waters beautifully mirror the surrounding trees and sky, offering a painterly quality to your photos. The lake is often graced by gliding ducks and swans, adding a touch of natural elegance. Nearby benches and grassy banks give couples options to pose sitting or standing, making for relaxed and timeless images.
On the eastern side of Carlton Gardens lies the peaceful Ornamental Lake, one of the most serene spots in the gardens. Ideal for intimate portrait photography, the lake’s reflective waters beautifully mirror the surrounding trees and sky, offering a painterly quality to your photos. The lake is often graced by gliding ducks and swans, adding a touch of natural elegance. Nearby benches and grassy banks give couples options to pose sitting or standing, making for relaxed and timeless images.
Wedding Reception Venues Inside Carlton Gardens
Situated in the heart of Melbourne, Carlton Gardens is famous for its natural beauty & heritage charm. It’s not only an idyllic setting for wedding ceremonies and photoshoots but also offers exceptional venues for wedding receptions. Within the Gardens, there are several stunning outdoor and indoor spaces perfect for celebrating your special day with food, drinks, and great company.
North Terrace, Melbourne Museum
Situated in the heart of Melbourne, Carlton Gardens is famous for its natural beauty & heritage charm. It’s not only an idyllic setting for wedding ceremonies and photoshoots but also offers exceptional venues for wedding receptions. Within the Gardens, there are several stunning outdoor and indoor spaces perfect for celebrating your special day with food, drinks, and great company.
Situated in the heart of Melbourne, Carlton Gardens is famous for its natural beauty & heritage charm. It’s not only an idyllic setting for wedding ceremonies and photoshoots but also offers exceptional venues for wedding receptions. Within the Gardens, there are several stunning outdoor and indoor spaces perfect for celebrating your special day with food, drinks, and great company.
Ground Floor, Royal Exhibition Building
This elegant indoor venue is located on the ground floor of the Royal Exhibition Building. As you enter through the triumphal portico, the soaring ceiling with its intricate details commands attention. The space features timber floors, ornate frescoes, repeating columns, and balcony balustrades. The highlight is the Dome’s cupola, adorned with a gold leaf finish and a stunning sky mural.
The Ground Floor encompasses four main areas — the Northern Transept, the Dome, the Eastern Naves, and the Western Naves — all of which can be hired individually or combined and arranged to suit your reception’s needs.
Recommended caterers are available through the Royal Exhibition Building, but you are also welcome to bring in your own. Floral displays and temporary lighting are permitted in the Eastern and Western Naves. The Northern Transept includes a kiosk that can be hired for your event.
This elegant indoor venue is located on the ground floor of the Royal Exhibition Building. As you enter through the triumphal portico, the soaring ceiling with its intricate details commands attention. The space features timber floors, ornate frescoes, repeating columns, and balcony balustrades. The highlight is the Dome’s cupola, adorned with a gold leaf finish and a stunning sky mural.
The Ground Floor encompasses four main areas — the Northern Transept, the Dome, the Eastern Naves, and the Western Naves — all of which can be hired individually or combined and arranged to suit your reception’s needs.
Recommended caterers are available through the Royal Exhibition Building, but you are also welcome to bring in your own. Floral displays and temporary lighting are permitted in the Eastern and Western Naves. The Northern Transept includes a kiosk that can be hired for your event.
Museum Plaza, Royal Exhibition Building
Museum Plaza stretches between the Melbourne Museum and the Royal Exhibition Building, extending from Rathdowne Street to Nicholson Street. Primarily used for public events and outdoor exhibitions, this expansive space covers approximately 7,800 square meters and is ideal for large wedding receptions with multiple marquees and flexible layouts. You also have the option to rent either the East or West half of the plaza, depending on your event size and requirements.
Museum Plaza stretches between the Melbourne Museum and the Royal Exhibition Building, extending from Rathdowne Street to Nicholson Street. Primarily used for public events and outdoor exhibitions, this expansive space covers approximately 7,800 square meters and is ideal for large wedding receptions with multiple marquees and flexible layouts. You also have the option to rent either the East or West half of the plaza, depending on your event size and requirements.
Melbourne Wedding Photographer for Your Carlton Gardens Wedding
Are you captivated by Carlton Gardens and dreaming of celebrating your wedding in this stunning, picture-perfect venue? After all, your wedding day is not just a ceremony—it’s about creating lasting memories set against the backdrop of a historic Victorian-era landmark, surrounded by natural beauty and timeless elegance. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony on one of the charming lawns or a stylish reception at the Royal Exhibition Building or Melbourne Museum, Carlton Gardens offers a truly classic setting for your special day.
This is where we come in. At Tree Studio, we are the ideal photography partner for your Carlton Gardens wedding. With our deep expertise and extensive experience capturing weddings across the Gardens, we specialize in delivering natural, candid, and unobtrusive photography that tells your unique story.
We know Carlton Gardens inside and out. As your local Melbourne wedding photographers, we make the most of every iconic backdrop—from the enchanting tree-lined pathways and graceful fountains to the grand, historic architecture. Explore our tailored wedding packages designed to align perfectly with your vision. Many packages include a set number of printed enlargements and high-definition, color-corrected digital images delivered on a USB drive for your convenience.
But don’t just take our word for it. Hear directly from couples who have entrusted us with capturing their most cherished moments. Their heartfelt testimonials and reviews reflect the quality and care we bring to every wedding album we create.
Ready to talk about your Carlton Gardens wedding photography? We’d love to hear your story and share how we can help make your wedding day truly unforgettable.