4 photographers to capture your wedding in the Southern Highlands
Highlights. Between the vineyards, the old estates and the farm paddocks, the Southern Highlands gives a photographer plenty to work with. If you want natural photos that feel like your day rather than a staged shoot, here are four photographers who shoot weddings in the Highlands. We list them in no particular order.
What we mean by "capture your wedding"
We mean photos of what actually happened: the nerves, the laughter, the quiet moments between the big ones. These four all describe a candid, unposed approach, though each has their own flavour.
The four
Nica Photography, Southern Highlands
Nica is a Southern Highlands-based wedding, portrait and corporate photographer who also works across the Illawarra. She was born and raised locally and has over 20 years of wedding photography experience, and she will travel to Sydney, Wollongong, Kiama and Goulburn.
Her pitch is that you saw their love and she captured the real and raw moments. She describes herself as relaxed and unobtrusive, blending into the day while still enjoying the celebration. She meets couples at their venue beforehand and plans a detailed schedule with them, so you get exactly what you are after and the day runs smoothly.
Couples get a sneak peek within a few days, with fully edited photos usually ready in four to six weeks, and she can recommend local suppliers and locations. She lists industry recognition from 2021 to 2026, including Wedding Industry Awards.
A good fit if you want a local photographer for natural, in-the-moment photos, with the option of portraits later.
"It was such a pleasure having her there, she made us feel so relaxed and it was just like having one of our best mates there on the day. The photos are absolutely perfect, so natural and presented so beautifully in a gorgeous box with ribbons."
nicaphotography.com.au · Instagram · Facebook
Magnus Ågren Photography, Southern Highlands and Goulburn
Magnus is a relaxed Southern Highlands wedding photographer who has been working since 2009. He was born in Sweden, has lived in Australia most of his life, and lives on a farm between Goulburn and Moss Vale and Bowral with his wife Bel, who works with him on albums and editing.
His pitch is "not in your face" photography: no forced poses and no fake smiles, just natural, candid photos of the day as it unfolds. He says country weddings on farms, private properties and vineyards are his favourite, and that he is adventurous enough to climb trees or wade through ponds to get the shot, and may invite you to join in.
He shares real stories from Southern Highlands venues such as Growwild Wild Flower Farm, Kalinya Estate and the Gibraltar Hotel. He also covers engagement sessions, portraits and family sessions.
A good fit if you are planning a country or farm wedding and want a quiet, unobtrusive presence on the day.
"If you’re getting married, you need him. And if you’re already married, get married again. Magnus is a gem, and it was like having a guest at our wedding we had known forever."
magnusagrenphotography.com · Instagram · Facebook
McKay Photography, Bowral
McKay Photography is run by Darryn, a wedding photographer based in Bowral who says he has photographed more than 1,000 weddings at Southern Highlands venues.
His coverage is natural and documentary, built around honest moments and natural light rather than staged versions of the day. He knows local venues in depth, including Centennial Vineyards, Milton Park, Bendooley Estate, Peppers Craigieburn and the Gibraltar Hotel, and describes the best spots on each property for photos.
He also offers engagement photos, family sessions and wedding albums.
A good fit if you are marrying at one of the well-known Highlands venues and want a photographer who has shot there before.
"Darryn is not only an excellent photographer, but he is a great human being too. Darryn worked with us to get the style and palette we wanted in our photos during the wedding. He was also a champ on the day, and his positive and chilled out vibes were never dampened."
mckayphotography.com.au · Instagram
Translucent Photography, near Wollongong
Translucent Photography is a husband-and-wife team, Lucy and Dean, based near Wollongong on the NSW South Coast. Lucy is the primary photographer, the business launched in 2011, and they say they have photographed more than 300 weddings, micro weddings and elopements across Australia, New Zealand and beyond. They work across the South Coast and the Southern Highlands.
Their style is candid and unobtrusive. They aim for images that show what moments felt like as well as how they looked: the laughter, the tears and the dance floor. They promise quick replies and say they help plan the day with you, including the best light, to keep things stress free.
As well as weddings and elopements they photograph families, maternity and newborns, and offer engagement sessions. They handle the emails, photography, culling and editing themselves, and share recommended local vendors.
A good fit if you want quick, friendly communication and photos with no stiff posing, and are happy to have a photographer travel in.
"Lucy’s photography is just magical!! Can’t recommend her enough. Lucy captured our engagement session and wedding. She is an absolute pleasure to work with and our photos are more then we could have imagined."
translucentphotography.com · Instagram · Facebook
Before you book
Questions worth asking any wedding photographer:
- Have you photographed at our venue, and can we see a full gallery from a wedding there?
- How many hours are included, and what does an extra hour cost?
- When will we receive our photos, and in what form?
- Who is the photographer on the day, and is a second shooter included?
- What is the payment schedule, and what happens if our date changes?
We chose these photographers from public information: each shoots weddings in the Southern Highlands and has positive reviews. Nobody pays to be included, and we have not tested anyone's services.