Old Parliament House Gardens Wedding Photos
Rose beds laid out in the 1930s either side of the old House, restored in 2004 and open to all
Old Parliament House Gardens are the two formal gardens that flank Old Parliament House on King George Terrace in Parkes, Canberra: the House of Representatives Garden on one side and the Senate Garden on the other. In 1927 the site was bare ground and a knee-high hedge; rose beds were laid out from 1928 and planted through the 1930s, A full restoration was completed in 2004. They are free public gardens and a portrait location, not a function venue.
We photographed Becky and George’s garden portraits here among the rose beds and pergolas before moving across to the Senate lawns and on to The Boat House. The House of Representatives side holds the Ladies Rose Garden and the Macarthur Rose Garden; the Senate side the Broinowski and Rex Hazlewood gardens. The gardens have been in our Canberra galleries since 2019.
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 Old Parliament House Gardens
The white timber pergolas and rose arbours are the working spots: they hold open shade at midday and frame the couple without a crowd behind. Spring brings the wisteria walkways and the first rose flush; autumn gives a second flowering and warmer light. Paths are flat and wheelchair-friendly, which also suits long dresses. Allow time to cross to the other garden, because the two sides read differently on camera. Parking is beside the gardens. The galleries below are the Old Parliament House Gardens weddings we have photographed.