There are only two times that I want to be with you: Now and Forever.
Pre-wedding Photography Melbourne
Pre-wedding photography is a type of photo session that is done a few months before the couple’s D-day. It is also known as engagement wedding photography. In Melbourne, it’s a rising trend because modern couples want to record their love story before they tie the knot. Additionally, it gives them a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera and bond with their pre-wedding wedding photographer in Melbourne. This way, they feel less nervous, which further prepares them to enjoy their wedding day to the fullest.
As an experienced pre-wedding photographer in Melbourne, I can tell you that capturing those genuine moments requires a special skillset and hands-on experience. While it might seem fun to have a cousin or friend snap some shots, we believe that hiring professional photographers and videographers makes a huge difference. At Tree Studio, we know how to find the perfect angles and bring out the real emotions that make your love story unique.
Pre-wedding Photography in Melbourne
Pre-wedding Photography in Melbourne
Let’s
Create
Something Beautiful
Our
Wedding Couples
Say
Wedding Couples
We’d
Love
to Chat
Love
Best
Pre-Wedding Photography
Locations
Pre-Wedding Photography
If you are planning your pre-wedding photography in Melbourne and looking for the ideal spot, here are some recommendations in and around Melbourne, including the Dandenong Ranges and Mornington Peninsula.
Melbourne Pre-Wedding Photography Locations
Let me first start with the twelve most loved pre-wedding photography locations in Melbourne. Whatever your style is, you will love these venues. Thanks to their beauty and versatility in catering to different photography needs and preferences.
Parliament House
The Parliament House in East Melbourne is a celebrated location for a pre-wedding shoot. It is an ancient building built in 1855 and has a vintage vibe and geopolitical significance.
The covered behind-pillar area makes it a perfect pre-wedding photography location in Melbourne throughout the year. Irrespective of the weather conditions, couples enjoy their shoot a lot here.
As a leading pre-wedding photographer in Melbourne, I always caution my clients about one particular shooting limitation: the crowds. The Parliament House is an iconic spot in the city, attracting tourists and locals daily. It remains crowded most of the time. Therefore, if you prefer a secluded space for a pre-wedding short, I recommend you look out for another shooting spot.
In addition, during the wedding season, the place might be busy and cause delays due to the rush of other couples who have arrived before you.
Address: Spring St, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia
Flinders Street Station
This is another remarkable venue for engagement wedding photography in Melbourne. Built in 1910, the Flinders Street Station exemplifies French Renaissance architecture.
Though this place is also known for hustle and bustle and heavy traffic, the right pre-wedding photographer can still capture some beautiful pictures for the newlyweds.
For instance, St. Paul's Cathedral, located directly across from the bustling station, provides a fantastic backdrop for couples. Additionally, The Princess Bridge and Federation Square are great photography spots. I like The Princess Bridge more, as it offers stunning views of the Yarra Valley and the city, with the best shots captured at night.
Address: Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Carlton Gardens
Surrounding the Royal Exhibition Building is one of the best places in Melbourne for a pre-wedding photoshoot: Carlton Gardens. While the building dates back to 1879 and has historic vibes, the manicured Carlton Gardens cover approximately 26 hectares, making it an iconic place for photoshoots.
Tree-lined avenues and walkways amidst lush green lawns provide the perfect setting for capturing candid shots.
The Hochgurtel Fountain, with its intricate design, is situated on the patio of the Royal Exhibition Building. It makes a fantastic backdrop for memorable and elegant photos.
For those of you who want to click romantic & intimate poses, I highly recommend shooting against Victorian flowerbeds and their vibrant blooms. Additionally, the serene Lakeside area offers a peaceful setting for capturing romantic clicks.
Address: 9 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053
Fitzroy Gardens
The green Fitzroy Garden in Melbourne CBD is another great venue for your pre-wedding photo session. One of the significant advantages is that it is accessible from Melbourne City, as well as the eastern and inner northern suburbs. As it’s a tourist hotspot, you may get stuck due to the crowd. Having worked with many couples as their pre-wedding photographer in Melbourne, I know it sometimes takes more than usual. Therefore, it’s good to dedicate extra hours for your shoot at this particular venue.
At Fitzroy Gardens, I recommend shooting at The River God Fountain, The Conservatory, The Wind Temple, and the towering tree-lined pathway. These spots are known for their elegance and contribution towards ultimate photography.
Address: Lansdowne St, East Melbourne, VIC 3002
Royal Botanic Gardens
The Gardens is one of the most favoured wedding venues in Melbourne. Spread across 50 hectares, this place offers the perfect blend of natural greens, forest cover, rich flora and fauna, and an ornamental lake. Different venues inside the Garden are permitted for weddings and pre-wedding photoshoots. However, there is a price associated with them.
The best places for pre-wedding photography in Melbourne include Fern Gully, Temple of the Winds, Tropical Glasshouse, and Guilfoyle's Volcano.
As a photographer, I always plan the shoot with my clients, including the specific spots for photoshoots. Since this venue is quite large, it’s important to pre-determine the locations. The distance between the spots can be significant—hence, pre-planning is always advised for the couples.
Address: Birdwood Ave, South Yarra 3141
Albert Park Lake
Up next, I have listed a fabulous pre-wedding photoshoot location in Melbourne here i.e. Albert Park Lake. It’s a beautiful spot on Parkland that dramatically blends natural beauty with a modern urban feel. The lake is surrounded by lush tropical trees and has swans gliding across the water. Boats on the lake add a charming touch. You’ll also enjoy the view of the city’s skyline in the background. Additionally, you will love the waterfront venues for their romantic ambience. Whether you’re near the water or framing the skyline, Albert Park Lake offers a beautiful and versatile setting for your photos.
Address: 33 Lakeside Dr, Albert Park VIC
Hosier Lane
Hosier Lane is known for its vibrant street art that creates a stunning backdrop for your pre-wedding photos. The lane and its walls have ever-changing murals, adding artistic vibes to your photos. The stencils, graffiti, and vivid colours are awe-inspiring. Well, it is quite a popular spot for tying the knot but also much-loved for pre-wedding photoshoots. It’s one of my favourite photoshoot spots because it offers an unconventional setting that makes every photo tell a unique story.
Address: Hosier Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Luna Park Melbourne
Located on the Port Phillip Bay, St. Kilda, Luna Park Melbourne is a landmark amusement park in the city. This unique location is a fun-filled space for an attractive pre-wedding photography setting.
Additionally, there are other great spots for engagement and wedding photos. The Harbour Room offers an elegant and sophisticated backdrop for formal shots. The George Ballroom is full of classic charm and grandeur, perfect for timeless photos. Encore has a chic, modern vibe that adds a fresh, contemporary touch to your images.
Address: 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182
Princes Pier Port Melbourne
This age-old pier, extending 580 meters on Port Phillip, is an amazing venue for pre-wedding photography, particularly for sunrise clicks. The effect doubles with the pier's original wooden pillars.
Only when the weather turns windy or rainy will you need to change the venue, as there are no shaded places around to safeguard you from the conditions. The weather can ruin your day, so I recommend having a Plan B.
Address: Pier St, Port Melbourne, VIC 3207
Gem Pier Williamstown
The Gem Pier Williamstown was the first port settlement in this area. I recommend doing your photoshoot at this place during the golden hour. The rising sun, its spectrum of colours, and historical vibes make a great combination for your pre-wedding photoshoot. Don’t miss the oceanfront view. After twilight, Melbourne's skyline can be a great setting.
At this location, it’s also good to stay informed about the weather conditions and keep a secondary venue in mind.
Address: 1 Syme St, Williamstown, VIC 3016
Spice Market
Spice Market makes an exotic place for your pre-wedding photography in Melbourne. With opulent, rich interiors and a luxurious theme, this place offers a fascinating backdrop. I love its interiors, which are highlighted by vibrant colours, modern lighting, and intricate patterns. All these characteristics add to the glamour of your photos.
This location is best for people getting married in and around Melbourne City. If you stay far away from the Spice Market, travelling from your venue to this location can be time-consuming and costly. Therefore, decide wisely.
Address: Beaney Lane off Russell Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia (adjacent Grand Hyatt Melbourne)
Labassa Mansion
Labassa in Caulfield North is a Victorian-era mansion with rich architecture. It is a national trust and a popular choice of couples for their pre-wedding photo sessions due to its vintage essence. The mansion is characterised by stained-glass windows, a grand central staircase, embossed wallpapers, spectacular architecture, and detailed designs.
Let me share with you that photoshoots at Labassa Mansion can be costly, so considering your budget is important before finalising it.
Address: 2 Manor Grove, Caulfield North VIC 3161
Mornington Peninsula Pre-Wedding Photography Locations
All Smiles - Sorrento Ocean Beach
All Smiles Sorrento is one of the hotspots for photography sessions on the Mornington Peninsula near Melbourne. This place is a fabulous combination of natural beauty and impressive man-made architecture. It is perched on a cliffside along Port Phillip Bay. The Sorrento Ocean beach overlooks the crystal clear waters of the Bay, offering a bird' s-eye view of the idyllic backdrop.
If you ask me about the USPs of Sorrento Ocean Beach, I’d say its pristine natural surroundings, beautiful green gardens, serene beaches, and amazing sunrise & sunset views. Additionally, the elegant interiors, modern theme, decor, and ambience of All Smiles Sorrento wedding venue exemplify overall photoshoot experience.
The picturesque setting shines with natural light, especially in the morning or late afternoon, when the sun casts a warm glow across the landscape. At these moments, I suggest my clients capture the most romantic and intimate moments.
We captured Amy and Glenn’s wedding at this venue. Click here to see wedding photography at this awesome venue.
Address: 50 Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento VIC 3943
Cape Schanck Lighthouse
This enchanting engagement wedding photography venue is situated on the Mornington Peninsula’s southernmost tip. Surrounded by cliffs and a rugged coastline, this landmark venue offers a breathtakingly picturesque setting for memorable clicks for your wedding album.
The venue's most striking feature is the Lighthouse, which offers a panoramic view of Bass Strait. The historical site features a white facade and stands out with its towering presence in the vicinity. Your pre-wedding photography in Melbourne will have a timeless charm with the rugged rocks and gentle waves in the background.
Here, you can feel the romance and the hidden mystery of nature as you get ready to give your best cupid shots as a couple.
Like other places in the Mornington Peninsula, this one also shines brightly throughout the day due to ample sunlight. This ambience creates the perfect setting for capturing your intimate moments before your marriage.
I love to take photos on the walking trails or at other coastal vantage points.
Address: 420 Cape Schanck Rd, Cape Schanck, VIC 3939
London Bridge
Next to the Great Ocean Road stands the awe-inspiring London Bridge near Melbourne. The place is known for its landmark rock formation, offering stunning views of the coast and the surrounding landscape. This dramatically beautiful scenery is perfect for your pre-wedding photoshoot in Melbourne.
The view of the Southern Ocean with its waves hitting the rock arches is truly majestic from the London Bridge Lookout. The natural rocky structures add a grandeur feature to your pre-wedding photos. At sunrise and sunset, the sky becomes an extraordinary canvas painted with vivid colours of pink, yellow, and orange. The light, when reflected on the shimmering waters and the rugged cliffs, makes it an ethereal setting for your photoshoot.
In addition to the natural rock formations, I also prefer taking photos at the shores marked by vegetative growth and the ocean vistas.
Address: London Bridge Rd, Portsea VIC 3944
Flinders Cliff
Flinders Cliff on the Mornington Peninsula makes a perfect spot to take pre-wedding pictures in any season. Its steep cliffs, wide ocean views, and pretty rock pools give photographers lots of choices to capture beautiful shots. The tall grass and hidden areas give privacy to couples even when it's busy in summer.
To get the best photos, I recommend shooting right after sunrise or just before sunset when the soft light makes the cliffs look magical. You'll need to walk a bit, and there aren't any bathrooms, but the amazing scenery is worth the effort. Don't forget to have a backup plan in case of bad weather—pick another location just in case.
All in all, Flinders Cliff offers a special and private environment to take your pre-wedding photos, giving you a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experience.
Address: Flinders VIC 3929, Australia
Mount Martha Beach Boxes
The idea of Mount Martha Beach as a backdrop for pre-wedding shots fills me with enthusiasm. The beach spans two kilometres, with Balcombe Creek splitting it into Mount Martha’s South and North sections. Each part has its own appeal. The southern end stands out, featuring the Mount Martha Life Saving Club and a yacht club. These add a sea-inspired vibe to your pictures. The scene becomes romantic with the plant-covered cliff and cute boat sheds in the background.
The beach looks northwest, which makes the light incredible at dawn or dusk. The steep slope and deep water near the shore create striking contrasts in photos. Calm waves make for a peaceful, pretty setting, while strong winds bring about a more lively, raw look with churning waves and shifting sand.
Beach mats are accessible from November through May, making this spot pretty welcoming. The colourful bathing boxes or the scenic surroundings might catch your eye. Mount Martha Beach offers a great place to snap lovely, unforgettable photos.
Address: Esplanade, Mount Martha VIC 3934, Australia
Dandenong Ranges Pre-Wedding Photography Locations
As a pre-wedding photographer in Melbourne, how can I not suggest the Dandenong Ranges? This place is guaranteed to offer you an unforgettable photoshoot experience.
Alfred Nicholas Gardens
Alfred Nicholas Gardens is one of my favourite pre-wedding photo sessions in the Dandenong Ranges. The vibrant seasonal flowers and lush green gardens set a fairy-tale backdrop for capturing intimate and romantic moments. I love the charming wooden bridges and the pristine lakes because they add a truly magical touch to every photo. Apart from them, the meandering paths and tranquil water offer many opportunities for stunning shots. This place is perfect for celebrating new beginnings.
Address: 1A Sherbrooke Road, Sherbrooke, Victoria 3789, Australia.
RJ Hamer Arboretum
R.J. Hamer Arboretum is another top recommendation for pre-wedding photography in the Dandenong Ranges. It features a natural and serene backdrop. This 101-hectare haven was originally a pine plantation, but now it accommodates more than 150 species of native and exotic trees. This creates a stunning landscape of mini-forests and rolling hills. I especially love the rows of northern hemisphere trees that burst into vivid and attractive autumn colours. In addition, the grand avenue of Japanese Cedars at the entrance sets a picturesque scene.
The Arboretum’s diverse plantings create a unique and private setting, which is perfect for capturing romantic, intimate moments. Additionally, the tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking views of the Yarra Valley & the Great Dividing Range take the beauty of this natural backdrop to another level.
Address: 10 Chalet Rd, Olinda VIC 3788, Australia
Cloudehill Garden & Nursery
Cloudehill Garden and Nursery in the Dandenong Ranges is a perfect choice for pre-wedding photos. Spread over five acres, the garden combines formal clipped hedges and topiary with relaxed bulb meadows. This variety gives you beautiful backdrops all year round.
I’m particularly fond of how Cloudehill combines the elegance of its structured garden areas with the natural beauty of its more informal spaces. The variety of textures and colours makes it easy to capture both classic and candid moments. The garden’s seasonal changes provide new inspiration with each visit, making it an ideal choice for capturing the timeless beauty of your pre-wedding photos.
Address: 89 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda VIC 3788, Australia
Pre-wedding Photography Ideas and Tips
In my photography career, I have done many pre-wedding photography shoots in Melbourne. I know the challenges couples may face during the photo sessions. Therefore, here are some pre-wedding photography ideas and tips that you must skim through to prepare yourself for a memorable session as a couple. From location and timing selection to choosing your outfit and poses, I’ve covered everything!
Where to Shoot?
I suggest deciding on the location or venue for your photoshoot as early as possible. You have many options! You could take pictures at the place where you had your first meeting, where the proposal happened, or at your favourite cafe or park. Alternatively, you could also choose classic spots like beaches, forests, or botanical gardens.
Should You Shoot During Sunrise, Sunset or at Night?
The best time to schedule pre-wedding shoots is during sunrise, sunset, or night. The abundance of natural light is an advantage for couples & photographers to capture beautiful photos. I love how beautifully photographs turn out in the golden hours.
What can you wear for pre-wedding photography?
A pre-wedding shoot is a special occasion and needs to be carefully planned, including what to wear.
When it comes to dresses, it should typically depend on what you aspire for. Some dress formally, while others keep it casual and toned down. In addition, many couples prefer a traditional outlook to stay connected with their culture. Whatever outfit you choose to wear, it’s always good to plan before the shoot day.
As a professional pre-wedding photographer in Melbourne, I always advise my clients to share their thoughts and ideas about their outfits and overlook looks. This helps me plan the photography session, which also depends a lot on the location. For instance, when you want to shoot along the coastline, you can wear a billowy gown and keep your hair open. If you plan to shoot in the lush green Botanic Garden, I’d recommend donning a light-coloured outfit, as it will nicely pop up against the backdrop.
How to pose for pre-wedding photography?
As a pre-wedding photographer in Melbourne, I believe in working with my client and discussing the poses beforehand. If you want natural poses, it is best to go for candid photography, where we click you in your genuine way. You can hug or kiss each other if you want romantic and intimate shots. Walking along the tree-lined pathways hand-in-hand makes for a good click, too. If you want fun-loving pictures, you can laugh and smile, and we will catch them on the lens promptly and precisely.
Experimenting with shots from different angles will make the shoot even more joyful. If you wear a flowy dress, you can twirl so the picture looks like there’s movement. Always be open with the photographer about your comfort. After all, it’s your pre-wedding shoot, and you must enjoy it.
Make Your Pre-Wedding Photography in Melbourne Unique & Memorable with Tree Studio Photography & Video
We follow a comprehensive approach during a pre-wedding shoot. It involves detailed discussions with the couple to understand their visions, goals, and preferences. This helps us offer personalised recommendations and expert guidance to the would-be bride and groom to help them have a memorable shoot. With meticulous attention to detail, we make sure that the experience is seamless and enjoyable for the couple. With our friendly directions, we aim to capture their chemistry in stunning photographs that they will cherish forever.
Are you planning a pre-wedding shoot in Melbourne? Contact TREE STUDIO Photography & Video. We will be glad to showcase our portfolio and discuss the intricacies of the shoot.