The Prince Hotel St Kilda Wedding – Jess & Jordan’s Intimate Celebration

There’s something quietly beautiful about small weddings. Fewer people, sure. But somehow, more heart. Jess and Jordan’s wedding day was a perfect example of that. It wasn’t grand or loud. It was deeply personal. And it all came together at one of Melbourne’s most iconic venues — The Prince Hotel in St Kilda.

A romantic couple on a rooftop deck of The Prince Hotel with greenery, the woman in a white dress and the man in a tuxedo, embracing

Getting Ready at Home

Jess got ready at her family home — surrounded by her sisters, her mum, and her Nonna. The kind of morning where the kettle’s always on and the laughter flows easily. Across town, Jordan was with his family, tying his tie with his dad and helping his Nonno pin on a boutonniere.

There’s a kind of calm that comes with being at home on your wedding morning. No hotel hustle. Just the people who raised you, the dog barking occasionally, and the quiet buzz of something special unfolding.

A bride with long, wavy brown hair smiling and sitting on the floor with a white, curly-haired dog in a kitchen.
A groom in dress shoes, pants, and a white shirt sits in a modern armchair near large windows, with sunlight shining in. A potted plant on a small table is next to him, with a wooden cabinet nearby.
Bride holding a large colorful bouquet of flowers in a bright room.
A man in a tuxedo adjusting his jacket, with a boutonniere on his left lapel, on a black and white photo.

Backyard Ceremony with Family

Their ceremony took place in Jess’s family’s backyard — a garden filled with olive trees, fairy lights, and the comforting presence of their nonne and nonni. The vows were simple and heartfelt. Just them, standing under the gum trees, promising each other forever with their closest family as witnesses.

There were no aisles or arches. Just connection. A shared look. A tear or two. A chorus of cheers when they kissed. These kinds of weddings remind me why I love being a Melbourne wedding photographer — moments happen naturally, and the emotion is real.

A bride with a white lace wedding dress and veil, smiling and covering her mouth with her hands, standing outside with a groom in a black suit and white shirt, surrounded by green trees.
A newlywed couple sitting at an outdoor table, with the groom kissing the bride on her cheek while she smiles with her eyes closed. The bride is wearing a white wedding dress and veil, holding a marriage certificate. A red wedding album and a pen are on the table.
A bride and groom standing close together in a lush, greenhouse setting surrounded by tropical plants and greenery at St Kilda Botanical Garden's Conversatory.

St Kilda Botanical Gardens Portraits

After the ceremony, we ducked away to the St Kilda Botanical Gardens for portraits. It’s always a favourite spot for wedding photos — shady paths, rose gardens, and just enough quiet corners to give a couple space to breathe.

Jess’s dress moved beautifully with the breeze, and Jordan couldn’t stop smiling at her. They held hands, whispered things I didn’t hear (but definitely caught in the photos), and shared a few quiet laughs like it was just the two of them.

Bride and groom holding hands outdoors during sunset, bride in white wedding dress, groom in black tuxedo holding a bouquet, trees in background at the St Kilda Botanica Gardens.
Black and white photo of a smiling woman in a wedding dress with a veil, outdoors in sunlight.

An Unforgettable First Dance on the Balcony

A man dressed in a white tuxedo with a black bowtie embraces a woman wearing a white dress on a rooftop garden during sunset.

The modern city wedding reception was held upstairs at The Prince Hotel St Kilda — one of my favourite Melbourne wedding venues for smaller gatherings. The space was styled with long tables, soft light, and warm tones. You could hear the clink of glasses and low conversations as everyone settled in.

With only 20 guests, every interaction felt meaningful. There was no pressure to entertain a crowd. Just close friends and family gathered for good food, heartfelt speeches, and lots of love.

A groom and bride happily cutting their wedding cake together, smiling and laughing, with a floral decorated cake on a table nearby.

One of my favourite moments of the day wasn’t planned. After dinner, Jess and Jordan slipped away to the Prince’s balcony overlooking St Kilda. The fairy lights were on, and the city hummed softly below. And with no music playing — just the buzz of conversation inside — they started to dance.

It wasn’t rehearsed. It wasn’t choreographed. It was quiet, slow, and completely theirs. Their guests watched from inside, not interrupting, just smiling. I stood back, camera in hand, trying to photograph without breaking the spell.

It’s those unscripted moments that stick with you. The ones that don’t show up on the run sheet.

A couple dancing at a wedding reception in an elegant, modern venue of The Prince Hotel in St Kilda with string lights overhead and guests seated at tables in the background.

Planning a wedding at The Prince Hotel St Kilda?

Jess and Jordan’s day is proof that small doesn’t mean less. If anything, it can be more — more personal, more relaxed, more “you.”

This day was a reminder that weddings don’t need to be extravagant to be unforgettable. Sometimes all you need is family, a beautiful setting, and a little space to sneak away and dance.

How many guests can The Prince Hotel St Kilda accommodate for a wedding?

The Prince Hotel offers flexible spaces. For intimate weddings like Jess and Jordan’s, 20–50 guests fits beautifully. Larger receptions of up to 120 seated or 300 cocktail-style can also be held on the Prince Deck.

Can you have a small wedding reception at The Prince Hotel?

Yes. Jess and Jordan’s 20-person wedding is a perfect example. The Prince is ideal for intimate receptions with close family and friends. The balcony and dining room offer a warm, modern setting without feeling too big.

Where can you take wedding photos near The Prince Hotel?

St Kilda Botanical Gardens is just minutes away and perfect for bridal portraits. The beach, pier, and Catani Gardens are also popular Melbourne wedding photography spots near The Prince Hotel.

Is The Prince Hotel a good choice for candid wedding photography?

Absolutely. With its moody interiors, rooftop balcony, and St Kilda views, the venue is made for candid wedding photos. The natural light and relaxed vibe create genuine moments like Jess and Jordan’s private first dance.

Does The Prince Hotel offer accommodation for weddings?

Yes. The Prince has boutique rooms available on-site, ideal for couples and guests. While Jess and Jordan got ready at home, staying at the hotel is a great option for convenience and easy wedding-day logistics.

A black and white photo of a bride with wavy hair and a groom in a tuxedo, standing close together indoors.
A smiling bride with long brown hair sitting on the kitchen floor in a white satin robe, hugging a white curly-haired dog with a black collar, in a modern kitchen setting.
A smiling bride with wavy brown hair wearing a white robe sitting on the floor with a white curly-haired dog in a modern kitchen.
A smiling bride with wavy hair sitting on the floor with a white dog in a modern, bright kitchen.
A groom in a black tuxedo adjusting his sleeve, wearing a wristwatch, with a pocket square in a bright room with large windows.
A groom dressed in a tuxedo with a boutonniere adjusting his suit, wearing a watch on his left wrist.
A red Holy Bible with two rings on top, surrounded by white and peach-colored small flowers.
A man sitting in a modern living room, adjusting his shoe, with large windows behind him and a potted plant on a table nearby.
A groom and bride celebrating with a cake at a wedding reception, smiling and laughing together.
A bride and groom sharing a kiss at their wedding reception, with a wedding cake decorated with flowers on the table next to them.
groom and bride in formal attire cutting a wedding cake decorated with flowers at a celebration at the Prince Hotel.
A man in a tuxedo giving a speech with a microphone at a formal event.
A groom in a black tuxedo with a bow tie is standing and speaking into a microphone at a wedding reception, smiling and enjoying the moment. Flowers are visible on a table behind him, and guests are seated at tables in the foreground.
A group of people sitting at a banquet table during a formal event, with a woman in a black dress smiling in the foreground.
A bride and groom sharing a kiss at their wedding reception, standing on a wooden floor with black lattice wall behind them and string lights overhead.
A newlywed couple sharing a dance at their wedding reception, illuminated by hanging string lights in a modern venue with guests seated at tables in the background.
A bride and groom dancing at their wedding reception, with guests seated at tables in the background, under string lights in an indoor venue.
A bride and groom share a dance at their wedding reception in an elegant venue with string lights and guests seated at tables in the background.
A bride and groom dancing at their wedding reception on a wooden floor, with guests seated at tables and string lights overhead.
A black and white photo of a couple dancing closely at a wedding, with string lights in the background.
A couple dancing at a wedding reception, the woman in a white dress and the man in a black suit, under string lights on a wooden floor.
A bride and groom sharing a kiss at night under string lights.
A romantic moment between a man in a black suit and a woman in a white dress, standing close together on a wooden deck at night, with string lights overhead and blurred background foliage.
A couple sharing a dance at night, smiling and looking into each other's eyes. The man wears a black suit and the woman wears a white strap dress with earrings.
A wedding couple dancing in a decorated indoor venue with string lights overhead, with guests seated at tables in the background on the balcony of The Prince Hotel, St Kilda.
A bride and groom dance together indoors at their wedding reception, surrounded by guests seated at tables, with warm lighting and elegant decor on the outdoor balcony of The Prince Hotel.
A couple in formal attire holding hands and walking on a wooden deck at night, illuminated by string lights overhead.
An elderly woman and a young woman hugging and smiling at a table in a restaurant or cafe.
Outdoor rooftop dining area with string lights and people seated at tables during evening.
A couple holding hands, with the woman's hand resting on the man's arm, showing a wedding ring and a watch, and a tattoo on her wrist.
A couple dressed in elegant attire holding hands on a rooftop terrace with city views and trees in the background.
A couple embracing on a wooden balcony with city skyline and greenery in the background. The woman is in a white dress, and the man is in a white shirt with black pants.
A young couple in formal attire embracing on a wooden outdoor terrace with cityscape and greenery in the background.
A woman with long wavy hair lying close to a man wearing a white shirt, resting her head on his chest.
A young couple in formal attire embracing outdoors, with the St Kilda skyline in the background and soft evening light at The Prince Hotel.
Black and white photo of a man and woman embracing outdoors, the man wearing a tuxedo with a bow tie, and the woman wearing a sleeveless dress, both looking at the camera with serious expressions.
A woman with long brown hair, smiling and looking up at a man. The man is wearing a tuxedo with a bow tie, laughing with his mouth open, holding the woman's shoulders. The woman is wearing a white dress with thin straps, showing her engagement ring.
A couple in formal attire, with the man kissing the woman's forehead. The woman is smiling, wearing a white dress, and the man is wearing a white shirt with a black bow tie, standing outdoors on a balcony with greenery and city buildings in the backg
A smiling woman in a white dress standing next to a man in a tuxedo with a black bow tie, both outdoors during daytime.
A close-up of a romantic moment between a man in a white shirt and a woman in a white dress, embracing closely.
A couple dressed in formal attire, the woman in a white gown and the man in a white shirt with a black bow tie, sharing a romantic moment on a wooden rooftop terrace.
A couple, a woman in a white dress and a man in a white shirt with a black bow tie, sharing a joyful moment on a rooftop deck with greenery and modern buildings in the background.
A black-and-white photo of a couple holding hands and smiling at each other on a rooftop deck, with city buildings in the background.
A couple dressed in formal attire, a woman in a white dress and a man in a white shirt with black pants, dancing close together on a wooden balcony with city buildings and greenery in the background.
A man and woman hugging at a celebration, with the woman wearing a white dress and veil, and the man in a black suit.
Sunset sky with dark clouds, silhouetted palm trees, and a dark parking lot with a few cars and trees.
A bride and a man, possibly her groom, sharing a hug at a wedding reception, with guests in the background.
Two women hugging at a wedding reception, with other guests and a decorative wall in the background.
A woman in a wedding dress with a veil stands outdoors on a path, surrounded by trees and plants in black and white.
A bride wearing a white lace wedding dress and veil standing outdoors on a paved path with green trees and plants in the background.
A woman in a white wedding dress with a long veil standing on a garden path surrounded by trees and greenery.
A woman in a wedding dress with a veil standing outdoors on a path surrounded by trees and bushes, looking over her shoulder.
A newlywed couple sharing a kiss, with the bride wearing a white wedding dress and the groom in a black suit, standing outside near a glass building.
Close-up of a smiling woman wearing a wedding ring, with her hands resting on her shoulder, showing her engagement and wedding rings.
A happy couple on their wedding day, smiling under a sheer veil, with sunlight illuminating their faces.
A woman smiling and hugging someone, revealing a tattoo on her arm that says "I am everything".
A couple sharing a kiss under a veil during their wedding.
Close-up of a wedding couple, a groom in a black tuxedo and a bridewith brown hair and a wedding dress, smiling closely together.
Close-up black-and-white photo of a couple about to kiss, with only their mouths and part of their faces visible.
A romantic moment between a man and woman, with the man kissing the woman's forehead as she leans into him with her eyes closed.
A woman in a wedding dress with a veil standing outdoors on a bright day, with trees and a sidewalk in the background.
A smiling bride in a wedding dress and veil outdoors, backlit by sunlight.
A bride in a white lace wedding dress and veil, smiling outside on a sunny day in St Kilda Botanic Gardens.
A bride in a wedding dress with a veil, smiling and holding the veil out with both hands, standing in front of a modern building with glass blocks.
A bride in a white wedding dress with a deep neckline and lace details, holding her veil out to the sides, standing outdoors in front of a building with ten rectangular windows.
Bride holding a large bouquet of flowers with orange, peach, white, and purple blooms, along with greenery and orange hanging amaranthus, outside a building with glass windows.
A smiling bride with long wavy brown hair in a white wedding gown holding a large, colorful bouquet of flowers in front of a green window background.
A bride holding a large bouquet of colorful flowers in front of a green framed window.
Black and white photo of a smiling bride on her wedding day, resting her hand on a man's arm. The groom is wearing a tuxedo with a boutonniere, and the woman is wearing a lace wedding dress and veil.
A happy bride with wavy brown hair and a white wedding dress leaning on a groom in a black tuxedo with a boutonniere, smiling at the camera.
Black and white photo of a bride with long wavy hair and a groom in a tuxedo with a boutonniere, indoors near a window.
Bride and groom smiling together outside during their wedding, with the groom wearing a black tuxedo and the bride in a white wedding dress with lace details and a veil.
A bride and groom smiling happily outdoors on their wedding day, with the groom in a black tuxedo and the bride in a white wedding gown and veil in front of St Kilda Conservatory .
A man wearing a black tuxedo with a white dress shirt and a black bow tie, showcasing an orange and peach-colored boutonniere on his lapel, with white ribbon and green leaves.
A young groom in a tuxedo with a bow tie and boutonnière, looking to the side with a serious expression.
A bride in a white lace wedding gown and a groom in a black tuxedo walk along a wooden path surrounded by lush green foliage and tropical plants in St Kilda Botanical Garden's greenhouse.
A bride and groom standing together in a lush, tropical greenhouse surrounded by green plants and trees.
A bride and groom posing together on a wooden pathway surrounded by lush green plants and ferns, in a greenhouse at St Kilda Botanical Gardens.
A bride and groom are embracing, with eyes closed, in a wedding setting amid greenery.
A bride and groom holding hands during their wedding ceremony outdoors, surrounded by lush green foliage.
A bride and groom share a tender moment, with the groom kissing the bride on her forehead in a lush, green setting.
A bride and groom embrace closely outdoors, smiling and touching foreheads, surrounded by lush green plants.
A young couple is about to kiss, holding each other's faces close with their eyes closed, smiling softly, with greenery in the background.
A bride and groom share a kiss on a wooden path surrounded by lush green plants.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom close, smiling, with their foreheads touching, outdoors with lush foliage in the background
A bride smiling happily while holding hands with her groom in a lush green indoor garden or greenhouse.
A smiling bride in a white wedding dress holding hands with her partner, partially visible, in a lush greenery setting.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom holding hands during their wedding ceremony outdoors, with the bride wearing a lace wedding dress and veil, and the groom in a tuxedo with a boutonniere.
A black-and-white photograph of a bride and groom outdoors, holding hands and walking. The bride is in a flowing dress with a veil, and the groom is in a tuxedo carrying a bouquet of flowers.
A bride in a white wedding dress and a groom in a black tuxedo holding hands and walking outdoors during sunset.
A newlywed couple walking outside, the groom in a black tuxedo holding a bouquet, and the bride in a white wedding gown with a long veil, smiling at each other.
A black and white photo of a newlywed couple; the groom kisses the bride on her cheek while she smiles and holds a large bouquet of flowers.
A bride and groom sharing a tender moment, with the bride holding a large bouquet of flowers. The photo is in black and white.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom walking hand in hand outdoors, smiling at each other.
Bride and groom walking hand in hand outdoors on a sunny day, surrounded by trees at the St Kilda Botanical Gardens.
A couple hugging at a wedding outdoors, with trees and sunlight in the background.
A young man and an older woman embrace warmly at an outdoor event, with two women visible in the background near a brick pillar and trees.
A bride and groom walking hand in hand outdoors at their wedding, surrounded by family and friends. The bride is wearing a white wedding dress and holding a bouquet, the groom is in a black tuxedo with a bowtie, and the background features green tree
A bride and groom sharing a kiss during their wedding ceremony, with a person in the background, outside with green trees and shrubs.
Bride and groom holding hands and smiling during wedding ceremony, officiant standing behind them outdoors with trees and a black fence in the background.
A wedding ceremony taking place outdoors in a backyard with trees and a black fence. The bride and groom are holding hands at the altar, facing each other, with an officiant in the middle. Guests are standing around watching the ceremony. The scene i
A person in a black tuxedo with a floral boutonniere is holding a small glass of red wine and a piece of bread. Another person, dressed in a white bridal gown, is touching the person's hand. There is an open guestbook with a pen on a red folder on th
Bride and groom seated at an outdoor wedding table, exchanging vows with a wedding certificate and pen in front of them.
Four elderly people seated outdoors in a yard during a celebration, dressed in formal attire with boutonnieres, with a brick house, trees, and a table with drinks in the background.
A newly married couple sharing a tender moment; the groom in a black tuxedo is kissing the bride on her cheek. The bride, in a white wedding gown and veil, is holding a marriage certificate and smiling. They are outdoors at a garden table with a red
A bride and groom share a kiss during their wedding ceremony outdoors, with an officiant observing in the background. The bride is wearing a white wedding gown and veil, and the groom is dressed in a black suit.
A woman with long, wavy brown hair wearing a white wedding dress with a veil, holding hands with another person during a wedding ceremony.
Close-up of a bride and groom holding hands during their home wedding ceremony, with additional wedding guests in the background.
Wedding ceremony with a woman in a white lace dress holding a groom's hand. An officiant places her hand on the bride's shoulder, while the officiant holds a smartphone. The groom is dressed in a black tuxedo with a boutonniere.
A couple holding hands during their wedding ceremony, with an officiant present.
A bride in a white wedding dress with a veil is smiling and covering her mouth with her hands while looking at a groom in a black suit during a wedding ceremony outdoors.
A smartphone on a tripod capturing a wedding ceremony outdoors with guests seated and a bride and groom standing under trees.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with bride, groom, and officiant under a row of trees, guests seated on both sides of the aisle.
A bride and groom laughing during their wedding ceremony, with an officiant standing nearby, outdoors with greenery in the background.
A bride with long wavy hair, wearing a white lace wedding dress and veil, is smiling and covering her mouth with her hands as she looks at the groom, who is dressed in a black suit, outdoors with greenery.
Bride and groom exchanging vows at outdoor wedding ceremony with guests seated around them, some taking photos, in a backyard with string lights and trees.
A wedding ceremony outdoors with a bride, groom, and officiant, and guests watching. The bride holds a bouquet of flowers, and the groom and officiant wear black suits. Guests are standing on a green lawn with trees and a black fence in the backgroun
A wedding ceremony outdoors with a bride, groom, officiant, and guests standing on a lawn under string lights, with chairs and trees in the background.
Bride and groom at their wedding ceremony with family and officiant outdoors, greenery in background.
Bride and groom with family and friends at an outdoor wedding ceremony in a backyard
A young man in a black tuxedo with a bowtie and boutonniere stands outdoors, smiling softly, with greenery and a wooden fence in the background.
Bride walking with her father, down a garden pathway lined with potted plants, during a wedding ceremony outside a brick house.
A groom in a black tuxedo with a bow tie and boutonniere standing outdoors, looking serious and contemplative.
Two men, one in a black tuxedo and the other in a navy suit, look at a camera on a tripod outside a brick house during daytime.
A bride and an older man, likely her father, sharing a kiss outside a brick house on her wedding day. The bride is wearing a veil and wedding dress, and the man is dressed in a dark suit.
A bride in a white wedding dress smiling and holding hands with an older man in a blue plaid suit, standing beside a black car in a driveway.
Outdoor garden setup with white chairs arranged in a semi-circle around a water fountain, trees with string lights in the background, and a black fence surrounding the area.
A bride in a lace wedding dress holding a bouquet of flowers, standing near a large window with a cityscape view.
A bride in a white wedding dress holding a vibrant bouquet, standing in a bright room with a gray couch and pillows in the background.
A bride and an officiant having a moment during a wedding ceremony indoors.
A smiling woman in a wedding dress and veil standing indoors near large glass sliding doors, with plants and art in the background.
A woman in a white wedding dress smiling while putting on an earring.
Close-up of a woman smiling, wearing a white textured sleeveless dress and pearl earrings.
A bride and her mum hugging, one in a white dress, smiling with eyes closed, in a bright room.
A woman in a white lace dress is standing indoors, adjusting her earring, with a soft smile on her face.
A woman in a white lace dress is putting on earrings, with wavy hair and a tattoo on her forearm, in a bedroom setting.
A woman in a wedding dress is being helped with her dress by another woman, while three other women stand nearby and smile, inside a bright room.
Group of women helping bride with her wedding dress
A black perfume bottle with a black rectangular cap, labeled 'narciso rodriguez for her', resting on white tulle fabric.
A woman is having her makeup applied by a makeup artist in a bright, modern room.
A bride with brown hair holding a white curly-haired dog indoors, smiling at the camera.