Looking for the perfect spot to get married in Australia? Here’s our guide to the best places for a wedding…
Sometimes life throws you enough lemons you have the opportunity to marry the one you love. Sometimes it’s a bonus cheque from your employer; other times it’s an approval from your soon-to-be father-in-law; and in rare cases it’s when Federal Parliament passes a bill granting you the right to marry. Whatever the case may be, this is your go-to guide offering you the best places to tie the knot at Australia’s best locations. Because everyone should have the right to find the best spot for their unforgettable day.
So let’s get right down to it, starting with:
On a Cliff Edge
Sunset wedding ceremony. Image by Breslavtsev Oleg via Shutterstock.
Australia is not a flat country, boasting some of the most picturesque lookouts waiting to host a lavish wedding. Wow your family and friends with a dazzling view in the background on your special day. Our top five places include:
1. Mt Coot-tha, Brisbane
With a panoramic view of Brisbane from the restaurant and function centre at the top, this place is sure to captivate your friends and family. The Summit at Mt Coot-tha offers a variety of packages for the perfect wedding, and all their packages are flexible to suit your needs.
More information here.
2. Mt Nelson, Hobart
Mt Nelson is 339 metres above the district of Hobart, home to a top-rated restaurant called Signal Station Brasserie. The venue offers a unique wedding venue atop Mt Nelson, with panoramic views of “Hobart, the Derwent River, O’Possum Bay and beyond.”
More information here.
Sunrise in Blue Mountains. Image by Andrii Slonchak via Shutterstock.
3. Blue Mountains, Sydney
Honestly, there are plenty of picturesque wedding locations to choose from in the Blue Mountains, most of them offering small and intimate function rooms with stunning views. Places like Lilianfels, Mt Tomah and Carrington Hotel are some of the most notable locations.
More information here.
4. Mt Dandenong, Melbourne
SkyHigh at Mt Dandenong offers the “best view of Melbourne”, according to their website, and caters for all sorts of wedding plans. It even offers a “heritage-style gazebo” to exchange vows under, and even accepts all sorts of couple types.
More information here.
5. Windy Point Restaurant and Café, Adelaide
Located at Windy Point Recreational Park, 15 minutes south of Adelaide, this venue offers a great view of the city and the sprawling St Vincent Gulf beside it. They also have a mouth-watering menu selection of food for your family and friends, from canapes to buffets, and even three-course dinners.
More information click here.
On a Harbour Cruise
Cruise Ship sailing past the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour, Australia. Image by Tom Cummins via Shutterstock.
Let’s face it, Sydney has the best harbour, stretching as far inland as Parramatta. And its selection of floating venues is the envy of Australia’s other capital cities. Imagine you and your partner having your ceremony and reception on a floating function room in the middle of Sydney Harbour. Champagne flutes filled with a luxury cuveé or brut on arrival. A three-course dinner succeeding, followed by a night of drinks and music and memories. A height of luxury.
Other states also offer boats for hire, from the tropical Whitsundays to Melbourne. And hiring function boats as is start between $500-$1,000.
For a comprehensive look at your options, check out anyboat.com.au
On a Beach
Romantic Wedding setting on the beach. Image by Satit Sewtiw via Shutterstock.
Something Australia does well is beaches. And while it may sound like a cliche idea, it is an idea nonetheless. But, be sure to gain approval from the local council before planning your sand and sea ceremony, and have a backup plan in case the weather goes rowdy. Our top selection from each state and territory (excluding ACT) are:
1. New South Wales, Hyams Beach, Jervis bay
Hyams Beach boasts the whitest sands in the world, according to Guinness World Records. It’s location at Jervis Bay hosts a quiet surrounding with little residential and commercial development.
More information here.
2. Queensland, Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach is the name of the town and the beach next to it. It is a great place for catching waves and getting hitched. And for a wedding unique to the area, check out Plantation Resort at Rainbow. They’ll get you in touch with their local contacts for catering, celebrants, photographers, and more.
More information here.
3. Northern Territory, Mindil Beach, The Gardens
Located in the heart of Darwin is Mindil Beach, which hosts a great spot for sunsets amongst the swaying palm trees along the beach. During the winter months, this little spot hosts their famous Sunset Markets.
More information here.
4. Western Australia, Scarborough Beach, Scarborough
North west of Perth lies this stunning beach, giving a spectacular uninterrupted view of the Indian Ocean. Host your perfect wedding with the white sands and crystal blue waters in the background. A unique spot for tying the knot.
More information here.
People walking along Glenelg Beach jetty at sunset, South Australia. Image by amophoto_au via Shutterstock.
5. South Australia, Glenelg Beach, Glenelg
This beach with a palindromic name sits near the Adelaide town centre, featuring a view of St Vincent Gulf. The Glenelg pier offers a stunning backdrop for the perfect wedding photo.
More information here.
6. Victoria, Sorento Back Beach, Sorento
Sorento showcases a beach that many visitors have noted as a picturesque spot, even in the winter. Nearby is All Smiles, a place which hosts “the two most spectacular waterfront cocktail wedding & function venues in Melbourne”. A wedding here would surely look spectacular.
More information here.
7. Tasmania, Adventure Bay, Bruny Island
Running alongside a neck of land connecting North Bruny and South Bruny islands, this beach showcases front-row seats to an expanse of ocean. The crystal blue water splashing upon the white sands would create a stunning setting for any wedding reception. Interestingly, Adventure Bay’s name originates from Captain Tobias Furneaux, who commanded a ship called HMS Adventure during 1773. Furneaux was a navigator, accompanying the second voyage of Captain James Cook.
More information here.
Feeling romantic? Why not try your knowledge with our ultimate quiz of romantic movie quotes. Or, if you’d rather get out and about, try out top quirky date night activities, or the best romantic spots around Australia for a holiday.
Feature Image by PhotoSunnyDays via Shutterstock.
