Getting married in Melbourne
Updated by the Wedlii planning team
Melbourne is a city made for weddings. Couples love its leafy gardens, grand old buildings, hidden laneway bars and some of the best food and wine in the country.
You can say your vows under old elm trees in the morning and dance in a warehouse or rooftop bar that night. The Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula are close by for a wine country wedding too.
The catch is the weather. Melbourne can be warm and sunny one hour and cool and showery the next, so a good wet weather plan is a must in every season.
What is the best time of year to get married in Melbourne?
February and March are the best months to get married in Melbourne. They have the fewest rain days of the year, averaging 3 to 5, with average tops of 24–26°C. February is the driest month for rain days, averaging just 3. Bureau of Meteorology
January is the warmest month, with average tops of 27°C. April is a good runner-up, with milder 21°C days and around 7 rain days. Spring (September to November) is mild at 18–22°C, but it has some of the most rain days, and October averages 9. Winter (June to August) is cool, with tops of 14–16°C and 8–9 rain days a month. Bureau of Meteorology
| Season | Months | Average top temp | Average rain days per month | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Sep–Nov | 18–22°C | 8–9 | Mild, but October has the most rain days |
| Summer | Dec–Feb | 25–27°C | 3–6 | Warmest, and February is driest |
| Autumn | Mar–May | 18–24°C | 5–8 | March is mild and fairly dry |
| Winter | Jun–Aug | 14–16°C | 8–9 | Cool days, plan for indoors |
Melbourne weather can change quickly, so always have a wet weather plan, whatever the season.
Where can you get married in Melbourne?
Melbourne has five main wedding settings, and many couples mix two: a garden ceremony, then a reception in a city or wine country venue.
- City gardens. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens, Treasury Gardens and Carlton Gardens give you big old trees, lawns and heritage charm, right near the city.
- Parks Victoria parks. Parks Victoria issues wedding permits for places like Werribee Park, with its manicured grounds, and Dandenong Ranges Gardens in the hills east of the city. Parks Victoria
- Laneways, rooftops and warehouses. Inner-city bars, restaurants and converted warehouses suit couples who want a stylish, urban party.
- Wine country. The Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula are home to wineries and estates, great for long lunches and vineyard views.
- Bayside. Suburbs on Port Phillip Bay, like St Kilda, Brighton and Williamstown, give you water views and sunset light.
At the Royal Botanic Gardens, furniture and styling aren't included and the standard booking is three hours, so plan your reception at a separate venue. Gardens House, The Terrace and The Observatory sit inside the Gardens but are booked directly with their own operators. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Do you need a permit to get married in a park in Melbourne?
Usually, yes. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and Parks Victoria each need a booking or permit for a wedding ceremony, and each has its own rules. Royal Botanic Gardens VictoriaParks Victoria
| Who manages it | Places | How to book |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria | Outdoor lawns and pavilions across Melbourne Gardens | Enquire through the Gardens' venue hire team |
| Parks Victoria | Parks Victoria estate, such as Werribee Park and Dandenong Ranges Gardens | Apply at least 8 weeks ahead. Dandenong Ranges Gardens and Werribee Mansion have their own application forms |
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne Gardens: the standard booking is three hours, with no access before or after. Your booking includes exclusive use of your ceremony spot and a photography permit for your photo and video team. Furniture and styling aren't included. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
- Parks Victoria: you need a permit for a wedding ceremony, or wedding photos and filming, on Parks Victoria land. Confetti, rice, balloon releases and flower petals aren't allowed. Decorations can't be attached to buildings, structures or trees. Parks Victoria
- Bigger Parks Victoria weddings: if more than 100 people (including the bridal party) will attend, you'll need proof of public liability insurance. Permit fees depend on your activities, location and setup. Parks Victoria
- The public is still around. The Botanic Gardens stay open to the public during your ceremony. At Werribee Mansion, Parks Victoria says clear pathways must be kept for visitors and other bridal parties. Royal Botanic Gardens VictoriaParks Victoria
- Music depends on the spot. Parks Victoria says music may be allowed depending on the location, so mention it in your application. Parks Victoria
Dreaming of Fitzroy, Treasury or Carlton Gardens? These are managed by the City of Melbourne, so our planners recommend checking the council's wedding permit rules before you book.
Permit conditions can change, so confirm them with the Gardens, Parks Victoria or council before you set your date.
How far ahead should you book a Melbourne wedding?
Our planners recommend booking your venue and date 12 to 18 months ahead for a Melbourne wedding, especially for a Saturday in late summer, autumn or spring.
- 12–18 months out: venue and date, then your photographer and celebrant. Garden and winery venues with a wet weather space go early.
- 9–12 months out: guest accommodation, especially if you're marrying in the Yarra Valley or on the Mornington Peninsula, where there are fewer rooms than in the city.
- 6–9 months out: florist, hair and makeup, music, and guest transport between ceremony and reception.
- 3–6 months out: your garden or park booking. Parks Victoria needs complete applications at least 8 weeks before your wedding date, so don't leave it late. Parks Victoria
- 1–3 months out: final numbers, timeline and a confirmed wet weather plan.
Getting married on a weekday or in winter? You'll find more availability, and Melbourne's cosy indoor venues really shine.
Melbourne wedding questions
Can you get married in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne?
Yes. The Gardens' team books ceremony permits for outdoor lawns and pavilions across Melbourne Gardens. The standard booking is three hours, with no access before or after. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Is confetti allowed at a park wedding in Melbourne?
Not on Parks Victoria land, where confetti, rice, balloon releases and flower petals aren't allowed. Other land managers have their own rules, so ask before you buy. Parks Victoria
Will the public be around at a Botanic Gardens ceremony?
Yes. The Gardens stay open to the public during your event, but your booking gives you exclusive use of your chosen ceremony spot for the booked time. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
How far ahead do you need a Parks Victoria wedding permit?
Apply at least 8 weeks before your wedding date, with all your documents included. Your permit isn't confirmed until payment is received. Parks Victoria
What should Melbourne wedding guests know?
Pack layers and an umbrella, as Melbourne weather can change quickly. If the ceremony and reception are in different places, plan transport or share public transport tips.
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