Take a wedding-day adventure – a destination wedding in tropical North Queensland might be just what you need. Whether you’re relaxing on the Great Barrier Reef or surrounded by a rainforest’s towering emerald trees, there’s no denying that Tropical North Queensland holds a certain allure. It’s wild, it’s untamed, it’s adventurous and full of some of Queensland’s most exotic locales. And in the same instance, it’s also a romantic and intimate escape, adored by couples for its laid-back appeal and smorgasbord of world heritage sites.
If you’re considering a wedding in the tropics, you’ve certainly got our vote! Get ready to exchange vows with the most stunning backdrop – and here are a few to consider.
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#1. BEACHSIDE
Wedding of Jessica and Michael. Peppermint Lane Photography
Think of North Queensland, and what comes to mind? Crystal-clear waters, white sand, and palm tree fronds lazily waving in the wind. Okay, it’s a cliché – but it’s on your doorstep, so take advantage. Islands and reefs are both on offer, including some of the finest on earth. The Great Barrier Reef is a picture-perfect setting for the biggest day of your life, or you can say I do on a powder-sand beach, be it in Airlie Beach and the gorgeous Whitsundays, or Cairns or Cape Tribulation in Tropical North Queensland (you’ve literally got miles and miles of shoreline for the choosing). And don’t miss the enchanting enclaves of Palm Cove and Port Douglas also in TNQ, where wining and dining is part of the luxe experience!
#2. RAINFOREST
Wedding of Alexandra and Anthony. Photo: J Create
Birdsong all around, lush greenery as far as the eye can see… a rainforest wedding is certainly not a traditional option, yet it’s an oh-so-romantic option for couples who love the outdoors. Some couples choose to marry at sunrise or sunset, hidden amongst the trees with their nearest and dearest in a magical, intimate ceremony. Some exchange their vows at a luxe forest-fringed retreat, indulging in five-star comfort with nature beckoning all the while. Whatever you decide to do, the tropics host the bespoke option for you.
#3. RURAL & OUTBACK
In Tropical North Queensland’s Gulf Savannah, you can pay homage to a traditional Australian icon. Think red dirt, stark blue skies with nary a cloud, endless green-stalk canefields, and tin-and-timber halls housing bevies of blooms – trust us, a wedding in North Queensland might be just the ticket. Like real-life couple Melanie and Lee, the key to an outback wedding is rugged romance. Take your wedding photos in farmland, and host your reception in a country hall. A quaint chapel is your ceremony locale. Use native blossoms and twirl around the dance floor as husband and wife as the stars shimmer above. It’s picturesque and a moment to cherish forever.
TAKE A MOMENT OR TWO, POST-WEDDING, TO CHECK OUT THESE GORGEOUS WONDERS…
Ocean: We hardly need to say it – the Great Barrier Reef is a must-visit. Take a dive to glimpse some incredible ocean wildlife, take a tour on a glass-bottomed boat, and soak up the sunshine on the reef’s sandy shores.
Rainforest: The Daintree region hosts some of Australia’s most famous rainforests, meeting the Great Barrier Reef with utterly striking views all around. Explore the ancient forest and wander along the towering coastal cliffs, indulging your adventurous self with a zip-line trip through the rainforest canopy.
Outback: An outback sunset is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. Pack a romantic picnic dinner (Champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries are a lush dessert option) and watch the sun melt into hues of amber and fiery red, before transforming into an inky blue sky with lashings of glittery stars.
Now you know where to get married, time to find your photographer! Check out our local wedding photographer directory..
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