Melbourne Church and Chapel Wedding Venues - A Photographer’s Guide (2026 Update)
Melbourne is home to some of Australia’s most beautiful church and chapel wedding venues — from grand heritage cathedrals to intimate suburban chapels filled with light, history, and meaning.
I’m Sherman, lead photographer at Sherman Tan Studio, and over the years I’ve had the privilege of photographing weddings across many of Melbourne’s churches and chapels. These are not just venues to me - they are spaces of deep emotion, family, tradition, and once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Church weddings are visually stunning - but they’re also some of the most challenging environments a photographer can work in. Low light, strict ceremony rules, long aisles, large guest counts, and sacred moments that can’t be repeated.
Many couples planning their Melbourne Catholic wedding are surprised by the lighting dynamics inside larger cathedrals — that’s why it’s important your photographer is comfortable shooting without flash during sacred rites.
This guide shares my personal recommendations of Melbourne church and chapel wedding venues, along with what couples should know from a photography perspective — so you can choose a space that not only reflects your faith and values, but also photographs beautifully.
Here I bring to you a list of some of my favourite Churches and Chapels that I have photographed at, around Melbourne. Keep and eye on this tab, because this list will keep growing.
Note:
I try to keep the information here accurate however things may change anytime. If you notice anything that needs to be updated, or you know a chuch or chapel that wants to be featured here, please let us know by emailing me at hello@shermantanstudio.com.au
Why Experienced Church Wedding Photographer Matters?
Church weddings are very different to garden or winery ceremonies. From a photography perspective, they demand:
Confidence working in extremely low light
Silent shooting
Anticipating emotional moments
Portrait composition in sacred architecture
Respect for sacred moments
Fast decision-making with no second chances
I’ve seen couples disappointed because their photographer simply wasn’t prepared for these conditions. That’s why choosing someone experienced in church weddings matters - not just for beautiful images, but for peace of mind.
I approach church weddings with calm energy, deep respect for the ceremony, and a designer’s eye - so your photos feel timeless, emotional, and true to the space.
Best Melbourne Church & Chapel Wedding Venues - Photographer’s Expert Picks:
Balwyn North | The Presentation Of Our Lady To The Temple Greek Orthodox Church
Camberwell East | St Dominic’s Parish
Carlton North | St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Church
Coldstream | Stones of The Yarra Valley Chapel (Best for intimate chapel ceremonies)
Doncaster East | Templestowe Baptist Church
East Melbourne | St Patrick’s Cathedral (Best for grand cathedral weddings)
Elwood | Elwood Presbyterian Church
Epping | St. George & St. Mary Mother of God Macedonian Orthodox Church
Forest Hill | St Andrews Greek Orthodox Church
Geelong | Saint Mary of the Angels Basilica
Hawthorn | Immaculate Conception Church
Kew | Xavier College Memorial Chapel
Keysborough | St Stephen The Archdeacon Serbian Orthodox Church
South Melbourne | St Eustathios Greek Orthodox Archdiocese
South Yarra | Christ Church
South Yarra | St Thomas Aquinas
St Kilda East | St Mary’s Catholic Church
Thornbury | Our Lady of Lebanon Church
Thornbury | Saint George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral
Toorak | St Peter’s Catholic Church
Warrandyte | Potters Receptions Chapel
West Melbourne | St Mary of the Sea / Star of the Sea
Coming Soon:
Fawkner | St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church | 2809
Planning a church or chapel wedding?
Before you choose a photographer, here’s what couples often overlook about photographing church ceremonies - from low-light challenges to ceremony restrictions.
The Presentation Of Our Lady To The Temple Greek Orthodox Church, Balwyn North
Denomination: Greek Orthodox
Address: 3-7 Macedon Ave, Balwyn North, VIC 3104
Phone: 03 9859 1768
Parish Priest: Rev Fr. Nicholas Georgiou
Mobile: 0436 369 464
2. St Dominic’s Church, Camberwell East
Denomination: Catholic
Phone: 0468 584 309
Website: https://www.stdominics.org.au/weddings
Things to note:
Weddings can be booked for Saturdays at 11am, 1pm or 3pm, Sundays at 3pm, or Fridays at 1.30pm or 3.30pm, subject to availability
A minimum of six months' notice is required to arrange a wedding
At least one of the wedding couple must be Catholic to marry at St Dominic's
Music is to be ‘live’ and of a sacred or classical nature
Final confirmation of the booking for a wedding at St Dominic’s is dependent on the couple’s completion of the Parish’s internal marriage preparation sessions, plus the online SmartLoving.org course and a session with a Natural Family Planning consultant
Confetti, rose petals, rice, bubbles etc are not permitted in the Church
Address: 816 Riversdale Road Camberwell, VIC 3124
3. St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Church, Carlton North
Denomination: Greek Orthodox
Address: 998 Lygon Street North Carlton, VIC 3054
Phone: 03 9380 1869
Parish Priest: Rev Fr. Emmanuel Lykopandis
Mobile: 0413 686 988
Email: e_lykopandis@hotmail.com
4. Stones Of The Yarra Valley Chapel, Coldstream
Why couples love this?
First-class service, scenery, and abundance of photo locations.
Clear communication, accommodating, and supported (planning experience).
Photographer notes
The chapel is beautiful architecturally. You can spend the entire wedding day in one venue. It looks good in all seasons.
Watch-outs
Popular venue - high demand (availability constraints).
Best for
Couples who want an intimate chapel ceremony with a high ‘photos per metre’ environment - inside + outside work beautifully across seasons.
Information
Denomination: Any
Phone: 03 8727 3000
Website: https://www.stonesoftheyarravalley.com/
Email: info@stonesoftheyarravalley.com
Address: 14 St Huberts Road, Coldstream, VIC 3770
5. Templestowe Baptist Church
The TBC centre is the newest and most versatile events and functions venue servicing the Manningham area. Spread over 2 floors, the tbc centre can facilitate from 6 to 400 guests.
For weddings, bookings are 8 hrs of room rental minimum
Denomination: Baptist
Website: https://www.tbc.org.au/venuehire
Contact: 03 9842 8776
Email: venuehire@tbc.au
Address: 103-105 Anderson Creek Road, Doncaster East VIC 3109
6. St Patrick’s Cathedral, East Melbourne
Why couples love this?
The grandeur/architecture and “cathedral scale” is the obvious draw (and the reason people choose it).
Photographer notes
Flash photography is not allowed inside.
The tall stained glass windows changes the colour of the natural light entering the church, making it an extremely difficult editing challenge. Other photographers usually deliver photos in black and white to save time.
Beautiful grounds around the cathedral for photos.
Watch-outs
Low light + movement restrictions are typical; couples who don’t hire a photographer experienced in low-light ceremony work risk disappointment.
I advice choosing the earlier wedding slot to allow for couple and family photos during winter months when the sun sets early.
Best for
Grand cathedral weddings. Plan for low-light photography and ceremony movement constraints; choose a photographer who can shoot cleanly without flash.
Information
Denomination: Catholic
Email: cathedral@cam.org.au
Contact: 03 9662 2233
Website: https://melbournecatholic.org/about/st-patricks-cathedral/weddings-at-st-patricks-cathedral
7. Elwood Presbyterian Church, Elwood
Denomination: Presbyterian
Contact Haddon Chang: 0413 229 985
Website: https://caulfieldelwoodpc.wordpress.com/
Address: 31A Scott St, Elwood VIC 3184
8. St. George & St. Mary Mother of God Macedonian Orthodox Church, Epping
Denomination: Macedonian Orthodox
Phone: 03 9408 8282
Contact Fr. Kliment Stankovski: 0424 606 100
Website: https://www.stmaryestk.org/weddings
Facebook Page: Sveti Georgij Presveta Bogorodica
Instagram: SvetiGeorgij
Address: 512 High St, Epping VIC 3076
9. St Andrews Greek Orthodox Church, Forest Hill
Denomination: Greek Orthodox
Website: https://greekorthodox.org.au/churches/st-andrew-3/
Phone: (03) 9802 0165
Email: standrewsforest@tpg.com.au
Address: 201 Mahoneys Rd, Forest Hill, VIC 3131
Overview
St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church in Forest Hill is a striking Orthodox wedding venue known for its rich iconography, traditional architecture, and deeply symbolic ceremony rituals. It’s a meaningful choice for couples who value faith, heritage, and a formal sacramental wedding experience.
As with many Greek Orthodox churches in Melbourne, ceremonies here are visually beautiful but come with specific guidelines that couples should understand early in their planning.
Why You might choose St Andrew’s
Strong sense of tradition and spiritual significance
Ornate interior with icons, candlelight, and ceremonial symbolism
Reverent atmosphere that places the focus firmly on the sacrament
Popular among Greek Orthodox families in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs
This church is less about minimalism and more about ritual, presence, and meaning.
Photographer Notes (What Matters for Photos)
Low-light interior: Orthodox churches are dimly lit, relying on ambient light and candles rather than bright natural sun light.
Restricted movement: Photographers are usually required to remain discreet and limit movement during the ceremony.
Flash restrictions: Flash photography during the sacrament is commonly restricted or discouraged.
Symbolic moments: Key rituals (crowning, shared cup, procession around the altar) happen quickly and cannot be repeated — experience matters.
A photographer familiar with Greek Orthodox wedding ceremonies will anticipate these moments and capture them respectfully without interruption.
Things to Plan For
Allow time after the ceremony for family group photos, which are often important in Orthodox weddings
Plan your timeline carefully — Orthodox ceremonies can run longer than non-denominational services
Best For
Couples planning a Greek Orthodox church wedding in Melbourne who value tradition, symbolism, and a deeply meaningful ceremony — and want a photographer experienced in working within Orthodox church guidelines.
10. Saint Mary of the Angels Basilica, Geelong
Denomination: Catholic
Capacity: 1000
Phone: 03 5222 1977
Website: https://www.stmarysgeelong.com.au/weddings
Address: 136-148 Yarra St, Geelong VIC 3220
Note:
When may Marriages be Celebrated?
Marriages are normally celebrated at St Mary's Basilica on a Saturday at 2.00pm and 4.00pm. They are not celebrated on Sundays and not on the following days: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, between Christmas and New Year, and on days when the Basilica has been reserved for other Parish functions.
11. Immaculate Conception Church, Hawthorn
Denomination: Catholic
Phone: 03 8862 4020 (Parish Pastorial Manager)
Website: https://www.hawthornparish.com.au/weddings
Email: hawthornparishmgr@gmail.com
Address: 345 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122
Many of these churches come with strict photography rules and limited time after the ceremony.
Experience matters more than most couples realise.
12. Xavier College Memorial Chapel, Kew
Why couples love this?
Alumni returning there for marriage is a known cultural factor.
Grand and elegant architecture
Photographer notes
Strong architectural symmetry and “heritage institution” feel; good for classic editorial frames.
Space for photography around the venue.
Natural light streaming into the space from large stained glass windows looks amazing to the eye but poses an editing challenge for inexperience photographers.
Watch-outs
Access/booking conditions may be more controlled as it is a school site.
Best for
Couples who want a classy and elegant grand church architecture with environment outside that is a beautiful for wedding photos.
Information
Denomination: Catholic
Phone: 03 9854 5485
For more information and Chapel bookings, please contact Claire, the Chapel Coordinator Claire at claire.e.nickholds@xavier.vic.edu.au
Website: https://xavier.vic.edu.au/
Address: 135 Barkers Rd, Kew VIC 3101
13. St Stephen The Archdeacon Serbian Orthodox Church, Keysborough
Denomination: Serbian Orthodox
Address: 115 Church Rd, Keysborough VIC 3173
Email: alek.savic77@gmail.com
Phone: 0397690059 or 0451338528
14. St Eustathios Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, South Melbourne
Denomination: Greek Orthodox
Phone: 03 9245 9008
Website: https://greekorthodox.org.au/churches/st-eustathios/
Address: 221 Dorcas St South Melbourne, VIC 3205
Parish Priest: Very Rev Fr. Kyrillos Zisis
15. Christ Church, South Yarra
Denomination: Anglican
Phone: 03 9866 4434
Website: https://www.ccsy.org.au/weddings-1
Email: ccoffice@ccsy.org.au
Address: 683-701 Punt Road, South Yarra
16. St Thomas Aquinas, South Yarra
Why couples love this?
Welcoming; recognisable exterior blue door.
Photographer notes
Smaller/“intimate” ceremonies tend to be easier for emotional coverage (closer reactions, less distance).
Watch-outs
The size factor of this can be a con if you are after larger capacity.
Best for
Couples wanting a traditional church ceremonu that feels intimate rather than massive.
Information
Denomination: Catholic
Capacity: 200
Phone: 03 9826 9677
Website: https://parishofsouthyarra.org.au/wedding/
Email: secretary@parishofsouthyarra.org.au
Address: 39-45 Bromby Street, South Yarra, VIC, 3141
17. St Mary’s Catholic Church, St Kilda East
Denomination: Catholic
Phone: 03 9287 5530
Website: https://www.stmaryestk.org/weddings
Email: stkildaeast@cam.org.au
Address: 208 Dandenong Rd, St Kilda East VIC 3183
18. Our Lady of Lebanon Church, Thornbury
Denomination: Catholic
Website: http://maronitesvictoria.org.au/
Email: enquiries@maronitesvictoria.org
Address: 230 Normanby Ave, Thornbury VIC 3071, Australia
19. Saint George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral, Thornbury
Denomination: Antiochian Orthodox
Address: 28 Shaftesbury Parade, Thornbury, VIC, Australia, Victoria
Phone: 03 9484 2245
20. St Peter’s Catholic Church, Toorak
Denomination: Catholic
Phone: 03 9068 8600
Website: https://armadaletoorak.org.au/marriage
Email: armadale.toorak@cam.org.au
Address: 581 Toorak Rd, Toorak VIC 3142
21. Potters Receptions Chapel, Warrandyte
Why couples love this?
Multiple ceremony locatins, on-site coordinators, accommodation, multiple photography opportunities.
Photographer notes
Looks good all season.
Ceremony and portraits can all happen within the venue.
Watch-outs
Photos taken here tend to look similar. So it is up to the photographer’s creative eye to find creative compositions.
Best for
Couples who value an easy day with minimal travelling between locations.
Information
Denomination: Any
Phone: 03 9844 1222
Website: https://www.potters.com.au/
Email: events@potters.com.au
Address: 321 Jumping Creek Rd, Warrandyte VIC 3113
22. St Mary of the Sea / Star of the Sea, West Melbourne
Why couples love this?
The grand architecture, arched windows, and beautiful interior.
Photographer notes
The interior is beautiful architecturally, and the light is decent too. A visually stunning space to photograph.
Watch-outs
The venue has formal wedding booking policy document that is available at this website at the bottom of the page.
Best for
Couples who appreciate heritage architecture and strong interior aesthetics, and don’t mind the structured booking policy requirements.
Information
Denomination: Catholic
Phone: +61 3 9108 6653
Website: https://www.stmaryswestmelbourne.org/weddings
Email: info@stmaryswestmelbourne.org
Address: 33 Howard Street, West Melbourne, Vic 3003
Have You Found a Church or Chapel You Love?
If one of these Melbourne church or chapel venues speaks to you, I’d love to help you tell your story there.
I specialise in weddings that value emotion, heritage, and meaningful moments - with a calm, guided approach that lets you fully experience your day while I quietly document it.
Enquire here to see if your date is available, or learn more about my approach to church wedding photography.
Choosing a church is only part of the story.
How your ceremony is photographed will shape how you remember it — especially in spaces where moments can’t be repeated.
If you’re planning a church or chapel wedding in Melbourne, here’s how I approach these ceremonies with care, experience, and respect.