Melbourne city photo locations
If you marry at the Old Treasury Building, three of the best photo locations in Melbourne are within walking distance. The Treasury steps, Treasury Gardens, and Parliament House. Southbank is a short drive.
These are the places I take couples most often after a city ceremony. Each has a different feel, and between them they cover stone, trees and the river.
By Jiaxi Wang, an editorial wedding photographer and videographer in Melbourne. I photograph fashion-forward, design-led and intimate weddings on digital, 35mm, 120 and Super 8 film. Updated November 2026.
The steps
The steps of the Old Treasury Building face Spring Street at the top of Collins Street. They are the obvious first photograph after a registry ceremony, and for good reason. The stone is pale and even, and a family group fits easily across the width.
Do family photos here first, while everyone is still together. Then let guests go and take the two of you around the side of the building, where it is quieter.
The gardens
Treasury Gardens are across Spring Street from the Old Treasury. Big old trees, long paths, open lawn. It is the softest light near the city on a sunny day, because the canopy filters it.
In spring the trees come into leaf and the lawns are green. In autumn the colour turns. A veil under the trees, lit from behind, is one of my favourite photographs to make here.
Parliament House
Parliament House is a short walk up Spring Street. Columns, deep shadows and wide stone steps. It suits couples who want a more architectural, editorial look. I photographed Sena and Alec there in midwinter, lace and a long veil against the stone.
The steps are public and busy at times. We wait for gaps, and I use the columns to frame you so passers-by fall out of the picture.
By the river
Southbank gives you the Yarra and the towers of the city behind you. It is the most modern backdrop of the four, and it photographs well in the late afternoon when the buildings catch the light. Jen and Jason walked down to Southbank after their Old Treasury ceremony.
Wind off the river moves a veil beautifully. Hold on to it between photographs.
How long you need
For the steps and Treasury Gardens, two hours from the ceremony is enough. Add Parliament and you want three. Add Southbank and plan four, including the drive. Read the Melbourne civil wedding guide and registry photographer prices for more.
City location questions
Do we need a permit for Treasury Gardens?
No.
What time of day is best?
Late afternoon in winter, and the two hours before sunset in summer. Midday works under the trees. I also like early mornings, when the city is quiet. They suit couples who are shy in front of the camera.
Can we do all four locations?
Yes, with four hours. Two locations done properly is usually better than four done quickly.
Tell me about your day
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