YARRA VALLEY WEDDINGS / MONTSALVAT
ELTHAM – YARRA VALLEY
Montsalvat is one of
the most photographable
places I know
Stone walls, stained glass, ancient gardens, and light that does things I still haven’t fully worked out. I’ve photographed multiple weddings here and it hasn’t got old once.
A venue that does
half the work for you.
Montsalvat is an artists’ colony in Eltham, established in 1934. Every building was designed and built by the residents themselves, using materials salvaged from Victorian-era demolitions across Melbourne. The result is something that looks like it belongs in southern France, not forty minutes from the Melbourne CBD.
For wedding photography, that means extraordinary raw material at every turn. The stone cloisters catch afternoon light in a way no modern venue can replicate. The Great Hall has a drama to it that makes even a candid moment feel cinematic. The gardens give you something lush and layered, whatever the season.
I’ve photographed weddings at Montsalvat across summer heat, autumn gold, and overcast winter days. Every version of this venue is worth shooting. If anything, the moodier light of the cooler months suits the stone and the history of the place even better.
Location
7 Hillcrest Ave, Eltham VIC 3095. Around 40 minutes northeast of Melbourne CBD.
Ceremony Spaces
The Great Hall, the long gallery, the cloisters, the rose garden, or the outdoor lawn. Multiple options across the grounds.
Portrait Spots
Stone archways, the medieval courtyard, the orchard, the pond. More than most venues three times the size.
Light
North-facing gardens get good afternoon sun. The Great Hall interior is dramatic and moody, best in natural light from the high windows.
Season
Beautiful year round. Autumn and winter suit the stone architecture particularly well. Summer evenings are stunning in the gardens.
Travel
Included in all packages. No additional charge for Montsalvat.
Montsalvat through my lens.
REAL WEDDINGS
Couples I’ve photographed at Montsalvat.
HI THERE I’M MATT
I’ve shot Montsalvat in
every season. It’s never the same twice.
I’m Matt. I’ve been photographing weddings since 2014, mostly across Melbourne and the Yarra Valley. Montsalvat is one of a handful of venues I genuinely get excited about every time a couple books it.
The reason is simple: the light changes differently here. The stone absorbs it, the glass breaks it up, the gardens shift it. No two weddings at Montsalvat look exactly alike, which keeps me on my toes in the best possible way.
My style is mostly documentary. I document the day as it unfolds and stay out of the way. When we get to the portrait session I’ll give you some gentle direction, find the best light in the venue, and then let it be easy. You’ll forget I’m there. That’s exactly when I get the shots I’m proudest of.
LOVE STORIES FROM MONTSALVAT
Montsalvat felt like stepping into another world, and our photos captured every bit of that magic. The Great Hall looks straight out of a movie — we’re blown away.
Jana & Vincent – Montsalvat
The way you used the stone walls, gardens, and stained glass at Montsalvat was incredible. Our wedding photos feel moody, romantic, and so true to who we are.
Ash & Cam – Montsalvat
From our ceremony in the gardens to dancing in the Great Hall, every moment at Montsalvat was photographed beautifully. The photos are timeless and unforgettable.
Lucy & Jesse – Montsalvat
You made us feel relaxed in such a dramatic setting. Our Montsalvat wedding photos are full of atmosphere and emotion — exactly what we hoped for.
Rhi & Ian – Montsalvat
INVESTMENT
What it costs. No surprises.
Every package includes everything you need.
The only difference is how much of your day I’m there for.
MOST POPULAR
PACKAGE ONE
Ceremony Package
Coverage from getting ready through to the start of your reception
$1,999
300-500 (approx) Hi Res Edited Images
Online Gallery and slideshow Video
Full set of Colour and Black and white images
MOST POPULAR
PACKAGE TWO
Ceremony & Reception Package
Coverage from getting ready to the last event of your reception
$2,999
500-700 (approx) Hi Res Edited Images
Online Gallery and slideshow Video
Full set of Colour and Black and white images
PACKAGE THREE
All Day & More Package
The whole wedding day and a fine art wedding album
$4,299
500-700 (approx) Hi Res Edited Images
Online Gallery, slideshow Video & 10 spread 10″ Fine art album
Full set of Colour and Black and white images
Montsalvat is part of the broader Yarra Valley and Eltham region. See all Yarra Valley weddings →
CHECK YOUR DATE
Getting Married at Montsalvat?
Check your date and I’ll come back with availability, packages, and a guide to what working together looks like, all in one email.