Planning a wedding is one big, joyful whirlwind — and before the confetti and champagne pop, there’s something special about pressing pause and simply celebrating you two. That’s where a pre-wedding photography session comes in.
At Rocco Ancora Photography, we include a pre-wedding session in all of our packages because we believe it’s more than a warm-up for the big day — it’s a chance to connect, have a laugh, and create relaxed, beautiful photos that reflect your relationship.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your perfect pre-wedding photography session in Melbourne.
Why Do a Pre-Wedding Session?
It's a chance to connect — with your partner and your photographer
Rocco loves using this time to build a rapport with you both and make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. His style is warm and casual — no awkward prom poses here. Instead, think natural movement, quiet moments, genuine laughter… and maybe a little direction so you don’t wonder what to do with your hands.
It’s totally about you
There are no rules. Dress up like you’re hitting the red carpet or go casual with jeans and boots. This shoot is all about reflecting your personalities — no expectations, no pressure.
It becomes part of your story
Many couples use these images for save-the-dates, wedding websites, guest books, or to frame at the reception. But even more so, they become a beautiful part of your journey.
Choosing the Perfect Location
Melbourne is an absolute treasure trove for photography. From architecture to coastline, laneways to leafy gardens, there’s something for every couple. We encourage choosing a spot that feels different to what we’ll be doing on the wedding day — and if there’s a sentimental place in your story (like where you got engaged or your first date café), even better.
Here are some of our go-to locations, each with their own vibe:
Urban Elegance:
- Fitzroy Town Hall
- Melbourne’s iconic laneways
- Exhibition Buildings
- Collins Street for those classy, editorial street shots
Beach Backdrops:
- Brighton Beach Boxes
- Half Moon Bay (sunset lovers, this one’s for you)
Nature & Romance:
- Carlton Gardens
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- Treasury Gardens (just magical at golden hour)
Architecture & History:
- Parliament House
- Melbourne Museum
- Montsalvat (permit fees may apply, but worth it!)
Note: Some locations may require permits or have a small fee, but many are free — and we’ll guide you through all of that.
What to Wear (and What Not to) for your Pre-Wedding Photo Session
This shoot is a chance to experiment and play. That said, here are some helpful styling tips from our years behind the lens:
- Coordinate but don’t match
- Stick to neutrals and earthy tones — these photograph beautifully
- Avoid bold patterns, large logos, high-vis gear (yes, it’s happened!)
- Melbourne weather can be… unpredictable. If it’s winter, layer up and embrace it!
- Hair and makeup trials? Perfect excuse to book them on this day
- Comfortable shoes are your best friend, especially if we’re walking between locations
Timing & Light: When Should You Shoot?
Golden hour — the dreamy hour just after sunrise or before sunset — is our favourite time to shoot. The exact time changes with the seasons:
- Summer: Around 6pm
- Winter: Closer to 3pm
If your schedule is tight, don’t stress — we’ll help choose a time that gives us the best light and the most relaxed experience.
What to Expect on Your Pre-Wedding Photography Session Day
Here’s how it all plays out:
- Sessions run for about 1 to 1.5 hours
- If you’re bringing your dog (or your toddler), we suggest bringing someone along to wrangle them during the solo couple shots
- If it rains — no worries! We’ll either reschedule or head to one of our wet weather-friendly locations. Umbrellas can even be fun props!
- Rocco will gently guide you — you won’t be left standing awkwardly
- Expect a lot of laughs, a few quiet in-between moments, and photos you’ll absolutely love
After the shoot, we’ll invite you back to our Carlton studio a few weeks later to view your collection. It’s the perfect time to catch up on wedding planning, too!
FAQ: Pre-Wedding Photography Sessions in Melbourne
Nope — but we include it in all our packages because we genuinely believe it makes your wedding photos stronger and more relaxed.
Absolutely. We’re happy to suggest places, but if there’s somewhere meaningful to you, let’s go there.
We can either reschedule or switch to a covered/indoor location. Either way, we’ll make it work — Melbourne’s weather has never stopped us.
Yes please! Just bring a helper so we can get some couple-only shots without the fur baby stealing the show. Check out more photos below of puppy Chester!
Something that feels like you — just elevated. Neutrals, simple fabrics, and comfortable shoes go a long way.
Final Thoughts
A pre-wedding shoot is more than just a warm-up — it’s a beautiful way to document your relationship before the big day. Whether you want to dress up in formalwear or stroll barefoot down the beach, we’ll help you create images that feel personal, authentic, and timeless (without feeling stiff or staged).
We’ve had countless couples who were nervous at first tell us it ended up being one of their favourite parts of the wedding experience — and that they laughed way more than expected.
