Tie the knot at these Queensland island wedding destinations

Fantasising about a tropical twist to your commitment ceremony? It’s in Queensland that you’ll find a treasure trove of picturesque islands that will form the perfect backdrop to your big day. The following collection of Queensland island wedding destinations offer some of the best vistas in the country and can cater to ceremonies of all shapes and sizes.

Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)

Nature lovers will be hard-pressed to find a better venue than North Stradbroke Island, just a quick ferry from Brisbane’s bayside. On arrival you’ll be greeted by a slew of pristine beaches, not to mention the abundance of native flora and fauna (dolphins included). Straddie is home to specialists like Stradbroke Island Events who will help you to say your vows amongst the elements. Or host your function at the Point Lookout Surf Life Saving Club, home to unbeatable views of the island and its surrounding waters.

Moreton Island

One of the more popular Queensland island wedding destinations is Moreton Island. Not just because of its convenience to the Queensland capital (just a 75 minute ferry) but the sandy stretch offers a unique ceremony opportunity to celebrate with a beach bonfire reception. Toast to your partner on the sand as you watch the sun set over Moreton Bay and the neighbouring Glasshouse Mountains - special offering from Tangalooma Resort can cater for up to 250.

Pumpkin Island

Keep things intimate with exclusive access to the petite Pumpkin Island, one of the more secluded Queensland island wedding destinations. Up to 34 guests are allowed at any one time to the eco-friendly getaway, which is as understated as it is private. Enjoy the chance to celebrate in private on the secret gem of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, found just 14 kilometres off-shore from Yeppoon. As for accommodation, you have five eco-friendly self-catering cottages and two beach bungalows to choose from.

K'gari (Fraser Island)

Make for the world’s largest sand island before you walk down the aisle - K'gari (Fraser Island) is well-recognised for its bounty of beautiful natural landmarks, from rainforest, to beach and (of course) sand dunes, making for plenty of wedding photo potential. As for the ceremony itself, Kingfisher Bay Resort boasts its own wedding coordinator to help you organise your big day (and the preceding events to boot).

Heron Island

Wed within arm’s reach of the iconic Great Barrier Reef on Heron Island. A marine wonderland, the coral cay sits near the Tropic of Capricorn and attracts divers in their droves thanks to its coral and turtles (loggerhead and green turtles hatch here regularly to boot). These aquamarine waters and rainbow-hued reefs make it an ideal Queensland island wedding destination. Say I do on the sand, in view of the reef, before you and your guests retire to the only accommodation nearby, Heron Island Resort.

Lady Elliot Island

An eco-friendly wedding is an option on Lady Elliot Island. Sustainability is championed in every sense on this coral cay, which is proudly free from WiFi, TVs, and mobile reception. But what it lacks in technology Lady Elliot makes up for in natural beauty, and is famously home to reefs overflowing with life. With only 80 people allowed on shore at once this is the ideal Queensland island wedding destination for those who value the great outdoors.

Lizard Island

Host a glamorous affair on Lizard Island. Sitting on the Great Barrier Reef’s top tip, this national park is famed for its wildlife and sandy stretches, with 24 private beaches to choose from. If the natural wonders don’t tempt you the accommodation will - Lizard Island Resort is considered one of Australia’s most sumptuous retreats, the award-winning establishment making for a particularly indulgent option among Queensland’s island wedding destinations.

Daydream Island

Why not marry your beloved in a truly indulgent ceremony at the revamped Daydream Island Resort. The Whitsundays resident recently underwent an extensive renovation and now offers 277 suites and rooms to house your guests, not to mention the ‘living reef’, its free-form coral lagoon stretching 200 metres around the resort’s central buildings and holding 1.5 million litres of water.

Featured image: @brookemilesweddingphotography

Fitzroy Island

There may be nowhere more tropical to wed than Fitzroy Island, a slice of paradise neighbouring Cairns that is surrounded by reef and awash with both beaches and rainforest. Conveniently, local resident Fitzroy Island Resort can help you organise everything for your big day, including the choice between one of five separate wedding venues, ranging from Nudey Beach to a garden-based ceremony fringed with palms.

Magnetic Island

Within arm’s reach to Townsville resides Magnetic Island, a land where hoop pine forest, secluded bays, and granite headlands mingle. Aside from its picture-perfect vista, prospective wedding parties will be delighted to hear about the sheer array of accommodation also on offer, from self-contained units to family-friendly resorts.

Hamilton Island

Say I do on one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most popular destinations, Hamilton Island. The beloved getaway is home to an impressive number of wedding-focused specialists to help you plan your big day while in paradise. Special mention goes to Hamilton Island Weddings and their bounty of packages, including a chance to host a ceremony on the iconic Whitehaven Beach, arriving by helicopter.

Long Island

Say your vows on one of the lesser-known Queensland island wedding destinations. Long Island belongs to the Whitsundays Group and is closest to the mainland. For a truly memorable experience, host your ceremony at the serene Elysian Retreat, a retreat heavy on seclusion and luxury both and settled amidst 3 hectares of private cove and rainforest.

Hayman Island

Indulgent wedding on the cards? Make way for the Intercontinental Hayman Island, which long has been one of the most popular Queensland island wedding destinations. The luxury retreat is well-versed in memorable affairs and offers an impressive array of wedding packages, catering for ceremonies big and small, from elopements to celebrations of 300 guests (or more).