So, you’re thinking about a pre-wedding photoshoot in Melbourne? First of all—excellent choice. Secondly, welcome to the unofficial guide to making it feel less like a staged photo op and more like a mini adventure with a camera tagging along.
Whether you’re flying in from overseas or you’re just a tram ride away, Melbourne is packed with locations that feel straight out of a movie—sometimes romantic, sometimes wild, sometimes “wait, how is this even the same city?”
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your shoot (and actually enjoy it).
Why do a pre-wedding shoot in Melbourne?
Let’s be real: your wedding day is going to fly by like a confetti cannon on fast forward.
Between the hugs, the champagne, the speeches, and your aunty asking where the toilet is for the 5th time—there’s not heaps of time for slow, meaningful portraits.
Enter: the pre-wedding shoot.
No guests, no timeline, no pressure. Just the two of you, maybe a gust of wind for drama, and me tagging along like your third wheel with a camera.
It’s also a sneaky way to get comfortable in front of the lens before the big day. Think of it as a warm-up act—with better outfits and less cake.
Why Melbourne?
Melbourne is a shape-shifter in the best way.
You want misty forest vibes? The Dandenongs are calling. Prefer wild cliffs and crashing waves? Head down the Great Ocean Road. Want something grungy and cool? Laneways. Rooftops. That random carpark that somehow has Vogue energy at golden hour.
We can go from enchanted woodland to editorial cityscape before lunchtime.
Whatever your flavour—laid-back, full glam, boho coastal dream or black-tie on a cliff—we’ll find the perfect backdrop.
(And yes, I’ve got a blog post on my six favourite shoot locations near Melbourne because of course I do.)
Coming from overseas to Melbourne?
A big welcome to you, international lovers! There’s been a beautiful wave of couples from Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia flying in to do their pre-wedding photos here. And honestly? I get it.
Melbourne light? Glorious.
The landscape? Ridiculous.
The coffee? Life-changing.
If you’re planning a trip, I can help with travel timing, locations, hair & makeup recommendations—even finding that perfect spot where your dress will blow just right in the wind (yes, that’s a thing).
And if you’re staying in the city, I adore Treasury on Collins. It’s got heritage charm, dreamy light, and it’s dangerously close to amazing croissants. If we’re heading out of town, a cozy Airbnb near your shoot location means more time for golden hour and less time in traffic.
What’s the point?
Some couples use the photos for save-the-dates, invites, guestbooks, slideshows, social media… or just because they want something beautiful to mark this season of life (before the rings, the marriage license, and the shared tax returns).
It also helps you ditch any camera awkwardness. If you’re worried about where to put your hands (spoiler: it’s never on your own hip like a Barbie doll), a pre-wedding shoot is the perfect time to practice.
And if I’m also your wedding photographer, this gives me a little insider scoop on how you two move, connect, laugh, kiss, and dance. So on the big day? We’re already in sync.
Choosing a vibe for a pre-wedding photoshoot?
Best tip? Don’t overthink it. Pick a vibe that feels true to the two of you.
Maybe it’s the beach at sunset, maybe it’s the bar where you had your first date, maybe it’s a field with long grass and zero phone reception.
Some couples wear gowns and heels, others wear jeans and Docs. Some bring a change of outfit, or traditional dress to honour their heritage. There’s no wrong move—as long as it feels like you.
The most “wow” images usually come from couples who let go a little and just… play.
What to wear for a pre wedding photoshoot?
Here’s where people start panicking and opening 87 tabs.
Breathe. You don’t need a personal stylist (unless you want one—I know some amazing ones).
Think about the location:
- Forests love light colours—so you don’t accidentally blend in like a woodland ghost.
- Coastal spots love movement—flowy dresses, loose hair, linens that flutter in the wind.
- Cityscapes suit sharp lines, cool tailoring, or a statement outfit.
You don’t need to be matching, but you should feel like you belong in the same movie. You want to look like a couple, not a pair of extras from different films.
And above all—wear something that makes you feel confident. It shows. Trust me.
Need help deciding? Send me outfit options and I’ll give honest, gentle feedback (aka tell you lovingly if one looks like a curtain).
After the shoot…
If I’m shooting your wedding too, this is where the magic starts. Your fave photos from the pre-wedding shoot help me understand the kinds of moments you connect with. I’ll take that into the wedding day and lean into it. More of what you love. Less of what makes you go “ugh, my face is doing that?!”
It’s also a beautiful way to include more of your story in your final gallery. Not just the vows and the dance floor—but the anticipation, the stillness, the just-the-two-of-you moments before the party begins.
Final thoughts (a.k.a. My Romantic TED Talk)
A Pre-wedding photoshoot Melbourne isn’t just another thing to tick off the list. It’s a gift to yourselves.
It’s a pause in the whirlwind of wedding planning. A slow, sweet moment to hold each other, soak it all in, and create something beautiful. No stress, no expectations—just honest connection and a camera there to catch it.
Whether we’re chasing waves, strolling through the city, or dancing barefoot on a mountaintop, this shoot is about you being you.
If that sounds like your kind of adventure, let’s make it happen.
Love,
Jenny x
About the Author
Jennifer MacDonald at Liminal Wonderland loves anything sci-fi and re runs of Gilmore girls. Loves baking and Champagne. Jennifer spends her free time hanging out with her husband and toddler that keeps her active. Jennifer is a wedding photographer based in Melbourne and Scotland. She specialises in capturing artistic portraits paired with unique storytelling.
BEST Place to check the weather on the day https://www.bom.gov.au/vic/forecasts/melbourne.shtml
Comments +
Comments -