Getting married in Sydney
Updated by the Wedlii planning team
Sydney gives you the harbour as your backdrop. You can say your vows on a sandstone headland, under a fig tree in a heritage garden, or in a little park rotunda right in the city.
It suits every size of wedding, from an elopement with two witnesses to a big harbourside party. Guests can fly straight in, and there are hotels, restaurants and suppliers for every style.
The catch: Sydney's parks and foreshores are run by lots of different land managers, each with their own rules. Work out who manages your spot first, and the rest is easy.
What is the best time of year to get married in Sydney?
September to November is the best time to get married in Sydney. Spring brings mild days of 20–24°C and some of the fewest rain days of the year. September has the lowest average rainfall, at 68 mm. Bureau of Meteorology
Summer (December to February) is warm, with average tops of 25–26°C and 8–9 rain days a month. Autumn (March to May) starts warm, but March has the most rain days of the year, close to 10. Winter (June to August) is cool at 16–18°C. June gets the most rain by volume, while July and August have fewer rain days. Bureau of Meteorology
| Season | Months | Average top temp | Average rain days per month | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Sep–Nov | 20–24°C | 7–8 | Mild, September is driest |
| Summer | Dec–Feb | 25–26°C | 8–9 | Warmest, plan shade for guests |
| Autumn | Mar–May | 20–25°C | 9–10 | Warm start, March is wettest |
| Winter | Jun–Aug | 16–18°C | 7–9 | Cool, crisp days, June is wet |
Sydney rain can come in any month, so have a wet weather plan for outdoor spots.
Where can you get married in Sydney?
Sydney has four main wedding settings: harbour headlands, botanic gardens, city parks and private venues. A popular plan is to marry outdoors, then move to a venue for the reception.
- Harbour headlands and islands. Sydney Harbour National Park has wedding spots like Bradleys Head Amphitheatre, Greycliffe Gardens, Middle Head, South Head, Shark Island and Clark Island. NSW National Parks
- The Royal Botanic Garden. Garden lawns and pavilions in the heart of the city, including Tarpeian Lawn, Harbour View Lawn, Fig Tree Lawn and the Palace Rose Garden and Pavilion. Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
- City parks. Small, pretty spaces for intimate ceremonies, like the rotunda in Observatory Park. City of Sydney
- Restaurants, hotels and harbourside venues. Ideal when you want the ceremony, food, drinks and dancing all in one place.
For a reception, you'll need a venue. City of Sydney can't approve wedding receptions in outdoor spaces, and at Greycliffe Gardens commercial catering can only come from Nielsen Park Café and Restaurant. City of SydneyNSW National Parks: Greycliffe Gardens
Do you need a permit to get married in a park or by the harbour in Sydney?
It depends on who manages the spot. In City of Sydney parks, you need approval if your ceremony uses any equipment or a booked space like a rotunda. Harbour national park spots and the Royal Botanic Garden take their own bookings. City of SydneyNSW National ParksRoyal Botanic Garden Sydney
| Who manages it | Places | How to book |
|---|---|---|
| City of Sydney | City parks and public spaces, like Observatory Park | Apply online at least 4 weeks ahead |
| NSW National Parks | Sydney Harbour National Park spots, like Bradleys Head Amphitheatre, Greycliffe Gardens, Middle Head and South Head | Book through the NSW National Parks page for your chosen spot |
| Royal Botanic Garden Sydney | Garden lawns and pavilions, like Tarpeian Lawn and Harbour View Lawn | Contact the Garden's Venues team (events@botanicgardens.nsw.gov.au) |
- City of Sydney parks: guests are limited to 35, including the wedding party, and bookings are in 3-hour blocks. You can bring up to 30 chairs, a carpet and one table, but no catering, vehicles or extra infrastructure. Drones aren't allowed. A fee applies, and your booking isn't confirmed until it's paid. City of Sydney
- It's not a private park. If you book a City rotunda, like the one in Observatory Park, you get exclusive use of the rotunda only. The rest of the park stays open to the public. City of Sydney
- Greycliffe Gardens, in Sydney Harbour National Park: you can bring 1 bottle of wine or champagne for every 4 guests, 15 chairs, up to 3 tables and a weighted bridal arch. Music is limited to one portable speaker up to 50 watts. All rubbish must leave the park with you. Each National Parks spot has its own conditions, so check your venue's page. NSW National Parks: Greycliffe Gardens
- Royal Botanic Garden: each spot has its own capacity. For example, Victoria Lodge holds 50 guests and Tarpeian Lawn up to 400 standing. Photography permits are available on application. Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
- Some famous spots need other approvals. Centennial Park, Queens Park and Moore Park are managed by Centennial Parklands. The Royal Botanic Garden also manages The Domain and Mrs Macquarie's Chair. The Sydney Opera House forecourts need Opera House approval, and Circular Quay and The Rocks go through Placemaking NSW. City of Sydney
Rules and fees can change, so always check the latest with the land manager before you lock in your date.
How far ahead should you book a Sydney wedding?
Our planners recommend booking your venue and date 12 to 18 months ahead for a spring Sydney wedding, especially for a harbour-view Saturday.
- 12–18 months out: venue and date, then your photographer and celebrant. If you love a particular harbour lawn or headland, enquire early.
- 9–12 months out: guest accommodation, especially for interstate and overseas guests. A room block near your venue saves everyone travel time on the day.
- 6–9 months out: florist, hair and makeup, music, and guest transport. Sydney traffic and ferry timetables are worth planning around.
- 3–6 months out: your park or garden booking, if you haven't locked it in already. City of Sydney needs applications lodged at least 4 weeks before your date, so don't leave it late. City of Sydney
- 1–3 months out: final numbers, timeline and wet weather plan.
Getting married on a weekday or in winter? You'll usually find more availability.
Sydney wedding questions
How many guests can you have at a park wedding in Sydney?
It depends on who manages the park. City of Sydney parks allow up to 35 people, including the wedding party. Greycliffe Gardens in Sydney Harbour National Park takes up to 120, and Royal Botanic Garden lawns vary by spot. City of SydneyNSW National ParksRoyal Botanic Garden Sydney
Can you drink alcohol at a harbour wedding in Sydney?
At Greycliffe Gardens in Sydney Harbour National Park, you can bring 1 bottle of wine or champagne for every 4 guests. Rules differ at other spots, so check with your land manager before planning a toast. NSW National Parks: Greycliffe Gardens
Can you have a wedding reception in a Sydney park?
Not in City of Sydney outdoor spaces, where receptions can't be approved. Plan to hold the ceremony outdoors, then head to a restaurant or venue to celebrate. City of Sydney
Do you need a permit for wedding photos in Sydney?
In City of Sydney parks and public spaces, you don't need a permit for wedding photos taken on the same day as your ceremony. The Royal Botanic Garden offers photography permits on application. City of SydneyRoyal Botanic Garden Sydney
Can you get married at the Sydney Opera House or Circular Quay?
These areas aren't booked through City of Sydney. The Opera House forecourts need approval from the Sydney Opera House, and Circular Quay and The Rocks go through Placemaking NSW. City of Sydney
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