If you have been dreaming of a tropical wedding in paradise, here are 10 reasons why Cairns, Port Douglas and Tropical North Queensland are the perfect wedding destinations.
Nature’s Stunning Beauty
Incredible beauty and diversity that’s within easy reach, Far North Queensland has got it all! Gorgeous beaches, ancient rainforest, lush tropical gardens, spectacular waterfalls, volcanic crater lakes, deserted coral cays and coral-fringed islands of The Great Barrier Reef. And all within an hours travel from Cairns. Even the world’s oldest rainforest and the deserted beaches of the Daintree are only just over a 2 hour drive from Cairns.
If you love the idea of getting married or eloping surrounded by all of this awe-inspiring natural beauty, with the stunning photos to match, then come on up. The far north is truly a treasure trove of wonders.
Wedding and Honeymoon in one!
With so many gorgeous locations close by, it makes sense to combine your wedding with a spectacular honeymoon. Port Douglas, Palm Cove, The Daintree and Mission Beach are all close by and a little further afield you could explore the wilderness of Cape York, Cobbold Gorge or a cruise on Whitsunday Islands or a stay on Hamilton or Hayman Islands. For a little more luxury try Lizard and Bedarra Islands.
FNQ – Perfect place for an adventure elopement
Run away with me into the wild, for a truly unique and special moment surrounded by natural beauty, in a serene, intimate setting allowing for a more private, personal and relaxed celebration of you two. This one-of-a-kind experience gives you and a handful of guests unforgettable memories along with epic photos and video to remember it by.
Visit our Adventure Elopements page for more exciting information.
Destination Cairns – Your Wedding Extravaganza
After a decade of creating destination weddings in Australia and overseas, I can safely say – destination weddings rock! You are creating an unforgettable experience where you and your guests get to really spend time together on holiday in a gorgeous, exciting, exotic location. It gives your families time to bond. Everyone is chilled out, flip flops on, breeze in the hair.
You have multiple celebrations from arrival drinks to the day after recovery party, so you get to savour the experience. Plus the photos and video will be insanely beautiful, with paradise as your playground. Having worked in tourism for many years, I have some great recommendations if you would like to arrange tours, snorkelling, diving or boat trips for your guest.
Cairns’ Convenient Location and Easy Travel
Cairns is easily accessible via the cutest little airport servicing both domestic and international travellers. Your baggage will pop out of the mouth of Nemo, for real. Cairns is setup for easy transfers, taxis, uber, private and hire car and transfer services all at your fingertips. When asked how far something is in the city, us locals always say “about 10 minutes!”.
The airport, like everything else within Cairns City is a ten minute drive away. The northern beaches, such as Trinity Beach and Palm Cove, are 10 to 25minutes away and Port Douglas in only an hours drive along the second most scenic coastal drive in Australia. I LOVE this drive, it is a total stunner! And such a wow moment of welcome for your guests.
Balmy Warm Weather
Every destination wedding worth its salt needs balmy weather, spaghetti straps and a frangipani behind the ear and Cairns is lovely and warm year-round. Even in winter I only wear a long-sleeved tee! If you are getting married during the monsoon season, there is a chance of showers. Wet season can start in December, peaks in January and can last through to March. It’s also hotter although on the plus side there are also less tourists, deserted beaches and a feeling of wildness in the air.
It’s a beautiful, moody, powerful time of year and provides some really great photo opportunities! The drier cooler winter season runs June to August. The cusp months of April/May and September/October are a lovely blend between the two.
Accommodation to suit every style and budget
If, like me, you love the idea of your loved ones staying within walking distance of one another, there are a huge number of holiday homes offering room for large families or groups. From beach shacks to rock-star multi-bedroom homes, most are close by the beach and have private swimming pools or spas.
There are also luxurious self contained apartments some with a private swimming pool or spa and views of the forest, mountains or sea.
If self-catering isn’t your thing, there are a huge number of resorts, many of which are on the beach, ranging from luxury to adults-only to kid-friendly.
A resort or hotel is a great option if you are looking to indulge in resort facilities such as room service, pool-bar and restaurants.
Huge choice in Cairns wedding venues
You will be spoiled for choice of venues so start imagining;
- A gorgeous beach or chapel wedding followed by dinner on the sand under the palm trees and twinkle lights in one of our premier restaurants.
- A beach or garden ceremony on the grounds of a 5 star resort followed by cocktails by the pool and a sumptuous dinner (everyone can stay at the resort or close by so no late-night taxi’s).
- A private luxury villa nestled in tropical gardens with views over the sea or the rainforest, private pool, creek or river, private chef or catering and bar, your own private getaway for you and your loved ones. Ceremony and reception in one.
- Three gorgeous waterfront non-denominational chapels that look super sweet in photos.
World-Class Vendors
If there is one thing Cairns does well, it’s throw an incredible wedding and we have the vendors to make that a reality! No matter what your heart desires, we can make it happen.
You and Me!
As a Cairns marriage celebrant, I have been marrying couples, planning and bringing destination wedding dreams to life for over twelve years. Believe me, knowing where to start is the hardest part and once you get the ball rolling with the help of someone who knows the ins and outs, the rest will unfold beautifully. Very simply, you can make it hard and stressful or you can make it easy and get your flow on.
Come talk to me for advice, recommendations and inspiration.
