The Dandenong Ranges is easily one of my favourite regions in Victoria (I may be biased as this is also where I grew up). Nestled in the gorgeous greenery of the forest, filled with the sound of birds- the Dandenong Ranges is nothing short of picturesque, iddilic and beautifully romantic. These are my favourite venues in the Dandenong Ranges:
Olinda Tea House
Surrounded by Japanese styled gardens and a newly opened glasshouse ceremony space- Olinda Tea House offers a unique blend of modern elegance and natural beauty. One of the things we love most about this venue is the variety of photo locations available within a short walk of each other. From luscious gardens, to quaint pergolas and even a couple of friendly alpacas, there are endless opportunities for beautiful wedding portraits.
The reception space has an oriental touch, with traditional Chinese banquet styled round tables and a warm, timber interior design. With a balcony area for cocktail hour and golden hour family portraits, Olinda Tea House is perfect for couples seeking an intimate wedding amongst nature.
Lyrebird Falls
If you’re dreaming of a wedding surrounded by nature, Lyrebird Falls is one of the most stunning venues in the region. Nestled within a private forest setting, the venue features winding pathways, fern gullies and towering trees that create an incredible atmosphere throughout the day. There is an abundance of incredible options for wedding photography. Lyrebird Falls also gets some great autumn colours, which is my personal favourite time of the year for photoshoots.
For the ceremony, the venue offers two options- its iconic outdoor gazebo, surrounded by luscious gardens- or an indoor chapel, ideal for religious weddings or a great contingency for bad weather. As a photographer, I also appreciate how the chapel has white walls on its interior, making it bounce the natural light throughout the building, creating much more flattering images. Lyrebird Falls has also recently redone its reception space, with a beautiful timeless white interior and a huge floor to ceiling window, allowing you to feel like you’re in the forest.
Chateau Wyuna
Chateau Wyuna is one of the most established and well-loved wedding venues in the Dandenong Ranges. The property offers a variety of ceremony and reception spaces, making it a fantastic choice for couples wanting a personalised wedding experience.
From the historic chapel and timber reception spaces to the beautiful gardens and even a ceremony space with a waterfall backdrop, there are countless locations for wedding photos without ever leaving the property. One thing that’s interesting about Chateau Wyuna is that their chapel is a genuine, heritage listed chapel, rather than just a room converted into a chapel. This venue also delivers a completely different backdrop depending on the season you choose, due to the beautiful autumn colours and vibrant flowers in spring.
The property has a timeless charm about it and is perfect for anybody wanting to get married in nature.
Marybrooke Manor
For couples looking for timeless elegance, Marybrooke Manor delivers a truly romantic setting. This historic estate combines old-world charm with modern luxury and feels like something straight out of a storybook.
The grand architecture, manicured gardens and surrounding forest provide an incredible variety of photography opportunities throughout the day. Whether you’re planning a classic black-tie wedding or a more intimate celebration, Marybrooke Manor offers a sophisticated backdrop that photographs beautifully in every season of the year.
Forest Edge
Tucked away among the quaint town of Gembrook, Forest Edge is perfect for couples who want a relaxed wedding immersed in nature. The signature ceremony space is in front of a backdrop with expansive views over the forest, with a terraced garden for your guests to enjoy themselves during your wedding. It’s quite simply a photographer’s dream. The venue also offers a romantic French inspired indoor ceremony space.
For a reception, the venue offers flexible catering options- with either a sit down meal or a cocktail styled menu for your guests. The cocktail styled reception can be a great option for couples looking for a contemporary wedding where they can mingle with their guests, rather than being locked to a table.
The forest surroundings provide beautiful natural textures and soft filtered light, creating stunning wedding photographs year-round. We particularly love the ceremony locations nestled among the trees and the opportunities for romantic portraits throughout the property.
Planning Your Dandenong Ranges Wedding
One of the biggest advantages of getting married in the Dandenong Ranges is the incredible variety of venues available. Whether you’re dreaming of a garden wedding, a grand manor, a rustic forest celebration or a modern reception with stunning views, there’s a venue to suit every style.
As wedding photographers, we’re always excited to work in the Dandenong Ranges. The region offers beautiful scenery, incredible natural light and some of Victoria’s most unique wedding venues, making it a truly special place to celebrate your wedding day.
If you’re planning a Dandenong Ranges wedding and looking for a photographer to capture it all, we’d love to hear from you
