Pre Wedding Photoshoot in Melbourne – Everything You Need to Know

Thinking about doing a pre-wedding photoshoot in Melbourne? You’re in good company.

Whether you’re from overseas or just down the road, Melbourne is packed with locations that feel wild, romantic, or completely your own. From ancient forests and windswept coastlines to vibrant city corners and historic architecture.

Here’s everything you need to know about planning a pre-wedding shoot in Melbourne, including what to wear, where to stay, and how to make the most of it.

Why do a pre-wedding shoot?

Your wedding day goes by fast. There’s a lot happening, and portrait time is often squeezed between everything else. A pre-wedding shoot gives you time to really enjoy the moment. With no pressure, no timeline, just the two of you in a beautiful place.

We’re not rushing. We can explore, and create something that feels like you.

A lot of couples also use these photos for save-the-dates, invitations, guestbooks, or a slideshow on the day. Others just want to mark this part of their story (before the rings and the ceremony) in an insanely beautiful location.

It’s also the perfect chance to shake off any camera nerves. Getting comfortable in front of the lens before the wedding makes a big difference. You’ll feel more at ease, and if you have the same photographer shoot your wedding, they will understand how you move and connect.

Some couples also use the shoot as a hair and makeup trial. If you’re working with a stylist, this is a great way to see how everything photographs in different light and locations.

Why Melbourne?

Melbourne is one of those rare cities where you can go from the middle of a forest to a coastal cliff to a rooftop car park, all in the same day. The diversity here is unreal.

If you’re into nature, there’s the Dandenong Ranges, the Otways, or down along the Great Ocean Road. Forests, waterfalls, rolling hills, dramatic cliffs. Take your pick. If you’re more drawn to an urban vibe, Melbourne’s laneways, old buildings, and modern lines offer an entirely different kind of beauty.

Whatever your style – wild, elegant, laid-back, bold, you’ll find a backdrop that fits. Here’s a blog post on 6 of my favourite locations near Melbourne.

Coming from overseas?

There’s been a growing trend of couples visiting from places like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia to do pre-wedding photography in Melbourne, and it makes total sense.

If you’re planning a trip, I can help with travel logistics, styling, timing, and even location scouting. Just reach out and we can create something that feels thoughtful and easy from the start.

For accommodation, I love Treasury on Collins. An old heritage building right in the city with beautiful light-filled suites. It’s close to everything, and a great base if you want to shoot around the CBD or nearby gardens. If you’re heading further out (say, down the coast), I’d suggest a cozy Airbnb near your chosen location so you can take your time and make a weekend of it.

Choosing a concept or feel

The best pre-wedding shoots start with something simple: a vibe that feels true to you.

That could mean shooting at a place with personal meaning – where you met, got engaged, or love to spend time. Or it could just be a setting that speaks to your style: windswept cliffs, a quiet forest trail, a rooftop at sunset.

There’s no rulebook here. You can go full glam with a gown and heels, or wear jeans and sneakers. Bring a change of clothes if you want two different looks. Some couples also wear cultural outfits to celebrate their heritage. What matters most is that it feels like you.

Talk to your photographer (hopefully me!) ahead of time. I’ll help guide you through what works best for different locations, lighting, and movement.

What to wear

This part can feel tricky, but it doesn’t have to be.

Start by thinking about the setting. For a forest, lighter colours help you stand out against all the green. On the coast, flowy fabrics and hair-down moments work beautifully with the wind. In the city, you might want something modern or slightly dressy, whatever fits the tone you’re going for.

You don’t have to match each other, but aim for outfits that feel cohesive. Most importantly, wear something you feel confident and comfortable in. That always translates in the photos.

If you’re unsure, I’m always happy to help choose outfits that will work best for your location and light. We can chat through it beforehand.

After the photoshoot…

If I’m also photographing your wedding, your favourite images from the pre-wedding session help shape how I approach your day. If I know what moments you love most, I can lean into that energy and shoot in a way that feels consistent with what you already connect with.

The pre-wedding shoot also becomes part of the story we’re telling together—not just the big celebration, but everything that led to it. The anticipation, the quiet, the connection. All of it.

Final thoughts

A pre wedding photoshoot in Melbourne gives you space to slow down, to soak each other in, and to capture something that’s just yours. Whether you’re chasing cliffs at golden hour, walking through the city at dusk, or tucked away in a forest—there’s room here for whatever feels right.

If this sounds like your kind of vibe, I’d love to chat more. I’m here to help guide you through the process, find the perfect spot, and create something honest, beautiful, and completely yours.

Ready to get in touch?

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