your guide to weddings at inglewood estate, from a yarra valley photographer


Inglewood Estate is one of my all-time favourite venues. I love everything about it (as you'll see in this blog post), but the thing I think that most sets it apart is the staff. This may not be something that you naturally consider when viewing different wedding venues but trust me, it makes all the difference. Having a dedicated wedding co-ordinator, who knows you, knows what's important to you (and what isn't) and who will be there, present on your day, is key. And everything flows from there; the bar staff, the waiters, the chefs, everyone is working together to make your day seamless and unforgettable. They go above and beyond, and I've witnessed it at every wedding I've shot there.


Also, it's beautiful, perfectly located (only 45 minutes from the CBD, which makes travel easy for guests), and a photographer's dream. Inglewood Estate truly is the ideal location for your rustic, barn-style wedding in the Yarra Valley.


Ceremony options (two great looks)


1) The Stone Chapel


Originally relocated from Bendigo in 1995, the vine-clad chapel gives you timeless “just married” photo ops. at the door and flattering, even lighting inside. It’s also the go-to wet-weather option (make sure your wedding venue has a good wet weather ceremony space!), that still feels romantic.

2. The Chapel Gardens and Lawn


Prefer outdoors? The garden settings beside the lake and willows photograph beautifully and keep guests close to canapés after the ceremony. You can choose to have the chapel or the lake as the backdrop to your first kiss. Both are perfect.

Reception: The Barn


The Barn started life as a hay shed and now blends rustic bones with a modern finish —think working brick fireplace, warm timber, and windows allowing natural light to spill in.


To my mind; the barn is the perfect size. With a wedding reception space you really want that goldilocks zone; not too big (otherwise your wedding / dance floor feels sparse) and not too small (where you have to awkwardly move tables around to make space for a dance floor), and the barn at Inglewood is perfect, with enough room to comfortable seat 120 guests, with a great dance floor space.


Other things I love about it, from a wedding photographer's perspective, are: 

  • The dining area and dance floor are next to one another, meaning that people don’t feel like they’re out of the action while taking a break from dancing.
  • The bar is inside, in the same space as the dining area and dance floor, though set slightly apart, meaning that people are always in the same general space, while giving them multiple options for where to hang out.
  • The interconnected outdoor area, which is perfect for cocktail hour drinks and photos by the tram. (Yes, you read that right, there's a tram!)


Where to get ready: The Cottage


On-site Inglewood Cottage is ideal for morning prep; space for your crew, easy access for hair/makeup, and a short, calm walk to the ceremony. Logistics, sorted! Being able to get ready on-site really reduces any potential stressors on a wedding day, and also means that we're not wasting time driving between different locations. The cottage has enough space for both parties to get ready in, without bumping into one another, and also makes for a beautiful backdrop for some pre-ceremony portraits.

Best photo spots


OK, here is my ideal Inglewood Estate photo guide breakdown. I typically approach portrait time as if we were taking a casual stroll in loop around the property. So, family photos in front of the chapel, or willow trees (light dependent) following the ceremony. We then begin our little loop:

  • Chapel entrance under the ivy-covered gable.
  • Lake edge / willows for soft, romantic frames.
  • Open grass area, perfect for shots with the both bridal parties.
  • Jetty, for some portraits with a touch of drama.


We can then head up the drive way (the staff love taking you on a buggy ride, save those legs for the dance floor) or straight into the reception and save the driveway shots for golden hour (the light is perfect along that driveway at that time!).


We also have the tram, for some unique night time flash shots.

Olivia & Brodie

Inglewood Estate

my ideal inglewood estate timeline


  • Late-afternoon ceremony.
  • Family photos near the chapel.
  • Portrait loop around the lake (as described above)
  • A relaxed canapé mingle
  • Straight into entrances at The Barn
  • Dinner, speeches etc.
  • 15-minute golden-hour session on the driveway
  • First dance
  • Dance floor fun.


Guests feel looked after; you get variety without disappearing for ages. (If weather turns, the chapel + barn + tram combo keeps everything seamless, and we still get a great variety of shots.)

Travelling & logistics



INGLEWOOD ESTATE FAQs


  • Can we do ceremony + reception on site?

Yes—ceremony (chapel or gardens), portraits and reception all happen on the property, so the day flows and guests aren’t shuttled around. 

  • How many guests can we host?

Plan on up to ~120 seated in The Barn depending on layout; check current configs with the team. 

  • Is there a wet-weather back-up?

Absolutely—the stone chapel is covered and gorgeous. It’s also perfect for moody winter light. 

  • Where should we get ready?

On-site Inglewood Cottage keeps hair/makeup, dresses and details close to the action (and the timeline calm).


Planning an Inglewood Estate wedding?


If this vibe feels like you then I’d love to be a part of your day! Get in touch and let’s make a plan that keeps things fun and stress-free.

INGLEWOOD ESTATE REAL WEDDING

Ebony & Matt full gallery

Ebony & Matt

Inglewood Estate