Hey there, lovers! So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and tie the knot in one of the most stunning places on earth – the Gold Coast. Congratulations! Get ready for a wedding filled with incredible views and memories that will last a lifetime. But hey, before you start stressing about seating arrangements and bridesmaid’s dresses, let’s break it down together. Here’s my guide to planning your dream destination wedding on the Gold Coast.
Best Time to Say “I Do”:
Alright, let’s talk timing. The Gold Coast is pretty much a year-round paradise, but if you want to avoid the summer heatwaves or the cooler months, aim for the sweet spots between September to November or March to May (just try to avoid the QLD and NSW school holidays to miss the crowds). The weather is perfect during these times! If you’re looking to make some savings, consider a weekday or a Winter wedding to avoid peak season and to have more flexibility on dates and venue availability. Less stress, more savings – sounds like a win-win, right?
As for the best time of day for your ceremony, always plan backwards from your sunset time and keep in mind that the sun will set earlier over the hinterland. You can Google the sunset time for your location on your wedding date. Make sure you allow enough time for ceremony (approx 30 mins), group and family photos (30 mins) mingle time and your location photos too (minimum 1 hour).
Navigating the Legal Stuff:
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty – the legalities. Don’t worry; it’s not as complicated as it sounds. If you’re an Aussie resident, you’ll need to fill out some paperwork, like the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form, at least a month before your big day. Pro tip: Find a local celebrant to be your lifesaver here! Here’s some awesome celebrants I can recommend:
Best Gold Coast photo spots:
Okay, picture this: You and your lover, surrounded by stunning scenery, with the sea breeze in your hair. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, welcome to the Gold Coast! Whether you’re into the beachy vibes or hinterland views, this place has got it all.
Some of my favourite beach spots for photos are Miami Headland, The Spit or Currumbin Beach. OR venture into the hinterland for lush rainforest backdrops and waterfalls in Springbrook National Park and Mt Tamborine. Depending on what wedding venue you choose, you might not even need to go off-site for photos! Whatever your vibe, the Gold Coast is a photographer’s dream.
Gold Coast Wedding Venues:
Now, let’s talk venue. With so many incredible options to choose from, it can be tricky to know where to start! First things first, think about your vibe. Are you dreaming of a beachfront ceremony, a garden affair, beautiful chapel or even a mountain/rainforest backdrop? Once you’ve got that figured out, consider practical stuff like guest numbers, accommodation options, and what amenities you need on-site. Take your time, do some venue tours and trust your gut – you’ll know when you’ve found the one. Here’s some amazing Gold Coast and hinterland venues I can recommend:
InterContinental Sanctury Cove Resort
So, there you have it – your ultimate guide to planning an incredible wedding on the Gold Coast. It’s going to be an incredible adventure, filled with laughter, love, and maybe even some tears (the happy kind!). So, take a deep breath, soak in the sunshine, and get ready for the best day of your lives. The Gold Coast is waiting to make your wedding dreams come true – so go on, let the planning begin!
…And don’t forget, if you’re on the hunt for a relaxed and fun Gold Coast wedding photographer – I’m your girl. Get in touch to see if we can work together!
Author:
May 31, 2024
