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.
Geelong Botanical Gardens
If you’re after a vibrant, natural backdrop- the Geelong Botanical gardens the perfect spot for your wedding photos. This heritage listed garden offers a plethora of opportunities- from luscious rose gardens to archways of trees. I especially love this location in spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom.
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.
Jan Juc Beach
For couples who love a coastal look, Jan Juc beach is the perfect option for wedding photoshoots. With its dramatic cliffs and sprawling sandy shores, this beach captures the rugged beauty of the Surf Coast. The location is quite easy to access with just a short set of stairs near the Life Saver Club- something worthy to consider when wearing veils and long dresses that can be hard to walk in.
Something to Consider:
Beach photoshoots on the sand will almost always be messy. Wet sand and white dresses don’t mix well, so I highly recommend doing a beach shoot after your wedding if possible. If this doesn’t work within the timelines of your wedding, then perhaps consider an engagement shoot- that way you can also diversify the photos with another outfit.
Pro tip: Be mindful of tides and weather conditions. This beach has limited accessibility at certain tides and a large swell can make it dangerous to walk on the sand at Jan Juc. You can chat to a local surf shop about the conditions as they will almost always be happy to help.
Dog Rocks, Batesford
For couples looking for something unique, Dog Rocks in Batesford is a hidden gem. This iconic rock formation, surrounded by grassy plains and gnarled gum trees, is perfect for a dreamy, natural setting. It’s particularly stunning at golden hour when the soft light hits the grassy landscape.
Why it’s perfect:
Dog Rocks is a great location as it offers a plethora of compositional opportunities. There is a choice of grassy fields for soft, romantic shots, while the large rock formations create a more dramatic compositional element. There are also a bunch of interesting trees surrounding the place which cast unique shadows at the right time of day.
Pro tip: To access the location, it’s best to park at the Batesford Community Playspace. You will find a small carpark and a gate into a field that leads up to the main location. Pack comfortable shoes for the walk to the rocks, it’s not a long walk but it is up a short hill. Also, the grass itself can be rather spiky, especially in spring and summer when it’s long- so it might be worth wearing long pants to walk to the main shooting area.
Bird Rock, Torquay
Bird Rock, located near Jan Juc, is a coastal wonder with panoramic ocean views, rugged cliffs, and a sense of drama. The steep rock faces and the rolling waves below provide a dynamic backdrop, making it ideal for couples looking to add a touch of adventure to their wedding photos.
Why it’s perfect:
While Bird Rock is still technically in the ‘Jan Juc’ region, I consider it to be quite different from the Life Saving Club area I mentioned above. There is a beautiful platform that offers panoramic views of the coast. This is great for couples who want the coastal vibe in their photoshoot, without necessarily getting all sandy and wet from entering the beach. If you do want to venture down onto the beach, this stretch of sand offers a stunning backdrop. I love using the gap between the cliff and the rock to frame the couple. You can also shoot in the other direction for a more dreamy look- especially if you’re lucky enough to get some sea mist in the right light. You can also use the reflections on the water to create artistic shots of the couple.
Pro tip: The cliffs here can be windy, so plan ahead with outfits and hairstyles that can handle a little breeze. And as with Jan Juc, check the tides- the rock looks best when it’s slightly higher tide, otherwise there can be too many smaller rocks in the water that are exposed in low tide which can make a distracting foreground.
How to Choose the Right Location for You
Each of these locations has its own unique characteristics, so the best choice depends on your wedding theme and your personal taste. If you’ve always been a beach lover- then Jan Juc might be the right choice for you, but if you love a floral backdrop- then definitely choose the Botanical Gardens. It may also depend on your wedding colour palette. If your colours are more pastel then the Gardens would probably be a better choice, but if you have earthy tones, then I would recommend Dog Rocks. A good photographer should be able to guide you with these artistic choices.
If you can’t choose, then consider pairing a couple of these locations. Start your shoot in the luscious Geelong Botanical Gardens before heading to the cliffs of Jan Juc for a coastal sunset.
Your wedding photos will be some of the most treasured memories of your big day, and choosing the right location is key to creating images that tie in with your story. Geelong offers an array of different locations- from gardens, to urban to coastal. You can’t go wrong with any of these locations.
About Me
Vanessa Claire
Vanessa Claire is an engineer turned photographer. With over 10 years of photography experience and a 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.
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