Groom twirls bride playfully by the lake in the Royal Botanic Gardens at golden hour, captured in a black-and-white editorial wedding portrait.

The Terrace Royal Botanic Gardens Wedding
with Rebecca & Alex

Tucked beneath the leafy canopy of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, The Terrace played host to one of the most joy-filled weddings I’ve had the pleasure of capturing. Rebecca and Alex’s day wasn’t about spectacle—it was about feeling. From the calm of getting ready (him at The Langham, her in her family home) to a garden ceremony full of personality, every moment felt personal, candid, and wildly them.

As a Melbourne wedding photographer, I’m always drawn to couples who lean into real connection over perfection. This The Terrace Royal Botanic Gardens wedding had exactly that—heartfelt vows, spontaneous dancing, and those cheeky little smiles that say I can’t believe we get to do this. Here’s how it all unfolded.

A Romantic Garden Wedding in the Heart of Melbourne

Map showing Lori and the Lake, with notable locations including William Tell Rest House, Taxodium Lawn, Punting on the Lake, The Terrace, and a rare and threatened species area.
People relaxing by a lake in a park with lush trees and a tall palm tree, with city buildings in the background.

Getting Ready: Love and Nerves in
Two Beautiful Spaces

Bride and bridesmaids in pastel satin pyjamas sitting on timber stairs, smiling and holding champagne glasses during relaxed wedding morning preparations at home.

Rebecca began her day at her family home—a space filled with sunlight, keepsakes, and women who knew her best. There was a calm softness to it: a few teary hugs, handwritten vows on creamy stationery (Sea and Paper), and a champagne toast that came with the first pop of nerves.

Hair by KX Hair Design and makeup by VVN_Makeup gave Rebecca that editorial glow—sleek, fresh, timeless. Slipping into her MAELLE dress felt like a transition into something quietly powerful. She looked like the muse of a classic film—but with a cheeky sparkle in her eye that promised fun ahead.

Groom and groomsmen in black tie on The Langham rooftop, with Melbourne city skyline in the background – pre-wedding portrait by Melbourne wedding photographer Sean Tak.

Meanwhile, Alex prepped just across the river at The Langham Hotel. With sweeping city views, plush interiors, and his best mates around him, the energy was relaxed, playful, a touch Bond-like. There were whisky glasses, bow ties being wrangled, and a few pep talks before slipping into his Farage tux. That moment when he stood by the Langham window, hands in pockets, soaking it all in—yeah, that’s the one.

Ceremony on the Lawns: Personal Vows Beneath the Trees

Set under the lush canopy of the Royal Botanic Gardens, their garden ceremony in Melbourne felt equal parts sacred and cheeky. Rebecca and Alex read their personal vows aloud—words that made their guests laugh through tears. With Megan Thompson as their celebrant, it was beautifully grounded. There was no fuss, just meaning.

The gardens offered the perfect backdrop—florals by Grown Florists danced in the breeze, and the sunlight glinted off the lake nearby. You could hear a few magpies in the distance and the faint rustle of eucalyptus leaves, nature playing soundtrack.

Bride and groom holding hands during their outdoor wedding ceremony at The Terrace Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, framed by vibrant floral arrangements and soft natural light.
Bride and groom laughing while showing off their rings just after signing their marriage certificate at The Terrace, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.
Bride and groom smiling at each other during their wedding ceremony outside at The Terrace, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.

Portraits: Editorial Vibes and Candid Joy

We stole away post-ceremony to wander the gardens. Rebecca and Alex were absolute naturals. No forced posing, just connection. One moment they were lost in each other; the next they were twirling, laughing like no one was watching.

There’s a shot of them walking toward the skyline with palm fronds framing the scene—very city skyline views meets old-world romance. And when the sun dipped, casting a honeyed glow across the lake, they stood together, forehead to forehead, in their own little world.

Newly married couple walking hand in hand with their bridal party in black tie outside The Terrace venue in Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens.
Bride and groom walking across the lawn at the Royal Botanic Gardens, smiling at each other in soft golden evening light during their candid garden wedding.
Groom lifts and spins bride joyfully during golden hour portraits by the lake at The Terrace Royal Botanic Gardens wedding in Melbourne.
Bride kissing groom’s cheek as they sit on a garden bench at dusk holding a bouquet of calla lilies at their Royal Botanic Gardens wedding.

The Terrace Reception: Dancing Under City Stars

Close-up of candlelit wedding reception table decorated with bold, colourful florals and glassware at The Terrace Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.

Inside The Terrace, the space had transformed. Warm candlelight, fresh blooms, and ambient fairy lights wrapped the room in softness. The vibe was relaxed and a little luxe. Guests spilled out onto the deck between speeches, glasses of wine in hand, laughing beneath trees and stars.

Music by Married to the Groove set the tone—think vibey classics with just enough edge to get even the shyest uncles grooving. The cake by The Dessert Life was minimalist perfection: clean, textured, delicious.

And when Rebecca kicked off her heels and Alex spun her across the dance floor, it felt like watching a movie. Not posed. Not staged. Just them, completely in it.

Bride laughing as she runs through a tunnel of guests' raised arms during a fun reception moment at The Terrace Royal Botanic Gardens wedding in Melbourne.

Planning Your Own Terrace Wedding?

This day was a reminder that beautiful doesn’t need to mean stressful. With the right people around you and a venue like The Terrace, you get to slow down and actually feel your wedding day.

If you're planning an intimate city wedding at The Terrace Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, and want those in-between, soulful, unguarded moments captured with care—I'm your guy. Let’s make something honest and beautiful together.

Key Vendors Who Brought It All Together