Iconic wedding photo destination One Tree Hill closes after 20 years

An insta-famous hinterland photo shoot location that has been the backdrop for countless wedding pictures has been shut to visitors following complaints by nearby wedding venues.

The unique cherry tree has been called the most photographed tree in Australia. Picture: Naturally Jek Photography

The sudden closure of an iconic Maleny photo shoot location where countless newlyweds captured special moments has shocked wedding vendors and residents.

One Tree Hill Maleny Farm, with stunning views across the hinterland, announced on January 7 that from the beginning of February it would no longer allow visitors onto that section of private property.

In a Facebook post they said “a very small number of neighbours” were making it difficult to use the road to the site.

Francis Woods, who is a dairy farmer and relative of the owner of One Tree Hill, said he was contacted by Sunshine Coast Regional Council after nearby wedding venues had made complaints about people using the area for their nuptials or events.

“Council have acknowledged that it is a rural holding not a commercial holding so we can’t have any events there,” he said.

A fee of $50 was collected from couples, photographers and event vendors wanting to use the site and all donations went to local charities and community organisations.

More than $40,000 was collected over at least the last 20 years.

A council spokeswoman said they had received two complaints, one in 2021 and another in late 2022, in relation to the use of the property for wedding ceremonies.

“Council officers have written to the owner of the property informing them that the use of this property for a function facility is unlawful and a development permit must be sought,” she said.

Mr Woods said the approach was shortsighted.

Thousands of couples have had their wedding pictures taken at One Tree Hill. Picture: Naturally Jek Photography

“People won’t come and stay in the Maleny area if the One Tree Hill is closed. Or have their weddings in the area if they can’t come take photos,” he said.

“It’s going to affect the whole economy.”

Mr Woods said they would offer an alternative area, without the distinctive lone cherry tree, for those still wishing to capture the view of the Glass House Mountains in their photos.

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Naturally Jek Photography’s Jekka Shearer said communications to wedding vendors had also indicated that people were using the space without asking and that “a full wedding held with no permission or donation was the last straw”.

“It’s one of the iconic spots of the Sunshine Coast, so to not have access to it, there is a point of sadness,” she said.

She said she was grateful to the Woods family, who own the property, for offering the space for decades.

Sara Higgins got her wedding photos done at One Tree Hill in 2018.

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“It was a gorgeous location for photos and at the top of our list,” said.

“While the closure is sad and devastating to a lot of people, we need to respect the owners’ wishes and be thankful for all the years they have provided such a beautiful location for so many brides and grooms.”

Marriage celebrant Melissa Price, who is marrying a couple on Thursday at Maleny Manor, said the closure of the popular spot was devastating.

“These are life events, and you want those epic photos for the memories, and that is what One Tree Hill is,” she said.

Originally published as Iconic wedding photo destination One Tree Hill closes after 20 years