St Kilda Pier Wedding Photos
Timber decking over the bay, the 1904 kiosk at the far end, and penguins in the rocks at dusk
St Kilda Pier runs out into Port Phillip Bay a few kilometres south of the Melbourne CBD. There has been a pier here since 1853; the kiosk at the end was added in 1904, burnt down in 2003 and rebuilt to the original plans in 2006. Little penguins live in the stone breakwater. In November 2024 Parks Victoria opened a new 450-metre pier on a different line, with a curved end following the breakwater and a penguin viewing platform, and the old pier was dismantled.
Veri has used the pier three times for portraits. Two pre-wedding shoots in spring 2018, for Sun and Jiang and for Echo and Ethan, ran a Melbourne loop that also took in Carlton Gardens, Webb Bridge in Docklands and South Wharf. Vanessa and Ian came here for wedding portraits on their Vogue Ballroom day. All three were shot on the old pier, so the decking and railings in those galleries no longer exist.
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 St Kilda Pier
The pier is a long straight line: put the couple a third of the way along and the boards and railings run off to the kiosk behind them. Wind is the practical issue, so veils need a plan. Late afternoon is best, with the sun low over the water and the kiosk catching it; after sunset the breakwater end goes quiet and the penguins come in. It is a public pier, so allow for walkers in the frame. The galleries below are the three St Kilda Pier sessions.