Getting married on the Gold Coast
Updated by the Wedlii planning team
The Gold Coast gives you two weddings in one place. There are long surf beaches and calm Broadwater shores on one side, and rainforest mountains a short drive inland.
It's easy for guests, too. There's an airport at Coolangatta, plenty of places to stay at every budget, and lots of venues used to hosting weddings.
The catch: public parks and beaches come with rules. You can't drink alcohol in a council park, you can't close off your spot, and summer is hot and wet. Plan around these and it's a dream.
What is the best time of year to get married on the Gold Coast?
August to October is the best time to get married on the Gold Coast. Days are mild at 22–26°C, and these months have some of the fewest rain days of the year. August averages only about 4 rain days, and September is the driest month for rainfall. Bureau of Meteorology
Summer (December to February) is hot, with average tops of 28–29°C. February is the wettest month, averaging over 180 mm of rain, and March has the most rain days. Autumn (March to May) cools down and dries out as it goes. Winter (June to August) brings mild 21–22°C days and the fewest rain days, great for an outdoor ceremony. Bureau of Meteorology
| Season | Months | Average top temp | Average rain days per month | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Sep–Nov | 24–27°C | 5–8 | Warm and fairly dry, gets wetter by November |
| Summer | Dec–Feb | 28–29°C | 9–10 | Hot and the wettest season |
| Autumn | Mar–May | 24–28°C | 8–11 | March is wet, May is mild |
| Winter | Jun–Aug | 21–22°C | 4–6 | Mild days and the fewest rain days |
Whichever month you pick, keep a Plan B up your sleeve for rain.
Where can you get married on the Gold Coast?
You can get married on a Gold Coast surf beach, by the calm Broadwater, in a council park or chapel, in the hinterland, or at a private venue. Many couples pair a beach or park ceremony with a reception somewhere else.
- Surf beaches. Stretches like Burleigh Heads, Currumbin, Kirra and Coolangatta give you ocean views and soft morning or late-afternoon light. Ceremonies on a surf beach need a council permit (see below).
- Flat-water shores and parklands. Calm spots like Tallebudgera Creek and the Broadwater Parklands suit couples who want water views without the surf. For these, you book the park next to the water. City of Gold Coast
- Council parks, gardens and a chapel. Some council parks have ocean views, gardens, rotundas and seating. You can also book the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, or the heritage-listed St Margaret's Chapel at HOTA Parklands. City of Gold Coast
- The hinterland. Tamborine, Springbrook and Lamington National Parks bring rainforest and mountain views. A favourite for couples who want cooler air and lush green photos. Gold Coast and hinterland parks map
- Resorts, restaurants and private venues. The easy choice for a reception, with catering, a bar, power and shelter from the weather sorted for you.
Planning to toast, eat and dance? Book a private venue for that part. Alcohol isn't allowed in public parks under Queensland law, and council parks have no power supply. City of Gold Coast
Do you need a permit to get married on the beach on the Gold Coast?
Yes. A ceremony on a Gold Coast surf beach needs a Beach wedding permit from the City of Gold Coast, and council parks are booked through council too. City of Gold Coast
| Who manages it | Places | How to book |
|---|---|---|
| City of Gold Coast | Surf beaches | Apply to council for a Beach wedding permit |
| City of Gold Coast | Council parks, flat-water beaches (book the park next to them), Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, St Margaret's Chapel | Book online with council's park wedding form |
| City of Gold Coast | Broadwater Parklands | Book with council's separate Broadwater Parklands form |
| Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service | National parks such as Tamborine, Springbrook, Lamington and Burleigh Head | If you think you may need a permit, or aren't sure, send QPWS a notification; wedding groups over 40 may need an organised event permit |
- Council parks: bookings are in two-hour blocks, and you can't set up before your time starts. Chairs are limited to 20. You can bring a carpeted aisle, arch, flags, a signing table and a 3 m x 3 m pop-up marquee, but no pegs in the grass. City of Gold Coast
- Music, drinks and confetti in council parks: acoustic and amplified music is fine, but not over 72 decibels, and there's no power. Alcohol isn't allowed. Confetti must be biodegradable, petals and bubbles are fine, and rice is banned as it attracts wildlife. City of Gold Coast
- It's not exclusive. Council parks can't be used exclusively or roped off from the public. Booking a nominated park is the best way to make sure no other wedding is on at the same time. Broadwater Parklands has exclusive use areas, and a fee applies. City of Gold Coast
- No cars in the park. Vehicle access isn't allowed, and park gates won't be opened for private events. Fees apply once your booking is confirmed, and booking fees are non-refundable. City of Gold Coast
- National parks (QPWS): these follow state rules, not council rules. You may need an organised event permit if your group, including a wedding group, has more than 40 people in day use areas or on walking tracks. QPWS will email you to say whether you need one. Queensland Parks and Wildlife
Council and QPWS can update their conditions at any time, so confirm the current rules with them before you lock in your date.
How far ahead should you book a Gold Coast wedding?
Our planners recommend booking your venue and date 12 to 18 months ahead for a Gold Coast wedding, especially if you want a Saturday in the drier months of August to October.
- 12–18 months out: venue and date, then your photographer and celebrant. City of Gold Coast also suggests securing your park date early. City of Gold Coast
- 9–12 months out: guest accommodation. If you're marrying in the hinterland, hold rooms up the mountain so guests aren't driving after the reception.
- 6–9 months out: flowers, hair and makeup, your band or DJ, and a shuttle if guests are travelling between the coast and the hinterland.
- 3–6 months out: check your national park plans. QPWS asks you to allow up to 15 business days for a reply to a notification, so don't leave it late. Queensland Parks and Wildlife
- 1–3 months out: lock in guest numbers and the run sheet, and confirm your rain plan, especially for a summer wedding.
Need more flexibility? Our planners suggest looking at a weekday or a summer date.
Gold Coast wedding questions
Can you drink alcohol at a park wedding on the Gold Coast?
No. Drinking alcohol in a public park isn't allowed under Queensland Government law. Save the champagne toast for your reception venue. City of Gold Coast
Is confetti allowed at a Gold Coast park wedding?
Yes, if it's biodegradable. Council parks also allow loose rose petals and bubbles, but rice is banned because it attracts wildlife. City of Gold Coast
Do you need a permit for a beach wedding on the Gold Coast?
Yes for surf beaches, which need a Beach wedding permit from City of Gold Coast. For flat-water beaches, you book the park next to the water instead, such as Tallebudgera Creek Park for Tallebudgera Creek. City of Gold Coast
Can you get married in a national park in the Gold Coast hinterland?
Yes. Parks like Tamborine, Springbrook and Lamington are managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. A wedding group of more than 40 people in day use areas or on walking tracks may need an organised event permit. Gold Coast and hinterland parks mapQueensland Parks and Wildlife
Is there an undercover option for a Gold Coast park wedding?
Laguna Park, Cascade Gardens and Harley Park have small undercover areas, but they can't be booked exclusively. Council strongly suggests having a Plan B for rain or storms. City of Gold Coast
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