Scots’ Church Wedding Photos
Barrabool freestone on the corner of Collins and Russell, under a spire that once topped the whole city
Scots’ Church is the Presbyterian church on the corner of Collins and Russell Streets in the Melbourne CBD. The congregation goes back to 1836; this building, by Reed & Barnes, opened in November 1874 in decorated Gothic Revival, in Barrabool freestone with cream Kakanui stone dressings. The spire was the highest point in the city for years; lightning took the top off it in 1963 and it was rebuilt in 1989. The builder was David Mitchell, Nellie Melba’s father.
Inside there are basalt aisle columns, a timber-beamed roof, stained glass by Ferguson & Urie among others, blackwood panelling added from 1928 and a Rieger organ from the late 1990s. Veri has photographed two ceremonies here: Bianca and Mark, who went on to the Stokehouse at St Kilda, and Helen and Jonathan, whose reception was at Stones of the Yarra Valley in Coldstream. Both were city-church days: vows on Collins Street, then a drive to the water or the vines.
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 Scots’ Church
Collins Street is busy, so the wide frame of the couple on the footpath with the spire behind is a quick one between trams; the corner of Russell Street gives the full height. Inside, the light is cool and even under the stained glass, and a long lens from the side aisle keeps the service undisturbed. Ask the church office about positions and flash. Rain barely matters, with arcades a block away. The galleries below are Bianca and Mark’s and Helen and Jonathan’s weddings, both married at Scots’.