10 unique places to get married in Queensland

Get hitched above the coral (quite literally) with a wedding on the Great Barrier Reef. The luxury ReefSuites, moored permanently offshore on Hardy Reef, is Australia’s first underwater accommodation offering. It’s also your only opportunity to spend the night on the natural landmark, making for one of the most unique places to get married in Queensland. After saying your vows on the rooftop, head below deck for your first night as man and wife, staying in one of two underwater suites, each boasting premium bedding, glass-walled ensuite and floor-to-ceiling views of the surrounding rainbow-hued reef.

Flames of the Forest, Port Douglas

Hold your wedding under one of Australia’s most famous canopies with a ceremony hosted by Flames of the Forest. The multi-award-winning rainforest dining experience sits just 10 minutes away from Port Douglas amongst the surrounding foliage of the Daintree. It’s here that you and up to 200 of your guests will be able to dine on a locally sourced, tropically inspired menu, all the while enjoying total seclusion from within a black silk-lined marquee, dressed with handmade crystal and bud light chandeliers.

Capricorn Caves, Rockhampton

Ever fancied the idea of saying I do underground? Your fantasy can become a reality at the Capricorn Caves, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the beef capital of Rockhampton. This maze of limestone caves has become a major eco attraction and thanks to being privately owned, is an option for any wedding ceremony. Undeniably one of the more unique places to get married in Queensland, the Capricorn Caves are available for hire with the Cathedral Cave (renowned for its acoustics) hosting pews for up to 70 guests, plus standing room.

Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast

Consider yourself an animal lover? Then you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more suitable place to get married than Australia Zoo. Certainly one of the most unique places to get married in Queensland, this state icon is where founder the Croc Hunter Steve Irwin met and married his wife Terri. You’re welcomed to tie the knot amongst these world-famous zoo grounds, a space devoted to the conservation of Australia (and the world’s) creatures. There are a series of wedding packages available here to enjoy, from elopement (among furry friends) to a chance to say your vows on Australia Zoo’s African savannah, among zebras and giraffes.

Smoked Garage, Brisbane

Forgo tradition with a wedding held at Brisbane’s Smoked Garage. The Fortitude Valley residence is a haven for motorcycle enthusiasts that has turned its attention to the big day, becoming one of the more unique places to get married in Queensland. Coupled are welcomed to say their vows inside this converted warehouse dating back to the 1800s, surrounded by vintage motorbikes, industrial furnishings, and bespoke artwork. Receptions are also welcome of course, with parties of up to 200 welcomed to enjoy the specialty rooftop space, complete with glass ceiling.

Sea World, Gold Coast

While you may enjoy getting hitched on one of the many stunning beaches of the Gold Coast, there are plenty of one-of-a-kind destinations to say I do here away from the sand. Pre-honeymoon, exchange vows at one of the most unique places to get married in Queensland, Sea World. While the theme park may be one of the best places to spend the day (especially with family in tow) it’s also an ideal way to host a truly memorable ceremony. Say your vows with only the dolphins as witnesses at Dolphin Beach, followed by a reception under the sea in the glass-encased Shark Bay.

Mount View Farm, Gold Coast 

Grab your spouse-to-be and make way for the rolling hills of the Gold Coast Hinterland where you’ll find Mountview Farm. Forming a part of the much-loved O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards this alpaca farm welcomes guests daily to drop by for a sip of local wine and a picnic among the vines, as well as wedding parties on the hunt for something truly special. If you do choose to exchange vows here, you have the chance to do it with alpacas in tow - the animals are able to walk down the aisle with you, pose for wedding photos, and mingle with your guests throughout the ceremony.

Rainforestation, Kuranda

Or choose to say “I do” among the pristine 100 acre grounds of multi-award-winning Rainforestation. Tucked into the Kuranda Rainforest near Cairns, this cultural precinct was built back in the 1970s and today remains a popular place to not only visit, but to host a special occasion thanks to its dedicated events space dubbed Rainforest Lakes. This outdoor offering nudges luscious World Heritage Rainforest and boasts plenty of stunning photo opportunities, from its fairytale lake to fruit orchard with a dainty rotunda.

Mary Valley Rattler, Sunshine Coast

If you’re looking for a unique place to celebrate, on board a heritage steam train as it rolls through the countryside has to be up there with the best.

Mary Valley Rattler’s new ‘Veils and Rails’ packages will be a hit with couples looking to inject a historical spin on their big day. Hold the ceremony at the historic Gympie, Amamoor or Dagun train stations, before the wedding party and their guests jump on the Rattler for a journey through picturesque Mary Valley, canapes and drinks flowing. Once back at Gympie Station, kick on with festivities: everything from a cocktail function to a gourmet sit-down dinner can be hosted right here.