Senate Gardens Wedding Photos
Heritage roses in patterned beds, white timber pergolas and open lawn on the Senate side of Old Parliament House
Senate Gardens is the garden on the Senate side of Old Parliament House, on King George Terrace in Parkes, Canberra, twin to the House of Representatives Garden. The roses went in during the 1930s and the layout was restored in 2004. This side holds the Broinowski Rose Garden of shrub roses and the Rex Hazlewood Rose Garden of heritage roses, set in lawn with white timber pergolas and arbours. It is a free public garden and a portrait location, not a function venue.
We photographed Becky and George’s wedding portraits here across the lawns, after their earlier frames among the rose beds and pergolas of Old Parliament House Gardens and before their reception at The Boat House. The two gardens are a few minutes' walk apart, so the pair gives a full portrait set without moving the car.
Photographing a wedding at Senate Gardens
Roses peak in late spring and again in autumn; in summer the lawns and pergolas carry the frame. The pergolas give a strong white line and open shade at any hour. Paths are flat and easy in heels. The gardens are public and the tennis courts are in use, so we work the edges and wait for clear moments. Old Parliament House itself and the lake foreshore are close if you want a formal or a water frame. The gallery above is the Senate Gardens wedding we photographed.