Victorian Registry Wedding
The Ultimate Guide to Getting Married at the Victorian Marriage Registry in Melbourne (2026)
Thinking about getting married at the Victorian Marriage Registry? You’re in the right place.
Nestled inside Melbourne’s beautiful Old Treasury Building, a Registry Office wedding is proof that you don’t need a huge guest list or an extravagant venue to have an unforgettable wedding day. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement, a small celebration with your closest family and friends, or simply want a stress free way to say “I do”, the Victorian Marriage Registry offers one of Melbourne’s most iconic and elegant places to get married.
As a Melbourne wedding photographer, I’ve photographed countless Registry Office weddings over the years, and I genuinely love them. Every couple brings their own story, style and personalities, and no two weddings are ever the same. One moment it’s just the two of you exchanging vows in front of a handful of loved ones, the next you’re wandering through Treasury Gardens, celebrating with champagne on Spring Street, or sneaking away for editorial style portraits against Melbourne’s stunning heritage architecture.
One of the things I hear most often is, “We have no idea how a Registry Office wedding actually works.” That’s completely normal. The official information covers the essentials, however it doesn’t always answer the practical questions couples have when they’re planning their day. Things like what the ceremony rooms look like, where to park, when to arrive, where to take photos afterwards, how much time to allow, or even where to celebrate once you’ve tied the knot.
That’s exactly why I created this guide.
Whether you’re still deciding if a Registry Office wedding is right for you or you’ve already booked your ceremony, you’ll find everything you need to know right here. I’ll walk you through the ceremony process, explain what to expect on the day, share my favourite nearby photo locations, answer the questions couples ask me all the time, and give you plenty of tips I’ve learnt after photographing so many weddings at the Old Treasury Building.
If you’re planning something intimate and relaxed, you might also like to explore my Melbourne Elopement Photography page, where you’ll find more inspiration, real weddings and information about my photography packages for Registry Office weddings and elopements.
By the time you finish reading this guide, you’ll know exactly what to expect, how to make the most of your wedding day, and how to create a celebration that feels effortless, meaningful and uniquely you.
Quick Answer
If you’re looking for the short version, here it is!
The Victorian Marriage Registry is located inside Melbourne’s beautiful Old Treasury Building at 20 Spring Street, East Melbourne. It’s one of the most popular places for couples to have an intimate wedding, elopement or small ceremony, thanks to its elegant heritage interiors and central location.
Here’s what you need to know at a glance:
📍 Where is the Victorian Marriage Registry?
Old Treasury Building, 20 Spring Street, East Melbourne, VIC 3002.
⏰ When should we arrive?
Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before your ceremony. This gives you time to check in, complete the final paperwork and meet with the Registry staff before your ceremony begins.
💍 How long does the ceremony take?
Most Registry Office ceremonies take around 20 to 30 minutes, while legal-only ceremonies are generally shorter.
👥 How many guests can we invite?
Guest numbers vary depending on the ceremony room you choose, so it’s best to check the current limits when making your booking.
📸 Can we have a photographer?
Absolutely, and I highly recommend it! Your wedding may be intimate, but it’s still one of the biggest days of your life. A professional photographer can capture all the genuine moments, from your ceremony and family photos to beautiful portraits around Melbourne afterwards.
🌳 Where should we take photos after the ceremony?
The Old Treasury Building is surrounded by some of Melbourne’s best photo locations, including Treasury Gardens, Parliament House, Spring Street, Treasury Place, Fitzroy Gardens and the beautiful heritage buildings nearby. Best of all, most are just a short walk from the Registry.
⏱️ How long should we allow for photos?
I usually recommend allowing 1 to 2 hours after your ceremony. This gives us plenty of time for relaxed portraits, family photos and a stroll through some of Melbourne’s most iconic locations without feeling rushed.
🥂 What can we do afterwards?
Many couples head to one of Melbourne’s fantastic restaurants, rooftop bars or hotels for a long lunch, celebratory dinner or champagne with their closest family and friends. Others simply enjoy wandering the city together, soaking up that incredible “just married” feeling.
Keep reading for my complete guide, where I’ll walk you through the booking process, what to expect on the day, my favourite photo locations, timeline tips and plenty of insider advice to help you plan the perfect Melbourne Registry Office wedding.
Why Choose a Registry Wedding?
Registry weddings have become incredibly popular over the past few years, and it’s easy to see why. They’re intimate, relaxed and allow you to focus on what really matters, marrying the person you love.
While some people still think of a Registry Office wedding as “just signing the paperwork”, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The Victorian Marriage Registry offers beautiful ceremony rooms inside the historic Old Treasury Building, creating an elegant backdrop that’s perfect for couples wanting a meaningful celebration without the stress of planning a large wedding.
One of the biggest advantages is the simplicity. Instead of spending months organising a large event, you can enjoy a beautifully run ceremony, celebrate with your favourite people and then spend the rest of the day exactly how you want. Whether that’s a long lunch in the city, cocktails on a rooftop, a private dinner, or simply wandering Melbourne together for photos, the day is completely yours.
Registry weddings are also perfect if you:
- Want a smaller, more intimate celebration.
- Are planning an elopement in Melbourne.
- Are travelling from interstate or overseas.
- Prefer to invest in experiences rather than a large wedding.
- Want a stunning heritage venue without hiring an entire reception space.
- Love the idea of beautiful city portraits after your ceremony.
As a Melbourne wedding photographer, I genuinely love Registry weddings because they feel so relaxed. Without the pressure of a big timeline, couples have more time to enjoy each other, be present in the moment and soak up every little part of the day. As a result, the photographs often feel incredibly natural, emotional and authentic.
Better still, once your ceremony is over, you’re already surrounded by some of Melbourne’s most beautiful locations for wedding portraits, all within easy walking distance.
The Ceremony Rooms at the Victorian Marriage Registry
The Victorian Marriage Registry is located inside Melbourne’s stunning Old Treasury Building, one of the city’s most beautiful heritage buildings. Inside, you’ll find two elegant ceremony rooms, each with its own charm and character.
Whichever room you choose, you can expect a warm, intimate ceremony in a beautiful historic setting.
The Margaret Craig Room
The Margaret Craig Room is the larger of the two ceremony rooms and is the one many couples instantly fall in love with.
It features high ceilings, elegant heritage detailing and beautiful natural light that creates a timeless atmosphere. The room is classically styled, making it a wonderful choice whether you’re planning a simple elopement or celebrating with your closest family and friends.
From a photographer’s perspective, it’s a dream to work in. The soft light and neutral tones photograph beautifully, helping create natural, true to life images without feeling dark or overpowering.
Perfect for couples who love:
- Elegant heritage architecture.
- A timeless and classic feel.
- Beautiful natural light.
- A slightly larger ceremony space if you are having more the 8 guests.
The Thomas Hyde Room
The Thomas Hyde Room offers a similarly elegant experience while feeling slightly more intimate.
Like the Margaret Craig Room, it features beautiful heritage architecture and tasteful styling, making it a lovely option for smaller ceremonies. It has a warm, welcoming feel that suits couples wanting a relaxed and personal celebration.
Although the room is a little different in layout, it photographs just as beautifully. As with every Registry wedding, I focus on capturing genuine emotion rather than overly posed moments, so your gallery reflects exactly how your day felt.
Perfect for couples who love:
- Intimate ceremonies.
- Historic Melbourne architecture.
- A relaxed atmosphere.
- Beautiful, timeless photographs.
Which Ceremony Room Is Better?
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either, but it generally depends on your guests numbers, more than 8 guests and you’ll likely be in the Margaret Craig room, 8 or less guests and you’ll likely be in the Thomas Hyde room.
Both ceremony rooms are beautifully maintained, filled with character and located inside one of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings. The biggest difference is their size and layout, rather than the overall experience.
As your photographer, I’ll work with whichever room you’ve booked to make the most of the available light and capture every meaningful moment naturally.
The best part? Once you step outside, you’re immediately surrounded by some of Melbourne’s most iconic portrait locations. Within just a few minutes’ walk we can photograph on the grand steps of the Old Treasury Building, wander through Treasury Gardens, explore the columns of Parliament House, or capture those classic Melbourne city moments along Spring Street and the surrounding heritage streets.
One of the biggest advantages of getting married at the Victorian Marriage Registry is that you’re already surrounded by some of Melbourne’s most beautiful wedding photo locations.
The Best Photo Locations After Your Melbourne Registry Office Wedding
Whether you’re dreaming of lush gardens, grand heritage buildings, iconic Melbourne streets or modern editorial style portraits, there’s no need to jump in a car or travel across the city. Some of my favourite locations are literally just a few minutes’ walk from the Old Treasury Building, which means we can spend more time creating beautiful photos and less time travelling.
After photographing countless Registry Office weddings, these are the locations I recommend time and time again.
1. The Old Treasury Building Steps
Walking time: Less than 1 minute
Before we head anywhere else, I always love making the most of the incredible architecture right outside the Registry.
The grand sandstone steps, impressive columns and beautiful heritage façade create timeless, elegant photographs that will never go out of style. It’s also the perfect spot for those first “Just Married!” moments, whether that’s a celebratory kiss, a champagne pop or hugs with your family and friends.
This is also where many couples choose to do a confetti toss. While confetti isn’t permitted inside or directly outside the Registry building, we can easily walk to a nearby public location where it’s allowed and celebrate there instead.
Perfect for:
- Your first married photos
- Family group photos
- Editorial style portraits
- Classic Melbourne architecture
2. Treasury Gardens
Walking time: 2 minutes
If you love natural, relaxed photographs, Treasury Gardens is easily one of my favourite places in Melbourne.
The wide tree lined paths, seasonal gardens, open lawns and beautiful soft light make it perfect for romantic portraits. No matter the time of year, there’s always somewhere beautiful to photograph.
One of the reasons I love shooting here is the variety. Within just a few minutes we can create images that feel completely different, from lush greenery and towering trees to elegant pathways and colourful seasonal gardens.
It’s also ideal if you’ve invited family and friends, giving everyone space to relax while we capture a mix of candid moments and beautiful portraits.
Perfect for:
- Romantic portraits
- Family photos
- Autumn colour
- Spring blossoms
- Relaxed candid moments
3. Parliament House
Walking time: 3 minutes
If you’re drawn to timeless architecture with a European feel, Parliament House is an absolute must.
The grand columns, impressive stone steps and elegant symmetry create stunning editorial style portraits that feel sophisticated without trying too hard.
I often bring couples here after we’ve wandered through Treasury Gardens because it’s only a short walk away and offers a completely different look to the rest of the gallery.
Whether you’re wearing a modern bridal gown, a tailored suit or something a little more relaxed, Parliament House always photographs beautifully.
Perfect for:
- Editorial portraits
- Elegant architecture
- Black and white photographs
- Classic wedding portraits
4. Treasury Place
Walking time: 2 minutes
Treasury Place is one of Melbourne’s hidden gems for wedding photography.
With beautiful sandstone buildings, quiet streets and elegant heritage architecture, it creates photographs that almost feel like they’ve been taken somewhere in Europe.
Because it’s often much quieter than other parts of the city, we can take our time creating relaxed portraits without lots of people in the background.
It’s one of those locations that couples are always surprised by, and it quickly becomes one of their favourite parts of the gallery.
Perfect for:
- Quiet portraits
- European inspired architecture
- Editorial style photography
- Timeless images
5. Fitzroy Gardens
Walking time: Around 10 minutes
If you’d love even more greenery, Fitzroy Gardens is well worth the short walk.
The beautiful tree lined avenues, winding pathways, manicured gardens and seasonal colour make it an incredible location all year round.
It’s especially popular for couples wanting a little more privacy while still staying close to the Registry Office.
If we’ve booked a little extra photography coverage, I often recommend including Fitzroy Gardens in your portrait session.
Perfect for:
- Garden lovers
- Autumn leaves
- Spring flowers
- Relaxed portraits
6. Melbourne’s Iconic Laneways
If you’re after something a little more modern, we can also explore some of Melbourne’s famous laneways.
From textured brick walls and historic arcades to colourful street art and hidden corners, these locations add variety and personality to your wedding gallery.
Every couple is different, so we’ll choose locations that reflect your style rather than following a one size fits all approach.
My Favourite Combination
If you’re wondering what I recommend for most Registry Office weddings, this is my go to route:
✨ The Old Treasury Building
✨ Treasury Gardens
✨ Parliament House
In just over an hour, we can create an incredibly diverse gallery featuring elegant architecture, beautiful gardens, iconic Melbourne streets and relaxed candid moments, all without needing to drive anywhere.
That’s one of the reasons I love photographing Registry Office weddings so much. Everything is within walking distance, which means your wedding day feels relaxed, enjoyable and completely stress free.
Kelly’s Tip
Don’t feel like you have to visit every location.
Some of my favourite Registry Office galleries have been created using just two or three nearby spots. By slowing down and spending a little more time in each location, we create a collection of photographs that feels natural, relaxed and truly reflects your personalities, rather than rushing from one place to the next.
If you’re unsure where to go, don’t worry. Before your wedding, we’ll chat about the style of photos you love most, whether that’s timeless and romantic, modern and editorial, or a relaxed mix of both, and I’ll recommend the perfect locations to suit your vision and the time we’ve set aside for your portraits.
How Long Should You Book Your Photographer?
One of the questions I’m asked the most is, “How many hours of photography do we actually need for a Registry Office wedding?”
The answer really depends on what you want your wedding day to look like.
Some couples simply want the ceremony captured, while others turn their Registry Office wedding into a full day of celebrations, complete with portraits around Melbourne, a long lunch, champagne with family and friends, or even a surprise reception later that evening.
The beauty of a Registry Office wedding is that you can make it entirely your own. There’s no right or wrong, just the amount of coverage that suits your plans.
1 Hour of Photography
Perfect if you’re only wanting the ceremony itself, a handful of family photos and a few portraits outside the Old Treasury Building.
While it’s enough to document the essentials, it does move quickly, so there’s limited time to explore nearby photo locations.
2 Hours of Photography
This is one of the most popular options for Registry Office weddings.
It allows enough time to capture your ceremony, congratulations with family and friends, relaxed family photos, and a beautiful portrait session around the Old Treasury Building, Treasury Gardens, Parliament House and the surrounding heritage streets.
For many couples, two hours is the perfect balance of capturing the story without feeling rushed.
3 Hours of Photography
If you’d love a little more flexibility, three hours gives us time to slow down and enjoy the experience.
We can visit several nearby locations, create a more diverse gallery, stop for a celebratory champagne, or capture the beginning of your lunch or dinner with family and friends.
It’s a wonderful option if your wedding day is about more than just the ceremony.
4 Hours or More
If you’re planning a larger celebration, getting ready photos, multiple locations, or an intimate reception afterwards, four hours or more gives us plenty of time to tell the complete story of your day.
Many couples love including the final touches of getting ready before their ceremony, while others choose to finish with speeches, cake cutting or sunset portraits later in the afternoon.
My Recommendation
After photographing countless Registry Office weddings in Melbourne, I find that 2 to 3 hours of photography is the sweet spot for most couples.
It gives us enough time to capture your ceremony naturally, photograph your family and friends, wander through some of Melbourne’s most beautiful locations, and create a gallery that tells the complete story of your day, without ever feeling like we’re racing against the clock.
Of course, every wedding is different. Before your wedding, we’ll chat about your plans, what’s most important to you, and together we’ll build a timeline that makes the most of every minute.
Not Sure How Much Coverage You Need?
If you’re still deciding, I’ve put together a detailed guide that walks you through exactly what can be captured in different photography packages, from intimate ceremonies through to full day celebrations.
👉 Read my guide: How Many Hours of Wedding Photography Do You Need?
That article includes real timelines, examples from past weddings, and my recommendations to help you choose the right amount of coverage for your day.
Where to Celebrate After Your Registry Office Wedding
One of my favourite things about getting married at the Victorian Marriage Registry is that you’re already in the heart of Melbourne. Once you’ve said “I do”, you don’t have to travel far to continue celebrating. In fact, some of the city’s best restaurants, bars and hotels are just a short stroll away.
Whether you’re planning an intimate lunch for two, a long celebration with family and friends, or simply want to pop a bottle of champagne together, there are so many fantastic options nearby.
A Long Lunch with Your Favourite People
If food is your love language, Melbourne certainly won’t disappoint.
A relaxed lunch is the perfect way to continue celebrating after your ceremony, giving you plenty of time to laugh, reminisce and soak up that newly married feeling.
Some of my favourite nearby options include:
- Farmer’s Daughters for modern Australian dining with beautiful city views.
- Cumulus Inc. for a modern Melbourne favourite that’s ideal for smaller groups.
- The European for classic European-inspired food in a relaxed setting.
- Grossi Florentino if you’re after timeless Italian elegance.
- Gimlet for a luxurious dining experience and stunning interiors.
Celebrate with Champagne
If you’d rather keep things simple, why not toast your marriage with a glass of champagne?
There are plenty of beautiful bars within walking distance where you can celebrate before heading off to dinner or your hotel. These quieter moments often become some of my couples’ favourite memories, and they also make for beautiful, relaxed photographs.
Keep Exploring Melbourne Together
Not every celebration needs a formal reception.
Some couples choose to wander through the city together, stopping for coffee, cocktails or gelato, while others jump on one of Melbourne’s iconic trams or explore hidden laneways for a few extra photos.
Those unplanned moments, walking hand in hand through the streets, laughing together and taking it all in, often become some of the most meaningful parts of the day.
Book a Beautiful Hotel
If you’re turning your Registry Office wedding into a romantic city escape, Melbourne has plenty of incredible hotels nearby.
Staying in the city means you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast the next morning, explore Melbourne together, and truly make a weekend of your wedding.
It’s also a wonderful option if you’re travelling from regional Victoria or interstate.
Kelly’s Tip
Don’t feel like you need to squeeze everything into a few hours.
One of the biggest advantages of a Registry Office wedding is the freedom to celebrate however you like. Some couples finish with a relaxed lunch, while others gather everyone again for cocktails, a private dinner or a surprise evening reception.
Whatever you choose, leave a little space in your timeline to simply enjoy being together. Those quiet moments in between are often the ones you’ll remember most, and they make for some of my favourite photographs too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Married at the Victorian Marriage Registry
How much does it cost to get married at the Victorian Marriage Registry?
The cost depends on the type of ceremony you choose and is updated periodically by Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria. The easiest way to check the latest pricing is on the official Victorian Marriage Registry website when you’re ready to book.
Where is the Victorian Marriage Registry?
The Victorian Marriage Registry is located inside the beautiful Old Treasury Building at 20 Spring Street, East Melbourne. It’s right in the heart of the city and within walking distance of Treasury Gardens, Parliament House and some of Melbourne’s best wedding photo locations.
When should we arrive?
I always recommend arriving at least 10 minutes before your ceremony. This gives you time to check in, complete the final paperwork and settle your nerves before walking into the ceremony room.
How long does a Registry Office wedding ceremony take?
Most ceremonies take around 20 to 30 minutes, while legal-only ceremonies are usually a little shorter.
Do we need witnesses?
Yes. Australian law requires two witnesses who are at least 18 years old to be present during your ceremony and sign your marriage documents.
Can we personalise our ceremony?
Yes. While Registry ceremonies follow an approved format, there are opportunities to personalise your ceremony with your own vows, readings and music, depending on the ceremony you’ve booked.
Can we exchange personal vows?
Absolutely. Many couples choose to include personal vows alongside the legal wording, making the ceremony feel even more meaningful.
Can we have a photographer?
Definitely, and I couldn’t recommend it more.
Although Registry weddings are often smaller and more intimate, they’re still one of the biggest days of your life. Professional photography ensures you have beautiful memories of your ceremony, your loved ones and your portraits around Melbourne afterwards.
How long should we book our photographer for?
For most Registry Office weddings, I recommend 2 to 3 hours of photography. This gives us enough time to capture your ceremony, family photos and relaxed portraits around some of Melbourne’s most iconic locations without feeling rushed.
Where should we take photos after the ceremony?
Some of my favourite locations include:
- Old Treasury Building
- Treasury Gardens
- Parliament House
- Spring Street
- Treasury Place
- Fitzroy Gardens
The best part is that they’re all within easy walking distance of the Registry.
What happens if it rains?
Don’t panic!
One of the biggest advantages of getting married at the Old Treasury Building is the beautiful heritage architecture both inside and around the building. Even on rainy days, there are plenty of sheltered locations nearby that photograph beautifully.
Can we bring confetti?
Confetti, rice, rose petals, balloons and bubble blowers aren’t permitted inside or immediately outside the Registry. If you’d love a confetti photo, we can easily walk to a nearby public location afterwards where it’s permitted.
Can we have family photos?
Absolutely.
I always allow time after the ceremony to photograph family groups before we head off for your couple portraits.
What should we wear?
There are no rules!
Some couples wear a traditional wedding dress and suit, while others choose something simple, modern or completely unique to them.
My advice is always to wear something that feels like you.
Can we bring flowers?
Absolutely.
Even a simple bouquet adds beautiful colour and texture to your photographs and really completes the look of your wedding day.
Is a Registry Office wedding still a real wedding?
Without question.
Whether you’re surrounded by 100 guests or just a handful of your favourite people, you’re making the same lifelong commitment.
Some of the most emotional weddings I’ve photographed have been intimate Registry ceremonies.
Can we include our children?
Of course.
Registry weddings are a beautiful option for couples wanting to include children in their ceremony and celebrate together as a family.
How long should we allow for photos?
I usually recommend allowing at least one to two hours after your ceremony for portraits.
This gives us plenty of time to visit a few beautiful locations nearby without feeling rushed.
Should we have a first look?
If you’d like a little more time together before your ceremony or you’re hoping for extra portraits, a first look can be a wonderful idea.
However, many couples still love seeing each other for the first time as they walk into the ceremony room.
There’s no right or wrong, it’s completely personal.
Can we celebrate afterwards?
Absolutely, and I highly recommend it!
Whether it’s a long lunch, cocktails with family, a private dinner or simply wandering Melbourne together, your wedding day doesn’t have to end when the ceremony finishes.
Why do couples choose a Registry Office wedding?
Registry weddings are relaxed, intimate and incredibly meaningful.
They’re perfect for couples wanting a beautiful ceremony without the stress of planning a large wedding, while still enjoying stunning photographs and a memorable day with the people they love most.
Do you photograph Registry Office weddings?
Yes, I absolutely do, and they’re some of my favourite weddings to photograph.
Having captured countless Registry Office weddings at the Old Treasury Building, I know the ceremony rooms, the best nearby photo locations, how the day flows and all the little hidden spots that make for beautiful, natural photographs.
If you’re planning your own Registry Office wedding, I’d love to help capture your day in a relaxed, timeless and authentic way.
Many of these answers come directly from the Victorian Marriage Registry’s current guidance, including witness requirements, photographer access, music options, accessibility, parking and prohibited items like confetti. (Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria)
Kelly’s Tips for Planning the Perfect Melbourne Registry Office Wedding
After photographing countless Registry Office weddings at Melbourne’s beautiful Old Treasury Building, I’ve learnt that it’s often the little things that make the biggest difference. Here are a few of my favourite tips to help your day feel relaxed, enjoyable and completely stress free.
Arrive Early and Take a Breath
Although the Registry recommends arriving at least 10 minutes before your ceremony, I always suggest getting there a little earlier if you can.
It gives you time to soak it all in, say hello to your family and friends, adjust your outfit if needed and simply enjoy the excitement before you walk into the ceremony room. Those few quiet minutes can make a world of difference.
Don’t Rush Straight to Lunch
One of the biggest mistakes I see is couples booking lunch immediately after their ceremony.
Instead, leave yourself a little breathing room.
Your wedding day goes by incredibly quickly, so allowing an hour or two for portraits means you’ll actually have time to enjoy being newly married rather than feeling like you’re racing from one booking to the next.
Less Is Often More
You don’t need to visit every photo location in Melbourne to end up with an incredible gallery.
In fact, some of my favourite Registry Office weddings have been photographed using just two or three nearby locations.
By slowing down and spending more time together, your photos feel more natural, relaxed and authentic.
Trust Your Photographer
One of the questions I hear all the time is, “We have no idea what to do in front of the camera.”
The good news is, you don’t have to.
I’ll guide you every step of the way with gentle direction while leaving plenty of space for genuine moments to unfold naturally.
The best photographs almost never happen because you’re looking at the camera. They happen when you’re laughing together, chatting, holding hands and simply enjoying the moment.
Consider a Weekday Ceremony
If your schedule allows, weekday Registry weddings can be a wonderful option.
Not only is the city generally a little quieter, but some nearby photo locations are often less busy too. As a result, your gallery can feel even more relaxed and intimate.
Wear Comfortable Shoes (Or Bring a Spare Pair!)
Most of my favourite portrait locations are within walking distance of the Registry.
If you’re wearing heels, I always recommend bringing a comfortable pair of shoes for the short walks between locations. We can easily swap back into your wedding shoes whenever we’re taking photos.
Your feet will thank you later!
Think About the Season
Every season brings something beautiful.
Autumn offers rich golden leaves throughout Treasury and Fitzroy Gardens.
Spring is filled with fresh greenery and blossoms.
Summer gives us long evenings and beautiful golden light.
Even winter has its own charm, with soft, flattering light and the timeless elegance of Melbourne’s heritage buildings.
There’s truly no bad time of year for a Registry Office wedding.
Nominate a Family Photo Helper
If you’re planning family photos after the ceremony, ask one person beforehand to help gather everyone.
Choose someone who knows both families well and isn’t afraid to call people over.
It might sound simple, but this one little tip can save 10 to 15 minutes and means we spend less time searching for Uncle Bob and more time taking beautiful photos.
Don’t Stress About the Weather
Melbourne weather loves to keep us guessing, but don’t let that worry you.
Some of my favourite Registry Office weddings have happened on overcast or rainy days.
The Old Treasury Building, Parliament House and the surrounding heritage streets all provide beautiful sheltered locations, while soft cloudy light is actually perfect for photography.
Rain rarely stops us creating beautiful images.
Make Time to Celebrate
Whether it’s champagne with your family, cocktails at your favourite bar, a long lunch or dinner with your closest people, don’t let the celebration end the moment you walk out of the Registry.
Some of the most genuine, joy filled photographs happen after the ceremony, when the nerves have disappeared and you’re simply enjoying the fact that you’re finally married.
Remember, There Are No Rules
One of the reasons I love Registry Office weddings so much is that every couple does things differently.
Some arrive together, while others keep the tradition of seeing each other for the first time during the ceremony.
Some wear a full wedding dress and veil, while others choose something simple and modern.
Some celebrate with two witnesses, while others invite their whole family.
Whatever your plans look like, your wedding should feel like you.
That’s what makes it memorable, and that’s what creates photographs you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Planning your own Registry Office wedding?
I’d absolutely love to be part of it.
Having photographed countless weddings at Melbourne’s Victorian Marriage Registry, I know exactly how the day flows, the best nearby photo locations and all the little hidden spots that make for beautiful, natural photographs.
If you’re dreaming of timeless, relaxed and authentic wedding photos that truly reflect your day, I’d love to hear all about your plans.
Get in touch here → https://myscandistyle.com/say-hello