We’re so lucky to have the Dandenong Ranges just one hour’s drive from Melbourne. With its romantic, natural backdrops and beautiful gardens the Dandenong Ranges is every photographer’s dream. We’d also argue that the Dandenong Ranges is photogenic in every type of weather – rain, sun, fog and snow. So if you’re scouting for a location for your wedding, engagement or family photos, you just might find it here.
- Alfred Nicholas Gardens
If you’re after an iconic garden setting of your wedding album, we suggest meandering the paths of the Alfred Nicholas Gardens. The Alfred Nicholas Gardens is especially magical in Autumn, with the contrasts of yellows, oranges, reds and browns making for the perfect, loved-up photos of your big day.
Photography by Emily Howlett (@emilyhowlettphotgraphy)
Alfred Nicholas Gardens is open from 10am – 5pm every day except for Christmas Day. You’ll require a permit from Parks Vic to have your photos here – there is more information and links at the bottom of this blog.
- RJ Hamer Arboretum
With scenic views of the Warburton Ranges and Yarra Valley and the sound-of-music-like backdrop, the RJ Hamer Arboretum is the perfect setting for really any photography session that you’re after. For weddings and elopements though, it’s moody, it’s romantic and it’s distinctive. Shots between the rows of trees, or wandering through the fields make for a lovely photo.
And the plus side??? The RJ Hamer Arboretum is the most perfect spot to revisit on your wedding anniversary for a picnic with meaning.
Photography by Motta Weddings (@mottaweddings)
You’ll require a permit from Parks Vic to have your photos here – there is more information and links at the bottom of this blog.
- Sherbrooke Falls
A short walk with your entourage, or maybe just your lover, will make for some great photos and a nice little moment with your new and official life partner. Waterfalls, ferns, tall trees and cascading creeks, what more could you ask for?
Sherbrooke Falls is best after some rain when the falls are flowing.
Photography by Katie Harmsworth (@katie_harmsworth)
- Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens
If you’re getting married in spring you’ll want to take advantage of the wonderful, brightly coloured blooms that blossom at the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens. Fairy-tale-like gardens will create a majestic backdrop for a memorable day getting hitched to your special person.
Blooms of over 15,000 rhododendrons, 12,000 azaleas, 3,000 camellias, 250,000 daffodils and countless cherries – its just magical.
Photography by Now and Forever Photos (@nowandforeverphotos)
Vines on brickwork, hedged pathways and overall stunning gardens – need we say more?
With 20 garden compartments threaded through glorious 80 year old European beech, magnolias, maples and a collection of fabulous Himalayan tree rhododendrons you won’t know where to begin!
Photography by Sarah Godenzi (@sarahgodenziphotography)
Fees or charges may be apply for a wedding photo shoot at this location.
Olinda Tea House has wonderful lush green gardens and a bushland backdrop that you’ll love. If you’re lucky you can snuggle up next to one of their beautiful alpacas for a photo!
If you haven’t locked in your reception yet, Olinda Tea House might just be it. Overlooking the gardens, wonderful architecture and great modern-asian-fusion dining will make for a reception with a difference.
Photography by Sapphire and Stone Photography (@sapphireandstonephotography)
Fees or charges may be apply for a wedding photo shoot at this location.
If its old-school-English-charm that you’re after in your photos, Marybrooke Manor have the most incredible venue to suit. A Tudor-style building sits on lush green lawns on the edges of the Sherbrooke Forest. What a vibe!
If you’re holding your reception here, the inside interiors also make for a stunning photo. Go and check out their insta it’s amazing!
Photography by My Scandi Style Photography (@myscandistyle.photography)
You’ll be on top of the world, well at least Melbourne anyways, at SkyHigh Mt Dandenong. There are photo ops galore at SkyHigh within their gardens, they even have their own maze! Visit on a clear day and have get some shots with the Melbourne city skyline as your backdrop.
Photography by Yasmin Rose Photography (@yasminrosephotography)
Stonehurst of Sassafras has incredible landscaped gardens set over 2 acres surrounded by tall forest trees. Why not stay overnight in their beautiful grand mansion with your family and take advantage to get some shots at dusk.
We can’t have a list of Dandenong Ranges wedding photoshoot locations without good ol’ Puffing Billy Railway being in the mix. You’ll have to check the schedule for your wedding day, but you can get a gorgeous shot from the side of the road as the train goes past or even on their station platform.
Still looking for a unique wedding venue? Puffing Billy Railway can host weddings in their historic Nobelius Siding Packing Shed in Emerald and my gosh it is gorgeous!
You’ll need to apply for a permit to hold a wedding ceremony, photography or filming with Parks Victoria at least 8 weeks in advance. Charges may apply. Find out more here.
