When it comes to wedding photography, one of the most difficult choices is choosing the right location. While many couples simply use their ceremony venue to capture the moments of their special day, many couples choose for additional ‘first look’ photos at another location. This allows them a moment to relax and perfect the shot before the chaos of the wedding actually begins. We are spoilt for choice in Geelong, from the lush Botanical Gardens to the stunning coastlines. Here are my top 5 wedding photoshoot locations around Geelong.
1. Jack Rabbit
Location: Bellarine, VIC
Guest Capacity: up to 200 pax
Catering: In house with award winning wines
Perched on a hill overlooking Corio Bay, Jack Rabbit Vineyard offers one of the most breathtaking waterfront views of any winery in Geelong. With floor-to-ceiling windows in the reception space and a stunning outdoor ceremony location, it’s perfect for couples who want a mix of vineyard charm and coastal beauty.
For wedding photography, Jack Rabbit is unmatched in its diversity.
- The panoramic water views provide a unique backdrop for ceremonies, while the vineyard rows create timeless, romantic imagery.
- A short stroll down to the coastal edge offers dramatic shots with the cliffs and ocean, perfect for couples seeking something a little different.
- Drone photography is spectacular here, capturing the venue’s vineyard setting against the sweeping coastline—an unforgettable perspective of your wedding day.
If you’re after timeless elegance, the Geelong Botanical Gardens is the perfect spot. This heritage-listed garden is brimming with vibrant blooms, manicured lawns, and serene pathways. The variety of natural beauty here ensures plenty of stunning photo opportunities—from romantic shots among the roses to dramatic portraits framed by towering trees.
Why it’s perfect:
The gardens offer a classic, romantic vibe perfect for any couple looking for a mix of nature and sophistication. If you love an outdoor wedding, this is a great location to complement that.
Pro tip: If possible, schedule your shoot in the late afternoon when the soft, golden light enhances the natural colours of the gardens. Additionally, you can bring a picnic basket or a bunch of flowers as an accessory for a touch of candid romance.
2. Mt Duneed Estate
Location: Waurn Ponds
Guest Capacity: 50-300 pax
Catering: In house
Mt Duneed Estate is a versatile and elegant winery wedding venue known for its breathtaking barrel hall, modern industrial aesthetic, and sprawling vineyard grounds. With the capacity to host intimate weddings as well as grand celebrations, this venue offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony locations, making it perfect for any season.
Photographically, Mt Duneed Estate is a dream. Here are some photo ideas:
– The dramatic barrel hall, with its high ceilings and ambient lighting, provides a moody and romantic atmosphere for receptions.
– Outdoors, the lush vines and surrounding farmland offer a picturesque setting for golden-hour portraits.
–Drone photography captures the sheer scale of the estate, with sweeping aerial shots of the vineyard stretching into the distance.
– A sunset photo session amongst the vines, with soft light filtering through the leaves, creates a truly magical moment.
3. Provenance Wines
Location: Fyansford, VIC
Guest Capacity: up to 150 pax
Catering: In house
Provenance Wines is a hidden gem located in a beautifully restored 1870s bluestone paper mill. This venue combines historic charm with contemporary elegance, offering couples a unique setting filled with character. The rustic exposed stone walls and high ceilings provide an intimate and warm atmosphere, perfect for a stylish yet relaxed wedding.
From a photography perspective, Provenance Wines is a dream for couples who love texture and history.
- The contrast between the lush green vineyard and the raw industrial beauty of the bluestone mill creates a visually striking aesthetic.
- Golden-hour photos by the river, framed by ancient trees and soft reflections on the water, add another layer of beauty.
- Drone photography here captures the contrast of old-world architecture against the natural landscape, making for a truly cinematic wedding album.
4. One Day Estate
Location: Wallington, VIC
Guest Capacity: up to 120 pax
Catering: In house
One Day Estate is one of the Bellarine Peninsula’s most unique wedding venues. Known for its rustic, European-inspired charm, the venue features handcrafted stone buildings, vintage décor, and a relaxed, countryside ambiance. If you’re looking for a venue with a character-filled, Tuscan feel, One Day Estate is the perfect choice.
For photography, One Day Estate offers an incredible mix of textures and backdrops.
- The vineyard, the olive groves, and the rustic stone buildings all provide rich, warm-toned imagery with an old-world romance.
- Inside, soft candlelight and wooden beams create an intimate reception setting.
- Drone photography is particularly beautiful here, capturing the vineyard’s rolling hills and the picturesque stone winery in the heart of it all.
- Sunset photos along the estate’s winding paths, framed by vineyards and fairy lights, make for truly stunning wedding portraits.
5. Oakdene Estate
Location: Bellarine, VIC
Guest Capacity: up to 150 pax
Catering: In house
Oakdene Estate is one of Geelong’s most unique and artistic wedding venues, offering a blend of whimsical charm and rustic elegance. Known for its vibrant gardens, eclectic sculptures, and award-winning wines, Oakdene provides couples with a venue that is anything but ordinary. The estate’s restaurant and cellar door feature striking architectural design, adding an artistic flair to your wedding backdrop. Couples can exchange vows in the lush gardens, surrounded by colorful blooms and towering trees, before moving to the intimate restaurant or marquee for a beautifully styled reception.
From a photography perspective, Oakdene is a dream for couples wanting something a little different.
- The estate’s quirky sculptures and vibrant gardens create fun, creative photo opportunities, while the vineyard rows offer classic romantic portraits.
- At golden hour, the soft light filtering through the trees creates a stunning natural glow, perfect for intimate couple shots.
- Drone photography can capture the full charm of the estate—its sprawling vineyards, manicured gardens, and distinctive buildings all coming together to tell a truly unique wedding story.
About Me
Vanessa Claire
Vanessa Claire is an engineer turned photographer. With 10 years of photography experience and a professionally trained background in landscape and travel, she has a unique skill for using natural light and composition to create remarkable images. Her vision is to create timeless imagery by utilising unique and creative compositions.
Outside of photography, Vanessa loves travelling, surfing the coast and sipping on a good Nebbiolo.
