FROM LAIDBACK TO LUXE: BYRON BAY LOCATION INSPIRATION

Bride holding bouquet and groom hold hands and wander barefoot across lawn with rainforest and palm trees in the background.

In the Byron Bay area there are so many ways you can get married. From laidback and barefoot on the beach through to the most stylish luxury properties, from the coast to the hinterland, the sea to the rainforest, there are just so many options. Here we give you a breakdown of some of our favourite Byron Bay marriage ceremony and micro-wedding locations.

BEACH / COAST

The Pass
Palm Valley Lawn
Wategos Beach
Little Wategos Beach
Wategos Lawn (adjacent To Raes)
Cape Byron Lighthouse
Tallow Beach (Cosy Corner)
Broken Head Beach
Broken Head Lawn
Belongil Beach

Honestly, all these beaches are beautiful. If you’re not sure which to choose, we recommend working backwards. Choose where you’re going to celebrate after (bar, pub, restaurant, accommodation) and choose the beach that is closest to minimise travel time and maximise party time!

Things to keep in mind for a beach wedding:

  • Weather – It’s more than just rain that can ruin a beach ceremony. Be sure to consider the wind factor, sun, heat and time of day. You and your guests are not going to enjoy your ceremony if you’re sweating, sunburnt or getting whipped by sand. Having a wet/windy weather back-up plan is a must. And for the hotter months, always opt for an early morning or late afternoon (sunrise or sunset) ceremony to stay out of the heat.
  • Time of Day – Sunrise, sunset or shade. These are the three rules of outdoor ceremonies if you want to have the best possible photos. Harsh direct sun in the middle of the day creates lots of shadows and contrast (not flattering). You can still pick a pretty location with a killer view, just make sure there’s a nice tree stand under when you say ‘I do’
  • Permits – Be sure to check with Byron Shire Council or the Cape Byron State Conservation Area to see if your wedding requires a permit (this will be determined by how many guests you’re having, if you have a setup with furniture etc) and note that a fee may apply.

NATURE / ADVENTURE

Butterfly Lane

  • Mt Chincogan, Mullumbimby (20 minutes from Byron Bay)
  • Private property with multiple ceremony locations
  • Rural and rainforest settings
  • No permit required
  • Enquire with us about Butterfly Lane

Killen Falls

  • Located in Tintenbar (35 mins from Byron town)
  • Dramatic waterfalls surrounded by lush rainforest
  • Elopements only (limited parking and access)
  • Base of falls is a 1km round trip from the carpark (grade 3 bushwalk)
  • Perfect for nature and adventure lovers

Or ask our team for secret elopement locations that are too good to share here!

RESTAURANTS / CAFES

If you’re trying to keep things simple but still value quality food and a pretty setting, choosing to celebrate at a restaurant after your ceremony is the way to go. Some offer private areas or dining rooms, or you can enjoy the lively atmosphere of joining the general public to dine. If you’re going with the latter option, you don’t even have to tell them it’s a wedding.

The Hut Byron Bay

  • Mediterranean inspired menu designed for sharing
  • Located within the delightful old Opossum Creek schoolhouse
  • Accommodation available at The Hut Guesthouse

Rae’s Dining Room

  • Located inside Rae’s at Wategos luxury hotel
  • Modern Australian menu with Mediterranean influence
  • Set within idyllic hotel gardens and adjacent Wategos beach
  • Hotel accommodation available

Three Blue Ducks at The Farm Byron Bay

  • Set on 80 acre farm and macadamia orchard
  • Views of Byron hinterland and lighthouse
  • Rustic farm-style, indoor and outdoor locations and shaded terrace
  • Relaxed rustic atmosphere with generous delicious food

The Pass Cafe

  • Fully licensed venue serving delicious food, coffee and drinks
  • Located within the Arakwal National Park overlooking the beach
  • Exclusive booking available for up to 40 people seated

ACCOMMODATION / LAIDBACK

Imeson Cottage

  • Eco-certified, award-winning two bedroom cottage
  • Right on the beach overlooking The Pass
  • Ceremony on the deck or on the sand
  • Close to Byron town bars and restaurants or arrange catering at the cottage

Thomson Cottage

  • Private three bedroom cottage set on the edge of rainforest with stunning views of The Pass
  • Ceremony on the deck, in the garden or on the sand
  • Close to Byron town bars and restaurants or arrange catering at the cottage

Patridge Cottage & Geoff’s Shed

  • Retro inspired eco-certified cottage and studio
  • Direct access to Byron’s Main Beach
  • Have your ceremony within the garden (for more privacy) or on the sand
  • Close to Byron town bars and restaurants or arrange catering at the cottage

Assistant Lighthouse Keepers’ Cottage

  • The ultimate Byron Bay experience
  • Stunning panoramic views
  • Perfect for a sunrise or sunset lighthouse ceremony
  • Short drive or ½ hour coastal walk from Byron Town 

Byron Homestead Tooraloo Farm Stay

  • Historic dwelling perched on 12 acres of pristine emerald pasture
  • Minutes from beaches and culture of Byron Bay
  • Rural and rainforest ceremony settings

The Beach Shack

  • Short walk to taken and just moments from Belongil Beach
  • Book one shack or the whole property
  • Garden, poolside or beach ceremony options

ACCOMMODATION / LUXURY

Elements of Byron

  • Award winning beachfront resort set on Belongil Beach
  • Absolute beachfront surrounded by nature
  • Private dining room
  • Beach lounge ceremony space

Raes

  • Seated receptions for up to 50 people or simply book a table at the restaurant
  • Multiple ceremony locations within gardens or get married in the penthouse suite
  • Great photo opportunities within the stylish hotel and grounds
  • Located a stones throw from Wategos Beach

The Estate Byron Bay

  • Located in Byron hinterland between Byron Bay and Bangalow village
  • Luxurious group accommodation 
  • Undercover deck, poolside and garden ceremony options
  • Or use it as a base for your rainforest ceremony
  • Views of Byron hinterland

Black Cockatoo Bangalow

  • Peace, privacy and a taste of idyllic country life
  • Located in Byron hinterland (5 mins from Bangalow and a short drive to Byron town and beaches)
  • Garden ceremony options or use it as a base for your beach or hinterland ceremony

Black Cockatoo Coorabell

  • Luxury cabins on 120 acres in Byron hinterland 
  • Stunning views overlooking Platypus Dam
  • Rural/garden ceremony settings or use it as a base for your beach or hinterland ceremony
  • Undercover decks for wet weather

Temple Farm House

  • Ultra private luxury home set atop the rolling hills of Nashua (8 minute drive to Bangalow)
  • 360 degree views and sunsets dreams are made from
  • Hilltop, garden and rainforest ceremony settings

Sol Villa

  • Stylish luxury home located in Skennars Head (25 minutes from Byron town, 10 mins from Ballina) 
  • Relaxed and private
  • Garden or poolside ceremony options or head down to flat rock
  • Undercover outdoor entertaining area for wet weather 

Barefoot at Broken Head

  • Luxury rainforest oasis
  • Lush manicured gardens and covered decks for ceremony and celebration
  • Beach ceremony option just a short walk through the dunes
  • In-house catering available
  • Just 10 minutes drive from Byron town 

Sundays at Byron

  • Luxury boutique accommodation with stunning views
  • 10 minutes drive from Byron town
  • Paved hilltop ceremony setting 

The Hut Guesthouse

  • Luxury six bedroom home located in Byron hinterland
  • Idyllic views and lush wraparound lawns and gardens
  • Inhouse dining experience available or celebrate at the nearby The Hut restaurant

WEDDING VENUES

The below venues are a blank canvas allowing you to create a celebration all your own. They established relationships with many local suppliers they can recommend to make your wedding one to remember.

Forget Me Knot Farm 

  • Outdoor dining for up to 36 people
  • Private and tranquil
  • Award winning gardens 
  • Amazing views and sunsets
  • Multiple outdoor ceremony options
  • Undercover deck area for wet weather
  • Accommodation on site or venue hire only

Earth House

  • Spectacular mountain and hinterland views
  • Idyllic farmland
  • Mediterranean-inspired architecture
  • Simple and natural 
  • Ceremonies held beneath a 100-year-old fig tree 
  • Undercover verandah or indoor pavilion for wet weather
  • Blank canvas – all furniture, food and drinks must be brought in
  • Boutique accommodation onsite

Nightcap Ridge

  • 70 acre eco-luxe property located in Byron hinterland
  • Lush green lawns and gardens for ceremony
  • On site accommodation
  • Purpose built function space with undercover decks for wet weather
Newlyweds Emma and Claire walk hand in hand along Raes hotel pool.
Raes at Wategos / Photo by Kat Rollings
Newlyweds stand in front of Cape Bryon Lighthouse at sunset.
Cape Byron Lighthouse / Photo by Kat Rollings

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *