Senate Gardens Wedding Photos
Heritage roses in patterned beds, white timber pergolas and open lawn on the Senate side of Old Parliament House
Senate Gardens is the garden on the Senate side of Old Parliament House, on King George Terrace in Parkes, Canberra, twin to the House of Representatives Garden. The roses went in during the 1930s and the layout was restored in 2004. This side holds the Broinowski Rose Garden of shrub roses and the Rex Hazlewood Rose Garden of heritage roses, set in lawn with white timber pergolas and arbours. It is a free public garden and a portrait location, not a function venue.
We photographed Becky and George’s wedding portraits here across the lawns, after their earlier frames among the rose beds and pergolas of Old Parliament House Gardens and before their reception at The Boat House. The two gardens are a few minutes' walk apart, so the pair gives a full portrait set without moving the car.
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 Senate Gardens
Roses peak in late spring and again in autumn; in summer the lawns and pergolas carry the frame. The pergolas give a strong white line and open shade at any hour. Paths are flat and easy in heels. The gardens are public and the tennis courts are in use, so we work the edges and wait for clear moments. Old Parliament House itself and the lake foreshore are close if you want a formal or a water frame. The gallery below is the Senate Gardens wedding we photographed.