Pre Wedding Photography Melbourne: 6 Places You’ll Love

Pre Wedding Photography in Melbourne – My Favourite Locations


Planning a pre-wedding shoot in Melbourne? Whether you’re local or visiting from overseas, picking the right location is half the magic. With Victoria’s landscapes, from coastlines and forests to deserts and laneways, there’s a lot to choose from. I’m here to help!

These are a few of my favourite places for pre-wedding photography around Melbourne. They’re spots I keep coming back to for good reason. Each one offers something different, something beautiful. I’ve also included travel times from Melbourne’s CBD to help with planning.

Let’s dive in.

Great Otway National Park


If you’re dreaming of something lush and wild, the Otways are hard to beat. Think misty rainforests, fern-filled gullies, winding trails, and waterfalls that feel like they belong in a movie. It’s a peaceful, earthy kind of place. And an incredible setting for pre-wedding photos that feel intimate and surrounded by nature.

It’s about a 2hr 40min drive from Melbourne CBD, so staying nearby (Airbnb or cozy cabin) is a great idea if you want to slow things down and make a weekend of it.

Candid pre wedding photography in Melbourne, captured on the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Natural light, raw emotion, and sweeping coastal views set the scene for this relaxed, journalistic-style shoot—perfect inspiration for couples planning a pre wedding session in Victoria, Australia.
Candid pre wedding photography in Melbourne, captured on the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Natural light, raw emotion, and sweeping coastal views set the scene for this relaxed, journalistic-style shoot—perfect inspiration for couples planning a pre wedding session in Victoria, Australia.
Candid pre wedding photography in Melbourne, captured on the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Natural light, raw emotion, and sweeping coastal views set the scene for this relaxed, journalistic-style shoot—perfect inspiration for couples planning a pre wedding session in Victoria, Australia.
Candid pre wedding photography in Melbourne, captured on the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Natural light, raw emotion, and sweeping coastal views set the scene for this relaxed, journalistic-style shoot—perfect inspiration for couples planning a pre wedding session in Victoria, Australia.
Candid pre wedding photography in Melbourne, captured on the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Natural light, raw emotion, and sweeping coastal views set the scene for this relaxed, journalistic-style shoot—perfect inspiration for couples planning a pre wedding session in Victoria, Australia.
Candid pre wedding photography in Melbourne, captured on the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Natural light, raw emotion, and sweeping coastal views set the scene for this relaxed, journalistic-style shoot—perfect inspiration for couples planning a pre wedding session in Victoria, Australia.

Wilsons Promontory

This place is a proper adventure. You’ll need to drive about four hours from Melbourne, but what you get in return is completely worth it. Mountains, forests, beaches. It’s all here, and it’s all wild.

One of my go-to spots is The Big Drift. Rolling sand dunes that go on forever. Sunrise at Squeaky Beach is another favourite. The light there is golden and soft, and the beach has an untouched feeling.

Accommodation ranges from cabins in the National Park to nearby Airbnbs. If you’re up for the drive, Wilsons Prom delivers something pretty unforgettable.

Pre wedding Wilsons Prom
Free the bird
Morgan Vandermark Photographer
Wilsons Prom pre wedding Photos
Pre wedding melbourne

The Great Ocean Road

If you’re after something iconic and coastal, this one’s a no-brainer. The drive alone is an experience. Huge cliffs, crashing waves, sleepy surf towns, and golden-hour light that never fails.

The Twelve Apostles get all the attention, but there are so many quiet pockets along the way that are just as beautiful (and way less crowded). I actually grew up out this way, so it’s close to my heart. And I’ve got a few hidden gems I love to share.

Roughly 3 hours west of Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road is a perfect mix of dramatic and dreamy.

Candid pre wedding photography in Melbourne, captured on the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Natural light, raw emotion, and sweeping coastal views set the scene for this relaxed, journalistic-style shoot—perfect inspiration for couples planning a pre wedding session in Victoria, Australia.
Candid pre wedding photography in Melbourne, captured on the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Natural light, raw emotion, and sweeping coastal views set the scene for this relaxed, journalistic-style shoot—perfect inspiration for couples planning a pre wedding session in Victoria, Australia.
Candid pre wedding photography in Melbourne, captured on the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Natural light, raw emotion, and sweeping coastal views set the scene for this relaxed, journalistic-style shoot—perfect inspiration for couples planning a pre wedding session in Victoria, Australia.
Candid pre wedding photography in Melbourne, captured on the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Natural light, raw emotion, and sweeping coastal views set the scene for this relaxed, journalistic-style shoot—perfect inspiration for couples planning a pre wedding session in Victoria, Australia.
Candid pre wedding photography in Melbourne, captured on the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Natural light, raw emotion, and sweeping coastal views set the scene for this relaxed, journalistic-style shoot—perfect inspiration for couples planning a pre wedding session in Victoria, Australia.
Candid pre wedding photography in Melbourne, captured on the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Natural light, raw emotion, and sweeping coastal views set the scene for this relaxed, journalistic-style shoot—perfect inspiration for couples planning a pre wedding session in Victoria, Australia.
Candid pre wedding photography in Melbourne, captured on the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Natural light, raw emotion, and sweeping coastal views set the scene for this relaxed, journalistic-style shoot—perfect inspiration for couples planning a pre wedding session in Victoria, Australia.
Candid pre wedding photography in Melbourne, captured on the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Natural light, raw emotion, and sweeping coastal views set the scene for this relaxed, journalistic-style shoot—perfect inspiration for couples planning a pre wedding session in Victoria, Australia.

Cairns Beach

Closer to the city, Cairns Beach is a lesser-known gem. Just 1.5 hours from Melbourne. It’s low-key but stunning, with high cliffs, wild ocean views, and the kind of sunsets that make everything feel cinematic.

Even though it’s becoming more popular (you’ll sometimes see family or maternity shoots there), there’s plenty of space to find your own little corner and just breathe it in.

It’s a great option if you want something coastal without the long drive.

Pre wedding Melbourne
Free the bird
Morgan Vandermark
Candid pre wedding photography in Melbourne, captured on the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Natural light, raw emotion, and sweeping coastal views set the scene for this relaxed, journalistic-style shoot—perfect inspiration for couples planning a pre wedding session in Victoria, Australia.
Candid pre wedding photography in Melbourne, captured on the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Natural light, raw emotion, and sweeping coastal views set the scene for this relaxed, journalistic-style shoot—perfect inspiration for couples planning a pre wedding session in Victoria, Australia.
Candid pre wedding photography in Melbourne, captured on the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Natural light, raw emotion, and sweeping coastal views set the scene for this relaxed, journalistic-style shoot—perfect inspiration for couples planning a pre wedding session in Victoria, Australia.
Candid pre wedding photography in Melbourne, captured on the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Natural light, raw emotion, and sweeping coastal views set the scene for this relaxed, journalistic-style shoot—perfect inspiration for couples planning a pre wedding session in Victoria, Australia.

Dandenong Ranges

Only an hour from the city, the Dandenongs are a dream if you’re after something green, moody, and a little enchanted. There’s a softness to the light here, especially under the forest canopy.

Places like Sherbrooke Forest or Alfred Nicholas Gardens are perfect for romantic, fairytale-like images. Tall trees, enormous ferns, and little walking paths that make it feel like you’ve stepped out of time.

Ideal if you want a nature feel without going too far.

Free the bird
Candid pre wedding photography in Melbourne, captured on the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Natural light, raw emotion, and sweeping coastal views set the scene for this relaxed, journalistic-style shoot—perfect inspiration for couples planning a pre wedding session in Victoria, Australia.
Candid pre wedding photography in Melbourne, captured on the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Natural light, raw emotion, and sweeping coastal views set the scene for this relaxed, journalistic-style shoot—perfect inspiration for couples planning a pre wedding session in Victoria, Australia.
pre-wedding melbourne
pre-wedding melbourne
Melbourne Pre wedding

Melbourne CBD

Want something urban and full of energy? Melbourne’s laneways and rooftops are filled with character. I love shooting in places like Hosier Lane, or up in a carpark at sunset with the city skyline glowing behind you.

You’ve got a mix of textures and tones—graffiti walls, tram lines, little cafés and old brick buildings. If you’re looking for something modern and a little bit gritty (in the best way), the city never disappoints.

Every time I shoot here, I find something new.

pre-wedding melbourne
pre-wedding melbourne
Candid pre wedding photography in Melbourne, captured on the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Natural light, raw emotion, and sweeping coastal views set the scene for this relaxed, journalistic-style shoot—perfect inspiration for couples planning a pre wedding session in Victoria, Australia.
Candid pre wedding photography in Melbourne, captured on the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Natural light, raw emotion, and sweeping coastal views set the scene for this relaxed, journalistic-style shoot—perfect inspiration for couples planning a pre wedding session in Victoria, Australia.
Candid pre wedding photography in Melbourne, captured on the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Natural light, raw emotion, and sweeping coastal views set the scene for this relaxed, journalistic-style shoot—perfect inspiration for couples planning a pre wedding session in Victoria, Australia.
Candid pre wedding photography in Melbourne, captured on the cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. Natural light, raw emotion, and sweeping coastal views set the scene for this relaxed, journalistic-style shoot—perfect inspiration for couples planning a pre wedding session in Victoria, Australia.

Final Thoughts

Victoria has so much to offer, no matter what your style is—coastal, forest, city, or desert. The key is choosing a place that feels like you. Something that reflects your story and your energy.

If you’re planning a pre wedding photography session in Melbourne, I’d love to help you find a location that fits just right. You can check out my other blog post on planning a pre-wedding shoot in Melbourne for more practical tips.

Got a question or want to chat through ideas? Reach out anytime, I’m all ears.

Morgan x

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