Treasury Wedding Photography Locations Guide: The Best Photo Spots Around Melbourne CBD
Introduction
One of the biggest advantages of having your wedding at the Old Treasury Building is that you are already standing in one of Melbourne's best areas for wedding photography. Within short walking distances you have iconic gardens, laneways, both Old Melbourne and modern style architecture. The challenge is not finding locations; it is deciding which ones make the most sense for your timeline, lighting conditions and maybe where you end up for your celebration/reception.
The right locations and photo route can completely change the look of your gallery without needing to spend extra time travelling around the Melbourne CBD. Some locations work best in the morning, and some become valuable backup options when Melbourne weather decides to remind everyone who is in charge.
Be sure to scroll to the end where I have a link to my Exclusive Melbourne CBD Photo Locations Map. For the Ultimate Guide to Treasury Weddings click here, and for the Melbourne East End Hotels, click here.
Editor’s Note: Be sure to check back on occasion as I constantly update these articles. Last Updated August 2026
This guide covers my favourite Treasury wedding photography locations based on, what each location does well, things to consider, and I can help how to build a photo route that gives you the best variety in the shortest amount of time. You would be amazed at the ground I have covered previously for even the shortest of coverages.
If you have stumbled across this article, I am one of Melbourne’s most frequent photographers at the Vic Marriage Registry with nearly 20 years experience and around 1300 wedding documented and on a first name basis with the celebrants there.
Contents
Why Location Choice Matters More Than Most Couples Think
Variety without wasting time
Varied architecture style of the nearby buildings
Greenery and gardens within a stone’s throw
Quality of light at different times of the day and year
Privacy levels - will you have an audience or not
The difference between "pretty" and "practical"
Walking distance between all the locations and hotels
Crowds at different times of the week
Shade on sunny days at high noon
Seasonal changes to gardens and tree foliage
Weather considerations
How I Usually Build Treasury Wedding Photo Routes
I can customise or draw up the ideal location plan based on a few different factors. I will ask you before your wedding day if there is must have locations (this is often the Parliament House), see if you want to end up in a particular location - that might be the Reception venue you will celebrate at or if it is just the hotel to get your honeymoon underway.
Then based on the time available and the expected light availability I will put together a location progression that is easy enough to get around, avoid the crowds if any are expected and so that you’re not run off your feet. Nothing worse than jogging to your reception in high heels or tight leather shoes that you haven’t worn in.
Sometimes you may have your photo session split in two, by having a first look or getting ready together at a local hotel. Then the second phase would take place after the ceremony at the Old Treasury Build and then on your way to your likely reception lunch dinner.
Sample Route with 15-30 minutes (Check the slideshow for samples)
Treasury Building and steps → Parliament House → Windsor Hotel in the background
Sample Route with 40-50 minutes with more of a Gardens Focus
Treasury Building and steps → Treasury Gardens via JFK Memorial → Fitzroy Gardens via Conservatory & Urban Greenspace → Government Building from Commonwealth Offices to Premier’s Office
Sample Route with 50-70 minutes that contains the Carlton Gardens & Old Exhibition Building
Treasury Building and steps → Premier’s Office → Parliament House → Carlton Gardens → Old Exhibition Buildings/Museum Precinct
Sample Route with 50-70 minutes that contains more CBD enroute to Reception Locations (Central, East & North)
Treasury Building and steps → Treasury & Fitzroy Gardens → Parliament House → Windsor/Old Tram → CBD
Photo Location Deep Dive - Treasury Gardens
Why it works
Green year round
Right next door to the Old Treasury Building
Has walking paths in all directions with easy connection to Flinders Lane, Fitzroy Gardens, Education Department and Premier’s Office
Seasonal Colours
Best for
First looks at base of stairs from Treasury Place, JFK Memorial or Emergency Services Memorial
Portraits in a tree covered area
Wedding Party (if you have one) photos on the lawn
Autumn tree gold mine from late April until about 12 days into May
Considerations
Busy during weekday city lunchtime and on weekends (peak wedding times in March and October) there are lots of couples & photographers)
Harsh light in midday summer light
The only public bathroom other than the Treasury Building itself in the area
Treasury Garden Wedding Photos
Treasury Gardens Map
Fitzroy Gardens
Why It Works
Multi layered gardens with a variety of colours, textures, water bodies, garden styles all in one place
Iconic locations to either start or finish a shoot such as the Conservatory, Captain Cooks Cottage or Avenue of Trees
Lots of space to move on from crowds if need be
Best For
Getting a huge variety of shots and looks, seated, standing and walking all in one garden
Autumn Colours in the window between late April and mid May
First looks are possible here as I have done a few
Considerations
The Conservatory needs a permit (which is quite expensive) for photography access inside
Lawn can be quite soft after heavy rain
A bit more walking required around the gardens for the variety and back to the Treasury Building
Fitzroy Gardens Wedding Photos
Fitzroy Gardens Map
Parliament House Steps
Why It Works
Iconic Melbourne architecture that looks straight out of Paris or Rome
Strong compositional elements such as the repeating patterns, the mosaic floors and large timber doors
Fantastic light at any time of day - soft from morning until mid afternoon, sunset light towards the evening for dynamic shadows and a warm feel
Best For
Editorial style portraits
Spacious enough for full wedding party photos (I even done family photos here)
Combination of wide environmental shots and tight romantic shots
Considerations
Busy during peak wedding season and you may have wait your turn in front of the large ornate doors
On event, tour and Parliamentary days, half the concourse is unavailable due to the security entry and stanchions
Small risk (often less common now) is protests on the steps. If that happens, it is a no go zone. They often dissipate by early afternoon.
Parliament of Victoria Wedding Photos
Parliament House Map
Treasury Place (Premier’s Office, Education Department & Commonwealth Offices
Why It Works
Often quiet on weekends as government employees don’t work
Soft light for most of the day and year
A variety of textures, framing options using the mix of post modern and Old Melbourne style architecture
Best For
Compositional driven photography as well fluid walking shots with clean backgrounds
Make your outfits pop as the landscape there is very neutral and monotone
Striking black and white photos
Considerations
On rare occasions you will be asked to move on if there is a political event on (or just an uptight security guard on duty)
Only a 10-15 minute circuit which is ideal for pre ceremony
Can be used in wet weather as there are many alcoves to retreat to
Treasury Place Wedding Photos
Treasury Place Map
Carlton Gardens, Royal Exhibition Building, Museum Precinct
Why It Works
The most varied range of locations, textures and monuments
Stunning light both in early mornings and late afternoons
Permit free use of the entire area
Best For
Shots with the iconic fountain in Carlton Gardens
Space for full wedding party shots and to escape the public
A mix of urban and greenery backdrops all in one location
Considerations
When the Royal Exhibition Building has event on, the foot traffic doubles in the area and supplier trucks fill the back lane (I would avoid otherwise)
The Gardens close once a year for a multi day Flower and Garden Show (often in peak season). Check official website for dates
A longer walk from The Old Treasury Building, but can make a good start or finishing point to your day
Carlton Gardens Wedding Photos
Carlton Gardens Map
East End CBD Hidden Gem Photo Locations
Collins Street to Flinders Lane, Bourke St to Lonsdale
Why It Works
When you take the time to look, you have beautifully ornate shop fronts and interesting framing in doorways etc
Each spot and street has a different light at different times of the day and seasonally, so each photo is unique
Great to work through this area coming from a CBD Hotel or on the way to a Reception Venue
Best For
Unique locations away from the typical monuments and Government Buildings
Chasing unusual pockets of light or graffiti murals if that’s your thing
Use the colour of neon lights once the sun sets in ChinaTown or at Lucy Liu Restaurant, Oliver Lane
Considerations
CBD during the corporate lunch hour is insanely busy. Also Friday nights as AFL crowds build and the suits go for afterwork drinks, the CDB is packed also
Sometimes renovations, big skyscraper builds and roadworks can be a hindrance. At the time of writing, the iconic Chanel store on Flinders Lane is closed
East End CBD Wedding Photos (Gallery Coming Soon with Fresh Content)
Best Locations for Different Lighting Conditions
Morning ceremonies
Your hotel, Treasury Exterior, Fitzroy & Treasury Gardens, Carlton Gardens
Midday ceremonies
Treasury Place, Parliament House, your hotel
Afternoon ceremonies
Fitzroy & Treasury Gardens, Treasury Place, Parliament House, Carlton Gardens
Golden hour
Treasury Exterior, Fitzroy Gardens, Parliament House, Carlton Gardens and Museum Precinct
Night photography
Treasury Exterior, Parliament House, Chinatown, Your Hotel
Morning light beside the Premier's Office on Treasury Place. 2 minutes walk to the Treasury.
Rainy Day Treasury Wedding Locations
Covered walkways
Part of Collins Street and many parts of the Treasury Place have many covered walkways, but there is always a need to walk in the open.
Historic buildings nearby
Most of the iconic Old Melbourne Buildings have covered alcoves, such as Parliament House, Education Department and The Commonwealth Building.
Using umbrellas to get around
The best recommendation I can make if rain is imminent is to bring two clear matching umbrellas. Why clear? They go with any outfit, it allows more light in to light up your faces for photos and you can do some fun shots with them. Have a family member or witness wrangle them for you to have on standby. They can be purchased from K-Mart, Miniso or Daiso. Also very common on Facebook Marketplace either being sold unused from couples just like you.
Why rain is usually less of a problem than people think
It is very rare to have torrential downpours on a wedding day, out of all the ones I have been part of, it has only happened a few times. A great alternative in case of rain is to utilise the hotel you have gotten ready at or are staying at on your wedding night. You can olso utilise the reception you may have booked as well, or if you seek permission before your wedding day, consider using a bar for photos.
Kasia & Callan walking towards the Melbourne Parliament on a rainy winters night.
Best Locations for First Looks Near Treasury
Fitzroy Gardens
There are multiple locations in these gardens for a first look, but the most iconic and easiest to find is the south side of the Conservatory. Allow around 30-45 minutes to get to the Treasury to use some of the best photo spots on the way. For a sample of this, take a look at Grace & Max’s Elopement
Treasury Gardens
Common locations in the Treasury Gardens include the base of the steps from the Premier’s Office and the JFK Memorial. If you want to have it done quickly and just before your ceremony, the base of the stairs is a good choice, or if its a cloudy day or the sun is low, the path from Spring Street from the Old Treasury Building has a nice leafy backdrop. Here is a sample from Hannah & Josef’s wedding.
Carlton Gardens
The Carlton Gardens feature at least two major landmarks, the side of the Royal Exhibition Building and the stunning fountain on the south side of that building. On the return journey to the Treasury you have the stunning gardens itself, if time allows the Museum district, Parliament Gardens and the most famous of all, Parliament House. I’d recommend 45-60 minutes to capture the journey back to the Old Treasury Building. This is Exactly what Tarryn and Marcus did.
Your Hotel
There are few hotels super close to the Treasury, the closest being the Windsor and Sofitel on Collins. For a more comprehensive guide to Melbourne’s East End Hotels, I have a full rundown here. For a real wedding, have a look how Meaghan and Ryan did it.
The Treasury Steps
The steps out the front of the Old Treasury Building is an obvious choice if you want to have a quick first look and hop straight to your ceremony. The process only take a minute in real time, plus you can allow 3-5 minutes for some solo portraits before you go inside to check in. Elisha & James just did that exact same scenario with ease.
Seconds before Elisha taps James on the shoulder for their first look on the Treasury Steps
Family Photo Location Recommendations
The biggest variables when it comes to family photos is what the sun is doing at the time and the size of your group. The front of the Old Treasury Building is in shade pretty much all morning, but you can have sun beating down from lunchtime onwards until it dips behind the towers of Melbourne’s CBD later in the day.
In the mornings or on cloudy days, anywhere out the front is great, you have two big red doors in the middle and to the right, the steps facing Collins Street or even the landing between the steps and the Treasury Gardens.
When it is sunny, some movement of your guests might be required, especially on a summer’s afternoon. The options here are the wall side of the Treasury on the Garden’s side, or there is an asphalted path on the garden’s edge facing the north (The Old Treasury Building itself). I have had requests in the past to do them on the lawn of the Treasury Gardens, but you have the public moving about in the background and moving a larger group of people further away wastes a bit of your couple session photo time.
If by chance you have get your ceremony done quickly, you have only a few combinations, you can do inside your ceremony room as well. The Margaret Craig Room has more space for this, but sometimes you are ushered out if there is another ceremony due to start straight after yours.
Here a few samples of different examples.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much time you should allow for photos before or after your Treasury Wedding Ceremony is around 60-70 minutes. This will give you plenty of range in the final gallery, allow you time to warm up to the camera and take it easy. You can also split this to be before and after the ceremony if needed.
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Yes, every location you see here is within easy walking distance of the Vic Marriage Registry. The only other major locations I’d recommend tram or car is Fitzroy Town Hall, RMIT Design Centre, Southbank or the west CBD.
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Easy! No problem at all as I have encountered scores of weddings in Melbourne when it has rained. In the lead up I talk about how to handle it, and on the day we will find the spots that will make it work.
Maybe try the folklore of burying a sausage or just the act of buying umbrellas keeps the rain away in many cases I have seen. -
The best spot for family photos at the Treasury really depends on the weather and the sun’s position. Most of the morning the front of the building is in shadow, and on cloudy days just out the front is the go. On sunny days in the mid afternoon, I suggest making way to the lower level behind the building in the shade or by the top edge of the Treasury Gardens.
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The only permits you need within walking distance of the Treasury is if you desire to have photos INSIDE the Conservatory, Fitzroy Gardens. My honest opinion it isn’t worth it unless you intend to have ceremony in there.
For photos in bars and restaurants, it is recommended to seek permission beforehand to avoid disappointment.
Final Thoughts and Bonus
Having a wedding at the Treasury building allows you get a vast range of photography options for all types of backdrops; leafy or architectural. There is always interesting plays of light in the east end of Melbourne, especially in the mornings on a sunny day, or in the evening leading to sunset on a winter’s day.
The key is looking for locations that work with your timing of the day and if you want to have a bias to gardens or urban. That I can certainly help with in the lead up to your wedding or I can even wing it on the day.
Last added EXCLUSIVE BONUS is I have created a dedicated Google Map of all my logged Melbourne photo locations across the CBD here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5Mop4BRoV83zd4nx8
