66 Wedding Photographers in Melbourne

The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Photography in Melbourne

Why hire a Melbourne wedding photographer?

Who else but a native Melburnian will know all the best spots for your wedding photos? From the iconic landmarks like Federation Square to where the sunlight hits just right in the Royal Botanic Gardens, a local photographer has the inside scoop on the city’s most beautiful hidden gems. They know exactly when the light is perfect and how to make the most of Melbourne’s unique vibe, whether you're going for an urban look or something a little more natural. More importantly, a Melbourne wedding photographer understands the city's ever-changing weather and can adapt to get the best shots: rain or shine. And of course, they’ll make the experience feel relaxed and fun, helping you feel comfortable in front of the camera while capturing memories you’ll cherish forever. Of course, this last point is relevant for any reason regarding why you should choose a professional wedding photographer in the first place.

If you're still unsure about whether to hire a wedding photographer, it’s worth considering the regrets of real couples who’ve been in your shoes. The biggest regret? Choosing an amateur to capture their special day. While you may be tempted to save money, remember that your photos will be the lasting mementos of your wedding. Long after your dress is packed away and the flowers have faded, the only thing that will remain to remind you of your day are those precious photographs.

How to choose the best wedding photographer in Melbourne

Choosing the right photographer for your Melbourne wedding is a crucial decision, and it starts with reviewing their past work. Take a close look at their portfolio to ensure their style aligns with your vision for the day. Focus on photos from well-known Melbourne locations like the Royal Botanic Gardens, Flinders Street Station, and the picturesque Yarra Valley wineries, as these can offer a glimpse into how the photographer captures the city’s beauty. 

It’s also important to consider the photographer’s personality: make sure they’re someone who meshes well with your vibe to keep the day relaxed and enjoyable. Meeting in person is key to making sure they understand your unique style and vision. Don’t forget to compare packages—check what’s included, such as hours of coverage, editing, prints, and albums. 

Lastly, confirm their availability for your wedding date and make sure they’re flexible enough to accommodate any schedule changes you might need.

How much does a wedding photographer cost in Melbourne?

Ah, it’s that age-old question: what’s the average cost of a wedding photographer? Let’s break it down for you.

When it comes to hiring a wedding photographer in Melbourne, prices can vary widely depending on the level of service and the photographer’s experience. Based on Easy Weddings' data, standard wedding photography packages typically range from $2,000 to $4,000, covering essential services like pre-wedding consultations, a few hours of coverage, and digital photos. For a more premium package, you could expect to pay between $4,000 and $7,000, which often includes extended coverage, high-end editing, albums, and prints, as well as engagement shoots.

Factors influencing the cost include the duration of the wedding day (from a few hours to full-day coverage), the quality of the photos (professional photographers with top-tier equipment and editing skills generally charge more), and added services like physical albums, prints, or second photographers. Melbourne’s competitive wedding market, combined with the demand for high-quality, creative shots at iconic venues such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, Flinders Street Station, or luxury wineries in the Yarra Valley, also drives up the prices for top-tier photographers. Now, you might have a better idea of why wedding photography is so expensive.

Premium packages often come with a full range of services, including pre-wedding consultations to discuss your vision, engagement shoots to get comfortable in front of the camera, and full-day coverage to ensure no important moments are missed.

As for tipping your photographer, while it's not mandatory, it's a nice gesture for outstanding service. Typically, a tip of around 10-15% of the total cost is appreciated, depending on your satisfaction with their work. It’s important to remember that you’re investing in capturing the memories of one of the most important days of your life, so it’s worth considering a photographer that fits both your budget and your vision.

How to find an affordable Melbourne wedding photographer

Finding an affordable Melbourne wedding photographer doesn't mean compromising on quality. There are several ways to keep costs down while still securing a talented professional to capture your big day. One option is to explore wedding photography packages in Melbourne that offer a balance between quality and affordability. Easy Weddings provides a variety of wedding photography packages that cater to different budgets, ensuring you can find one that fits your needs without breaking the bank.

In addition, Easy Weddings offers WedPoints, a fantastic way for couples to save on their wedding photography. When you book through Easy Weddings, you can earn WedPoints, which can be redeemed for discounts or added value on your photography packages. For example, you might be able to use WedPoints to get extra coverage hours, a second photographer, or even a beautiful album, all at a reduced price.

The way WedPoints work is simple: each time you book a wedding service through Easy Weddings, you accumulate points. These points can be used to save money on your wedding photography package or other wedding services listed on the site. By using WedPoints, you can stretch your budget further and secure high-quality photography that fits within your financial plan, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.

What are the best photography styles for a Melbourne wedding?

When it comes to choosing the best wedding photography styles for your Melbourne wedding, there are several popular options to consider. Each style offers a unique approach to capturing your big day, and the right choice depends on your personal preference and the atmosphere of your wedding.

Traditional photography is perfect for couples who want classic, posed shots that capture timeless moments. This style focuses on carefully arranged portraits, such as the bride and groom with family and bridal party, as well as other formal moments throughout the day. It suits more traditional or luxury weddings, where the emphasis is on creating polished, elegant photographs that can be cherished for years to come.

Photojournalistic photography, on the other hand, is ideal for couples who prefer a more candid, natural approach. This style captures moments as they happen, with little to no interference from the photographer. If you're having a rustic or laid-back wedding, or if you want to capture authentic moments of laughter and emotion, photojournalistic photography is a great choice. It allows you to relive the day as it truly unfolded, making it perfect for weddings that prioritise real moments over staged shots.

For couples who appreciate creativity and artistic expression, Artistic photography blends the best of both worlds. It focuses on capturing stunning, sometimes unconventional shots that emphasise composition, lighting, and mood. This style works wonderfully for weddings held in unique venues like Melbourne’s iconic laneways, gardens, or beach settings, where the surroundings are just as important as the people. If you're looking for a modern, chic feel, artistic photography will deliver creative images that reflect your wedding’s atmosphere and style.

What are the best wedding photography locations in Melbourne?

Melbourne is filled with an incredible variety of locations that make it a dream city for wedding photography. Whether you’re seeking urban charm, lush gardens, or iconic waterfronts, Melbourne’s diverse backdrops can suit any wedding style—from traditional to modern, and even whimsical. Below, we share some of our favourite Melbourne wedding photography locations to consider for your big day.

For a contemporary and edgy feel, Hosier Lane is a must-visit. Known for its vibrant street art and quirky graffiti, this laneway offers a striking contrast for couples looking for creative and urban-inspired shots. If you're drawn to Melbourne's bustling city atmosphere, the Royal Arcade with its Victorian architecture or the Melbourne Laneways offer unique, historic backdrops that blend heritage with modern urban life.

If you’re after a more natural and relaxed vibe, Fitzroy Gardens is one of the city's most beautiful outdoor spaces, offering lush greenery, picturesque pathways, and lovely floral displays. For a more tranquil and romantic setting, the Royal Botanic Gardens offers sweeping landscapes and iconic trees, perfect for traditional wedding photos. If you're looking for coastal charm, St Kilda Beach offers stunning views of the bay and a serene atmosphere for more laid-back beach wedding photos.

Melbourne’s Yarra River is another perfect spot for waterfront wedding photos, with its scenic views, bridges, and riverside parks that offer both natural beauty and city skyline backdrops. The Docklands area also provides sleek, modern waterfront locations that are ideal for contemporary, urban wedding photos.

For couples looking for something different, the Dandenong Ranges delivers a magical atmosphere for a nature-inspired wedding shoot. Alternatively, Brighton Beach is famous for its colourful bathing boxes, providing a fresh and nautical backdrop for your wedding photos. If you want to incorporate both heritage and nature, the Melbourne Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary offer lovely locations with a mix of natural beauty and unique animal encounters.

What questions should I ask my Melbourne wedding photographer?

Choosing the right photographer is crucial to ensuring your wedding memories are captured beautifully. We’ve lined up a couple of questions to ask your wedding photographer, along with the answers you should expect.

How long does it take for wedding photos to be ready?

The typical time for receiving your wedding photos in Melbourne ranges from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the photographer’s workload and the package you've selected. Many photographers take this time to carefully edit and perfect the images. Some photographers may offer sneak peeks within a few days or expedited services for an additional fee, which can speed up the process for couples eager to see their photos.

Do photographers stay for the whole wedding?

Yes, most professional wedding photographers offer full-day coverage as part of their standard packages, typically ranging from 8 to 12 hours. This allows them to capture everything from the getting-ready shots to the last moments of the reception. If you’re planning a shorter wedding, you can discuss partial-day options with your photographer.

How many photos should a photographer give for a wedding?

The number of photos delivered can vary based on the photographer’s style and the length of coverage, but on average, you can expect 400 to 800 photos from a full-day wedding shoot. This should cover all the key moments and candid shots throughout the day. Be sure to discuss the expected number of photos during your consultation to set clear expectations.

Should I get a wedding album from my photographer?

Wedding albums are a beautiful way to preserve your memories and showcase your favorite images in a tangible form. Many photographers offer albums as part of their packages, or as an additional service. When choosing a wedding album, it’s important to consider the type of album you’d prefer. Options can range from classic leather-bound albums, which exude elegance and durability, to more contemporary coffee table-style albums, which offer a modern, casual aesthetic with larger, high-quality prints. The choice will depend on your personal style and the overall vibe of your wedding.

How far in advance should I book a Melbourne wedding photographer?

To ensure you secure the best Melbourne wedding photographer for your big day, it’s recommended to book at least 9 to 12 months in advance. This is especially important if you’re getting married during Melbourne’s busy wedding seasons, which are typically in spring and autumn. These times are highly sought after, and photographers with a good reputation or experience at popular venues often get booked up quickly.

Melbourne is home to many talented photographers, and those who specialise in high-end weddings or have experience shooting at iconic venues like the Royal Botanic Gardens, Federation Square, or luxury wineries are in high demand. By booking early, you’ll not only secure a photographer whose style aligns with your vision but also give yourself peace of mind knowing that one of the most important aspects of your wedding is taken care of.

How to get the most from your Melbourne wedding photographer

Do you want the best experience from your Melbourne wedding photographer? Just like anything in life, collaboration is key. Start by discussing your expectations during the initial consultation. This is the perfect time to communicate your vision for the day, whether you prefer a more traditional, photojournalistic, or artistic style. 

Be clear about the moments that are most important to you, such as the first look, family portraits, or candid moments during the ceremony. This helps the photographer understand your priorities and ensures they’re prepared to capture all the special moments.

It’s also helpful to plan specific shots ahead of time. If there are certain Melbourne landmarks you want to feature, like Hosier Lane, the Royal Botanic Gardens, or Flinders Street Station, let your photographer know so they can plan accordingly. Discussing your desired wedding photography shot locations ahead of time can save you time on the day, allowing you to make the most of Melbourne’s stunning backdrops.

Creating a photography timeline is another great way to maximise your time with your photographer. Allocate sufficient time for group shots, portraits, and those iconic location shots around Melbourne’s landmarks. Be realistic about the time required, ensuring there’s enough time between events for photos without feeling rushed. This will give you the freedom to enjoy your day while still capturing beautiful moments.

Do I need both a wedding photographer and videographer for my Melbourne wedding?

Hiring both a photographer and videographer for your Melbourne wedding has its perks, but it really depends on what you want from your wedding memories. A photographer captures all those beautiful, still moments—like your first kiss or candid laughs with loved ones. On the other hand, a videographer can document all the moments that photos can’t quite capture, like the sound of your wedding song or your guests’ reactions.

Having both gives you two perspectives of your day: photos freeze the best moments in time, while video helps tell the full story. Plus, you can relive the entire experience, from the visuals to the sounds, whenever you want.

The good news is, many Melbourne wedding videographers and photographers offer bundled packages, which can save you some money. Also, it ensures your photographer and videographer are working together to capture your wedding day in unison.

How to decide on a wedding photographer in Melbourne

Choosing the right wedding photographer in Melbourne is key to capturing your vision and creating lasting memories. Explore Easy Weddings’ list of the best wedding photographers Melbourne has to offer, and find the perfect fit for your style and budget.