Port Stephens Wedding Photographer — Nicole Butler
I’m Nic — a Port Stephens wedding photographer drawn to the ocean breeze, golden light, and the raw, beautiful emotion that unfolds along this magical coastal region. Port Stephens offers a little bit of everything — beachfront ceremonies, clifftop elopements, lush garden celebrations, and sunset yacht receptions. It’s where nature, adventure, and connection collide, making it one of my favourite places to capture love stories.
My approach is documentary-style with a relaxed, heartfelt touch. You won’t find me choreographing every pose. Instead, I gently guide you when needed, step back when the moment calls for it, and quietly capture the stolen glances, the laughter, the tears, and the beautifully unscripted moments you’ll treasure forever. I believe the best photos come from a place of honesty and trust, where you can just be yourselves and let the day unfold naturally.
Over the years, I’ve had the honour of photographing weddings throughout Port Stephens — from intimate barefoot beach elopements to grand receptions overlooking the marina. No two weddings have ever felt the same to me. And that’s exactly why I do this work — because your story deserves to be told in a way that feels uniquely you.
![Couple embracing on a Port Stephens clifftop at sunset](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/67d2267223d41f405ad8c649/72d28a1b-d372-4584-a272-6f4bcf832eac/port-stephens-weddings-nicole-butler-photography+%2834%29.jpg?content-type=image%2Fjpeg")
TIMELESS WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
WHAT TO EXPECT
From your very first enquiry to the final gallery delivery, I aim to make the experience feel effortless, intentional, and entirely you. Planning a wedding in Port Stephens should feel like a coastal adventure, not a checklist — and your photography experience should reflect that same sense of ease and joy. I’ll help shape a timeline that flows with your day, ensure we have time to wander onto the beach or dance barefoot on the cliffs, and be there to capture the unexpected magic that happens when you least expect it.
On your wedding day, you’ll barely notice me during the candid moments. I’m there to quietly observe and document, blending in with your people. When you do see me, it’s to gently guide you into the best light, help you feel relaxed and present, and make sure you have a little space to soak it all in. No awkward posing, no forced smiles — just real, heart-driven imagery that captures your story as it is.
Afterwards, you’ll receive a heartfelt gallery that reflects not just how your wedding looked, but how it felt — filled with warmth, movement, connection, and the wild beauty of Port Stephens wrapped around your day.
PORT STEPHENS WEDDING VENUES I LOVE
- Saltwater Restaurant Fingal Bay – Beachfront venue perched above Fingal Beach Surf Club with panoramic ocean views.
- White Sands – Stylish waterfront venue ideal for intimate receptions by the bay.
- Little Boat Beach House – Cliff-top park with stunning ocean vistas for unforgettable open-air ceremonies.
- Barry Park – Serene garden venue surrounded by lush greenery for romantic outdoor weddings.
- The Anchorage – Upscale marina-side resort known for elegant receptions and fine dining.
- Heaven Gardens – Hidden garden gem ideal for tranquil ceremonies and private celebrations.
- Nelson Bay Lighthouse – Historic lighthouse location with sweeping views of the bay, perfect for scenic ceremonies.
- SBCC (Shoal Bay Country Club) – Iconic beachfront venue with modern coastal styling and vibrant celebration spaces.
LET'S MAKE MAGIC
If you’re dreaming of relaxed, heartfelt wedding photography that reflects the spirit of Port Stephens — the salty air, the calm bays, the rugged coastline, and the joyful chaos of celebration — I’d love to hear your plans. My couples are often adventurers, ocean-lovers, homebodies, wild-hearted romantics, or somewhere in between — but all of them want wedding photography that feels authentic, natural, and joy-filled.
Whether you’re eloping at sunrise on a quiet headland or throwing an epic dance-fueled party by the sea, I’m here to capture it all with intention, warmth, and creativity. I’ll guide you gently when you need it, step back when the moment is perfect on its own, and create a gallery that feels like your love — raw, real, and unforgettable.
Sound like the kind of photography experience you’re after? Let’s connect — and make some magic together.
PORT STEPHENS WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY FAQS
DO YOU CHARGE TRAVEL FOR PORT STEPHENS WEDDINGS?
Nope — I’m local to the region and regularly shoot in Port Stephens. There are no travel fees for weddings in the area.
WHAT IF THE WEATHER’S UNPREDICTABLE?
Been there. I always scout backup photo locations just in case — and some of my favourite shots have come from moody skies!
DO YOU HELP WITH TIMELINES OR PLANNING?
Absolutely. I’m here to make things easier — from timing your ceremony for the best light to helping you feel relaxed in front of the lens.
WHEN WILL WE GET OUR PHOTOS?
You’ll get a sneak peek within 48 hours, and your full online gallery within 10–12 weeks. Good things take time — but I promise it’s worth the wait!
LET'S MAKE IT HAPPEN
If you’ve felt a little spark reading this, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s chat about your Port Stephens wedding plans and see if we’re the right fit to capture your day with heart, soul, and a little coastal magic.
Get in Touch
Nicole Butler Photography is all about telling your story your way — with honesty, intention, and heart. After 15 years behind the lens, I've found that the in-between moments — the wind in your hair, the glances you didn’t know you gave — are the ones that make a wedding day unforgettable.
In Port Stephens, those moments hit different. The ocean, the golden headlands, the barefoot vibes — they all add their own magic. My approach lets you sink into it all naturally, while I quietly document the story as it unfolds.
Port Stephens is a dream for couples who want laidback luxury. From the iconic Shoal Bay Country Club to windswept walks along Fingal Spit, every corner offers an epic backdrop that still feels intimate and real.
My photography is documentary-led with gentle direction when you need it — no stiff posing, just raw emotion, relaxed vibes, and images that feel like you.
I love the contrasts Port Stephens offers — the calm of sheltered bays, the wildness of the dunes, the buzz of marina life. Whether you're saying your vows on the sand at Zenith Beach or dancing under festoon lights at Nelson Bay, I'll capture it all with heart and honesty.
Every wedding here has its own rhythm, and I’m there to feel it with you — preserving every laugh, tear, and windswept moment exactly as it happened.
Port Stephens will always have a special place in my heart. The coastal light, the easygoing energy, the love stories that unfold against those endless blues — it's a place where weddings feel like an escape, yet grounded in everything that matters.
If you’re planning your day in Port Stephens and want images that feel like home (even if it's your destination wedding), I’d love to chat. You can also explore more of my favourite regions: Hunter Valley, Newcastle and Central Coast.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Browse the full portfolio for more wedding inspiration across Hunter Valley, Newcastle & beyond.