Leonda By The Yarra Wedding Photos
Two river-view rooms, a courtyard of native planting and a private jetty, four kilometres from the city
Leonda by the Yarra is a riverside reception venue on Wallen Road in Hawthorn, about 4 km east of the Melbourne CBD. It sits on the bank of the Yarra with two pillar-free rooms, the Ballroom and the smaller Garden Room, both with floor-to-ceiling windows onto the water. A private courtyard planted with Australian natives and water features sits between the rooms and the river, and a private jetty lets couples or guests arrive by boat. It is run by Melbourne Event Group.
We have photographed and filmed weddings at Leonda over several years, going back to 2019. Ceremonies happen in the courtyard or indoors in the Marble Bar or the Garden Room, and a marquee can cover the whole courtyard if the forecast is poor. Because the river is right there, couples usually stay on site for portraits rather than driving into the city, which keeps the afternoon calm.
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 Leonda by the Yarra
The river bend is the backdrop from every window, so the trick is timing: late afternoon puts warm light on the water and the far bank, while the rooms themselves read best once the candelabras and room lighting take over after dark. The jetty is the spot for a quiet two-minute portrait away from the crowd. The courtyard works for confetti and for the cocktail hour, and the covered marquee option means rain rarely changes the plan.