Getting married in Margaret River
Updated by the Wedlii planning team
Margaret River brings together wild surf beaches, tall karri forests and rolling vineyards, all within a short drive. It's a dream for couples who love good food, good wine and the outdoors.
You can say your vows on a beach at sunset, then celebrate with a long lunch or dinner at a winery or private estate. Guests travelling down from Perth can turn it into a weekend away, with a cellar door visit or a swim the next day.
The catch is the weather. Winter here is wet, and Shire beaches are shared with the public. Pick your season wisely, have a wet weather plan, and Margaret River is a joy.
What is the best time of year to get married in Margaret River?
November to March is the best time to get married in Margaret River. Days average 23–27°C, with just 2–6 rain days a month. March is a sweet spot, averaging 25.6°C and about 4 rain days. Bureau of Meteorology
January and February are the driest months, each averaging under 3 rain days. Winter (June to August) is the wettest time, with July averaging 194 mm of rain over 19 rain days. Autumn gets wetter as it goes, and May averages nearly 12 rain days. Spring warms up slowly, and November is much drier than September. Bureau of Meteorology
| Season | Months | Average top temp | Average rain days per month | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Sep–Nov | 18–23°C | 6–15 | Wet start, lovely by November |
| Summer | Dec–Feb | 25–27°C | 2–3 | Warmest and driest |
| Autumn | Mar–May | 20–26°C | 4–12 | March is ideal, May turns wet |
| Winter | Jun–Aug | 16–18°C | 16–19 | Wettest, cosy indoor weddings |
Even in the dry months, our planners recommend a covered backup and a plan for wind on exposed coastal spots.
Where can you get married in Margaret River?
You can marry on a Shire beach or reserve, in the forest, or at a winery, and a coastal ceremony followed by a winery reception is a lovely combination.
- Beaches and coastal parks. Gnarabup Beach, Rockpool Beach, Melaleuca at Gracetown and Flinders Bay at Augusta are Shire-managed ceremony spots with ocean views. They're public spaces and need a Shire permit (see below). Shire of Augusta Margaret River
- Wineries and estates. Vineyards around Wilyabrup, Cowaramup and Yallingup are made for long lunches and dinners among the vines.
- Forests. Tall karri trees, like those in Boranup Forest, make a cool, shady backdrop. Spots inside national parks are managed by DBCA, not the Shire (see below). Shire of Augusta Margaret River
- Restaurants, breweries and boutique stays. A good fit for an intimate wedding, especially if you'd rather skip hiring and styling a blank space.
Our planners recommend booking a private venue for your reception, so catering, drinks and dancing are all taken care of.
Do you need a permit to get married on the beach in Margaret River?
Yes. A permit is needed for any ceremony on Shire-managed land, and national park locations are managed separately by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). Shire of Augusta Margaret River
| Who manages it | Places | How to book |
|---|---|---|
| Shire of Augusta Margaret River | Augusta Town Park, Gnarabup Beach, Flinders Bay, Melaleuca (Gracetown), Pioneer Park (Cowaramup), Rockpool Beach | Apply online with the Shire's Ceremony Permit Application |
| Parks and Wildlife Service WA (DBCA) | Locations within national parks, such as Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park | Call the Blackwood District office on 9752 5555 for advice |
- Booking with the Shire: you choose your location, date and time online and get an instant booking confirmation. A secure payment link is then emailed to you, and your permit is issued once payment is received. Shire of Augusta Margaret River
- It's never exclusive. Exclusive use can't be granted on Shire land. Beaches and reserves are shared, so expect walkers and swimmers nearby, and keep your ceremony from affecting them. Shire of Augusta Margaret River
- Look after the spot. Guests must keep to pathways and off the vegetation, and leave wildlife alone. Dogs must be on a leash unless you're in a dog exercise area. You can't move or remove seaweed, even if a lot has washed up. Shire of Augusta Margaret River
- National parks are separate. The Shire doesn't handle ceremonies in national parks. Contact Parks and Wildlife Service for advice before you plan a ceremony there. Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Permit conditions can change, so confirm the current ones with the Shire or Parks and Wildlife Service when you apply.
How far ahead should you book a Margaret River wedding?
Our planners recommend securing your venue and date 12 to 18 months ahead for a Margaret River wedding between November and March, the warmest and driest stretch.
- 12–18 months out: lock in your winery or venue first, then your photographer and celebrant.
- 9–12 months out: sort guest stays in Margaret River town or along the coast, and share the options with your guests early.
- 6–9 months out: book a florist, hair and makeup and music, plus a bus between the ceremony spot and the winery.
- 3–6 months out: your Shire ceremony permit. You apply online and get a booking confirmation straight away, then pay by an emailed link. Shire of Augusta Margaret River
- 1–3 months out: confirm guest numbers, your run sheet and your rain backup.
Open to a winter date? A fireside winery wedding can be beautiful, and our planners often see more choice of dates in the quieter months.
Margaret River wedding questions
Can you get married on the beach in Margaret River?
Yes. The Shire of Augusta Margaret River issues ceremony permits for spots including Gnarabup Beach, Rockpool Beach and Flinders Bay. You apply online, then pay through an emailed link. Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Can you have a private beach ceremony in Margaret River?
Not on Shire land. The Shire says exclusive use can't be granted, as its beaches and reserves are shared spaces. If privacy matters, our planners suggest a private estate or winery. Shire of Augusta Margaret River
How do you get married in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park?
Locations within national parks are managed by DBCA, not the Shire. Call the Parks and Wildlife Service Blackwood District office on 9752 5555 for advice. Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Does it rain a lot in Margaret River in winter?
Yes. July is the wettest month, averaging 194 mm of rain over 19 rain days. January and February average under 3 rain days each. Bureau of Meteorology
Where do Margaret River wedding guests stay?
Margaret River town, Prevelly, Gnarabup, Cowaramup and Yallingup are handy bases. Our planners suggest staying close to your venue to keep travel short.
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