Queensland Brides: Gold Coast & Hinterland

Top image clockwise : ST Photography, Foster Photography + David Tye Photography

Pristine beaches, mountain vistas, beautifully groomed parks and wedding-perfect weather – it’s easy to see why you (and your photographer) will fall in love with the Gold Coast & Hinterland.

Find your perfect GC venue and wedding professional in our special Gold Coast & Hinterland blog showcase!

Top image clockwise : Silveredge Photography, Lovegreen Photography + Jessica Key. Bottom row : Silveredge

Top tips for a beach wedding!

> Go with a beach theme: Relaxed Beach, Nautical; Gold Coast Chic; Beach Glam; Ocean Inspiration

> For dreamy beach photos, don’t forget to check sunset and tide times. Your photographer and coordinator will have these at their fingertips, or see our list of useful websites on the next page.

> Many of the coast’s most stunning reception venues are located within easy reach of the beach so consider this when you’re planning your ceremony site and venue. With plenty of accommodation and dining options, the Gold Coast is perfect for a wedding weekend. Encourage close friends and family to make a real holiday of it and plan a relaxed brunch or lunch the day after the wedding. If you are celebrating a summer wedding, it’s just too hot to be out in the midday sun so think about a beautiful morning or a romantic late afternoon ceremony. Arm your guests with decorative fans and bottled water with colourful waxed paper straws.

> Have a Plan B ... no one can predict the weather with much accuracy, which makes hosting an outdoor ceremony extra exciting! Look for a covered area in the park or near the beach where you’re having the ceremony or consider a marquee or canopy, just to be on the safe side. It will provide shade if it doesn’t rain, so it’s a win-win situation. Keep guests sheltered with pretty parasols or umbrellas.

Backdrops & ceremony spots - take note!

Burleigh Headlands: John Laws Park

Benowa: Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, Ashmore Road

Broadbeach: Cascade Gardens, Gold Coast Highway

Coolangatta: Point Danger Park, Marine Parade

Currumbin: Kropp Park, Pacific Parade

Currumbin: Len Wort Park, 29A Teemangum Street

Miami: Mick Shamburg Park, Kelly Avenue

Palm Beach: Laguna Park, Laguna Avenue

Southport: Broadwater Parklands, Marine Parade

Top row: Pofyri Photogrphy. TWK Studios, Sterling Studios, bottom row TWK Studios

Top tips for a Hinterland wedding!

> Hinterland themes: Mountain Magic; Eco Elegance; Green, White & Wonderful; Intimate and Fun; Rainforest Romance; Vintage Elegance; Rustic Luxe.

You might find that outdoor locations for a Tamborine Mountain or Hinterland wedding tend to be kept a little more hush hush than on the coast. Given that these areas are outside the metropolitan area and noted for their national parks and walking tracks, your best bet for finding a gorgeous private site is through your wedding coordinator or reception venue. Some of the best kept secrets of the hinterland are within the beautiful grounds of wedding reception venues.

Having a hinterland wedding often means you can have the ceremony and reception in one place which is a plus for guests as they don't have to travel around what is probably unfamiliar territory. It also reduces the risk of weather disruptions. Vintage themes and details are perfect for a hinterland wedding. Think vintage cars, lace accents, trailing bouquets and antique decor. The GC Hinterland is renowned for its gorgeous forests and gardens, cascading waterfalls and crystal clear creeks. Ask your photographer about options near to your ceremony site.

There are loads of boutique accommodation options in the hinterland, which gives you the opportunity to catch up with guests for breakfast or a picnic the next day.