Finding the perfect location for your engagement photos is about more than choosing a beautiful backdrop, it’s about finding somewhere that feels like you. A place where you can slow down, reconnect, and create memories together while your story naturally unfolds.
Melbourne is surrounded by incredible landscapes, from misty forests and hidden gardens to windswept coastlines and quiet escapes that feel worlds away from the city. These are some of my favourite romantic engagement photo locations around South East Melbourne for couples wanting photographs that feel timeless, honest and a little cinematic.
Whether you’re planning an engagement session, proposal, anniversary shoot or simply want photographs that capture this season of your relationship, these locations offer something unique for every kind of couple.
Alfred Nicholas Gardens; A Romantic Garden Escape in the Dandenong Ranges
Tucked away in the misty hills of the Dandenong Ranges, Alfred Nicholas Gardens feels like a scene from an old romance film. With winding pathways, towering trees, and an ornamental lake with bridges straight from a fairytale, it offers a timeless setting for couples wanting photographs that feel elegant, natural and full of emotion.
From quiet walks beneath the trees to moments by the water, this location gives you space to slow down and simply enjoy being together. It’s perfect for couples who want something romantic without feeling overly posed.
It's not uncommon for weddings to take place here, either. Click here to see an elopement I photographed in these gardens!
Perfect for: old souls, nature lovers, and couples drawn to classic romance and storybook settings.
Flinders & Cape Schanck; Dramatic Coastal Cliffs & Golden Light
For couples drawn to wild landscapes and breathtaking views, the cliffs around Flinders and Cape Schanck create a dramatic coastal setting unlike anywhere else near Melbourne. Click here for a blog post on one of my recent couples sessions at Flinders.
The rugged coastline, ocean views and windswept atmosphere bring a sense of adventure while still feeling incredibly romantic. These locations are perfect for couples who want their session to feel like an escape — exploring somewhere beautiful together rather than simply taking photos.
Perfect for: adventurous couples, ocean lovers and those wanting something cinematic and dramatic.
Redwood Forest; A Fairytale Setting Among the Trees
There’s something truly magical about stepping into the Redwood Forest. The towering rows of trees create a sense of scale and wonder, making couples feel like they’ve wandered into another world.
The natural symmetry of the forest, soft earthy tones and dramatic height of the trees create a beautiful backdrop for romantic, cinematic photographs. It’s ideal for couples who love a little bit of adventure and want their session to feel like an escape.
Perfect for: couples wanting a dramatic, magical and slightly fairytale-inspired atmosphere.
Mount Martha & Koonya Beach; Coastal Romance Along the Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is filled with beautiful coastal locations, but Mount Martha and Koonya Beach each offer their own unique feeling. From the nostalgic charm of the colourful bathing boxes and calm shoreline of Mount Martha, to the rugged rockpools and natural textures of Koonya Beach, these locations capture two different sides of coastal romance.
Whether you’re wandering barefoot along the sand, exploring the rocky shoreline or watching the sunset over the water, these beaches create a relaxed and effortless atmosphere where the focus stays on the two of you. The combination of soft coastal light, ocean views and natural surroundings makes them perfect for couples wanting photographs that feel like a little seaside escape.
Perfect for: couples who love the ocean, golden sunsets and a relaxed coastal adventure with a mix of nostalgic and wild landscapes.
Choosing the Right Location for Your Story
The perfect location isn’t always the most famous one — it’s the place that feels like you. Somewhere you can slow down, reconnect and enjoy the little moments together.
Whether you’re drawn to misty forests, wild coastlines or romantic gardens, your session should feel like an experience, not just a photoshoot. The best photographs come from choosing a place where you feel at home with each other.
Whether you’re planning an engagement session, celebrating an anniversary, or simply want photographs of the two of you as you are now, I approach every session with the same focus on making it relaxed, personal and completely your own.
If you’re looking for couples photography in Melbourne that feels more like an experience than a traditional photoshoot, you can find out more about my couples sessions here.
If you’re curious about what a session with me actually looks like, you can read what to expect from a couples session here — from choosing a location to the prompts and little moments that happen once we’re there.
FAQ
How far do you travel for couples sessions?
I photograph couples sessions throughout Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges, Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and surrounding areas. Travel is included for locations within my usual service area (50km from 3810), with further locations available for a small fee.
We feel awkward in front of the camera. Will you tell us what to do?
Of course. You don't need any modelling experience or know how to pose! I'll gently guide you when you need it, but the focus is never on performing for the camera. Instead, I'll encourage you to interact naturally, giving you space to laugh, talk, wander, and simply enjoy being together while I quietly document everything as it unfolds.
What time of day is best for engagement photos?
The most beautiful light is usually around golden hour; the hour before sunset when the light is softer and warmer. For forest locations, earlier in the day can also work beautifully as the light filters through the trees.
I’ll always help recommend the best timing based on your chosen location and the feeling you’re hoping to create.
How long does a couples session take?
Most sessions run between one and three hours. One hour is perfect for an intimate session focused on couple portraits, while two-three hours gives us more time to explore the location, try different setups and really settle into a relaxed rhythm - which almost always produces the best images.
If you're still exploring, here are a few helpful places to get a feel for how I work:
