Top 10 Sydney Wedding Ceremony Locations - Northern Beaches.
The big day is fast approaching, and your first port of call when planning your wedding should be securing your wedding ceremony and reception venue. But with so many Northern beaches wedding venues to choose from, it’s hard to choose what will feel right for you on the day.
You could choose a place which has a strong significance for the pair of you as a couple, or you could choose somewhere new that speaks to you where you can make new memories. When considering a ceremony location, there are many factors to take into consideration, like; suitability for photos, accessibility, travel for guests, and what your wedding style will be.
It can be impossible to choose, and many of these locations book out months in advance, so time is of the essence! Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you, and collated our pick of the 10 best Northern Beaches ceremony locations.
Here goes:
1. Shelly Beach, Manly
Where: View On Map
Bookings Here: Northern Beaches Council
Parking Available: Yes
This popular wedding ceremony venue tucked away in Cabbage Tree Bay is a quiet, protected beach, popular with local families. It offers the perfect mix of water views with a tranquil, leafy backdrop for photos, with plenty of shady spots for those hot days.
There’s a great range of BBQ facilities on hand, and popular wedding venues nearby. It’s easily accessible by car, with a short walk down to both the beach and The Boathouse Shelly Beach. Otherwise Manly is just 10 minutes away by car, with venues like Beachside Dojo, making this one of the most convenient Northern beaches wedding venues you could choose.
2. Clontarf Reserve, Clontarf
Where: View On Map
Bookings Here: Northern Beaches Council
Parking Available: Yes
This large, shady reserve is an easy distance from Sydney CBD, and offers stunning views of Middle Harbour, with plenty of large trees for shade. This Northern Beaches wedding ceremony location is perfect for sunset photo sessions.
Clontarf Reserve is also easily accessible from the road, with ample parking opportunities and power available upon request. For venues close by, opt for a private boat charter across the water to Zest Middle Harbour or a little further around to Sergeants Mess.
3. Q Station, Manly
Where: View On Map
Bookings Here: Q Station Manly
Parking Available: Yes from main station (shuttle bus provided down to ceremony)
The historic Q Station in Manly has grown in popularity in recent years to become one of the most prominent Northern beaches wedding ceremony spots.
For your ceremony, choose between the historic wharf next to Quarantine beach, which is perfect for sunset weddings, or a grassy area on the stunning headland, with views of the calm water below.
The surrounding bushland creates the perfect backdrop for a rustic wedding photoshoot, and the wedding reception itself can be held either at the Q Station itself, or nearby, at one of the many Manly venues available, only a short 5 minute drive away.
4. Lucinda Park, Palm Beach
Where: View On Map
Bookings Here: Northern Beaches Council
Parking Available: Yes but limited street parking.
This stunning Northern beaches wedding location is only 45 minutes from the Sydney CBD, located in the heart of Palm Beach. It offers a picturesque grassed area with a viewing deck overlooking Mackerel Bay and Ku-Ring Gai National Park, making it the ideal spot for photos.
There are plenty of beautiful wedding reception options nearby as well, including the magnificent Jonah’s or, for a more laid back venue, The Boathouse Palm Beach.
5. Freshwater View Reserve, Queenscliff
Where: View On Map
Bookings Here: Northern Beaches Council
Parking Available: Yes
Freshwater View Reserve is conveniently located on the north side of Queenscliff headland only 10 minutes from the centre of Manly. It is the perfect venue for more intimate weddings, and the stone wall at the entrance to the reserve offers guests a little more privacy.
The space is high on the headland, and offers picturesque views over the glorious Freshwater Beach. It’s easily accessible by car, with nearby street parking.
6. Mona Vale Headland, Mona Vale
Where: View On Map
Bookings Here: Northern Beaches Council
Parking Available: Yes
Mona Vale Headland has long been a favourite picnic spot for locals, and is the ideal spacious spot for weddings, with lots of room for your music and entertainment needs. It features breathtaking views over Bungin Beach and Mona Vale Beach.
The large, sloping lawn gives the perfect vantage point for photos with a water view backdrop, and is a stunning spot to say, “I do”. Mona Vale Golf Club is located close by to host your wedding reception.
7. Snapperman’s Reserve, Palm Beach
Where: View On Map
Bookings Here: Northern Beaches Council
Parking Available: Yes but limited
Snapperman’s Reserve is the quintessential Northern Beaches wedding ceremony spot for those who want a quiet beach wedding without actually being on the beach, which is why this spot books up fast.
Located 45 minutes from Sydney CBD, this quiet, grassy area is small and intimate, and leads right up to the sand with a short space between sand and sea. It gives the feeling of a beach wedding yet has the convenience of grass underfoot.
The calm, sparkling water views create a beautiful photo opportunity for newlyweds. This hidden gem is easily accessible by car, with many reception venues available nearby, such as The Boathouse Palm Beach or Dune’s Palm Beach.
8. Palm Beach, Palm Beach
Where: View On Map
Bookings Here: Northern Beaches Council
Parking Available: Yes
For those who want a beach wedding on the beach though, Palm Beach itself has long been a popular Sydney wedding ceremony destination. Palm Beach has a classically Australian look. Due to its sparkling waters and golden sand it has always been a popular spot with tourists and locals alike.
Luckily, Palm Beach stretches out a long way, offering many potential spots for your ceremony, and there are a multitude of beautiful reception spots close by, like The Boathouse Palm Beach or Palm Beach Golf Club.
9. Whale Beach, Whale Beach
Where: View On Map
Bookings Here: Northern Beaches Council
Parking Available: Yes
Another magnificent Northern Beaches ceremony venue, Whale Beach is surrounded by two sandstone headlands, the cliffs rising up to 100m. The surrounding headlands and large trees offer some wind protection, and the long beach means there are many spots available to tie the knot.
Choose from stunning nearby wedding reception locations like the extravagant Jonah’s, or Moby Dick’s (within walking distance).
10. Balmoral Reserve South, Mosman
Where: View On Map
Bookings Here: Mosman Council
Parking Available: Yes
At the South end of Balmoral Beach, and just a short drive from Sydney CBD, Balmoral Reserve offers beachside views minus the sand in your shoes.
With sweeping waterfront views and plenty of shady spots, this is a beautiful location to say your vows. The nearby Balmoral Rotunda is also a stunning ceremony spot in the area, offering slightly more protection and privacy. Both areas are within close proximity to a number of reception venues close by such as Burnt Orange, Gunners’ Barracks or Sergeants Mess, in order to carry on the celebrations.
Once you’ve picked your ceremony venue, don’t waste time in picking a wedding reception venue. It’s important to remember that both Sydney wedding ceremony locations and reception venues often book out up to 12 months in advance, sometimes more, depending on when and where you want to have your wedding. Check out our top wedding reception picks here.
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming. Click here to contact us and consult with one of our wedding specialists. We’ll give you advice on the best wedding ceremony and reception venues to choose from, as well as the best entertainment packages to ensure that your wedding runs smoothly from beginning to end. Booking with one provider ensures you get the best value package on offer, not to mention; it’s a lot easier!