Unique Wedding Venues for Out of the Box Weddings
4 Jul 2023
We recently explored some of Australia’s best wedding venues for LGBTQIA+ couples, featuring romantic resort locations with rainforest settings, ocean views, and wineries just around the corner. But what about venues for less traditional weddings, or for couples who like to think outside the box and infuse a bit more adventure into their special day? This week we’ll look at five unique, alternative wedding destinations for queer couples in Australia.
At Scenic World in the Blue Mountains, you and your partner can take a creative approach to an outdoor wedding. The park is home to the world’s steepest cable car and railway, along with a skyway 270 metres above the ground and a rainforest boardwalk. Offering beautiful views of sunsets over the mountain range, Scenic World has multiple event venues to choose from. You can make a grand entrance to your ceremony, descending on the cable car from the cliffs above to greet your loved ones. Scenic World also offers an itinerary for couples to have an idyllic scenic retreat before or after they exchange vows. This is also a perfect location to pop the question if you are ready to take the next step in your relationship.
If the open seas call to you more than a traditional beach wedding, you could have your dream ceremony on a private boat from Freedom Whale Watch and Charters. Cruise around beautiful Hervey Bay and celebrate at sea with your loved ones, surrounded by 360 degree views of the ocean and coastline while you say your vows. Take the boat out for the day, or continue the party and charter it overnight! This is an ideal option for smaller ceremonies and will ensure unforgettable memories of your special day.
For marine enthusiasts who would rather plan a wedding under the sea than one on it, look no further than SEA LIFE Aquarium! Wedding venues are available at both the Melbourne and Sydney SEA LIFE locations, and both will provide you with their in-house wedding planner to ensure a smooth planning process. Choose from a selection of wedding packages to tailor your event to your needs, and amaze guests with a one of a kind wedding ceremony with a backdrop of native marine life.
This venue is not for the faint of heart. If you and your partner have an adventurous streak, why not get married atop the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge? Take in breathtaking views of the city – including landmarks like the Sydney Opera House – while you say ‘I do.’ Bridgeclimb Sydney has facilitated LGBTQIA+ weddings before, proudly being the first company to host one on top of the bridge. Take your love to new heights with an intimate ceremony at 130 metres above sea level.
If you’re more interested in fairytale romance than adventure, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary might be the ideal wedding location for you and your partner. The Butterfly Sanctuary offers exclusive weddings inside of the Butterfly Aviary, which houses a beautifully landscaped garden with the bridge over the pond serving as the perfect ceremony location. The spouses-to-be and their guests are encouraged to wear bright colours and flowers to attract butterflies for the most magical experience. If a butterfly-filled ceremony sounds like a dream come true but you have already zeroed in on a different venue, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary can also bring the magic to you through butterfly releases at any location.
This article is part two in a series on LGBTQIA+ wedding planning, with more tips and ideas to come! Be sure to follow us on socials to be notified when a new blog is posted.
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