RJ Hamer Arboretum Wedding Photos
A hundred hectares of planted forest on the Olinda hillside, maples turning red over the Yarra Valley
RJ Hamer Arboretum covers 101 hectares of hillside on Chalet Road, Olinda, in the Dandenong Ranges. Planting began in 1970 on an old pine plantation and the arboretum was opened on 22 April 1977, named for Sir Rupert Hamer, the Victorian premier of the day. It is a forest laid out in blocks: more than 150 species, many from North America and China, grouped so whole slopes turn colour together. The views run out over the Yarra Valley to the Great Dividing Range.
Veri has photographed two Lyrebird Falls weddings here, including Andrea and Steve’s and Bec and Shaun’s, driving up from Kallista for portraits between the ceremony and the reception. The open grass rides between the tree blocks, the blocks of deciduous conifers and the lookout above the car park give a full portrait set inside twenty minutes.
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 RJ Hamer Arboretum
Autumn colour peaks from mid-April to early May, and late afternoon goes cool and blue under the canopy. In summer the shade is welcome and the grass rides give even light all day. Park at the Woolrich Lookout car park on Chalet Road; the tracks are unsealed and heels struggle, so bring flats. Lyrebirds and wallabies are common. The galleries below are the two Lyrebird Falls weddings with portraits at the arboretum.