Blessed with epic views, remarkable venues and a blissfully relaxed atmosphere, Queensland’s Sunshine Coast hinterland ticks all the right boxes for an unforgettable celebration. Considering saying “I do” in this Insta-ready destination? Here are ten reasons to have your wedding up in the mountains…
Related article: Wedding-ready beach and hinterland spots on the Sunshine Coast
The views, obviously
If there’s one thing that the Sunshine Coast hinterland is known for, it’s the views. Seemingly endless, they stretch across valleys, mountains and out to the ocean – you couldn’t ask for a better backdrop for wedding photos!
Top spots to escape to with your photographer include One Tree Hill, McCarthy’s Lookout, Gardeners Falls and Mairy Caincross Scenic Reserve in the Maleny/Montville region. Of course, with many venues here looking out to stunning views, you probably won’t have to venture far to find an idyllic ‘post-ceremony photos’ location.
Wide Open Spaces
Planning a large-scale, festival-style wedding? You’re in the right place! Scattered with grassy, rainforest-fringed open parks, the Sunshine Coast hinterland offers plenty of fabulous spots for pitching a teepee and parking a few food trucks – cue music festival vibes!
After something a little more refined? Do as Chelsea and George did (above) and create a ‘garden party in the mountains’ atmosphere with airy marquees and outdoor lounge settings. How very lovely, indeed.
Beautiful venues
Whether you’re dreaming of tying the knot outdoors, in an old-school chapel or at a vineyard, you’ll find a whole world of gorgeous venues waiting for you in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Making the idea all the more tempting, most venues here also boast their own dedicated wedding coordinators. No need to stress over the details! Not sure where to even begin? Take a look at our helpful directory here…
Create the look and feel you want
With a multitude of venues in the hinterland, there’s also a world of different styles you can play around with.
Timeless classics include ‘rustic vintage’, ‘simple and sweet’, ‘boho-chic’ and ‘old-world elegance’, while ‘whimsical forest’ and ‘contemporary-chic’ styles are equally enchanting. However you envision your special day, you’ll find amazing vendors in the Sunshine Coast to bring your dream to life.
Gather the whole gang
Just over an hour’s drive from Brisbane and its airport, the Sunshine Coast hinterland is a convenient location for out-of-town guests. There’s also a Sunshine Coast-based airport only 45 minutes away, giving friends and family plenty of choice.
Also helping to keep things simple, a number of hire car services are available in the area – perfect if loved ones are flying in for your special day. Expecting a sizeable group? It can be a great idea to hire a bus for the day to transfer guests to and from their accommodation or the airport. Too easy!
Local Attractions
Weekend-long wed-fests have become a popular choice with couples lately (we can see why!) – the Sunshine Coast hinterland has everything you need for an exciting multi-day gathering!
Guests will love discovering the many restaurants, boutiques, hiking tracks, spas and wineries spread across the region. Adding to it all, a slew of stylish accommodation options mean friends and family can enjoy one of Queensland’s most breathtaking destinations without having to travel back and forth from Brisbane. Our advice? Organise a pre- or post-wedding catch-up with guests (lunch, brunch and wine-tastings are sure to get everyone in the right mood) and give guests a handy map of the area and its must-see attractions.
Room for two
With such an exquisite setting, it’s no wonder the Sunshine Coast hinterland is a go-to for romantic accommodation.
From chalets and eco-retreats to B&Bs and cottages, there are plenty of options for both guests and you and your sweetheart. Also, snapping those special ‘getting ready’ photos with your bridal party will be a breeze when you stay the night before somewhere close to your venue – see you later, stress-out!
Food, Glorious Food
We can’t talk about the Sunshine Coast hinterland without mentioning its world-famous produce. Fine cheeses, artisan chocolates, generous country-style meals and fine-dining experiences make this region a foodie heaven.
Naturally, many local venues are also beloved for their excellent cuisine – impressing guests with a magnificent gourmet feast is almost a guarantee when you celebrate tying the knot in the Sunshine Coast hinterland!
Wine a little
The strictest of wine connoisseurs will be in their element in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, with a vast array of wineries and vineyards calling the destination home. A collection of venues here also boast their own vineyards – be sure to wander hand-in-hand amongst the vines for a romantic photo-session if you get the chance.
To really make the most of this marvellous destination and its wonderful produce, spoil loved ones with a wine-paired feast and/or treat them to a bottle of your favourite local vino as a take-home gift. It’d be enough to win us over!
Beach retreat
After saying “I do” in the hinterland, enjoy the best of both worlds and spend a few days in the sensational coastal areas nearby.
Only a short drive (about an hour) from the mountains, cherished beaches like Noosa and Mooloolaba are fantastic options for a honeymoon close to home. Of course, we wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to hole up in a cabin in the hinterland and sip red wine by a crackling fire! Sigh…
Thinking of exchanging vows in the Sunshine Coast hinterland? Find terrific vendors and venues here…
Image credits: Feature image from the wedding of Chelsea + George // Montville and Noosa images courtesy of TA and TEQ