Following on from my recent blog post giving my opinions on the best wedding photography locations in Sydney, a few of my upcoming Melbourne brides wanted my take on what Melbourne had to offer in terms of locations. So, here’s my take on the best wedding photography locations in the city that also serves the best coffee in Australia…
Parliament House
Columns really are my thing. Parliament House of Victoria is my favourite place to shoot in Melbourne for its enviable, white, stone columns and sweeping stairs that any Sydney bride (and her photographer) would die for. It really is a magnificent and classically designed building suited to the most breathtaking and glamourous weddings. There is also some great photo opportunities outside Hotel Windsor, and down a few of the side streets close by (pictured below) and if you're peckish, stop by for the best pasta in town at Pellegrini's.
Parliment House is conveniently located on the corner of Spring and Bourke streets which is great if your reception is nearby, but being in the centre of town, parking can be hard. If at all possible, get your photographer to travel with you. This spot can also be busy with lots of foot traffic, but the wait is worth it for key images.
Victoria Barracks
Victoria Barracks is a beautiful bluestone building conveniently located on St Kilda Road just south of the National Gallery of Victoria. If you’re planning an autumn or early winter wedding, the vines that stretch along the bluestone walls will have turned an amazing gold and red which will really add some warmth to your images (as well as bringing luck and warding off evil spirits if you’re into that kind of thing). Traffic here is easier than CBD locations such as Parliament House so you should be able to get a carpark out front. It is also close to inner southern suburb wedding venues like Metropolis.
To use this venue, apply for a free permit (through the Department of Defence) which involves getting the names and addresses of everyone attending, but it’s easy enough and worth the effort to not risk a fine. This is a great option for greenery, especially if paired with the Shrine of Remembrance.
Contact: 1300 333 362
Shrine of Remembrance
Just across the road from the Victoria Barracks is the Shrine of Remembrance. Pairing these two great locations will give your wedding images a great mix of bluestone buildings and manicured tree lined avenues. The Shrine of Remembrance also allows for a great wedding car image – a very regal option.
Niagara Lane
When everyone thinks of laneways in Melbourne they think of Hosier Lane in the heart of Melbourne CBD, but we find it too overbearing, bright and always full of people. Instead we love Niagara Lane. It is a cobbled laneway that boasts early nineteenth century warehouses and colourful street art in the offshoot lanes. The beautiful heritage redbrick buildings, complete with original pulleys and hooks add character to your wedding images without the crowds of Hosier Lane. Also just a short walk away you’ll come across Melbourne GPO, which has beautiful white stone arched walkways.Definitely get your photographer to travel with you for this spot.
University of Melbourne (Quad)
The picturesque grounds and period
Labassa Mansion
Labassa is an outstanding Victorian era mansion with opulent architectural features. Listed as one of the national trusts, the Labassa is regarded as a must visit spot in Caulfield, but apart from that, it is also one of the most sought-after wedding photo locations in Melbourne. The grand mansion features a central staircase which is excellent for wedding photos. However, being a National Trust with high popularity, the permit fee is about $800 for one hour.
Contact: (03) 9527 6295
Australian Centre for Contemporary Art
If you want a big focus on your bridal cars, you can’t go past the ACCA. It is well located just minutes from the CBD in Melbourne’s Arts Precinct in Southbank and is very close to Victoria Barracks.
That's some of our fav locations that are realistic within most wedding timeframes in Melbourne, but for couples sessions, we offer out-of-Melbourne locations too.
If you would like to chat further about planning your photography locations or have any questions, please contact us info@imagehausweddings.com.