Iris Park Garden Weddings Wedding Photos
Ten acres of garden at the end of a country lane, roses in spring and a century-old stringybark
Iris Park Garden Weddings is a garden ceremony venue on ten acres at Hastings, on the Western Port side of the Mornington Peninsula. A tree-lined driveway runs in through parkland to formal beds, lawns, mature exotic trees and native bush. Ceremony spots include the Ancient Stump Garden under a bower of pink and yellow roses, a crab apple arch with a weeping silver pear, and a stringybark about a century old. The garden opens for weddings from October to the end of April.
Veri photographed Sol and Stephen’s wedding here, with the ceremony, portraits and reception all held in the garden. Spring is when the place is at its fullest: the irises the garden is named for flower from spring into early summer, along with roses, camellias, fuchsias and clivias, so a ceremony in October or November has colour in every direction. The bushland edge gives a quieter, greener backdrop for the couple.
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 Iris Park Garden Weddings
The garden runs on natural light only, so the ceremony time decides everything. Late afternoon puts soft light under the stringybark and along the rose bower; a midday ceremony in summer will be harsh, so look for the shaded spots. Walk the driveway for the wide, tree-lined shot of the couple. Bring a wet-weather plan, as the garden is open air and marquees are arranged rather than built in. The gallery below is Sol and Stephen’s wedding at Iris Park Garden Weddings.