The University of Sydney Great Hall Wedding Photos
Blacket’s sandstone hall of 1859, a cedar hammerbeam roof, twelve carved angels, and the Quadrangle lawn outside
The Great Hall is the ceremonial heart of the University of Sydney at Camperdown, at the north-east corner of the Quadrangle off Science Road. Edmund Blacket designed it in the Gothic revival style on the model of Westminster Hall, and it held its first degree ceremony on 18 July 1859. The walls are Sydney sandstone and the cedar hammerbeam roof carries twelve carved angels for the disciplines. It seats 350 for dinner or 600 for cocktails, with the Quadrangle lawns for drinks.
Veri photographed Felice and Praz’s wedding ceremony and reception in the Great Hall, the second of two days for the couple after their Hindu ceremony at Sydney Murugan Temple. The hall takes a long formal ceremony without feeling empty, and the sandstone cloisters and the lawn outside carry the group photos and the couple’s portraits.
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 The University of Sydney Great Hall
The hall is tall and lit mainly by its windows, so a midday ceremony gets shafts of coloured light on the stone and an evening reception needs our own lighting for the tables and dance floor. Keep one wide frame from the far end to show the roof. The Quadrangle cloisters are the portrait spot, with repeating arches and shade at any hour; the lawn works for the big group from the steps. The gallery below is Felice and Praz’s Great Hall wedding.