Getting married on the Mornington Peninsula
Updated by the Wedlii planning team
The Mornington Peninsula is a favourite for couples who want a coastal getaway close to Melbourne. You get calm bay beaches on one side, wild ocean coast on the other, and rolling vineyards in between.
It suits a relaxed winery lunch, a sunset ceremony on a bayside lawn or a cliff-top elopement. Many couples turn it into a weekend, with guests staying in the seaside towns.
The catch: the weather is cooler and more changeable than up north, and beaches are managed by different groups. Know who to ask, plan for wind and rain, and the Peninsula is easy.
What is the best time of year to get married on the Mornington Peninsula?
February to April is the best time to get married on the Mornington Peninsula. Late summer and early autumn bring warm days of 19–25°C and some of the fewest rainy days of the year. February is the driest month, averaging about 4 rain days. Bureau of Meteorology
Summer (December to February) is the warmest season, with top temperatures of 23–25°C. Winter (June to August) is cool, with days around 13–14°C and about 10 rain days a month. June is the wettest month, averaging around 71 mm of rain. Spring (September to November) warms up slowly, from about 16°C in September to 20°C in November. Bureau of Meteorology
| Season | Months | Average top temp | Average rain days per month | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Sep–Nov | 16–20°C | 7–9 | Cool start, warmer by November |
| Summer | Dec–Feb | 23–25°C | 4–6 | Warmest and driest months |
| Autumn | Mar–May | 16–23°C | 5–9 | March and April are lovely |
| Winter | Jun–Aug | 13–14°C | 10 | Cool and wettest, cosy indoors |
Our planners recommend a wet weather and wind plan, whatever the season.
Where can you get married on the Mornington Peninsula?
The Mornington Peninsula has four main wedding settings, and many couples pair a beach or lawn ceremony with a winery reception.
- Bayside lawns and foreshores. Mount Martha Parade Lawn, Sorrento Foreshore, Sorrento Park and Schnapper Point Lookout in Mornington are on the Shire's list of wedding locations. Schnapper Point is a small space, suited to a party of ten or fewer. Mornington Peninsula Shire
- Ocean beaches and Point Nepean. Cape Schanck, Bushrangers Bay, Gunnamatta and the Portsea, Sorrento, Rye and Flinders ocean beaches are managed by Parks Victoria. At Point Nepean National Park, ceremony sites include the Quarantine Station Beach and the Bath House Lawn Area. Mornington Peninsula ShireParks Victoria
- Wineries and the hinterland. The green hills around Red Hill, Main Ridge and Merricks North are full of cellar doors and private estates. A favourite for long lunches and vineyard photos.
- Gardens and historic homesteads. The Briars in Mount Martha is one of the Shire's listed wedding locations, and you book it directly with The Briars team. Mornington Peninsula Shire
Shire wedding permits last three hours, and temporary structures can't be put up in public open space. That's why our planners recommend a private venue for the reception. Mornington Peninsula Shire
Do you need a permit to get married on the beach on the Mornington Peninsula?
Yes, for Shire and Parks Victoria beaches and parks, and who you apply to depends on the spot. Some foreshores are run by volunteer committees, so contact them directly. Mornington Peninsula ShireParks Victoria
| Who manages it | Places | How to book |
|---|---|---|
| Mornington Peninsula Shire | Outdoor spaces the Shire owns or manages, such as Mount Martha Parade Lawn, Sorrento Foreshore, Sorrento Park and Schnapper Point | Apply online through Bookable at least 3 weeks ahead |
| Parks Victoria | Point Nepean National Park, Cape Schanck, Bushrangers Bay, Gunnamatta Beach, Portsea, Rye, Sorrento, St Andrews and Flinders ocean beaches | Apply to Parks Victoria at least 8 weeks ahead. Point Nepean has its own application form |
| Volunteer Committees of Management | Foreshores including Balnarring, Blairgowrie and Rye West front beach, Capel Sound and Tootgarook, Crib Point and Stony Point, Dromana (except the Shire lawns beside the pier), Merricks, Point Leo and Shoreham | Contact the committee directly |
| The Briars | The Briars, Mount Martha | Email the.briars@mornpen.vic.gov.au or call (03) 5950 1221 |
- Shire land: permits are for three hours. You can have up to 20 chairs and one arch, held down with weights, as pegging isn't allowed. Confetti, rose petals and rice aren't permitted, and naked flame torches are banned all year. Fees are paid when you book. Mornington Peninsula Shire
- Alcohol on Shire land: if your ceremony is in an alcohol exclusion zone, serving alcohol is strictly prohibited. Mornington Peninsula Shire
- Parks Victoria spots, like Point Nepean: confetti, rice, balloon releases and rose or flower petals aren't allowed, and nothing can be attached to trees or buildings. Music may be allowed depending on the location, so say so in your application. Fees depend on your activities, location and setup. Parks Victoria
- Bigger Parks Victoria weddings: if more than 100 people attend, including the bridal party, you'll need to supply a public liability insurance certificate. Parks Victoria
- It's never exclusive. Shire permits don't give you exclusive use of the space, and you can't rope it off from the public. Mornington Peninsula Shire
- Plan parking. Vehicles, including the bridal car, can't drive onto Shire open space, beaches or parks. Car parks can't be reserved and normal parking rules apply. Mornington Peninsula Shire
Permit conditions can change, so confirm them with the Shire, Parks Victoria or the committee before you set your date.
How far ahead should you book a Mornington Peninsula wedding?
Our planners recommend booking your venue and date 12 to 18 months ahead for a summer or autumn Mornington Peninsula wedding, as Saturdays at popular wineries go first.
- 12–18 months out: venue and date, then your photographer and celebrant.
- 9–12 months out: guest accommodation. Summer weekends on the Peninsula are holiday time, so hold rooms or holiday houses early.
- 6–9 months out: florist, hair and makeup, music, and guest transport between the coast and the wineries.
- 3–6 months out: your beach or park permit. Parks Victoria needs applications at least 8 weeks ahead, and the Shire at least 3 weeks, so don't leave it late. Parks VictoriaMornington Peninsula Shire
- 1–3 months out: final numbers, timeline, and a wet weather and wind plan.
Getting married on a Friday, Sunday or in winter? You'll find more availability, and cosy fireside venues.
Mornington Peninsula wedding questions
Can you drink alcohol at a beach wedding on the Mornington Peninsula?
On Shire land, serving alcohol is strictly prohibited if your ceremony is in an alcohol exclusion zone. On Parks Victoria land, include any alcohol and catering details in your permit application. Mornington Peninsula ShireParks Victoria
Is confetti allowed at a Mornington Peninsula wedding?
Not on public land. The Shire doesn't permit confetti, rose petals or rice, and Parks Victoria doesn't allow confetti, rice, balloon releases or petals. Our planners suggest bubbles or a big cheer as you walk back down the aisle. Mornington Peninsula ShireParks Victoria
Can you get married at Point Nepean?
Yes, with a Parks Victoria permit. Ceremony sites include the Bath House Lawn Area, Quarantine Station Beach, First Class Dining Hall lawn, Commanding Officer's House and Jarman Oval foreshore lawn. Parks Victoria
Can you have a private beach ceremony on the Mornington Peninsula?
Not on Shire land, as permits don't give exclusive use and the area can't be cordoned off. For privacy, choose an early morning time, a quieter spot or a private venue. Mornington Peninsula Shire
Where do Mornington Peninsula wedding guests stay?
Guests often stay in Mornington, Sorrento, Rye, Dromana or Red Hill, depending on where the venue is. A few beach houses can sleep a whole group of family or friends.
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