RACV Royal Pines Resort Wedding Photos
A 21-storey tower on a 27-hole golf course at Benowa, three kilometres inland from Surfers Paradise
RACV Royal Pines Resort is a golf resort on Ross Street at Benowa, about 3 km west of Surfers Paradise. The hotel is a 21-floor tower with 333 rooms and suites, set in gardens beside a 27-hole championship course that has hosted the Australian PGA Championship. Rooms look either to the Gold Coast skyline or to the hinterland. There are 15 event spaces, from the 1,500-square-metre Royal Benowa Ballroom to the Fairway Pavilion and lawns, plus a lagoon pool.
For Veri it has been the getting-ready base rather than the ceremony site. Elyse and Dan started their day in a suite here before a ceremony and reception at Glenrock Farm in Carrara, a few minutes down the road, and the 420-image gallery opens with the calm of the room: the dress hung against the window, the hinterland outside, and the bridal party on the balcony before the cars arrived.
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 RACV Royal Pines Resort
Ask for a high floor and a hinterland-facing room: the mountain side gets softer morning light and a green backdrop, while the skyline side is backlit early. The suites are big enough for the full party to get ready in one room, which keeps the story tidy. Outside, the golf course edges and the resort entrance drive give a clean, open frame for the first look or the departure. The gallery below is Elyse and Dan’s wedding, which began here.