Berry Courthouse wedding photos: Eleanor and Paul walk hand in hand along a gravel garden path past a stone birdbath and leafy trees
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Real heritage wedding · Berry, Sydney

Berry Courthouse Wedding Photos: Eleanor & Paul

Berry Courthouse · Berry NSW · Sydney

Heritage & Historic Venue Wedding · City: Sydney · Venue: Berry Courthouse

Pale blue flats under a white gown, a vintage white car parked beneath purple blossom, and vows on the slate steps right under the old Court House lettering. Eleanor and Paul’s Berry Courthouse wedding on the NSW South Coast ran from a golden summer evening to long candlelit tables under festoon lights in the garden, then a dance floor inside the old courtroom that never emptied. We were there from the first laugh with the groomsmen to the last spin.

The gallery
Wide green lawns and tall gum trees under a soft blue sky, the view from the veranda where the groom got ready
Paul in a crisp white shirt fastens his cuffs beside a dark curtain on the wedding morning
Paul knots a pale patterned tie in a tall white mirror while a groomsman watches from the doorway
Close reflection of Paul in the mirror as he adjusts his pale tie with careful hands
Paul laces his polished black shoes on the carpet, navy trousers and white cuffs in soft light
Paul buttons his navy double breasted jacket as a smiling groomsman in a matching suit looks on
Paul grins in his navy double breasted suit and white pocket square, a groomsman smiling just behind him
Paul and his two groomsmen stand in navy suits and white rose boutonnieres before a clipped hedge
Paul leads his groomsmen across the lawn, all three laughing in front of a thick green hedge
A groomsman reaches out to shake Paul's hand on the lawn while the other grins beside the hedge
The groomsmen fuss over Paul's lapels as he laughs, a tall hedge filling the frame behind them
Paul strides over the grass flanked by his groomsmen, white boutonnieres bright against navy suits
Paul stands shoulder to shoulder with his bearded groomsman in front of a tall leafy hedge by the veranda
Paul gestures mid story as his bearded groomsman listens, both in navy suits against dark green leaves
A groomsman points a finger at Paul as if issuing a final warning, and Paul laughs and points straight back
Paul rests an arm around a groomsman's shoulders, both beaming in navy suits on the lawn
Seated portrait of Paul with a glass in hand, his white boutonniere and pocket square crisp on navy wool
Paul leans by a dark curtain in his double breasted suit, hand in pocket, in black and white
Side lit portrait of Paul by the window, his patterned tie and white flower sharp against the navy suit
Purple blossom spills from a leafy branch over a quiet green lawn lined with gum trees
Eleanor's white satin gown hangs on a hanger against a bright window, its train pooling on the floor
Bouquet of white roses and silver green leaves rests on an armchair beside a veil and pale blue flats
Gold earrings with pearl drops and a fine ring sit on soft tulle beside a white rose
Eleanor sits in a white lace trimmed robe as a makeup artist sweeps colour across her eyelid
Close profile of Eleanor as a lip liner traces her lips, red painted nails steadying the pencil
Eleanor sits in profile with clips holding her dark hair while it sets, in black and white
A fine mist of setting spray drifts over Eleanor's face as she closes her eyes in her robe
Eleanor in her robe and long veil stands beside her hanging gown in the pale window light
Eleanor touches the satin skirt of her gown and glances back, veil falling over her robe
Her dad wipes away a tear as he first sees Eleanor, in a navy suit and purple tie
A bearded guest in a beige jacket wraps Eleanor in a tight hug in the kitchen, her veil swept over his arm
A smiling man in a red tie holds a little boy in a straw cowboy hat and palm print shorts
A bridesmaid in a green robe fixes Eleanor's earring against the soft white glow of the window
Kneeling at her feet, a bridesmaid slips the pale blue flats onto Eleanor beside the bright window
Eleanor lifts her satin skirt to show her pale blue flats, the long veil trailing across the floor
Eleanor looks down at her bouquet of white roses, a tree in full purple bloom outside the window
Eleanor glances over her shoulder in her open back gown, the long satin train fanned across the floor
Full length portrait of Eleanor holding her white rose bouquet by tall frosted windows, her veil trailing behind
Eleanor smiles warmly with her bouquet of white roses and trailing greenery by a sunny glass door
Eleanor laughs mid turn in her satin gown, bouquet raised as the window light floods the room
Eleanor stands between her dad and a loved one in a black floral dress, all three smiling by the window
Eleanor laughs as her dad grins beside her and a loved one in black florals leans in close
A loved one in a black floral dress beams at Eleanor, a white flower pinned at her shoulder
Her dad kisses Eleanor's hand as she laughs beside a loved one in black florals
Eleanor's dad laughs and holds her hand while she clutches her bouquet in the bright living room
Eleanor stands between her two bridesmaids in dusty blue gowns, each holding white rose bouquets
Three bouquets of white roses and greenery held up in front, Eleanor and her bridesmaids softly blurred behind
Waist up portrait of Eleanor and her bridesmaids in dusty blue, bouquets held low before the window
Eleanor and a blonde bridesmaid in a dusty blue gown pose side by side with matching white bouquets
A bridesmaid in dusty blue sets Eleanor off laughing so hard she covers her mouth with her hand
Eleanor and a bridesmaid with long curls share a laugh, their white rose bouquets held together
Eleanor and her curly haired bridesmaid stand close, bouquets of white roses and loose greenery in hand
Eleanor sits on a patterned armchair with her bouquet across her lap, gazing towards the window
Seated by the window in her veil, Eleanor looks down at her roses, in black and white
Eleanor sits poised on a patterned armchair with her veil draped around her and roses resting in her lap
A white vintage car waits on the gravel drive beneath branches heavy with purple blossom
Eleanor, her bridesmaids and family gather outside the white house as the vintage car waits by a red carpet
Guests gather on the lawn at Berry Courthouse as Paul waits on the portico steps under the Court House lettering
Paul grins at the foot of the heritage portico while his groomsmen laugh beside him
An older couple and a guest in a purple wrap smile from the front row on the lawn
Two guests in teal and a pale patterned dress smile from their white chairs under the trees of the heritage grounds
Guests in summer dresses and linen line the lawn beside the historic courthouse, waiting for the bride
Guests turn towards the gate on the lawn at Berry Courthouse on Victoria Street, a tall hedge and leafy trees behind
The Court House lettering crowns the heritage portico as Paul and his groomsmen wait on the slate steps
A bridesmaid in a long dusty blue gown walks the footpath beside the clipped hedge of the historic courthouse grounds
Her dad walks Eleanor from the white vintage car towards the courthouse as a bridesmaid leads the way
Eleanor walks in through the gap in the hedge to the historic courthouse, her dad and a loved one in black florals beside her
Guests turn and smile as Eleanor comes up the garden path at Berry Courthouse in the Shoalhaven with her dad and a loved one
Veiled Eleanor beams on the path between her dad and a loved one, who covers her mouth with joy
Paul laughs at the foot of the steps at Berry Courthouse & Gardens as a guitarist and keyboard player strike up behind him
Smiling bridesmaids in dusty blue hold their bouquets as a couple wait at a music stand on the portico
Paul's face lights up as Eleanor reaches him by the historic cream columns, his groomsmen grinning beside him
Eleanor hugs a loved one in black florals at the foot of the steps while her dad waits with a smile
Paul takes Eleanor's hands at the base of the portico steps at Berry Courthouse on Victoria Street, his groomsmen watching
Paul lifts Eleanor's veil on the slate steps as a bridesmaid in blue smiles from beside a fluted column
A bridesmaid fluffs Eleanor's train as Paul leads her up the steps of Berry Courthouse on the NSW South Coast
Two bridesmaids in long dusty blue gowns wait by the portico, one holding a little boy in a straw hat
Eleanor glances out at the guests beside a fluted heritage column, her hands held in Paul's
Wide view of the vows framed by the columns and crest of Berry Courthouse & Gardens, guests seated on the lawn below
Her dad smiles up at the ceremony from his white chair, a loved one in black florals beside him
Standing guests in bright summer dresses and dark suits watch the vows from the shaded lawn of Berry Courthouse Gardens
More guests stand under the leafy trees of the heritage grounds in pale florals and blue linen, listening closely
A young man in a tie speaks into a microphone between Eleanor and Paul as they hold hands
Eleanor and Paul face each other on the steps of Berry Courthouse beneath the Court House lettering, her train spilling below
A little boy in a straw hat crouches to pick up petals on the path while the vows go on above
The little boy in the straw hat wanders down the aisle as Eleanor and Paul hold hands at the historic doors
Seated guests in the front rows watch the vows intently on the historic courthouse lawn, standing guests behind
A guest in a teal dress and pearls sits in the late sun on a white folding chair, watching closely
Her dad holds the little boy in the straw hat on his lap as front row guests smile for the camera
Guests seated on the lawn at Berry Courthouse on Victoria Street listen in the warm late afternoon light
Guests in floral prints sit and stand together in the dappled shade, smiling at the ceremony
Paul speaks his vows into the microphone with a wide smile, a fluted column beside him
Her dad and a loved one in black florals laugh along with the vows from the front row
An older couple and a guest in a purple wrap watch from their seats, rows of smiling guests behind
A guest in navy points towards the steps, laughing, as the rows around her break into grins
The little boy in the straw hat climbs the steps of Berry Courthouse on the NSW South Coast during the readings
Eleanor and Paul laugh as they hold hands at the doorway while a woman in a pale dotted dress reads at the microphone
Eleanor and Paul turn serious for a moment, hands joined, as the reading continues under the heritage portico
Four men in suits stand by a leafy tree on the heritage lawn, watching the vows with a garden bench behind
Eleanor's long train flows down the steps of Berry Courthouse during the vows as a groomsman wipes his eye
Guests in blue and a pale floral dress smile along with the vows beneath tall shady trees
Both groomsmen stand side by side near the portico rail, listening with the music set up behind them
Both bridesmaids in dusty blue hold their white bouquets beside the historic portico, eyes on the vows
A guest dabs away a tear in the second row as the guitarist plays on beside the tall hedge
Eleanor and Paul exchange rings before the old green doors while the woman with the microphone looks on
Guests break into smiles and applause as the rings go on, standing rows clapping beneath the trees
Rows of white chairs fill the heritage grounds as guests watch from the shade, the road and leafy street beyond
Eleanor and Paul share their first kiss between the columns of Berry Courthouse in the Shoalhaven as the groomsmen applaud
The woman in the dotted dress leans in with a grin as Paul smiles across at Eleanor at the signing table
Eleanor signs the register in her veil, a posy of fern and baby's breath in the foreground
Paul signs the register at Berry Courthouse as the woman in the dotted dress guides him and Eleanor smiles
The bearded groomsman bends to sign as a witness, fern fronds framing the papers in the historic portico
A bridesmaid in dusty blue signs as a witness against the pale heritage wall of the portico
Eleanor's hand rests on Paul's beside the signed certificate, a pen and fern leaves on the slatted table
Paul and Eleanor smile from the signing table behind a low posy of white blooms and ferns
Paul and Eleanor pose at the signing table at Berry Courthouse on Victoria Street with the groomsman and bridesmaid who signed
A groomsman clutching two bouquets shouts in mock alarm on the historic steps as the band plays on
A bridesmaid laughs as she gathers her bouquet beside the slate steps of the heritage portico
Guests on the lawn of Berry Courthouse Gardens watch the ceremony close beneath the pediment and painted crest
A guitarist and a singer at the keyboard play beside a historic column, a leafy hedge behind them
Paul raises Eleanor's hand in triumph on the steps of Berry Courthouse as the groomsmen cheer from below
Guests shower Eleanor and Paul with white petals as they walk down the path from the heritage portico
Paul cheers mid stride through falling petals, the historic courthouse pediment and painted crest rising behind them
Eleanor and Paul kiss in a shower of petals on the path at Berry Courthouse on the NSW South Coast, guests cheering on both sides
Seen from behind, Eleanor wraps an arm around Paul as smiling guests wait to greet them on the historic lawn
A beaming guest in a pink floral dress laughs as the newlyweds reach her, a bearded man in navy grinning beside her
Eleanor leans in to kiss a guest in a black dress on the cheek while Paul stands by, a white flower on his navy lapel
A guest in a pink floral dress wraps Eleanor in a joyful hug among the crowd on the lawn at Berry Courthouse
Eleanor covers her eyes with emotion as she hugs a young man in navy, the historic Court House portico just behind
Paul shares a bear hug with a guest in navy while Eleanor holds a little boy in a checked shirt, sun flaring through the trees
A woman in a teal dress hugs Eleanor on the lawn of Berry Courthouse Gardens as the groomsmen wait by the clipped hedge
An older guest in a navy patterned top holds Eleanor close in a warm hug before a tall cypress hedge
An older guest in a purple floral wrap takes Eleanor's hands beside a stone urn and garden bench in the heritage gardens
Eleanor and Paul stand arm in arm on the gravel path at Berry Courthouse & Gardens, her train curling across the stones
Family and the bridal party line up on the lawn in front of the clipped hedge and the historic courthouse
Family and the bridal party throw their arms in the air on the lawn at Berry Courthouse on Victoria Street
Eleanor and Paul stand with her dad, a loved one in black florals and a loved one in a teal dress before the hedge
Close family portrait of Eleanor and Paul with her dad in a purple tie, a white globe lamp glowing behind them
Eleanor and Paul stand between her dad and a loved one in black florals, all four beaming before the dark green hedge
Eleanor and Paul stand either side of a loved one in a teal dress and pearls, the historic portico peeking over the hedge
Eleanor and Paul pose with three older guests, one in a purple floral wrap, on the lawn before a clipped hedge
Eleanor and Paul gather older guests, her dad and a loved one in black florals at Berry Courthouse on the NSW South Coast
Eleanor and Paul pose with friends, a bridesmaid in dusty blue and a man holding a toddler, beside a stone urn
Paul and his groomsmen flank Eleanor and a loved one in a teal dress, one groomsman giving a cheeky thumbs up
Eleanor and Paul stand with a family group at Berry Courthouse, a girl in a striped jumpsuit and a boy in a bow tie
Eleanor poses with three smiling women, one in black polka dots and a loved one in teal, in the historic gardens
Paul grins between a boy in a bow tie and two men in white shirts and dark ties on the lawn
Eleanor and Paul pose with a blonde guest in a pale green patterned dress against the hedge of the heritage grounds
Eleanor and Paul line up with their groomsmen and bridesmaids beside the fountain in the Hedged Garden
Eleanor beams as she walks with Paul and the bridal party, white rose bouquets bunched beside dusty blue gowns
A groomsman gestures mid story as the bridal party strolls the gravel path, the bridesmaids smiling behind Eleanor
Paul laughs open mouthed while Eleanor grins at a groomsman's story, her bouquet of white roses held close
The bridal party strolls across the lawn at Berry Courthouse, groomsmen in navy and bridesmaids in dusty blue
Paul spreads his arms towards the camera as the bridal party walks the gravel path below the historic courthouse
Paul lifts Eleanor into his arms on the lawn, both laughing, her satin skirt and veil spilling over his arms
Paul kisses Eleanor as he carries her across the heritage garden at Berry Courthouse on the NSW South Coast, her veil trailing
Eleanor laughs into her fist as Paul holds her aloft, both in fits of giggles before the tall cypress hedge
A blonde bridesmaid in dusty blue squeals as she hugs Eleanor, still cradled in Paul's arms on the lawn
Both bridesmaids crowd in laughing as Paul cradles Eleanor beside the stone fountain basin, rose beds behind
Eleanor cups Paul's face for a kiss as both groomsmen hold the bouquets and pucker up beside the historic courthouse
Eleanor's veil lifts on the breeze as she holds Paul's hands beside the tiered fountain in the Hedged Garden
A blonde bridesmaid gasps with delight as she gathers Eleanor's long veil by the fountain in the heritage garden
Paul leads Eleanor by the hand past the splashing tiered fountain and white roses of the historic garden
Paul and Eleanor laugh as they walk hand in hand away from the fountain at Berry Courthouse Gardens
Paul pulls a comic surprised face between Eleanor and her bridesmaids in dusty blue on the heritage lawn
Eleanor smiles back at Paul as they stroll with the bridesmaids, the fountain and distant hills behind them
Paul leads Eleanor along the gravel path at Berry Courthouse on Victoria Street, past a garden bench and stone urn
Paul bows to kiss Eleanor's hand as she laughs on the gravel path through the historic grounds
Eleanor laughs as Paul leads her by the hand along the sunlit gravel path, her bouquet trailing at her side
Eleanor and Paul share a quiet moment by the long tables under festoon lights at Berry Courthouse & Gardens, in black and white
Golden light filters through Eleanor's veil as she gazes at Paul, white roses soft in the foreground
Under the veil, Eleanor and Paul lean nose to nose, her hand resting on his patterned tie, in black and white
Eleanor and Paul glance back hand in hand as her long train sweeps across the lawn of the heritage garden
Eleanor rests a hand on Paul's shoulder as they beam before the cypress hedge in the last warm light
Eleanor and Paul lean close, almost touching noses, her ringed hand on his navy shoulder in the heritage garden
Full length portrait of Eleanor and Paul before the tall cypress hedge at Berry Courthouse, white blooms at their feet
Paul walks towards the camera, hand in pocket, his double breasted navy suit sharp against the hedge of the historic grounds
Paul glances off to the side beside a white globe lamp and lush ferns in the heritage garden
Eleanor looks back over her shoulder beside the long cypress hedge at Berry Courthouse in the Shoalhaven, her veil trailing on the grass
Eleanor lifts her satin skirt and looks down at her bouquet among white flowering shrubs and clipped hedges
The cream walls and portico of Berry Courthouse on the NSW South Coast rise above a clipped hedge, garden bench and stone urn
Seating charts for each table hang on white ribbons from the cypress hedge, ready for the evening reception
Long white tables set with white roses wait under festoon lights on the lawn of Berry Courthouse Gardens
A single white rose in a cut glass vase stands among upturned glasses and bread rolls on the historic lawn tables
Bowls of spiral pasta salad and a herby grain salad with tomato sit on a bright yellow tray for the shared dinner
Tall white flower stems in amber glass bottles line the long tables set for dinner on the lawn at Berry Courthouse
Rows of red wine bottles with labels lettered with the couple's names wait on a white cloth as wedding favours
Eleanor hugs an older guest in a navy patterned top outside Berry Courthouse on Victoria Street as smiling guests look on
Guests in shirts and ties chat with drinks in hand under a leafy tree in the heritage gardens
Her dad leans in to chat with an older guest in a purple floral wrap, both seated on white chairs on the lawn
Four guests raise their glasses and smile in the historic grounds as the low sun glows through the leaves
A family of six, two children in blue patterns at the front, smile together in the dappled evening light by the hedge
Guests mingle among the white chairs on the lawn at Berry Courthouse in the Shoalhaven while Eleanor greets friends behind them
Eleanor and a bridesmaid in dusty blue share a hug amid the crowd of guests under the historic garden's big trees
A guest lifts her glass high overhead as Eleanor and a blonde bridesmaid laugh together in the evening crowd
Eleanor stands arm in arm with three friends in summer dresses, a glass of bubbles in one hand
Paul laughs with a circle of guests on the lawn, the Court House lettering of Berry Courthouse glowing behind them
A smiling guest in a floral dress and red sandals poses with a tall man in a navy blazer on the heritage lawn
Two older guests, one in a navy patterned top and one in a purple floral wrap, share a quiet chat on the lawn
Paul holds a glass of bubbles among guests, one in a pink patterned dress, under the trees of the historic grounds
Younger guests in summer dresses and crisp shirts mingle by the clipped hedge at Berry Courthouse & Gardens
Guests laugh in a relaxed circle of white folding chairs on the heritage lawn as the evening light softens
Eleanor holds a guest's hand as she chats with two friends, one in a bright blue cardigan, by the courthouse wall
A boy in a patterned shirt glances back at the camera on the petal strewn path across the historic courthouse lawn
Eleanor holds a toddler with a sippy cup beside Paul and two smiling guests on the petal strewn heritage path
Guests settle at long white tables under festoon lights at Berry Courthouse on the NSW South Coast, the old building behind
Guests chat over dinner at the long tables on the historic lawn as a man in a dark suit stands to talk
Eleanor chats with a bearded guest in a grey tie among white bar stools while a bridesmaid sits with a drink
A guest in a red one shoulder dress speaks into a microphone on the lawn of Berry Courthouse Gardens
Paul sips his wine beside Eleanor and a blonde bridesmaid at the long table in the heritage garden, white roses before them
A bearded guest in a checked shirt and navy tie gives a speech at the microphone by a bench in the historic garden
Dinner in full swing at the long tables on the lawn of Berry Courthouse, festoon lights strung overhead
Older guests tuck into dinner at the candlelit long table, an older guest in a purple floral wrap among them
A loved one in a teal dress and pearls helps herself to dinner as friends chat along the heritage garden table
Her dad wraps an arm around a loved one in black florals as they smile from the dinner table behind white roses
A man in a red tie and a woman in blue grin at the table with a toddler munching a bread roll on her lap
A boy in a bow tie and grey waistcoat beams between a guest in red and a man in a red tie at dinner
A young man in a white shirt and a guest with red hoop earrings lean in together at the dinner table
A blonde guest and a man in a navy tie smile from the long tables in the heritage garden, white roses in front
A red haired guest grins over his dinner plate beside the gravel garden path at Berry Courthouse in the Shoalhaven
Two friends lean in cheek to cheek at dinner, a stone urn and garden bench softly blurred behind them
A guest in a red tie front dress and a man with a red beard in a navy jacket smile on the heritage lawn
A bearded guest in a lilac shirt and a guest in a green lace dress smile at the table in Berry Courthouse Gardens
An older couple in a checked tie and a floral dress sit close at dinner, the fountain lawn of the heritage garden behind
A guest in a navy dress and a bearded man in a pale grey jacket and red tie share a hug at the dinner table
A groomsman in navy sits beside Eleanor at the bridal table, the fountain of the Hedged Garden behind them
The blonde bridesmaid holds a glass of red as two friends lean in behind her, the historic garden fountain beyond
The blonde bridesmaid and a young man in a white shirt smile at the bridal table, white roses in the foreground
A loved one in a teal dress and pearls sits with a guest in maroon florals at the long table at Berry Courthouse & Gardens
A young man in a black suit and a guest in an orange off shoulder dress smile at dinner in the heritage garden
A guest in a pink patterned dress and a man in a striped tie grin from the long table over plates of dinner
A guest in a mint floral dress rests her head on a bearded man's shoulder at the table on the historic lawn
A young man in a dark blazer puts an arm around a guest in a mint floral dress, white blooms in a bottle beside them
A guest in an olive dress and a man in a grey jacket and navy tie smile at the long table as dinner carries on
A table of grinning young guests turns to the camera under festoon lights strung across the lawn at Berry Courthouse
A guest in a dark floral dress and a man in a grey suit and red patterned tie lean together at dinner
A guest in a red one shoulder dress and a friend in dark florals pose cheek to cheek at the heritage garden dinner
An older couple, his tie striped red and white and her dress in blue lace, sit close at the long table
A young guest in a black suit grins at the table, a pair of white sunglasses hooked on his lapel
A guest in a maroon floral dress and a man in a navy suit and blue tie smile at dinner at Berry Courthouse & Gardens
A guest in black polka dots, a boy in a blue patterned shirt and a red bearded man smile at dinner
A bald guest in a blue blazer and an older guest in a black jacket beam at the long table in the historic garden
Seated before the hedge, a guest in a blue floral dress and glasses leans towards a bearded man in a navy tie at Berry Courthouse
A blonde guest in a pink floral dress sits arm in arm with a young woman in dark off shoulder florals on the heritage lawn
A guest with a pink undercut and a guest in a sheer embroidered top smile behind a single white rose at dinner
Two friends, one in glasses and a floral strapless dress, one in navy sequins, smile at the long table at Berry Courthouse on Victoria Street
Three young guests in black lace, striped florals and a purple print smile at dinner, one holding a bread roll
Three guests in grey stripes, sage green and a pink tie smile at the long table, the fountain of Berry Courthouse Gardens behind
Grinning side by side, a young man in a pink tie and a friend in a coral palm print dress sit in the heritage garden
A guest in a coral print dress and a curly haired friend in deep red beam across the crowded dinner tables
Two friends, one in black and one in a blue cardigan, hold glasses of bubbles at Berry Courthouse on the NSW South Coast
A bearded guest in a grey tie pulls a wry face beside a smiling man in a pale blue shirt at the historic courthouse dinner
A man in a pale blue shirt and a curly haired guest in glasses rest their heads together at the candlelit table
A man in glasses and a navy patterned tie sits beside a curly red haired guest in a silver floral dress at Berry Courthouse
An older guest in a vivid purple and orange wrap smiles over her plate at the long table in the heritage grounds
An older couple, he in a grey jacket and dark tie and she in navy paisley, smile at dinner on the historic lawn
A guest in a paisley tunic and a bald man in a white linen shirt sit close at the table before the clipped hedge
A boy salutes on the gravel by the fountain at Berry Courthouse & Gardens as a girl in a striped jumpsuit walks past
Eleanor and Paul pose with a family group of eight on the gravel path of the heritage garden as dusk settles
Paul kisses Eleanor's cheek beside the fountain with three smiling guests at Berry Courthouse in the Shoalhaven
Three friends lift a laughing guest flat into the air in front of the tall cypress hedge of the historic grounds
Eleanor and a blonde guest in a red floral print pull mock shocked faces with a toddler by the fountain
Eleanor and a bridesmaid in dusty blue satin hug and beam at dusk before the hedge of the heritage gardens
Festoon lights glow across a deep blue sky above the long tables, the roofline and chimneys of Berry Courthouse behind
A three tier white wedding cake topped with white sugar roses sits among plates of layered slices in the historic courthouse garden
Plates of dark layered cake slices surround a glowing tealight on the white dessert table
Small white desserts topped with a strawberry slice and a twist of lime wait in rows on white plates
Paul holds a bottle of bubbles as he poses with two friends on the gravel path at Berry Courthouse on Victoria Street
Paul grins with three friends, one in a blue suit and one in a floral maxi dress, at dusk in the historic grounds
Paul and a beaming friend in a blue suit wrap their arms around each other on the gravel path at dusk
Four young guests in dark suits and a mint floral dress raise their drinks under a blue dusk sky at Berry Courthouse Gardens
Four friends in sequins, florals and sage green smile under festoon lights strung through the heritage grounds
Blue hour settles over the candlelit long tables of Berry Courthouse on the NSW South Coast, hills dark on the horizon
Her dad reads his speech from a sheet at the microphone, a loved one in black florals at his side under festoon lights
Guests at a candlelit table listen to the speeches, a loved one in a teal dress with a white corsage among them
Eleanor and Paul listen from the candlelit bridal table at Berry Courthouse, white tulle draped on a tree nearby
Paul and Eleanor watch the speeches as a groomsman sits beside them, festoon lights twinkling in the heritage trees
Eleanor smiles back over her shoulder at Paul at the bridal table, candlelight and a white rose glowing before them
Paul wraps an arm around Eleanor as they gaze out from the candlelit table at Berry Courthouse & Gardens
Guests turn from the long table to grin at the camera during the speeches under the festoon lights
Leaning in with a smile, a guest in a navy dress chats to a laughing bearded man in a beige jacket and red tie
Eleanor and Paul watch the speeches in profile beside a softly lit white rose at the candlelit table
Her dad reads his speech under a bright stand light beside a loved one in black florals at Berry Courthouse on Victoria Street
A man with a camera strap across his back crouches on the lawn, his face buried in his hands
Eleanor throws her head back laughing between Paul and the blonde bridesmaid at the candlelit historic courthouse dinner
Eleanor beams with her hands in her lap as Paul and a groomsman laugh along the long table at Berry Courthouse
Young men crack up at the long table during the speeches, one in a bow tie hiding his face in his hand
A man in a grey shirt and red tie sits with a smiling guest and a toddler at the candlelit table
A young man in navy with a white rose buttonhole smiles at the table beside a bearded man in a beige jacket
Her dad pauses his speech as a loved one in black florals laughs beside him on the lawn of Berry Courthouse Gardens
A man in glasses and a blue tie and a guest in a red floral dress listen at a candlelit table on the heritage lawn
A red bearded man laughs with his hands clasped as a blonde guest in polka dots and a boy smile at the table
A bridesmaid in dusty blue claps among guests at the festoon lit tables at Berry Courthouse & Gardens
Her dad reaches across the table with a grin as a guest and a toddler sit nearby on the historic lawn
Her dad and a loved one in black florals smile from the long table as a bearded man with a buttonhole looks on
The blonde bridesmaid in dusty blue lifts her speech card high over her head in the heritage garden at night
Eleanor smiles from the bridal table beside Paul and the groomsmen as a young man in a grey suit sits out front
Eleanor and the bridal table listen to the speeches, festoon lights strung before the glowing windows of Berry Courthouse
Eleanor laughs at the long bridal table with guests laughing along, the lit historic courthouse windows behind the festoons
A loved one in a teal dress and pearls listens to the speeches beside a young guest in a red dress
Young men in a bow tie and a black tie laugh hard at the speeches under festoon lights at Berry Courthouse in the Shoalhaven
A man in a red tie, a guest in blue holding a toddler and a friend in a leather jacket smile at night
The blonde bridesmaid gives her speech beside the lit hedge as guests at a nearby table turn to watch on the heritage lawn
The blonde bridesmaid smiles down at Eleanor as a guest in a grey suit applauds from his chair
Eleanor holds a card at the end of the bridal table beside the blonde bridesmaid at Berry Courthouse on Victoria Street
A guest in red takes the microphone beneath a huge old tree strung with festoon lights in the historic garden
A bearded man with a white rose buttonhole buttons his jacket as he rises, the lit facade of Berry Courthouse behind
The bearded man reads his speech from his phone at the microphone under the festoon lit tree of the heritage grounds
Paul and Eleanor laugh together at the bridal table beside a tulle draped tree in the historic garden
Guests at a candlelit table listen closely, a curly haired guest in glasses smiling and another resting her chin in her hand
A curly haired guest in deep red and a friend in a blue cardigan listen at the candlelit tables at Berry Courthouse & Gardens
Young guests in pink, sage green and deep red turn towards the speeches at the long candlelit tables
Young friends in black lace and sequins lean in to listen at the long table, one with her hand at her cheek
A young guest in red and a man in a black suit laugh at the speeches at Berry Courthouse on the NSW South Coast
Eleanor and Paul smile at the bridal table beside a groomsman as candles flicker in the historic grounds
A blonde guest in black laughs as a young man in a black suit props his chin on his hand at the table
Paul wipes his eye as Eleanor smiles beside him at the bridal table in the heritage garden
Paul grins as Eleanor covers her mouth to hold in a laugh at the candlelit bridal table
A toddler waves a yellow toy digger as a boy in a bow tie and grey waistcoat grins at the table
Guests cheer and a man with a buttonhole raises his fist as Eleanor watches, the lit wall of Berry Courthouse behind
A young man with a white rose buttonhole reads his speech from a sheet at the microphone in the historic garden
Eleanor and Paul watch from their chairs as festoon lights glow through the trees of Berry Courthouse Gardens
A guest in a red one shoulder dress laughs from a low brick wall in the heritage grounds as the DJ works behind her
Eleanor laughs as the blonde bridesmaid leans back against a man in a grey suit, both laughing hard
Paul grins and Eleanor hides her laughter behind her hand at the historic courthouse bridal table
Eleanor leans back into Paul's arm as they listen at the candlelit table, his hand resting at her waist
Guests listen at long tables beneath festoon lit trees at Berry Courthouse & Gardens, Eleanor in white at the far right
A row of young men in suits and ties watch the speeches from the table under a bright stand light on the heritage lawn
Paul speaks into the microphone with a glass in hand as Eleanor laughs beside him under festoon lights
Paul keeps talking at the microphone as Eleanor glances down with her glass beside him in the historic garden
A man with a camera sits on the lawn before a candlelit table of listening guests at Berry Courthouse on Victoria Street
An older guest in a navy floral top clasps her hands under her chin as she listens in the heritage gardens
A loved one in a teal dress and pearls watches the speeches with her hands folded, a man with a camera in front
A blonde guest in black and young guests turn smiling from the tables, the lit windows of Berry Courthouse behind
Her dad rests his chin on his hand and smiles beside a loved one in black florals at the long table
Eleanor takes the microphone with a glass in hand as Paul listens beside her in the historic garden at night
A loved one in a teal dress and pearls claps along from her chair at the candlelit table on the heritage lawn
A man in glasses and a blue tie laughs with his hands clasped beside a guest in a red floral dress
Young men in a blue suit, a bow tie and a grey shirt clap and laugh at the speeches at Berry Courthouse & Gardens
The blonde bridesmaid hugs a man in a grey suit from behind as they watch from the long table in the historic grounds
Her dad grins as a loved one in black florals wraps an arm around him at the long table
An older guest in a navy floral top and a bald man with his hand on his cheek listen at a heritage garden table
Eleanor and Paul smile as they cut the white cake topped with sugar roses before the festoon lit hedge
Eleanor and Paul share their first dance in purple light against the timber panelling of the main Berry Courthouse room
Guests line the white walls of the historic courtroom to watch the first dance, some with drinks in hand
A boy in a patterned shirt, a man in a lilac shirt and older guests stand smiling along the wall to watch the first dance
A row of guests in suits and summer dresses watches from the wall as green dance lights fall on the floor of Berry Courthouse
The groomsmen, white roses on their lapels, hold drinks and phones as guests crowd the edge of the heritage courtroom
Eleanor and Paul sway close in violet light, a blue spotlight glowing against the heritage timber panelling
Eleanor smiles at Paul as they dance under green light across the timber floor of the main Berry Courthouse room
Eleanor and Paul dance close in a purple glow while guests watch from the edge of the historic courtroom
Paul and Eleanor hold hands close as they dance on the old timber floor, a loved one in black florals dancing behind
Eleanor laughs as a bald guest in a white shirt spins her on the dance floor while Paul twirls a loved one in black florals
Eleanor and her dad throw their arms up as they dance under coloured lights at Berry Courthouse on the NSW South Coast
Paul dances with a loved one in a teal dress and pearls, their hands clasped close, as guests watch from the wall
Eleanor wraps her arms around her dad in a long hug on the old timber dance floor of the heritage courtroom
Paul dances hand in hand with a loved one in a teal dress as Eleanor dances with her dad behind them
Young men in suits and a guest in an olive dress line the white wall of the main Berry Courthouse room to watch
Guests in suits and a red patterned dress smile along the historic courtroom wall as two young men in striped ties share a word
A guest in a red one shoulder dress, a smiling man in a blue suit and friends watch from the edge of the dance floor
The groomsmen cheer with a beer bottle raised as guests line the white walls of the heritage courtroom to watch the first dance
Older guests watch by the tall timber doors as a guest in red florals films on her phone at Berry Courthouse in the Shoalhaven
Friends in lace, sequins and patterned dresses stand shoulder to shoulder against the wall of the historic courtroom, one holding a glass of bubbles
An older guest in a floral dress and pearls leans back against a friend beside guests in a black leather jacket and white shirt
A bearded guest, a blonde guest in green and a man in a pale blue shirt watch the dancing from the wall at Berry Courthouse
A smiling guest with a camera strap and a girl in navy stripes watch from the edge of the heritage dance floor
Eleanor flings an arm high during the first dance with Paul under string lights in the main Berry Courthouse room, guests ringing the floor
Two friends in red and black lace laugh arm in arm as the dancing begins on the timber floor of the historic courtroom
A young man in a bow tie throws his head back with fists raised as a friend in pale blue dances beside him
Eleanor sings along as her dad in a purple tie carries a beaming toddler in a dotted shirt through the dancing
A bearded guest in a pale suit dances hand in hand with a friend in navy at Berry Courthouse on the NSW South Coast
An older couple in a floral dress and a checked tie pose arm in arm for the camera, his hand clasping hers
A bridesmaid in dusty blue smiles down as a friend in a black leather jacket twirls her under a green light in the heritage courtroom
The blonde bridesmaid in dusty blue wraps her arms around a guest in a pale grey jacket beneath string lights at Berry Courthouse
A bearded guest in a pale jacket laughs as a friend in navy swings him round in a hug on the historic dance floor
Three men in suits and a guest in bright florals grin together, one giving a thumbs up, at Berry Courthouse on Victoria Street
Her dad laughs and points with a bridesmaid, a friend in leather and a loved one in black florals in the heritage hall
Eleanor tosses her bouquet of white roses over her shoulder below the carved coat of arms in the main Berry Courthouse room
A guest in red leaps for the flying bouquet as friends squeal and a man in a dark suit ducks out of the way
The guest in red laughs with the caught bouquet as friends cheer and point around her in the historic courtroom
A man in a navy suit sings along under a bright backlight while guests clap and dance around him
Paul and Eleanor dance with arms outstretched in front of the old timber bench of the heritage courtroom
Paul spins Eleanor by the hand across the floor at Berry Courthouse as guests in florals and maroon dance behind them
Eleanor sways with a toddler in a dotted shirt and bright shorts on her hip, coloured lights dancing on the historic white walls
A groomsman with a beer in hand points skywards and shows off the red lining of his jacket as guests laugh around him
A bearded guest in a beige jacket wraps an older guest in a navy paisley top in a warm hug in the heritage courtroom
Eleanor and Paul dance face to face while her dad strikes a playful pose behind them, one arm flung high
Young men in suits and white shirts belt out a song on the dance floor at Berry Courthouse on the NSW South Coast
A guest in a white shirt throws his head back in a cloud of blue haze, arms wide, the historic panelled wall behind him
A guest in a navy jumpsuit strikes a low dance move beside a red bearded friend holding a drink
A guest in pale florals and an older guest in a purple wrap rest by an honour board in the heritage corridor at Berry Courthouse
A girl in navy stripes and a boy in a patterned shirt grin from behind the old timber bench, a guest in red beside them
The blonde bridesmaid hugs a friend in a blue cardigan and florals as coloured lights sweep the historic courtroom
A young man in white sunglasses, a guest in red and a loved one in teal and pearls smile from the old timber bench
The blonde bridesmaid and five friends pose on the night garden path at Berry Courthouse & Gardens, blue flowers glowing in the flash
A guest in a bold patterned top flings her arms wide as friends laugh and dance in the corner of the heritage hall
A guest in polka dots dances with a boy in a patterned shirt by the DJ at Berry Courthouse on the NSW South Coast
The blonde bridesmaid and a friend in red patterned silk lead a laughing dance line under strings of fairy lights
Guests in olive, red and florals snake past in a dance line across the floor at Berry Courthouse, a tall guest singing loudly
A bridesmaid in dusty blue shouts along with arms flung out as purple haze rolls across the historic courtroom
A dark haired dancer in a long red dress throws her hands up with friends beneath white globe lanterns at Berry Courthouse on Victoria Street
A guest in a red and cream patterned dress dances with friends in bright florals across the heritage timber floor
Friends hoist a laughing guest in red off her feet as the blonde bridesmaid squeezes in beside her
A young man with ties draped around his neck dances in an open jacket as friends sing beside him in the historic courtroom
A dark haired woman in red laughs with her hands to her face as two young men in loosened ties hug beside her
A guest in a patterned dress spins through red light and haze on the dance floor at Berry Courthouse & Gardens
A bearded guest in a white shirt glances back over his shoulder with a grin as blue haze swirls behind him
A woman in a long red dress dances with one hand raised in purple haze as coloured lights flare behind her
A young man in an open jacket swigs from a champagne bottle as a guest in denim laughs beside him at Berry Courthouse
A man in a dark suit leans in close to a woman in red who touches her cheek, a glass of bubbles in his hand
The wedding story

Our Berry Courthouse wedding photos: vows under the Court House lettering, dinner beneath festoon lights and dancing in the old courtroom

Getting ready nearby · Vows on the courthouse steps · Hugs and bridal party on the lawn · Golden hour on the garden path · Long tables under festoon lights · Dancing in the courtroom

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Navy suits against the hedge

Our summer evening began with Paul and his two groomsmen at a house a few minutes from the courthouse, where a veranda looked out over wide green lawns and tall gums. Three navy suits, one clipped hedge and a lot of grinning. One groomsman pointed a finger at Paul as if delivering a final warning, and Paul laughed straight back at him. A dense hedge is one of our favourite backdrops for groom portraits: it is evenly dark, it hides clutter, and it makes white boutonnieres and shirt collars glow in soft light.

Blue flats and a hanging gown

In another house nearby, Eleanor’s room was all window light. Her bouquet of white roses and silver-green leaves rested on a chair with her veil and a pair of pale blue flat shoes, the kind of detail we photograph early, before anyone needs it. In a white robe she reached for the gown where it hung by the window. Once she was dressed, we kept her side-on to the glass so the light ran along the satin and the veil, with a tree in full purple bloom just outside.

Laughter with the bridesmaids

Then came the people. A loved one in a floral dress beamed at Eleanor as she settled the last details, and a bridesmaid in dusty blue set her off laughing so hard she had to cover her mouth. We shoot moments like that with a longer lens from across the room, so nobody remembers there is a camera and the laughs stay real. Outside, a white vintage car waited on the gravel under the same purple blossom, polished and ready for the short drive to Victoria Street.

Music on the courthouse lawn

At Berry Courthouse the guests gathered on the lawn in the late afternoon sun, all summer dresses and pale linen. A guitarist and a keyboard player set up beside the slate steps, and Paul stood with his groomsmen at the foot of them, grinning towards the gate. The bridesmaids waited by the portico in long blue gowns, one of them balancing a little boy in a cowboy hat on her hip. We love a ceremony at half past five in December: the sun is still up, but low enough to sit warm and gentle on faces.

Vows under the Court House lettering

Eleanor and Paul married right at the courthouse doors, with the words Court House lettered above them and her long train spilling down the steps. We framed it from the path below so the two columns stand either side like curtains, then moved in for their hands during the vows and the ring sliding on. Out on the lawn, guests laughed along with every line. The register was signed at a table dressed with fern and baby’s breath, and when we turned for the wide frame down the path, every guest was on their feet.

Hugs, then the bridal party

Married, they turned straight into a crowd of hugs at the bottom of the steps. An older guest in a purple wrap held Eleanor’s hands for a long moment, and family groups came together on the lawn in front of the hedges. Then the bridal party lost all composure: the groomsmen hammed it up, the bridesmaids cracked up, and Eleanor planted a kiss on a groomsman’s cheek. We keep group photos short and loose for exactly this reason. Five minutes of structure, then let everyone be themselves, and that is where the best frames come from.

Golden hour on the garden path

Berry Courthouse wedding photos in December can wait for the good light, so we took Eleanor and Paul round to the gravel path between the garden benches and the stone urn as the sun dropped. They walked towards us hand in hand, her train sweeping behind, while we walked backwards with them. Against the tall hedge, the low sun caught her veil and lit the edge of his hair. Back at the steps there were more hugs, and on the lawn the bridesmaids threw their arms in the air with Eleanor in the middle.

Long tables under festoons

Dinner was at long white tables set across the garden, with white roses in glass bottles and candles all the way down. As the sky turned deep blue, the festoon lights strung through the trees came on and the courthouse windows glowed behind them. A speaker in red took the microphone, and the tables roared. We circled the garden for guests at their happiest, couples leaning in and friends cheek to cheek, and caught Eleanor and Paul laughing together over the candles. Blue hour on a clear summer night lasts only minutes, so we were ready for it.

A dance floor in the courtroom

Then everyone moved inside to the old courtroom, now a white room with a timber floor and coloured lights. Guests lined the walls to watch Eleanor and Paul’s first dance, the groomsmen cheering with drinks in hand. Paul danced with a loved one in blue, and then the floor flooded: haze, a blue spotlight, a friend with his arms flung wide, bridesmaids lifted off their feet and Eleanor spinning in her gown. We mixed a little flash with the room light, so the colour stays in the frame and the faces stay sharp.

Photographer's venue notes

Berry Courthouse, Berry: golden evening vows, a fountain garden and dancing in the old courtroom

Read the venue notes

Steps, garden, then the courtroom

Eleanor and Paul used every part of the courthouse in turn. Guests sat on the front lawn, a guitarist and keyboard player set up beside the slate steps, and the vows happened right at the old green doors. Petals flew down the front path, family groups gathered before the clipped hedges, and the bridal party moved round to the tiered fountain in the Hedged Garden. Dinner was at long tables on the lawn, and then everyone went inside for the first dance and a party in the old courtroom.

Low sun, golden hedges and a blue sky

Their late ceremony meant the sun was already low and slanting through the trees, so guests sat in warm dappled light and faces stayed soft. During portraits the tall cypress hedge picked up that last golden glow, which made it a plain, warm backdrop behind Eleanor’s veil. As dinner went on, the sky deepened to rich blue over the festoon lights, the courthouse windows began to glow and the hills turned dark on the horizon. That short spell of colour is worth leaving room for in the evening.

Frames we built for Eleanor and Paul

The fountain gave the bridal party a centrepiece to gather around, and a splash of moving water behind them when Paul led Eleanor past it. On the gravel path, the bench and stone urn made a little garden room for walking portraits. For dinner we stood at the far end of the long tables to fit the candles, festoons, roofline and chimneys in one frame. Inside, the carved coat of arms crowned the bouquet toss, and the coloured lights and haze on the white walls turned the dance floor into pure colour.

Ideas from this evening

Eleanor and Paul hung their seating charts on white ribbons straight from the cypress hedge, which looked lovely and kept guests moving smoothly to their tables. Ask for the bridal table to sit with its back to the building, so the lit windows sit behind you in every speech photo. Have petals handed out along the front path before you come down the steps, so the shower happens right as you walk past the courthouse. And keep the dance floor inside: it frees the garden for dinner and keeps the party going whatever the night does.

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