Steven & Nikki | Audley Dance Hall Wedding, Sydney

A Relaxed Royal National Park Wedding at Audley Dance Hall

One thing I never expected when I first started photographing weddings was just how often paths would cross again. Guests become couples, friends become family, and suddenly familiar faces keep popping up at different weddings. That’s exactly how I met Steven and Nikki.

They reached out after seeing (and loving) my work from a previous wedding I photographed for their friends Matt and Elaura at Hunter Valley Gardens. After a quick vibe check (of me, not them), we locked things in — and I’m very glad we did.

Audley Dance Hall: A Hidden Wedding Gem Near Sydney

Steven and Nikki chose to get married at Audley Dance Hall Café and Events, tucked away inside the Royal National Park just south of Sydney.

Despite being so close to the city, Audley feels incredibly peaceful. Surrounded by bushland and overlooking the Hacking River, it offers a rare combination of natural beauty, historic character and convenience. Accommodation options are plentiful nearby, with Bundeena only a short drive away, along with a range of cottages located directly within the park itself.

A Last-Minute Ceremony Change (That Worked Out Even Better)

In the days leading up to the wedding, heavy rain caused flooding and brought down a very inconveniently placed tree — forcing a change to the original ceremony location.

Luckily, I’d been in the area the day before scouting locations. After a quick call, Steven and Nikki met me onsite and we walked the area together to find an alternative. We settled on a riverside spot framed by dense bushland and a rugged rockface — and honestly, it couldn’t have been more fitting.

Sometimes the backup plan ends up being the best one.

Getting Ready in the Royal National Park

Nikki and her bridesmaids got ready at The Audley Ranger’s Cottage, a charming weatherboard cottage directly opposite the venue. With open living spaces and river views, it’s ideal for wedding prep and also allows the bridal party to stay the night before.

The groom and his crew got ready nearby at Hilltop Cottage, just a few minutes’ drive away. There are also other excellent accommodation options within the park, including Reids Flat Cottage and Weemelah Cottages — perfect for keeping everyone close without feeling crowded.

A First Look Before the Ceremony

Steven and Nikki chose to do a first look before the ceremony — a decision that allowed them to spend more time with their guests later and take the edge off any nerves.

Their first look took place outside the Ranger’s Cottage, with close family and the bridal party quietly watching on. It was emotional, relaxed and full of anticipation. We captured a handful of portraits before heading to the ceremony location to photograph guests arriving and settling in.

If you ever wonder whether a first look takes away from the walk down the aisle — it doesn’t. The emotion is still there. The difference is that the nerves tend to melt away.

A Ceremony by the Hacking River

The ceremony was led by Megumi Carver, with Steven and Nikki arriving hand in hand beside the river. Surrounded by nature, the moment felt intimate, personal and completely grounded in the setting.

In true wedding-day fashion, the newlyweds were so excited they walked straight back down the aisle before signing the register — quickly realising, laughing, and heading back to make it official.

Afterwards, we gathered guests for family photos, followed by a champagne break and bridal party portraits nearby.

Golden Light, City Edges & Evening Celebrations

As the sun dropped, the light shifted from warm gold to a cooler, moody blue — perfect for adding variety to their gallery. We took advantage of the last light near the bridge before finishing portraits along the river’s edge as dusk settled in.

Inside the Audley Dance Hall rehearsal room, the space transformed beautifully. Timber floors, native greenery and candlelight created a warm, intimate atmosphere despite the size of the room.

Live music by Kamura (Oberon Lane) kept the energy high, with speeches full of laughter and a dancefloor that stayed busy well into the night. I stayed behind the camera where I belong — sparing everyone my questionable dad-dance moves.

Final Thoughts

Steven and Nikki’s Audley Dance Hall wedding is a perfect example of how flexible planning, the right location and a relaxed approach can turn challenges into highlights.

A stunning Sydney venue, thoughtful choices, and a couple fully present in their day — exactly how weddings should feel.