Aldinga Secret Garden Wedding Photos
A hedged laneway, a grapevine arbour and a stone cottage verandah in Old Aldinga
Aldinga Secret Garden is a private garden on Old Coach Road in the old township of Aldinga, south of Adelaide on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The gardens have been built up over about twenty years and are layered into small spaces: a gravelled laneway lined with hedges, a trained grapevine arbour that works as a gateway, a raised timber pergola for ceremonies, and a covered stone cottage verandah looking back over the lot. It hosts around 100 for a ceremony and 80 seated.
In 2021 the owners added The Chapel, an undercover room with chandeliers, ladders hung from the ceiling and windows salvaged from a 1970s church, so the whole day can stay on the property in any weather. Veri photographed Leila and Tamara’s wedding here, with the ceremony, portraits and reception all inside the garden. It is a compact site, which suits a relaxed day where the couple and guests never really leave the party.
How to prepare for your wedding photos (without overthinking it)
Seven small things that make a real difference on the day — learned across hundreds of weddings. None of them involve practising poses.
In motion, unposed · FR 15A1. Be yourselves — that's where the magic is
You don't need to perform or worry about what you look like. The best photos come from real moments: a glance, a laugh, a shared breath. Let go a little — we'll guide when needed, and the best unfolds naturally.
2. Build buffer time into your timeline
A little breathing room between getting ready, the ceremony and couple portraits makes all the difference. It gives us space for spontaneous shots — and gives you time to soak it all in.
3. Choose locations that feel like you
A quiet lane, an open field, a textured wall — we love meaningful or interesting spots. Trust us to find great light, but if you've got a place you love, let's work it in.
4. Consider an unplugged ceremony
Phones can distract from the emotion (and your photos). Asking guests to be fully present makes for cleaner frames and a more heartfelt atmosphere.
5. Get ready in calm, light-filled spaces
Clutter-free rooms with natural light are a photographer's dream, and calm energy in the morning sets the tone for the day. Keep the space tidy — or assign a friend to do a quick sweep before we arrive.
6. Keep a drink and snacks nearby
Especially during portraits — hydration and a little sugar go a long way in keeping energy and moods high.
7. Trust the process
We've worked at hundreds of weddings and we're here to make you look and feel amazing. Trust us with the light, the angles, the pace — we've got you.
Photographing a wedding at Aldinga Secret Garden
Mature trees give shade over most of the garden, so ceremonies read well even at two in the afternoon; the open lawn near the pergola is the one place to watch for harsh light. The laneway and the vine arbour are the two portrait spots to keep, and both work in ten minutes. The gravel laneway holds light late and makes a good exit frame. The gallery below is Leila and Tamara’s wedding in the garden.