You might be planning a wedding that’s short, simple and very “you.” Maybe you’ve booked the Old Treasury Building for a Registry Office Wedding, and you’re not interested in an all-day production. Or perhaps you’re choosing a smaller, more environmentally conscious wedding with only your nearest and dearest. Whatever the reason, you don’t really need 8 hours of photography to tell the story.
After more than a decade of photographing weddings, I’ve done rather a lot of 2-hour ceremonies at the Registry Office (And other locations too – little weddings aren’t just tied to this spot). But the Registry Office is one of my favourite locations. Everything is close by: the ceremony rooms, the beautiful front steps, and well-kept gardens only a short walk away. It’s perfect for keeping things relaxed without compromising on interesting spaces or moments to celebrate with your loved ones.
Why a Short Wedding Package Works
Everything you actually need
In two or three hours, you can cover the essentials: your ceremony, family photos, couple portraits, and sometimes even a little of your reception or post-ceremony celebrations.
Cost-effective and smart
Weddings are expensive. Choosing shorter coverage is a straightforward way to save money while still having a thoughtful photographic record of your day.
Less fuss, more enjoyment
A smaller timeframe means you get the important photos without a camera in your face all day. Guests feel more at ease, and you get to enjoy the flow of the day without interruptions.
Quick turnaround
Shorter coverage means faster editing. You’ll have your photos in hand while the memories are still fresh.
Why I Love Photographing the Old Treasury Building
The Old Treasury is iconic, but it’s also practical. The architecture makes a beautiful frame for your ceremony exit, and nearby, you’ve got Treasury and Fitzroy Gardens, Parliament House, and laneways for portraits. Having photographed there many times, I know the light, the flow, some rain spots and the little nooks that work best.
It’s also the kind of place that suits couples who don’t want fuss: you arrive, get married, have some photos, and celebrate without the logistics of a full-scale event.
Make it your own
But don’t ignore the fun you can have too with a small, simple wedding – I’ve had couples hire pedal cabs and go for a riding tour around Melbourne (One of the most fun wedding activities I’ve experienced in 15 years)! Stop for coffee or at a wine bar or even have a picnic in the park.
Short Weddings are the best
If you’re searching for 2-hour wedding photography in Melbourne, whether at the Registry Office, Old Treasury Building, or another small venue, I’ve got you. Short weddings are just as valid and important as a big, full day, and they deserve to be documented with care.
I love photographing short weddings – they’re joyful, efficient, and honest. And then, everyone gets to move on to the best part, celebrating (and I get to go home to have a sneaky look at your photos while you do!)
HOT TIP: The Registry Office runs ON TIME. You should build in a short buffer before your ceremony to ensure you’re there ready to sign paperwork right on your start time.
FAQ’s for Registry Office Weddings in Melbourne
Yes, many times. The Old Treasury (Melbourne’s Registry Office) is one of the places I work most often. I know the ceremony rooms, the timing, and the best nearby spots for portraits, which makes everything run smoothly.
A lot. Typically: your ceremony, congratulations and hugs afterwards, family group photos, and couple portraits either at the Old Treasury or in the nearby gardens and laneways.
For small weddings, yes. If you’re not having a large guest list, multiple venues, or a long reception, two hours is plenty to cover the key moments. Couples sometimes add an extra hour for a little bit more time to cover the start of their reception.
An elopement usually involves just the couple and witnesses, while a short wedding often also includes family or a handful of guests. It’s really just semantics. My coverage is designed to suit whichever format you’re planning. If you need me to be a witness, I can do that too.
Some favourites: the steps of Parliament House, Treasury Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens outside the conservatory, and a few tucked-away Melbourne laneways. All within walking distance.
Yes! Many Registry weddings are midweek, and I keep availability open for that.
