Destination Weddings – Australia!

We’re simply delighted to know Kathryn at Pink Frosting Australia. Besides being a delightfully considerate full-service retailer, Kathryn is the author of a widely-respected blog called “Australia Entertains” and, quite frankly, I’m reading it on a regular basis now! Imagine how happy I was when […]

 

We’re simply delighted to know Kathryn at Pink Frosting Australia. Besides being a delightfully considerate full-service retailer, Kathryn is the author of a widely-respected blog called “Australia Entertains” and, quite frankly, I’m reading it on a regular basis now!

Imagine how happy I was when she agreed to write a post for us. Please enjoy a little “Aussie” take on destination weddings – and thank you again Kathryn! You’re the best!

Destination Wedding Australia

Image courtesy of: James Day Photography

Australia truly is one of the most stunning locations to be married on earth. From endless stretches of crystal white beaches to rich rustic wineries, and from the red earthy Uluru to the tropical rainforests of the north, Australia offers so many options for a destination wedding. Here are my favourite destination wedding locations in Australia:

The Whitsundays

If you’re looking for an idyllic beach wedding location in Australia, The Whitsundays is it. Centrally located on the Queensland coast, The Whitsundays is in the heart of the famous Great Barrier Reef. The magical location is includes 74 islands as well as coastal towns on the mainland of Australia. It is a wonderful location for a destination wedding because of its sheltered turquoise waters, pristine beaches, lush forests and breathtaking beauty.

Director of I Do Weddings Whitsundays, Vanessa Bye says there are a multitude of options for couples wanting to exchange vows in The Whitsundays but her favourite is Woodwark Bay which could possibly be the most stunning venue in Queensland, if not Australia. It is an amazing property on a secluded beach-front location with individual bungalows that can accommodate up to 20 people in total. Miles from anyone with the property completely to yourselves to enjoy, you are spoiled with lush tropical gardens, a Moroccan themed pool and endless activities.

 

Hamilton Island is definitely the most popular wedding destination in the Whitsundays. Whilst having all the luxurious benefits of being on a tropical island, you also have the conveniences of a small town. A major attraction would be the diverse range of options available, from a barefoot beach wedding, to a quaint chapel or up on the hill with breathtaking views over the Whitsunday Islands and brilliant aquamarine water.

If you decide to get married in The Whitsundays, we recommend you host your wedding in the American summer (which is Australia’s winter). With average temperatures of 22 degrees celsius and low rainfall, this is the perfect climate for your island wedding.

Pink Frosting’s favourite decorations for a Whitsunday Island wedding include paper ball lanterns, oiled paper parasols, pearly coloured seashells and starfish to decorate your tables and natural bamboo coaster wedding favors.

 

The Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley is located about two hours north of Sydney in New South Wales is brimming with internationally-renowned Australian wineries and beautiful scenery which makes this a classic Australian destination wedding location. Winery weddings are a delight in Australia, with classic whites and rich reds both favourites with the world’s wine connoisseurs. The Mediterranean climate of the Hunter Valley, historical churches, rustic cottages, picture perfect vineyards and five star hospitality guarantees wedding couples a country style culture complemented with Australian city chic.

 

There are a plethora of locations to hold a winery wedding in The Hunter Valley, but two of our favourites are the chic Robert’s Restaurant and chapel located at Pokolbin. Robert’s is a romantic wooden cottage surrounded by lush grounds, its chefs indulge in seasonal diversity to offer five star gastronomic creations for their wedding packages. In a different direction near Branxton, Wyndham Estate is nestled on top of a hill and is the grand daddy in winery history with Dalwood House and vineyards originating in 1830. With a long gravel road winding its way through the vineyards, you reach your destination to find a ranch style building overlooking a low slung valley. With interior of high ceilings, exposed wooden beams and spaciousness, the atmosphere is natural and welcoming.

 

Lee Cass of Lenore K wedding planning is the Hunter Valley destination wedding expert. Lee recommends that couples make the most of their destination wedding and stay for a long weekend or week in the beautiful Hunter Valley. Bus tours of wineries, picnics in idyllic locations in the valley and taking a horse drawn carriage tour are just some of the options for treating guests for a longer stay.

 

Pink Frosting’s favourite decorations for a Hunter Valley wedding include lace dancing fans to cool guests, cathedral length veils to blow long in the breeze down vineyard aisles and Maison du Vin wine cork placecards to add a little whimsy to your tables.

 

Western Australia

The Western coast of Australia offers a more laid back and quieter option for a destination wedding, but it is a no less stunning location. Western Australia is such an expansive and beautiful part of Australia, truly like no other place on earth. From the rugged coastlines and crystal white beaches, to the rich vineyards of the Margaret River, and the remote outback, Western Australia offers a myriad of destination wedding locations.

The very clever, very savvy photographer, Samm Blake is an expert on hosting destination weddings in WA. Samm recommends taking advantage of the small country towns, private properties and deserted beaches around Perth and the south coast of Western Australia.

Many people dream of getting married on the beach, with the sand between their toes, and Samm says that Meelup is the perfect beach for a wedding. She also really loves the rocks at Redgate Beach near Margaret River and says that William Bay in Denmark is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Most people who have destination weddings down south, generally have their receptions at one of many wineries in the area. Wise Winery near Dunsborough is in a beautiful location sitting on top of hill with views looking out to the ocean.

Pink Frosting’s favourite decorations for a Western Australian destination wedding include wedding luminaries with stars to twinkle on both beaches and country locations around marquees, country-style banquet style catering which can be the central decorative element of your white marquee, and luminous mini lanterns in silver and white both as a table decoration and a stunning favor for your guests.

Other amazing Australian locations for destination weddings include laid-back Byron Bay, the rainforests of the Daintree in tropical North Queensland, the pristine beaches of Noosa, Thredbo for rustic Australian winter weddings and the red centre of Australia for a hot desert destination wedding. Australia Entertains has been profiling stunning destination wedding locations around Australia and has some practical advice on how to plan an Australian destination wedding.

So lovely, Kathryn- makes me want to buy a plane ticket!

Happy Australian Dreams dreams everyone!