Mona Farm Wedding Photos
An 1836 farm outside Braidwood: a lake, a Palladian bridge, oaks and elms, and sculpture in the paddocks
Mona Farm is a 124-acre estate on Little River Road at Braidwood, an hour from Canberra. It was taken up in 1836 as Braidwood Farm by Dr Thomas Braidwood Wilson; the homestead dates to 1853, and the Maddrell family later renamed it Mona. Owners in the 1990s dammed Mona Creek to make the lake and its Palladian bridge. Since 2018 it has run as a wedding and accommodation venue: a converted wool shed for receptions, a chapel, seven guest houses and sculpture through the grounds.
Veri’s Canberra team photographed Erica and Matthew’s wedding at Mona Farm from getting ready through to the reception, all on the property. That is the shape most couples choose here: dress in one of the historic houses, walk to the ceremony, portraits across the lawns and lake, then dinner in the wool shed. Nobody leaves the farm all day.
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 Mona Farm
Braidwood sits high and the light is clear and cool, so the hour before sunset over the lake is the one to protect. The bridge gives a clean line for the couple with water either side, and the old trees give shade for group photos earlier in the day. The sculptures make good anchors for a walking portrait session. The chapel and wool shed both cover rain. The gallery below is Erica and Matthew’s full day at Mona Farm.