The Grand on Princes: Art Deco Elegance in Mulgrave
If you've ever dreamed of a wedding with old-world glamour—sweeping staircases, crystal chandeliers, and a ballroom that feels like it belongs in a golden era—The Grand on Princes might be exactly what you've been searching for.
Located in Mulgrave, just off the Princes Highway, this newly refurbished venue offers a definitive Art Deco aesthetic that sets it apart from Melbourne's more contemporary wedding spaces. It's elegant, timeless, and designed for couples who want grandeur without the CBD price tag.
As a wedding photographer, I've seen how venue character shapes the entire feel of a wedding day. The Grand on Princes delivers something increasingly rare: genuine old-world charm paired with modern facilities and service.
Here's my photographer's guide to this Mulgrave ballroom.
The Setting: Art Deco Charm in Melbourne's South-East
The Grand on Princes sits at 2251 Princes Highway, Mulgrave, easily accessible from the Monash Freeway and with 100 free parking spots for your guests . It's part of The Grand Receptions family, which includes venues across Melbourne's eastern suburbs .
What makes this venue distinctive is its recent refurbishment—transforming it into a space defined by Art Deco style, a sweeping staircase, and chandeliers hanging gracefully above a spacious ballroom . The aesthetic is elegant and classic, with crystal chandeliers, parquetry dance floor, and resplendent carpet throughout .
For couples who love the romance of a bygone era—think Great Gatsby glamour or classic Hollywood elegance—this venue delivers that atmosphere effortlessly.
A Photographer's Tour: Key Spaces
The Grand Ballroom
This is the heart of The Grand on Princes, a spacious ballroom that accommodates between 180 and 380 guests depending on your floor configuration . The room features luxury chandeliers, a parquetry dance floor, and a balcony area .
For photography, the ballroom offers warm, ambient lighting that flatters skin tones and creates rich, celebratory images. The parquetry dance floor is a particular asset—polished wood catches light beautifully, and when the room fills for your first dance, it becomes a natural stage.
The Sweeping Staircase
One of the venue's most distinctive features is its sweeping staircase that "inspires wonder" . This architectural element is a photographer's gift. Whether it's the bride descending, the bridal party posed together, or the couple stealing a quiet moment, the staircase adds movement, drama, and a sense of occasion to portraits.
The Decorative Garden & Gazebo
Unlike many ballroom venues, The Grand on Princes offers outdoor space. The decorative garden complete with gazebo provides a beautiful setting for outdoor ceremonies or portrait sessions . For couples who want natural light and greenery alongside the ballroom elegance, this space bridges the two worlds.
The Bridal & Groom Suites
The venue includes two dedicated preparation rooms for the bride and groom . These spaces provide privacy and comfort during the morning of your wedding—and natural light for preparation photos, depending on the room's orientation.
Why The Grand on Princes Photographs Beautifully
The Art Deco Aesthetic
Art Deco styling is inherently photogenic. The geometric lines, rich textures, and warm metallic accents (chandeliers, mirrors, satin curtains) create layered, luxurious images . Unlike minimalist venues where you need to build visual interest, The Grand on Princes already has architectural drama built in.
The Chandelier Glow
Chandeliers are a photographer's friend. They provide warm, ambient light that flatters skin tones and adds a sense of occasion to every frame. At The Grand on Princes, crystal chandeliers hang gracefully above the ballroom , creating rich, layered lighting that makes reception photos feel warm and celebratory rather than flat.
The Parquetry Dance Floor
There's something inherently beautiful about polished parquetry. The warm tones of the wood catch light beautifully, and when the dance floor fills, it becomes a natural stage for capturing first dances and joyful reception moments .
The Outdoor Option
The decorative garden and gazebo provide a welcome contrast to the indoor ballroom . For couples who want variety in their gallery—some images with lush greenery and natural light, others with chandelier glamour—this venue offers both without leaving the property.
Photography Tips for The Grand on Princes Couples
1. Use the Staircase for Dramatic Portraits
The sweeping staircase is the venue's signature feature . Plan to capture the bride's descent, bridal party group shots, and romantic couple portraits on or around the staircase. The architecture adds movement and grandeur to images.
2. Embrace the Chandelier Light
The chandeliers create beautiful ambient light for reception photos . Work with your photographer to position key moments—first dance, speeches, cake cutting—where this light works best.
3. Consider the Gazebo for Ceremony
If you're planning an outdoor ceremony, the garden gazebo offers a natural backdrop with soft, filtered light . It's a beautiful contrast to the indoor reception, and the transition from garden to ballroom creates visual variety in your gallery.
4. Plan for Golden Hour Portraits
If your timeline allows, step outside for couple's portraits during golden hour. The garden and surrounding grounds provide natural light that complements the indoor ballroom images.
Quick Details for Your Planning
Address: 2251 Princes Highway, Mulgrave VIC 3170
Style: Art Deco · Classic ballroom elegance
Capacity: 180–380 guests (various configurations)
Signature Features: Sweeping staircase · Crystal chandeliers · Parquetry dance floor · Balcony area
Outdoor Space: Decorative garden with gazebo
Preparation Suites: Bridal and Groom suites available
Parking: 100 free parking spots
Catering: In-house catering with Gold, Platinum, and Diamond packages
Who The Grand on Princes Suits
The Grand on Princes is perfect for couples who want classic ballroom elegance with the character of Art Deco styling. It's ideal for:
Couples who love old-world glamour—sweeping staircases, chandeliers, parquetry floors
Those planning mid-to-large celebrations—the capacity range accommodates 180 to 380 guests
Couples who want outdoor options—the garden and gazebo provide ceremony alternatives
Those who value convenience—ample parking, easy highway access, and in-house catering
It's less suited to couples seeking industrial, minimalist, or beach-side venues but if you want timeless ballroom grandeur with a touch of Art Deco romance, it delivers beautifully.
Final Thoughts
The Grand on Princes offers something increasingly valuable in Melbourne's wedding scene: genuine Art Deco elegance at an accessible price point. The venue is purpose-built for celebration, with the scale and facilities to handle weddings of almost any size.
As a photographer, I appreciate venues that make couples feel special the moment they walk in. The sweeping staircase, chandeliers, and parquetry floors do exactly that—they create a sense of occasion that translates directly into images.
If you're planning a wedding at The Grand on Princes and are looking for a photographer who understands how to capture the elegance of this Art Deco ballroom, I'd love to hear from you.
Let's create something beautiful together.
Interested in learning more about my The Grand on Princes wedding photography packages? Reach out today, and let's start planning your dream gallery.