My top 10 Sydney wedding photography locations

Jatin Valabjee

I’ve encountered far too many people who feel that they have to go travelling to exotic places to be “inspired” to take memorable photographs. This couldn’t be farther from the truth! I believe that no matter where you live, no matter how built up or remote your town or city is, if you take the time to explore and go to unexpected places, you’ll fall in love with your home all over again.

This photography guide takes you through my favourite wedding photography locations in Sydney, Australia. Lots of sample photos are included which will hopefully get you moving and exploring.

Of course these locations are not limited to wedding photography - they’re all so beautiful that you can even take your camera and picnic basket over for a great day out.

Even if you don’t live in Sydney, read on - you may become consumed with an urge to book a flight down here yourself!

1. Long Reef, Narrabeen

   This has to be one of the most picturesque Sydney locations you could hope to take wedding photos at. After parking your car it’s a ten minute gentle incline walk to the Long Reef head. From the top is a spectacular birds-eye view of the North Shore coastline in both directions, an immaculately tended golf course and brilliant blue sky and ocean to the horizon. I was lucky to get some clouds when I shot Tyce and Trine’s wedding. The clouds lent my photos a texture and character that would not have been the same on a clear blue day.

   

   Long Reef in Narrabeen on Sydney’s North Shore offers some of the best ocean views in Sydney.

2. Wisemans Ferry

   For wedding photography in Sydney, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more idyllic and unspoiled location. To drive there, you pass through the outer suburb of Dural and continue down a long tree-lined road for what seems like hours, until you drop down to the banks of the Hawkesbury River.

   Lush green rolling hills provide a backdrop to the mighty river. Green parks and jetties on the south side of the banks provide a wealth of photogenic wedding photography locations.

   I recently photographed Alexia and Judas’s wedding, which was held under a gazebo in a park behind The Retreat resort. This little spot by the river was perfect for an intimate gathering, with no distractions from the outside world.

   

   Wisemans Ferry in Sydney’s north west provides an idyllic green mountain and river setting, perfect for wedding location and group photos.

3. Lavender Bay - McMahon’s Point, North Sydney

   Lavender Bay is one of the most popular wedding photography locations in Sydney - and for good reason. A long esplanade winds along the sea-level coastline, affording vast views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. For some colour and motion in your photos, Luna Park is a few minutes walk away. There are numerous parks such as Clark Park, Watt Park, Quibaree Park and and King Henry’s Waterhouse Reserve near the bay which provide lush greenery with no cars and streets in the background for really natural looking photos. If you’re feeling adventurous a walk along the nearby railroad tracks will give you some opportunities for gritty, raw photos.

   I recently photographed Mark and Arezou’s wedding in Lavender Bay, and loved the variety of shots I was able to get with the numerous landscapes and backdrops, all within short walking distance.

   

   
   

   

   Lavender Bay in Sydney’s north has a wealth of parks and water features for location wedding photos, as well as clear views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

4. Sydney Glass Island

   The famous Sydney Glass Island is a luxurious cruise barge which travels around Sydney Harbour, catering for all kinds of functions including weddings. The friendly staff always make my job easier, and every wedding I’ve photographed on the Glass Island has gone off without a hitch.

   I recently photographed Kaine and Belinda’s wedding on the Sydney Glass Island. I was able to get photos of guests warming up on the open air upper deck against backdrops of blue skies, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. The ceremony was also held upstairs, with the couple strategically placed in front of the Opera House. Downstairs in the main dining hall, 3 metre high glass walls gave guests a 360 degree unobstructed view of the Harbour, with a big dancefloor for some great action shots late into the night.

   

   
   

   

   The elegant Sydney Glass Island cruises around Sydney Harbour, offering guests (and photographers!) ever changing views of the dramatic Sydney skyline.

5. The Rocks, Sydney

   The Rocks is the historical and arts centre of Sydney. Ideally positioned near the
   city centre and between the
   Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, it is home to many art
   and photography galleries of famous Sydney-siders, including Ken Duncan, Ken Done, and Charles Billich.

   For the wedding photographer The Rocks is a dream. Old weathered buildings, high points for picturesque views of the harbour and Sydney skyline and historic pubs provide a wide variety of location scenery.

   Pearl and Conrad, who were settling overseas, asked me to take their wedding location photos to incorporate Aussie icons. I took them to the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, as well as photographing them near Sydney street signs. The ceremony and reception were held at the historic Lord Nelson pub.

   

   Sydney’s Rocks offers a wide variety of attractive scenery and environments to use for your wedding location photography.

6. Swain Gardens, Killara

   Swain Gardens in Killara is one of Sydney’s best kept secrets. A friend recommended the gardens for a wedding location shoot, so I drove up to check it out. I almost drove past the entrance - a discreet downward-sloped driveway leading out of view from the street. Walking down the driveway, I was amazed to find that in less than a minute, I was in a forest. Tall trees stood in leafy beds, Hydrangea and Jacaranda plants splashed colour through the greenery, and a meandering stoney path offered a rich photographic playground.

   I photographed Peter and Anju’s wedding location shoot in Swain Gardens - needless to say everyone loved the lush environment and variety of photos I was able to take. I think I’ll go back there for a picnic!

   

   Swain Gardens in Killara in Sydney’s north is a natural green hideaway perfect for a wedding location shoot or picnic.

7. The Tea Room Gunners’ Barracks, Mosman

   For a medium-sized wedding (as many as 150 guests), I have trouble thinking of a location more unique than The Team Room Gunners’ Barracks in Mosman. A quaint old building high on a hill, the sandstone Barracks has not only aesthetic appeal but is also significant in Australia’s history (dating back to 1873 when it was used by the military). The Barracks houses a tea room and a private courtyard, where the wedding ceremony is usually held. The weathered sandstone walls are a joy to use as a backdrop - the rich textures and creeping vines made my photos pop off the screen! The headland offers dramatic panoramic views of the Sydney skyline, including Rose Bay and Camp Cove.

   I photographed Matt and Ellie’s wedding there, and had a lot of fun working the walls and breathtaking views. The large sandstone walls also provided a great backdrop for the group photos.

   

   The historic Gunners’ Barracks in Mosman offers huge weathered sandstone walls, tunnels and panoramic harbour views from the north

8. Observatory Hill, The Rocks

   The Sydney Observatory is Australia’s oldest observatory. Set atop Observatory Hill, the adjacent gazebo and surrounding parklands are busy locations for weddings, popular for their views of Sydney Harbour and North Sydney.

   I recently photographed Todd and Nicola’s wedding in the rotunda on Observatory Hill. The 30 odd guests enjoyed the sunshine and gorgeous vista during the ceremony, after which I took Todd and Nicola around the grounds and the Observatory’s stone walls for some stunning location shots.

9. Royal Botanic Gardens

   Just a short walk around from the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens stretch over a large part of Sydney city. Skirting around the harbour front, the well-tended gardens provide superb views of the harbour and are always popular for tourists, joggers and picnickers. For Sydney city weddings, this is one of my favourite photographic retreats as it is easily accessible from the city, and lets me use the Opera House as a backdrop. The park benches and trees also let me get photos of the couple without any cars or buildings in the scene.

   Santonu and Somaiya asked me to photograph their wedding reception aboard the Sydney Glass Island. Prior to boarding I met with them and had an hour or so to explore the Botanic Gardens with them. They were very impressed with the results as I was able to get a good mix of harbour side shots and natural garden shots. I’m looking forward to exploring other parts of these gardens for my next wedding location shoot.

   

   
   

   

   The Royal Botanic Gardens is my favourite central Sydney wedding photography location - you can wander around the gardens or get some dramatic shots against the Opera House without having to walk too far.

10. Bowral, Southern Highlands

    If you drive about an hour south of Sydney, you’ll find yourself in Bowral. In every sense a country town, Bowral is home to many gardens, traditional lodges and is surrounded by green rolling countryside and farmland. I always look forward to photographing weddings in Bowral - there’s a lot of area to explore and the green hills and vast blue sky look great in the photos.

    I recently photographed Dan and Dani’s wedding in the grounds of Craigieburn resort in Bowral. The couple were very pleased with the shots against the charming resort main building and along the spacious golf course and tree-lined driveway.

    

    Bowral’s fresh air, floral gardens, rolling green hills and charming cottages provide an idyllic wedding photography location - if you’re willing to travel.

I hope reading this article has put you in the mood to explore your own area - if you dig a little deep you’ll no doubt find parks, historic houses and sites that capture your eye. If you would like to share your own favourite photography locations (even ones outside of Sydney), for weddings or just for fun, feel free to post them in the comments.