Wet Weather Wedding Photo Locations in Melbourne

As a team from Melbourne, we all know this struggle. The BOM has forecasted a bright sunny day, and the actual sun itself seems to be dancing in the sky. It appears to be a great time to go out. Then you blink, and suddenly it’s raining and you’re clamouring for your favourite puffer jacket.

Whilst wet weather may ruin a particular picnic, or a pals night out, it certainly isn’t an excuse to not get some amazing wedding photos!

We at Twin Leaf have been through just about every variation of weather Melbourne can dish out, and have created this list of options for couples in search of contingencies in the event of rain on their special day.

Use Clear Umbrellas

Not just any multi-coloured parasol stashed in your car, but there are quite a number of retailers, such as Kmart, that sell some pretty elegant clear umbrellas. It wouldn’t hurt to stock up on a handful for your wedding day, and bring them out when the need arises.

Essentially taking an embrace the rain approach, this option will only work in the event that the rain itself isn’t too harsh. Whilst getting some cool photos is a priority, it’s far more important that we don’t ruin any of the hair and make-up artists’ efforts, especially if there’s a whole reception left to get through!

In the event of more extreme weather, another option involving shade might be in order.

Parliament House

An oldie but goodie, Parliament House remains Melbourne’s most popular spot for wedding photos even in good weather. Just about every photographer and their dog, cat, and auntie have been to this location, and rightfully so, as its heritage architecture simply oozes opulence and regality.

A notable feature is its high ceiling, with thick pillars shielding bridal parties from any potential rain, thus making an ideal wet-weather spot!

A downside would ironically be one of its selling points, that being the popularity of Parliament House. Often couples may have to contend with other bridal parties for portrait space, with potential wet-weather directing more couples to this already high traffic location. These additional wait times may pose a challenge to couples who are in a bit of a time crunch.

State Library of Victoria

Run by the awesome Showtime Event Group, this Melbourne mainstay is a must for couples seeking shelter from the rain, although it does come with a $500 permit fee.

The permit grants more than just access- but also a dedicated guide to navigate the multiple locations around the library. Containing a myriad of locations, from stained glass adorned stairwells to opulent balconies overlooking the library’s iconic dome, this location near guarantees a perfect wedding photography experience, and is one of our absolute favourites!

Other similar tourist destinations, such as the National Gallery of Victoria, similarly prove to be amazing wet weather spots, however permit fees and other terms do apply.

Town Halls

Perhaps not as recognisable as Parliament House, but equally as regal, town halls often provide a similar opulent aesthetic. Often being suburban or inner-city, the reduced foot traffic across these locations grants couples not only an element of privacy, but also ensures that they can take their time with the shoot, and avoid rushing through the process.

We at Twin Leaf have been to a variety of local halls over the years, with favourites being Fitzroy, South Melbourne, and Malvern town halls. Whilst exterior usage is free of charge, should couples wish to venture into the halls’ interior, a permit may be required.

As these heritage buildings do accrue some wear and tear over the years, at times restoration works may be underway. Couples wishing to utilise these areas should enquire ahead of time to the respective councils to ensure availability.

A Hotel

Perhaps you’re getting ready at one, or are planning to stay the night after your reception. Maybe your venue itself provides some accomodation?

Depending on your wedding plans, a cute hotel photoshoot may be on the cards in the event of wet weather!

Popular locations are Crown Towers and the historical Hotel Windsor- both offering couples the use of their spaces for photos were they to book a stay for their wedding.

Fitzroy Gardens Conservatory

Whilst requiring a permit, this venue makes for a fantastic indoor location for couples wanting some nature in their portraits in spite of wet weather.

Available all year round (unless renovations or updates are in place), the conservatory permit entails exclusive use of the premises, ensuring a fun little shoot uninterrupted by any tourists or other visitors.

Crown Entertainment Complex

Its famed staircase needs no introduction- with opulence and luxury being the consistent theme across all of Crown’s venues.

Easy to access and definitely an aesthetic showstopper, its one downside would mirror similarly to that of Parliament House. Whilst you may not be heavily contending with other bridal parties, members of the public do likewise utilise the staircase, whether it be for their own Instagram photos, or simply to get from A to B.

Couples utilising this space should prepare for some patience as photographers and videographers navigate the high foot traffic.

Theatres

Whilst not the most accessible, and potentially booked out ahead of time, theatres make for wedding photos that reek of decadence, and not to mention totally under cover!

Historic locations such as St Kilda’s Palais or Collins St’s Regent theatres present a unique atmosphere for wedding photography, with opulent architecture and years of history steeped into the walls of these venues.

Permits and additional costs do apply, not to mention ticketed shows requiring certain logistical observations. Couples are encouraged to enquire way in advance to secure a timeframe where they can pop in, and get a little fancy with their portraits.

Gazebos

Simple, cost efficient, and very, very effective.

Whether a fixture at your wedding venue, or simply at a local gardens, gazebos are a perfect option in the event of some light rain.

Ask Your Venue

Whether it be reception or ceremony, most of Melbourne’s gorgeous venues have an idea or two to circumvent any wet weather annoyances, with on-site options readily available for their couples to utilise.

From elegant staircases, to rustic barns and wine cellars, each venue tends to have something pretty unique to their character. If the forecast on your day appears a little gloomy, these little features are a sure fire way to get some magical wedding portraits!

And that’s our hot take! With weather as erratic as Melbourne’s, we hope that this list inspires a few ideas when preparing for wet weather contingencies.

Thank you so much for reading our little spiel, and we wish you an amazing celebration ahead!