The Island Gold Coast Wedding Photos
A rooftop above Surfers Paradise Boulevard, a glass pavilion, and the beach one block away
The Island is a 98-room boutique hotel on Surfers Paradise Boulevard, one block back from the beach in the centre of Surfers Paradise. It was The Islander before a renovation and rebrand, and now holds the Gold Coast’s largest rooftop bar. Weddings use The Glasshouse, a pavilion with glass panel walls, high ceilings and an alfresco deck that takes 780 for cocktails; the Pool Deck; and The Penthouse on the top floor, with an open-air terrace bar and views along the coast to the hinterland.
We photographed and filmed Jordan and Sorayaa’s wedding here, from balcony getting-ready to vows under the Penthouse chandeliers and golden-hour portraits by the ivy-covered courtyard wall, and we have filmed another wedding at The Island too. The venue keeps ceremony, reception and accommodation in one building, and the sand and Cavill Avenue are a few minutes on foot, so portraits can swing from beach to city without a car. The Penthouse rooms, with crystal chandeliers, timber panelling and parquet floors, seat up to 144 for a long-table dinner.
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 The Island Gold Coast
Surfers Paradise light is hard from mid-morning, so the beach frames belong to first light or the hour before sunset. The Penthouse terrace gives the wide view along the coast and back to the hinterland; shoot it at dusk when the towers switch on. The Glasshouse is glass on all sides and photographs bright and even, and it doubles as the rain option. The rooftop bar fills on weekend nights, so we take couple portraits there before it opens.