THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PLANNING YOUR SUNSHINE COAST WEDDING
If you’re planning to tie the knot on the Sunshine Coast, then this guide is for you!
I know what it’s like to plan a Sunshine Coast wedding. I planned our wedding in 7 weeks! I knew I wanted a wedding in April or September, and my (now) hubby and I had already been together for 6 years. So, it was either 7 weeks or 7 months, and I couldn’t wait, I wanted to start this next journey in our lives together straight away. It was a whirlwind!
My wedding day.
Planning a Sunshine Coast wedding can be overwhelming, with seemingly endless decisions to make and plenty of questions along the way. But don't worry - whether you’re planning your wedding in 7 weeks like me or in 2 years’ time I've compiled a list of tips, recommendations, and local knowledge to help you plan your perfect wedding on the Sunshine Coast with ease!
When is the best time to get married on the Sunshine Coast?
Choosing a beach or country setting for your Sunshine Coast wedding.
What you need to know to get married (all the legals and permits).
How to find the right wedding vendors for you.
Why choosing a local wedding photographer is the right choice for you.
I‘ve been lucky to have lived on the Sunshine Coast for nearly all my life, so maybe I’m a bit biased, but there’s nowhere I’d rather be than this slice of paradise in the world. It’s easy to get to, with an international airport only one hour south in Brisbane, or our own domestic airport conveniently situated centrally just north of Maroochydore. The Sunshine Coast has a large array of beautiful white sandy beaches, and only minutes from the ocean you can be in amongst rolling hills of green pastures. This is why I think it’s the perfect wedding destination as it has somewhere to please everyone. As well as being the ideal destination for your wedding, many couples love to enjoy their honeymoon here too. Your guests will thank you too and usually opt for a longer stay to enjoy all the Coast has to offer.
Destination Weddings, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
Choose from one of the beautiful beaches stretching from Caloundra to Noosa. Or if the beach is not your thing, then why not have a country style wedding in the Hinterland where you are spoilt for choice from Maleny to Flaxton. The possibilities for your perfect destination wedding on the Sunshine Coast is endless.
“I just want to say how amazing our wedding was with all the help we received from Lou planning our wedding from Tasmania. We felt super relaxed and comfortable leading up to the wedding and on the day. It was all very professional and fun. Thank you so much, we highly recommend a wedding on the Sunshine Coast.”
- Bianca & Steve , Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
When is the best time to get married on the Sunshine Coast?
There are pros and cons for every month. Winter (June to August) on the Sunshine Coast is heavenly for its clear blue skies and calmer winds - except for the August westerly winds that can blow through and create static in the air. The Sunshine Coast is known for its dramatic change in seasons, but come Autumn (March-May) in the hinterland, the trees change their colours to various shades of yellow, orange, red, purple, and brown, and it takes on a whole other look, unique to those few months. If you like Spring (September to November) it’s generally known to have the most consistent weather for its minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures around 24°C to 27°C. Summertime (December to February) is when it really heats up. If you’re not a fan of the humidity and heat, our temperatures get in the 30°Cs, so this may not be the right time for you. Summer does have it’s advantages of longers days, so a late afternoon ceremony is perfect if you want those balmy summer vibes.
When deciding on a ceremony time ceremony times throughout the year, a general rule of thumb is 2-3 hours before sunset. For sunrise weddings, I suggest between April to the end of August, as the sun rises later, around 6 – 6:30am and the days are clearer and crisper.
Choosing a beach or country setting for your Sunshine Coast wedding.
Beach Wedding for lovers of sun, surf, and sand.
You’re sure to find the perfect spot for your beach wedding on the Sunshine Coast. Starting at the southern end of the Coast is Caloundra, which is lucky enough to have beaches facing every direction. Heading north there are great long stretches of beach up to Point Cartwright. Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headlands are based in the central area and tends to be very busy with tourists in the holiday season, but with the backdrop of sailboats on the Pacific Ocean, it’s always a popular choice. You can find a quieter spot on the stretch from Mudjimba to Coolum and up to Sunshine Beach if that’s more your vibe, there are also some great all-in-one resorts which is great if you don’t have a car. The world-renowned area of Noosa has wedding gardens dotted along Main Beach, tucked up in secluded gardens, as well as great beach access spots including Little Cove. Make sure you check with your marriage celebrant or local council if you require a permit for your wedding ceremony.
Hinterland Wedding for lovers of rolling green hills and beautiful country views.
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is probably best known for the World Heritage Listed Glasshouse Mountains and the home to Australia Zoo. But it’s also for one of Australia’s top wedding ceremony and reception venues. Couples that get married in the hinterland are spoilt for choice from elegant all-in-one wedding venues to more rustic farm celebrations as well as small intimate receptions on private properties. Maleny enjoys views out to the Glasshouse Mountains, while along the ridge you can experience 360 degree views. There’s plenty of accommodation for you and your guests in smaller boutique hotels and private properties as well. Some guests even chose to travel the short distance back to Mooloolaba or Caloundra for a sea-change for their night away.
Garden Wedding - be on with nature amongst the flora and fauna.
There are many factors to consider when planning your ideal garden wedding. No matter what season you choose to get married, beautifully manicured gardens are designed to be the magical backdrop to say “I Do”, all year round. Depending on the time of year you may wish to consider a later ceremony to avoid the direct heat of the day. It's always a good idea to have a water station for your guests and even consider elegant white parasols to shade your guests during the ceremony. You can choose to get married in one of the local council parks, or at one of the many venues such as Caloundra Power Boat Club, Twin Waters Golf Club, Flaxton Gardens and Secrets on the Lake to name a few, that have beautiful gardens for your outdoor wedding.
What you need to know to get married (all the legals and permits).
Australia is one of the simplest countries in the world to make arrangements to marry, as all the legal matters can be made directly with your celebrant as your agent, as well as officiant. There are no extra fees for being a non-Australian, and the marriage is accepted in all countries as valid. The Notice of Intent to Marry (NOIM) must be with your celebrant at least one month prior to the ceremony date, and can be completed in your own country, and then scanned and emailed. Your celebrant will have a full comprehensive information package with all the required information you'll need. If you want to have a beach or garden wedding and you're having decorations, you will need to obtain a permit from the local council, which can be arranged through your wedding planner or stylist, or you can apply directly online. For an elopement, you can simply choose the perfect spot the day prior, based on current weather and tide conditions. You should also consider wedding insurance. If the unthinkable happens and you have to cancel or postpone your wedding, insurance may pay for expenses incurred, check online for your best options.
Here are some useful links:
Notice of Intention to Marry (NOIM)
Council wedding permits:
Noosa Weddings
All other Sunshine Coast weddings
How to find the right wedding vendors for you.
Choosing the best vendors for every part of your special day, will ensure your wedding dreams will be realised and your day will go off without a hitch. From photographers to florists, you’ll have to make sure you hire reliable professionals who will help make your special day perfect. Selecting the right wedding vendors can be a difficult task if you don’t know where to start, so I suggest asking your wedding venue, celebrant, or photographer for their recommendations.
Ultimately, you want to find someone who understands your vision and can provide a quality service. Make an appointment to visit potential wedding vendors or book a Zoom call if you’re from out of town and ask them questions so that you can be sure that you’re making the right decision. All in all, these considerations will help ensure that your special day runs as smoothly as possible and that your guests have the best time possible.
Additionally, you want to find a business or service you can rely on and trust. Research the company or individual’s past reviews and clients to make sure they have the experience and know-how to accommodate your needs. Make sure their services and prices are within your budget, too. Also, by finding someone who is local to the Sunshine Coast, you won’t need to worry about unexpected costs like travel fees that could potentially come from having to find a vendor from out of town.
Why choosing a local wedding photographer is the right choice for you.
Choosing a Sunshine Coast wedding photographer for your special day can save you time and money in the long run. Local photographers are often more affordable as they don’t have to add in travel expenses, they have a better understanding of the area’s unique locations and will be more likely to be familiar with the venue you’re getting married at.
With a background in the community and local knowledge, your photographer will be able to provide advice about the best locations for your beautiful photos, as well as tips and referrals to other great local wedding vendors and suppliers.
But most of all, choosing a local wedding photographer allows for a more personalised experience. A photographer who is based on the Sunshine Coast will be familiar with local spots and customs much more so than someone from outside the area, from secret locations, tide times to unique lighting opportunities that only a local might know about. Your wedding photos are an important part of your special day so it is essential to choose someone who knows their craft but also has an insiders appreciation for the culture and environment around them.
“Oh my goodness, where do I start. Thank you sooo much for making our special little morning so much fun and pleasurable. We had so much fun with you and felt like we had met before. Even your weather prediction was spot on. Every little detail you captured in a truly professional way. Thank you again, and I highly recommend to any of my Victorian friends who are heading for a “special day” on the Sunshine Coast. "
- Shantrel + Michael. Caloundra Beach Wedding
The Sunshine Coast is a beautiful location for a wedding with its stunning beaches and picturesque countryside. When it comes to deciding on the best time to get married on the Sunshine Coast, it's important to consider the weather and peak tourist season. The best times to get married are during the shoulder seasons of autumn and spring when the weather is pleasant, and there are fewer crowds.
Once you have chosen your location and date, it's essential to know the legal requirements for getting married on the Sunshine Coast. You'll need to obtain a marriage license, provide identification, and have a registered celebrant officiate your ceremony. You'll also need to obtain any necessary permits if you're planning a beach or park wedding.
When it comes to finding the right wedding vendors, it's crucial to do your research and choose vendors that align with your vision and budget. The Sunshine Coast has a wealth of talented vendors, from florists to caterers and everything in between. You can also seek recommendations from friends or family who have been married on the Sunshine Coast.
Choosing a local wedding photographer is a great way to ensure your wedding photos capture the beauty and essence of the Sunshine Coast. A local photographer will know the best locations for stunning photos and be able to work with the natural lighting and landscapes of the area.
In conclusion, getting married on the Sunshine Coast is the perfect choice for couples looking for a beach or country wedding. By choosing the right time, understanding the legal requirements, finding the right vendors, and selecting a local photographer, you can have a wedding day that's as beautiful as the location itself.
Are you looking to plan a beautiful and unforgettable wedding on the Sunshine Coast and searching for the perfect photographer to capture every unforgettable moment? Look no further, I’d love to help!
My name’s Lou O'Brien and I’m a professional photographer specialising in Sunshine Coast weddings. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for capturing the beauty and emotion of your special day, I would love to document your wedding.
Contact me today to schedule an obligation free consultation to discuss your wedding photography needs. From intimate elopements to grand celebrations, I’m here to help you create lasting memories that you'll treasure for a lifetime. Don't wait – book now to secure your wedding date!