Little Bay Nurses War Memorial Chapel Wedding Photos
An interdenominational chapel for the nurses lost at sea, above a small round bay between two headlands.
The Nurses War Memorial Chapel stands on the old Prince Henry Hospital grounds at Little Bay, about 14 km south-east of the Sydney CBD. It is an interdenominational chapel built in memory of service nurses, many of whom died at sea, and it looks over the bay, a small semi-circular beach between two headlands. The chapel was destroyed by fire in October 1981 and rebuilt in 1982, and it is one of the heritage-listed buildings left from the hospital, which closed in 2001.
Lauren and Adam were married here before portraits at Mistral Point above Maroubra Beach and a reception at The Waterfront at Sans Souci, on the St George Motor Boat Club, and that gallery is below. It is a coastal chapel wedding in the plain sense: the vows inside, then straight out to the headland and the sea.
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 Little Bay Nurses War Memorial Chapel
I photograph the chapel from the bay side first, with the water behind it, then the couple outside the doors after the ceremony while the guests come out to them. The memorial plaques inside deserve a quiet frame or two before anyone arrives; former nurses still meet here. Sea wind is constant on this coast, so veils go early. Rain is fine inside the chapel. The gallery below is Lauren and Adam’s wedding, from this chapel to Mistral Point and Sans Souci.