12 of the most romantic wedding venues in the Whitsundays
List
By Chelsea Tromans
When it comes to destination wedding venues, The Whitsundays set the bar pretty high. That water. Those islands. That gorgeous weather! Regardless if you’re tying the knot on the best beach in Australia (with sand as white as your dress), walking down the aisle alongside a waterfall, celebrating with your nearest and dearest in a luxurious waterfront property, or taking over an entire island, one thing’s for sure… it will be impossible to go home with a bad photo.
For your dream destination wedding, start checking availability at these unbelievably romantic wedding venues in the Whitsundays now.
1. Villa Botanica
Photo by @nadine_kemp
Villa Botanica takes every young girl’s wedding fantasies, combines them with the laid-back vibe and decor of a Balinese retreat, and lavishes its bride and groom with attention.
This five-acre private property was built as a private love nest so it’s not surprising it grew into one of the top wedding venues in the Whitsundays. The people behind it take care of EVERYTHING, meaning once you’ve popped the question and picked the dress, you can spend all your time picturing yourselves lolling about in that turquoise sea.
2. Whitehaven Beach
You can’t get much more rock star than taking off in a helicopter and landing in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef on one of the world’s best beaches on your wedding day.
Arriving in two separate helicopters, Hamilton Island Weddings takes care of all the logistics to ensure you, your photographer, videographer and wedding coordinator arrive in style. Guests won’t miss out on an extravagant entrance either, arriving via the scenic route on a boat from Hamilton Island.
Seaplane more your style? Air Whitsunday Seaplanes offer an all-inclusive package.
3. Daydream Island
Photo by @jessiesorenson_
Could you possibly take home any bad memories from a place called Daydream Island? We think not.
This picturesque island resort offers a variety of wedding options. First, choose your ceremony location – the cute Daydream Chapel, Lovers Cove, Underwater Observatory or Mermaids Beach – then decide on one of the seven reception venue options, from an intimate reception with a living reef as your backdrop to a function room seating up to 250 people, or step outside the ordinary with their outdoor cinema.
The onsite Elite Day Spa will help you prep for the big day and accommodation discounts are available to your wedding guests, depending on numbers.
4. Intercontinental Hayman Island
There are a few times in life where you deserve to really go all out, and your wedding day has to be one of them.
InterContinental Hayman Island makes ‘uber exclusive’ the theme for your big day. Whether you’re holding a small intimate ceremony or you have a guest list of 300, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more iconic Whitsundays location to make things official.
There are more than a few gorgeous indoor and outdoor venue options (15 to be exact!), from the chapel overlooking the Coral Sea to lush tropical gardens or the beach, and receptions can be held al fresco or in one of the first-class restaurants or ballrooms.
Having the Hayman Spa at your beck and call also doesn’t hurt.
5. Hamilton Island
Photo by @creativelycaptured_
If grandma is threatening to disown you if you don’t walk down a (real) aisle, in a chapel, then non-denominational and adorable The All Saints Chapel at Hamilton Island solves all your (potential) dramas while still allowing you to hold your wedding at one of Australia’s most stunning island locations.
If you’re adamant about an outdoor wedding (and who can blame you – look at where you are in the world!), there are seven other locations on the island to choose from (or you can even zip over to Whitehaven Beach and return for your ceremony).
You have a choice of 10 locations for the reception – from the beach to the golf club, one of the island’s restaurants, or onboard the gorgeous 82-foot yacht, Sunseeker.
6. On a boat
You’re in the Whitsundays so it’d be crazy not to get out on the water and enjoy that piercing blue landscape. Providence V Sailing and other charter cruisers, such as the Phoenix One do intimate celebrations in the ultimate style.
Say your vows on board or make your way to that famous seven-kilometre stretch of white silica sand for a Whitehaven Beach ceremony. Tough choice, we know.
7. Paradise Cove Resort
Photo by @paradisecovewhitsundays
If you don’t like the idea of getting married with an audience (excluding your family and friends, of course) then you won’t find a more private wedding venue than Paradise Cove Resort just north of Airlie Beach.
Beachfront and surrounded by tropical gardens and bushland, you can choose to exchange vows by the pool, in the garden or on the beach. For an A-lister entrance, arrive by helicopter, seaplane, or private jet boat.
Take over the entire property and make a whole weekend of it with all your guests. Let them know there’s paddle boarding, kayaking, a pool table and tennis court and they’ll jump at the opportunity.
8. Coral Sea Resort
There are so many picturesque ceremony and reception locations at Coral Sea Resort, you’ll wish you were getting married at least five times. Are you more of a manicured lawn couple? Private jetty? Oceanfront gazebo? Take it from us, there are no bad choices here.
If you’ve got a guest list as long as the merging of two abbreviated surnames, you’ll be pleased to know cocktail functions for up to 230 people are easily done here.
All-inclusive wedding packages, including a celebrant and hair and makeup for the bride, take all the hassle out of planning a destination wedding.
9. Airlie Beach
Photo by @airliebeachflashmob
Looking for beach wedding options on the mainland? Say "I do" with the sand beneath your toes in Airlie Beach. We uncovered some inspiration from a couple who took their first dance a little early. Low key or high tempo, weddings on the beach are definitely done right in The Whitsundays.
10. Cedar Creek Falls
Photo by @nadine_kemp
With all that blinding aquamarine ocean around, it’s easy to look past the hinterland that hides behind Airlie Beach, but Cedar Creek Falls provide a romantic alternative for your wedding ceremony (and a temperature drop, to boot!).
You’ll need to arrange a permit through Whitsunday Regional Council, or go through a capable local expert to hold your ceremony here.
11. Earlando
One-of-a-kind weddings are what Earlando does best. With 6,000 acres to play with, there is no shortage of stunning backdrops for your nuptials. The cattle yards fit the brief for country charm, while the palm-lined stretch of beach is hard to pass up. Fancy some fireworks? Too easy.
This slice of natural beauty is just 45-minutes north of Airlie Beach and transport for you and all your guests is included in your wedding package.
12. Elysian Retreat
Photo by @inbedwith.me
If something intimate yet exotic sounds more your style, then Elysian Retreat won’t disappoint you or your guests. Located on Long Island and surrounded by crystal clear water, the serenity will ensure a drama-free wedding.
This eco-friendly resort doesn’t hold back on the luxuries, with an Ayurveda inspired day spa to pamper you before the ‘I dos’, award-winning chefs to cater your small gathering, and a choice of beautiful settings from the pristine beach to the lush gardens or overlooking the Conway National Park.
Looking for more spectacular wedding venues? Here are some of the best places to say ‘I do’ in Queensland, or if you’re after a beach setting, check out these top beach wedding locations.
Ready to start planning your honeymoon? Here are 11 of the most romantic getaways in Queensland.
