GEORGE BALLROOM WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHY

The George Ballroom in St Kilda is one of Melbourne’s most cinematic wedding venues. A heritage-listed space on Fitzroy Street, it’s known for its distressed walls, hardwood floors, and ornate high ceilings. But as a wedding videographer, what stands out most is the lighting. The way natural light spills through one side of the room while the other falls into shadow creates the kind of contrast that makes any wedding video feel instantly elevated.

If I had the chance to design lighting for an indoor venue myself, I would set it up exactly like this. Large, soft windows act as a single directional light source. There’s no competing overhead light, so I can shape the image how I want, using contrast and composition to draw focus. It’s the kind of setup that gives every frame texture and depth, especially during ceremonies.

This couple held both their ceremony and reception at The George Ballroom, which meant the usual midday turnover. There’s always a pause between the two parts of the day where guests need to vacate the space while it’s being reset. At many venues, this can be an awkward gap. But not here. Located right on Fitzroy Street, guests had their pick of bars and cafes to fill in the afternoon, all while the sun lit up the street with that late-day energy St Kilda is known for.

Meanwhile, we made use of the break for the couple shoot. We took a short walk through some of the surrounding streets, snapping a few urban-style shots along the way. The highlight was a rooftop carpark nearby. From the top, we had a clear view of the Melbourne city skyline, and the timing was spot on. As the sun dipped behind the buildings, we caught the last of the golden light.

Back at The George Ballroom, the space had been completely transformed. What was bright and airy just hours earlier was now intimate and warm, lit almost entirely by candlelight. Guests returned to find a romantic dinner setup waiting for them, and from there the night took its natural course. I let the evening unfold and focused on capturing honest moments. Guests chatting over wine, stories told across the table, a romantic first dance and a packed dancefloor to end the night.

The George Ballroom is one of those rare spaces where light, architecture and atmosphere all come together to support the story. If you’re planning a wedding with both ceremony and reception in one place, and want something that leans into character and mood, this venue delivers. And from a wedding videography point of view, it’s as close to perfect as you’ll find in Melbourne.