Cunningham Pier Wedding Photos
Two hundred and fifty metres of boards out into Corio Bay, and the Geelong skyline on the walk back.
Cunningham Pier runs about 250 metres out into Corio Bay from the Geelong waterfront. A railway pier stood here from the 1850s, a new wharf went up in 1864, and after a late-1920s rebuild it was renamed Cunningham Pier in 1929. Cargo work ended decades ago and the pier is now a public promenade with a two-storey weatherboard function building at the end, The Pier Geelong, which was renovated in 2010. The waterfront around it carries the Baywalk Bollards and the restored 1892 carousel.
Echo and Ethan finished their Melbourne pre-wedding session here in October 2018, after Carlton Gardens, St Kilda pier, the Webb Bridge at Docklands and the South Wharf promenade. The pier is a good last stop: the long boards lead the eye, the bay opens up on both sides, and the city sits behind you on the walk back to shore.
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 Cunningham Pier
I use the length of the pier for a walking frame, the couple small against the boards and the water, then turn back toward the shore for the Geelong skyline and the waterfront lights at dusk. Wind off the bay is the thing to plan for: hair and dresses move, so I keep a few sheltered frames in hand near the building at the end. The bollards along the foreshore give a change of colour. The gallery below is Echo and Ethan’s pre-wedding session, which ended here.