Melbourne’s 7 Best Rooftop Weddings
Melbourne’s skyline sets the stage for some of the most breathtaking wedding backdrops, and rooftop venues elevate the experience—literally. From golden sunsets over the Yarra River to glittering cityscapes at dusk, these high-altitude locations create unforgettable moments. But capturing their magic requires expert timing, creative framing, and insider knowledge.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
Melbourne’s top 7 rooftop wedding venues (including two iconic hidden gems)
Pro sunset photography techniques for dramatic shots
How to use urban landscapes to tell your love story
Melbourne’s Top Rooftop Wedding Venues
1. Luminare – Southbank’s Sky-High Jewel
Why couples love it: 360-degree views spanning the Arts Precinct and Yarra River
Photography hack: The glass balustrades create stunning reflections during golden hour—position couples at a 45-degree angle to catch both them and the skyline
FEATURED WEDDING- LUMINARE | SOUTH MELBOURNE WEDDING | SABA + TAHIR
📍 Location: Southbank
🌐 Website: www.luminare.com.au
✨ Why Book? 360° CBD and Yarra River views, modern glass-walled event space.
2. Siglo – CBD’s Secret Garden in the Sky
Why it’s special: Parisian-style terrace with heritage charm and Parliament House views
Pro tip: Arrive pre-sunset to capture the warm glow on the marble bar and Art Deco details
📍 Location: CBD (Above Melbourne Supper Club)
🌐 Website: www.siglobar.com.au
✨ Why Book? Parisian-style terrace with Parliament House views, heritage charm.FEATURED WEDDING- MELBOURNE CBD ELOPEMENT | SIGLO | JULIA + NICK
3. QT Melbourne Rooftop – Moody Urban Elegance
Standout feature: Retro-chic cabana lounges against city panoramas
Lighting secret: The neon "QT" sign creates gorgeous fill light for evening portraits
📍 Location: CBD
🌐 Website: www.qthotels.com/melbourne
✨ Why Book? Retro-chic cabanas, moody city panoramas, and neon-lit backdrops.
4. The Rooftop at The Commons – Industrial Chic
Unique advantage: Raw concrete and steel beams frame modern couples perfectly
Shot idea: Use the geometric staircases for leading-line compositions
📍 Location: Collingwood
🌐 Website: www.thecommons.org.au
✨ Why Book? Industrial-chic space with 360° skyline views.
5. Alto on Bourke – Green Oasis Above the CBD
Best for: Intimate ceremonies under olive trees with skyscraper views
Creative angle: Shoot through foliage to create natural vignettes
📍 Location: CBD
🌐 Website: www.altoonbourne.com.au
✨ Why Book? Lush greenery meets urban vistas, perfect for intimate ceremonies.
6. Naked in the Sky – Fitzroy’s Bohemian Escape
Vibe: Relaxed rooftop bar with sunset views over Brunswick Street
Must-get shot: Candid laughter during cocktail hour with the city sprawling behind
📍 Location: Fitzroy
🌐 Website: www.nakedforsatan.com.au/naked-in-the-sky
✨ Why Book? Bohemian vibes with sunset views over Brunswick Street.
7. The Emerson – South Yarra’s Hidden Gem
Best kept secret: Private rooftop with sweeping views to Port Phillip Bay
Golden hour trick: Position couples facing west to backlight hair with sunset glow
📍 Location: South Yarra
🌐 Website: www.theemerson.com.au
✨ Why Book? Private rooftop with bay views, elegant and exclusive.
Mastering Rooftop Wedding Photography
Timing is Everything
Golden Hour Magic: Schedule portraits 60-90 mins before sunset for that dreamy glow
Blue Hour Bonus: Stay 20-30 mins post-sunset when city lights twinkle against indigo skies
Composition Secrets
Frame creatively: Use architectural elements like Siglo’s awnings or Luminare’s glass rails
Play with scale: Shoot wide to show couples small against the vast cityscape
Reflection hunt: Seek out puddles, glass surfaces, or The Emerson’s rooftop pool
Gear Essentials
Lens lineup:
16-35mm for sweeping venue shots
50mm f/1.2 for buttery bokeh with city lights
70-200mm to compress backgrounds and make skyscrapers pop
Must-have accessories:
Polarizer to cut glass reflections
Portable LED panel for fill light during speeches
Weather-Proofing Your Shoot
Wind solutions:
Clip veils to dresses with hidden fashion tape
Shoot veil portraits early before breezes pick up
Rain plan:
Clear umbrellas create gorgeous light-refracting opportunities
Wet surfaces amplify city light reflections
Why Rooftop Weddings Win
Built-in drama: No need for elaborate decor when you have a skyline
All-season versatility: Winter weddings gain cozy appeal with heaters and city lights
Unforgettable guest experience: Elevated views create lasting impressions
Pro Tip: Scout Like a Local
Visit your chosen venue at the same time as the wedding to:
Identify the best sunset angles
Note shadow patterns from surrounding buildings
Find unique vantage points most photographers miss
Ready to book your rooftop wedding photographer?
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ABOUT RJ PHOTOGRAPHY
RJ is a Melbourne based Wedding and Elopement Photographer who passionately documents love stories in the most intimate, fun and candid way. He enjoys being in nature and looking at things with wonder and new eyes each day. His photography is primarily driven by a deep sense of adventure, alchemy and being present. He aspires to capture the true essence of your intimate love story and to present it in a raw and candid manner.
