The Ultimate Guide to Having a Wedding at the Old Treasury Building, Melbourne
Exterior view of the Treasury Building on Sprint St
Introduction - Best Viewed on Desktop
Overview of why the Old Treasury Building is a popular wedding venue
The Old Treasury Building on Spring Street is a classic building with that old Melbourne architecture feel inside and out. That makes it timeless and charming in appearance for great looking photographs for your wedding union. It is in great proximity to Melbourne’s leading hotels, parks and interesting locations for a photo session with your photographer (hopefully that is me!). The Treasury is ideal for when you want a low fuss and low cost wedding ceremony with a potentially small guestlist, no decorations or signage to worry about and you desire the uncomplicated process of the official part of the day.
Why having a photographer familiar with the venue is essential
Being familiar with the location is essential to getting the best out of your photography, there are so many options nearby, you will actually have trouble deciding what will be the best for the aesthetic you’re going for. You can choose one of many walkable circuits around the area to get a range of different types of plays of light, textures, architecture and greenery. Also the time of year and time of day you have your ceremony will heavily dictate where it is best to have your photos. Let me be your guide with my extensive experience of the ins and outs of having a wedding at the Old Treasury Building on Spring Street Melbourne. All the photographs in this guide are taken by yours truly.
Choosing the Right Hotel to Get Ready At Nearby
Top Hotels for Getting Ready & Key Considerations When Choosing Your Hotel
The Hotel Windsor - Iconic elegance, vintage charm, and very close proximity to both the Treasury and the very popular Parliament House steps. You also have the benefit of using the property for photography as the stairwell and top level atrium is ideal for classic and elegant photographs. The top level suite is by far the best with larger windows and premium antique furniture and decor. There is a car park hosted by First Park directly behind the hotel for ease. Here is the official website: https://www.thehotelwindsor.com.au/
Sofitel Melbourne on Collins - Luxury hotel with premium finishes and furniture in the rooms, stunning city views, and only one block walk to the Treasury. One of my favourite getting ready properties as the windows have a unique way of directing light into the room which can also be controlled with light tight panels that cover the glass. The end of the room is often semi symmetrical, which is my jam if you look at my work closely. On selected days and times you can use the Atrium bar downstairs for photos and the driveway has an interesting play of light and a greenery wall. There is also a First Park Car Park under the hotel as well. Note it has a premium price compared to some options, but totally worth it based on feedback. Here is the official website.
Sheraton Melbourne Hotel - Comfort and convenience, modern aesthetics, with a more subdued design in the furniture and decor. I haven’t personally photographed here, but the upper level rooms have great views and floor to ceiling windows for amazing natural light. It is only a short walk from the Windsor and the Treasury building with First Park Little Collins across the laneway. Here is the official website.
Park Hyatt - Well priced luxury, less than a couple of hundred meters from the Treasury Building. The rooms, especially the higher specced King Rooms are quite spacious with floor to ceiling windows covered in both sheer and blockout curtains to control the light perfectly. The hotel also features opulent hallways and stairs in the foyer for elegant photos before you head to your ceremony. There is a Wilson Car Park directly under the hotel which can be confusing for first time users as it services multiple properties. Note the hotel is for sale, so I am unsure of its future. Here is the official website.
Key Considerations When Choosing Your Hotel
Proximity to the Old Treasury Building. Being close will ensure you won’t be late for your appointment time as they can be quite stringent on start times as they stack the appointments back to back across the two rooms.
Natural lighting for prep photos. Good natural light is essential for those classy getting ready shots if you are booking those.
Space for the wedding party and photographer. Most of my previous elopement couples don’t often have a wedding party, but if you do, there will need to be enough space for everyone to move around, or even multiple rooms. I often photograph the window side of the room so the space will need to be clear of luggage and clutter for those super clean photos I am known for.
Getting to the Old Treasury Building
Transport options: Car, tram, and Uber considerations
The Treasury uses an appointment based system where you need to be there 15-20 minutes before your time slot to check in, then your guests/witnesses are filed into the booked room 2-5 minutes before the ceremony. There is a drop off bay out the front for Ubers or taxis and two disabled car parks that require prior arrangement due to the bollards on entry. There is a tram stop directly across the street from the Treasury if that is the preferred method of getting into the CBD and the nearest train station is Parliament Metro North about 5-7 minutes walk down Spring Street.
Parking availability and restrictions
There is no direct parking at the Treasury Building, all of the parking garages are attached to the aforementioned hotels and at least 1-3 blocks walk. There is street parking within a 5 minute walk of the Treasury, but during peak times it is very luck of the draw and on weekdays extremely limited in time. I use the following car parks depending on the final location of the shoot session or I want closer proximity to the Treasury. Pre-booking or having an account will ensure the best price unless it is comped by your hotel.
Guests gathering on the steps of the Vic Marriage Registry
Ensuring wedding party and guests arrive on time
I would recommend to your guest list or witnesses the best parking options and give them a time slot to align with your check in time at the Treasury. This will ensure no one is late and are in place before you say your vows. Nothing worse than turning up late to a silent room with heavy doors opening during your ceremony.
The First Look Near the Old Treasury Building
Why Consider a First Look?
Private, intimate moment before the ceremony
Most of my previous weddings at the Treasury have the couples arriving in the same vehicle or walking there together from their accommodation. If you desire that warm and fuzzy feeling of a first look, the perfect spot is directly behind the Treasury in the laneway that runs beside the Premier’s Office as it is sheltered from weather, harsh sun, crowds and whoever is waiting can’t see the approach as the Treasury steps is very much out in the open. It is best for the person arriving second to approach from the steps that lead down from Macarthur Street so they can see the approach clearly. On weekends this area is deserted, but on days where there are Premier of Victoria meetings, there are often more people and security personnel hovering. Alternatively if you book getting ready coverage, you could possibly use the hotel you are preparing at. Be sure you have a witness or family member nearby to manage the whereabouts of you both so the timing works out wherever you may consider. This is also because I will ask the groom to remove their photo from their pockets to avoid that ugly rectangle shape in the pants.
Helps calm nerves and maximize the photography time
Having your first look first enables you both to calm the nerves before the big moment and gives you a nice and natural task to do while I snap away. The actual process of a first look only lasts a few minutes, but it gives me the opportunity to get solo photos before it happens and that can lead into your photo session if you desire to have that before your ceremony time. During summer when you have your ceremony appointment in the middle of the day, your photo session is often during the worst time of day to shoot due to the harsh summer light and it will be the hottest part of the day. Therefore I would recommend having that first before your ceremony. I have also come across in the depths of a Melbourne Winter, the last Treasury appointment of the day, the photo session was under darkness. No big deal as we found the light, and the rain added a nice look to the photos, but if you dream of bright and sunny photos, consider moving your shoot session before your ceremony.
Best Spots for a First Look Near the Treasury
Treasury Gardens - Lush greenery, quiet atmosphere. There is the avenue of trees, base of the stairs coming from the Treasury or the John F Kennedy Memorial, which has a secluded paved area and is surrounded by greenery. Note, not ideal in midday summer sessions.
Parliament House Steps - Grand architecture, dramatic setting, lots of photographic variety, good shelter from the sun or rain. Note it is super busy during peak wedding season with other couples and photographers, weekdays have staff about and they run tours with possible lines of people on the main concourse. Also check for organised rallies or protests as this could affect your experience here.
Fitzroy Gardens - Multiple secluded areas, shelter from the sun in the Urban Green Space, Conservatory steps or the old band stand. Would make a good natural starting point for the photo session and walk back to the Treasury. In the midday summer, the sun beats down if that is a concern.
Carlton Gardens/Old Exhibition Buildings - If you are game for a bit more of a walk and happy to have your photo session well before your ceremony, the Carlton Gardens are definitely possible. There is a big avenue of trees with the fountain in the background, or the back doors of the Old Exhibition Buildings which has awesome soft light. On some occasions I have had to wait my turn for other couples to do their thing, waiting for the public to clear or have had clutter in the area due to events being on, such as graduations, fashion and car shows. You will need to check this out before the day so nothing clashes. That area is also great late in the day for photo sessions as you get great light bouncing around the various surfaces there as the sun sets.
The Lead-Up to Your Ceremony
Arriving at the Venue
Where to enter and what to expect
There is only one door to enter the Treasury Building (the left hand side glass one) and entry is only permitted when the security guard says you can enter so they can control the traffic flow. They will also manage your guests when it is time. There is one accessible entrance at the rear of the building, but you will need to pre-inform them if that is required so they can allocate a staff member to open the door and use a swipe tag to operate the elevator.
How to time your arrival
You will need to arrive at the door at least 15 minutes (20 minutes is recommended) and announce your arrival to the security. They will usher you to the office where you will have to present your identification documents, sign off consent and talk you through the process. One of you can await in the ceremony room to greet guests if you desire and you can do a traditional processional down the aisle (in the Margaret Craig Room).
The reason you need to be onsite before your appointment time
Guest Experience Before the Ceremony
Where guests typically wait
Your guests will need to gather on the steps or the area outside the main door so you can either wave them in when it is their time, or the security guard will ask around and usher them in. They can only enter once the previous time slot has been concluded and vacated from the building (the foyer is quite small). They need to enter swiftly and get seated and arrange any music if that is part of your booking as soon as possible. I have seen couples use their own Bluetooth speaker that is already paired to a device so there is no fuss once the event starts.
Seating for the ceremony
In the Margaret Craig Room there is seating for up to 55 people (babies up to 12 months are not included in that number) and the Thomas Hyde Room up to 8 guests. There is minimal standing room in both rooms so I would recommend keeping the guest list under those numbers and having any prams stored in the corridor outside the room (it is just too tight to have them inside). For the purpose of photos, I’d recommend the guests fill the front seat first and then progressively backward to the door. Also any wedding party will need to be seated as well as the front of the room is quite tight and I will need access to a full arc of the area to get all the standard photo angles.
Music for the processional
Each of the rooms have a Bluetooth music system to connect a phone for music purposes during your processional (and recessional if desired). I find there is no need when you only have a small group in the Thomas Hyde Room because there is no aisle as such. Have a helper manage the connection of the music as it is sometimes a little clumsy. I have even seen someone bring their own speaker so it was ready to go without fuss.
Managing Guest Use of Mobile Phones During the Ceremony
Why an Unplugged Ceremony is Worth Considering
Paparazzi - Encouraging guests to be present in the moment
I see it at all weddings now, unless you expressly say on your invite or have your celebrant announce this before the ceremony commences, you will have several people living the experience of the ceremony with their eyes glued to their phones. This causes two issues, during the processional, you will be greeted with a sea of phones which is unnerving for you and also has the risk of getting in my way during the walk down the aisle (the bright screens crossing my view can throw off my camera's focus). Also during the ceremony itself, I see parents or siblings (the worst offenders in my experience) trying to be sneaky and film the ceremony and snap pictures, but that makes it really hard to get a nice photo of family and friends looking on enjoying your union while they have their chins tucked looking down at a screen and a giant phone covering their faces (or others). It doesn't look nice for photos is what I am getting at. If you have someone with the task of recording/streaming on a phone, just nominate one person to do it and have them off to the side. I have got the photo side covered so they can just relax and enjoy.
Ensuring professional photos aren’t obstructed
An extension of the point above when phones cross my view during the processional, this also occurs at other parts of the ceremony. Stepping into the aisle, standing up when everyone is seated and during the recessional out the room.
There is an industry term called ‘Uncle Bob’ which is an uncle or family friend that has a wicked camera and wants those extra shots to give you even before your head hits the pillow that night. Bless their cotton socks, but I have sometimes jostled for position in the aisle disrupting my centering of the photo down the aisle and clicking by my ear. I can also move backwards rapidly without notice and often have copped a lens in the back of the head or tripped over someone's feet.
Both mum and dad filming, with such a short ceremony I have limited time to capture the crowd looking on
How to Communicate an Unplugged Ceremony to Guests
Invitations
Signage is not practical at the Treasury as you cannot decorate the space. That is normally reserved for the property weddings and they often go unread as well. The first port of call is mention this on your invitation, either a line at the bottom of the invite or a supplement card that will have the finer details of the day. You can do this on E-vites as well, by mentioning it in the details section of your wedding website if you have one. I recently had a couple gather in front of the Treasury with their guests and yell out to all members that they didn’t want to see any phones out.
Having the officiant make an announcement
This is the best way to ensure those paparazzi keep their itchy phone camera trigger fingers at bay, you can request that they say that while they have everyone's attention or one of you when your ceremony is about to commence.
What Happens Immediately After the Ceremony?
Key Moments Right After Saying "I Do"
Signing the marriage certificate
Like any legal marriage in this country, you sign a marriage certificate with two witnesses and once complete, the celebrant will hand you the certificate, announce you and then immediately bounce out the door stage left. You are then left to your own devices and I am often looked to by the couple to figure out what happens next. The thing to do is just leave the certificate on the desk, you can arrange a family member to collect it and keep it safe, especially if you want to do a recessional hands free or give those guests a hug on the way back up the aisle.
Group hugs and congratulations
This is totally up to you of course, but if you have a big guest list, just leave it to the immediate family and then beeline down the aisle and go wait in the back corridor near the stairwell. I can cook up something extra special by having that rockstar moment of you both exiting the main doors to the Treasury. Your responsible family members and I will usher the guests outside, even if it is just your two witnesses and have them line up in a row on both sides of the door. You will be able to see me through the glass and I will give a thumbs up, you then come bounding out with maximum smiles holding hands and enjoy the atmosphere of your friends and family cheering you on.
Confetti or petal toss moments
Unfortunately, unlike property weddings, you cannot use confetti or petals for that grand exit you see on social media or in the magazines. They don’t allow it inside as they can’t clean it up for the next service, and out the front as they keep that area pristine being a Heritage Listed property. An alternative is bubbles, but skip that and go for the hugs and kisses and I will document that loving energy. If you feel you don’t want to do this action, just let me know and we will move directly to the family photos.
Bubble guns for your exit as you can’t use petals or confetti
Family Photos: Making It Efficient and Stress-Free
Ideal locations for family portraits
Often the deciding factor is the weather conditions, time of day and how many guests you have at the Treasury Building. I normally decide on the day what fits, nine times out of ten it is on the flat area out the front of the building, but on occasion I have had to use the shadow side of the building that is opposite the Treasury Gardens, or in the Treasury Gardens itself. When you have a fairly large group, it is recommended to do this straight after your exit from the ceremony and not go too far.
Creating a must-have shot list
If required, I can send you a template and recommendations on how to build a family/guest photo template. It is basically just various combinations of immediate family and isn’t more than 7-8 photos in most cases. I once received a photo list of 55 combinations with just 46 guests and limited time to take them. With negotiation we got it down to 22, but that is still too many. Often that is more for full 8 hour weddings with 120 plus guests. If this is a huge priority for you, no problem, we will rock those shots, but keep in mind it will eat into the photo session time or shorten the gap to your reception.
Keeping guests informed and organized
When you have quite a few guests in these photos, they will need to be informed they need to hang around for these photos. When you have your max number of 55 people, there are 55 individual brains that all might have different ideas of what is happening post ceremony. If only a handful you can just ask them to follow you to the photo location, or you can inform them pre wedding via a chat group on Facebook messenger or WhatsApp Group. That is often the easiest method.
The Best Locations for Your Wedding Photo Session
Iconic Nearby Spots for Stunning Photos - All walkable
Treasury Gardens - Serene greenery, seasonal flowers, nice avenue of trees and some shady spots on the north side. Can be busy in peak wedding season, no permit required.
Premier’s Office, Department of Education & Commonwealth Offices - Great nearby walkable circuit from the Treasury via the Treasury Gardens or on the way to Fitzroy Gardens and back. A mix of Brutalist Design and Old Melbourne Vintage, this area is mostly kept very clean and recently refreshed in 2024. No one is around on a weekend usually. Also good shade around here as they are south facing buildings.
Parliament House Steps - Classic and grand architecture with that Old Melbourne feel. By far the most popular spot in the city, but prepare to stand in a queue of couples in the mid afternoons in March and October as it gets very busy. The most I have seen is 11 couples with photographers. Not a good spot on days with organised protests or when they are open for tours.
Fitzroy Gardens & The Conservatory - Romantic garden setting, with multiple spots across the area. The Conservatory adds the architectural element, but to photograph inside it, you need a special paid permit. You can’t even do it sneakily as it is under video surveillance and someone will come to remove you within minutes. But lots of choice outside of that.
Carlton Gardens - The most diverse location in the north side of the CBD, it features avenues of trees on clean paths, multiple fountains which are cool to shoot through, open areas, manicured gardens, amazing old trees, a little wetlands area and is walking distance from the Treasury. Ideal location if you have your reception at that end of the city.
Old Exhibition Buildings & Museum - This area is an extension of the Carlton Gardens as it borders them, but in its own right has lots of different locations and pockets of light to work with.
The Windsor Hotel - You can only gain access to this hotel for photography if you book a room with them. An amazing stairwell lit by skylights, hallways with pockets of light from small windows, an old-timey elevator for some fun paparazzi style shots with flash. The flagship suite that faces the street has beautiful window light, furniture and decor.
Alternative areas accessible by Tram or a short Taxi ride
State Library of Victoria - Timeless and historical inside and out. I have only photographed here when the wedding has been hosted there, so you will need a permit otherwise.
RMIT Design Center - I have yet to photograph here, but I have been itching for nearly two decades to do so. Amazing vertical lines, very monotone and modernist architecture. Has interesting light with protection from the sun. Probably a no go zone when classes are on.
MQ Spaces 697 Collins Street, Docklands - I only discovered this place by accident, have never photographed here, but has some really interesting modern design and lighting, especially when dark is approaching. Just need someone brave enough to try something new with me.
Australian Centre for Contemporary Art Southbank - A wild and massive structure with sculptures and interesting buildings in the immediate vicinity. This location works best at golden hour or early morning and will yield you very graphical and composition driven photographs.
Literally anywhere you can make a photo location, I have used scores of locations around the city including China Town, down graffiti laneways, doorways of restaurants, even car parks! It is all about your connection in the photographs and the light. Keep in mind some car parks and anything indoors are private property, so you will need either permission, a permit or risk being sent off.
Considerations for Time of Day & Lighting Conditions
Golden Hour vs Midday vs Evening Photography
Why early morning or late afternoon is best for soft, golden light
Treasury weddings can happen at any day of the week, and all through the day. I have photographed with an 8am start just after the sun has come up and also in the rain after dark in the middle of winter. I can tell you, you can decide on any time slot you like, but keep in mind, the best light is in the mornings before the sun gets too high and in the couple of hours leading to sunset. The city always has interesting light bouncing around the building at those times of the day, which is less important in the winter months because the sun is often lower in the sky anyway and is in the majority covered in clouds. If you have decide for midday or early afternoon in the peak of summer, that comes with a warning it will be hot and we will always be chasing the shade for your photos. Trust me you won’t want racoon eyes in the sun.
Creative nighttime photo opportunities
Many photographers are afraid of the dark (they often think there isn’t enough light to make good photos), but it is totally doable. If I need to arrange special lighting, I can do so and hire an assistant, or we use the multiple generous pockets of light the city offers us at night. There are multiple neon lights in the city, China Town is often brightly lit, the historical buildings are lit with warm floodlights and we can do dark and moody shots under a streetlight or under lit doorway. When there is a will, there is a way when it comes to photography and knowing how to handle it. Add some rain and it will look like a movie!
What If It Rains? Wet Weather Plans
Indoor and covered location options
Rain has actually been rare for me in the city, it often happens more in the regional areas for me lately. Melbourne has that tendency to be fine one minute, then pouring rain the next (you know how it goes). Like I mentioned in the location section, anything indoors needs special access or permission. If you have a hotel in the east side of the CBD, it is not out of the question to utilize the room itself, hallways and lounges. Here is a blog post of a couple that just went for it, even after dark, and we still made it work.
It is still very possible to have a city elopement in winter when it is raining.
Stylish umbrella ideas for moody rain photos
Unless it is monsoonal rain, you can get away with just having a couple of matching umbrellas which we can definitely have fun with photographically. There are also plenty of alcoves and overhangs to work with around the city itself as well, but you will need to cover up between locations. If you want some clean and fresh ones, you can get them from Kmart, Daiso, Miniso and many discount variety stores. Hand them to one of your witnesses or a family member to manage in case rain is forecast for your day so you have your hands free.
Using the hotel you are staying or getting ready at is an indoor alternative for location photos.
Why Hiring a Photographer Who Knows the Old Treasury Building Matters
Understanding the best angles and lighting at the venue
I cheekily adjust the blinds before the ceremony starts to maximise the light in the room as it is somewhat dark, especially on a rainy day. A ‘legals only’ ceremony goes for just a few minutes, so I anticipate where I need to stand for the best angles and work the arc from left to right via the centre aisle.
Efficiently navigating the day without delays and reducing stress
Getting around the city or driving into Melbourne if you are not getting ready in the CBD can be plagued with unpredictable circumstances. I have seen delays in traffic for road closures, protests, Ubers running late, gridlock due to work exit time on a Friday, not knowing where to park, makeup and hair running behind, dress malfunctions etc. Make sure you pace the getting ready and travel accordingly.
Bonus Tips!
Boys, no keys, wallet or phone in your pockets. Suits and most pants don’t disguise this and is really difficult to remove in post. Have your witnesses or a close family member be your rock or runner for the day. It takes the stress off you as the couple and makes your day more enjoyable. Don’t over think the locations, I generally follow the light and the weather can change things anyway.
This guide and the tips I offer through the booking process will hopefully ensure a stress-free experience with both the Registry and myself. You can always ask me questions on how it all works as the Births, Deaths, Marriages (BDM) don’t offer more assistance than just booking the appointment and locking in what service they offer. 40% of the enquiry I get is for the Vic Marriage Registry and I shoot three times what you see here as some couples have requested no blogging or posting.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Treasury Wedding Experience
Summing up key takeaways
Key points to remember: you need to be at your appointment 15-20 minutes before your time slot, your guests can only enter a few minutes before the ceremony, make sure your guests are informed about parking solutions, where to meet, and their role in family photos post ceremony. Your makeup and hair providers need to be made aware of the time you need to be ready by so you have sufficient time to get to the Treasury Building.
Encouragement to enjoy the moment
The beauty of Vic Marriage Registry Wedding is it is probably the most low stress way of getting married, no seats or decor to organise, just turn up and sign the papers. This enables you to put more funds towards the things that matter, like the post ceremony celebration, the outfits you both wear and the photography. Above all, the main thing is to enjoy the experience, really focus on the union with your partner and trust you will have an easy going and fun time getting your photos done with me as your photographer.
FAQs
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No needed unless you intend to have photos inside the Conservatory Building
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This is dependant on how many groups you intend to have, so a small amount will only take 10 minutes, larger series of groups can go up to 20 minutes
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There are no set rules here as I see them at all times of the year. Winter is cold, summer is often hot, autumn has colour in the trees and spring all the flowers are out and the gardens look lush. It all comes down to what fits for your photo outcome or if you intend to take time off around the wedding for work reasons. Note the interior is super dark before 10:30am and 4pm onwards in the middle of winter.
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You cannot do this here as the building is Heritage Listed and they don’t clean the ceremony rooms between appointments. I have seen bubbles being used outside, but aren’t entirely necessary.
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On the method of invitation you use, whether it is a paper one mailed to your guests or on a wedding website, you will need to provide guidance on when to gather and when the ceremony will actually commence. Also informing everyone of parking solutions is advised as there is very limited parking in the CBD and surrounds, made worse during AFL season. There are three key parking garages nearby all within walking distance as mentioned above.
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I have found if you want to have a quick first look nearby, the ceremony, some guest photos and a stroll around the city or gardens for a photoshoot, the two hour package I offer is enough. You can extend by the hour if desired, you would do this if you wanted to cover some of the getting ready in a nearby hotel, maybe extra photo session time before your ceremony or to cover the entrance, cake cut and toast at your reception. I have multiple galleries or blog posts of various degrees of coverage to show you.
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Yes and no. They cannot enter the building itself, it is part of the Heritage Building rules they follow, but you can have your pet/s present at any time outside of that. They are often present for at least the family/guest photos and in many cases the shoot session. Being mostly concrete and bitumen around the Treasury, on a really hot day in the peak temperature zone, I wouldn’t recommend it for their comfort.
