Top Hotels in North Queensland for a Destination Wedding
Australia is the exotic country that can provide the perfect backdrop to just about any wedding style. Whether you’re looking for the pristine beach setting, a romantic vineyard landscape or a contrasting and rugged red outback scene, there is a location and a means to make that special dream wedding day a reality.
For those wanting a small, quaint beach style wedding in tropical north Queensland, there are a few luxury hotels in the region with pristine locations that can help you prepare for that special day. These five star resorts are set amongst tropical rainforest that also lines the clear blue waters of the Coral Sea; the destination sets the tone not only for the wedding party, but also provides a unforgettable wedding experience for the guests staying on the premise.
Kewarra Beach Resort & Spa
Kewarra Beach Resort & Spa is located on 30 hectares of tropical rainforest on one of the Cairns northern beaches. Being just a short transfer from Cairns Airport, the Kewarra Beach Resort makes for an accessible, yet secluded, wedding destination. The resort offers visitors both beachfront accommodation or private rainforest nature accommodation where the tropical environment comes to life right on your doorstep.
Average wedding size:
Kewarra Beach Resort caters to the more personal wedding experience with max wedding capacities of 60. The average wedding party is 40 people, but there is a significant number of eloping couples and couples that only invite a few close family and friends in that statistic.
Starting wedding prices:
There are several wedding packages on offer at Kewara Beach Resort that focus on the bride and groom. Catering for a wedding party can be added to the standard packages. The basic wedding package, Kewarra Tropical Dreaming, starts at just $995 and includes the following:
- Civil Marriage Celebrant
- Marriage License & Certificate
- Services of a Wedding Coordinator
- Ceremony setup with location to be chosen by the bride & groom on arrival
- Bride’s bouquet & Groom’s buttonhole
- Bottle of Australian Sparkling Wine
Included wedding assistance from Kewarra Beach Resort:
All wedding packages include a dedicated wedding coordinator and consultation and support of the food and beverage manager and chef.
What does Kewarra Beach Resort do that is special?
I think one of the overwhelming differences with Kewarra is the involvement of senior management in all wedding arrangements and a highly personalised focus on attention to details. [. . .] In addition to this, Kewarra offers a wide range and variety of locations that can be combined for a wedding. By this I mean, the ceremony might be on the private beachfront, the after ceremony Champagne could be served in the forest deck and the reception could be on the lawns overlooking a tropical rainforest and natural lagoon.
-Michael Heaver, Sales and Marketing Manager
Why Kewarra Beach as opposed to other areas in north Queensland?
I believe it is all about authenticity. There is nowhere else in the region of Cairns that offers the idyllic tropical location that Kewarra has. When people decide they want to have a Tropical Beach Wedding, they do not expect to have to contend with hoards of traffic and people. At Kewarra we offer seclusion and exclusivity away from the crowds in a naturally authentic tropical environment.
-Michael Heaver, Sales and Marketing Manager
Peppers Beach Club, Palm Cove
Peppers Beach Club is located in the lovely Palm Cove, just 20 minutes north of Cairns. It is here that you can indulge in five star suites either near the lagoon or near the beach, relax in the onsite spa or enjoy a glass of wine with tapas at Lime & Pepper. Within minutes of Peppers, you can find yourself on your way to the Great Barrier Reef or in the Daintree Rainforest.
Average wedding size:
Peppers Beach Club, Palm Cove, is able to offer receptions for up to 100 seated guests, yet the average size of a wedding ranges from 55 to 75 individuals since parties travel from out of state.
Starting wedding prices:
Those partaking in a wedding ceremony at Peppers Beach Club, Palm Cove, have the luxury of choosing from a variety of settings including beachfront, at the Peppers Beach Club lagoon pool beach on the Lime & Pepper deck with beach view or in the serenity garden. Reception service options are available on top of the normal wedding packages. The Peppers Basic Package wedding plan starts at just $350 and includes the following:
- Stunning tropical venue on the resort grounds or Palm Cove Beach (permit included)
- Table and chairs for signing of the Marriage Certificate
- Bottle of sparkling wine for the Bride & Groom
- Resort Wedding Coordinator services
- Witnesses if required
Included wedding assistance from Peppers Beach Club:
All packages include the services and consultation of a Wedding Coordinator.
What does Peppers Beach Club do that is special?
When booking a wedding with us here at Peppers Beach Club & Spa, Palm Cove, you get a dedicated wedding coordinator, Vanessa, to assist with all your requirements. We have designed our wedding packages to include professionals like celebrants & photographers as this takes some pressure off the Brides & Grooms to be. Our wedding coordinator can recommend local cake shops, hair & makeup artists, entertainment & car hire etc. Our beautiful spa, Salt Spa, which is conveniently located within the resort offers packages for hens celebrations, bridal parties, treatments for men and pamper package for Mother’s of the Bride & Groom etc. Salt spa can also accommodate hair & makeup also. Not everyone in Palm Cove can provide as many services as we can, which creates a point of difference for us.
-Stacey Leigh, Operations Manager
Why Palm Cove as opposed to other areas in north Queensland?
Palm Cove itself is only 20 minutes from the Cairns airport which makes it easy for families and friends to fly in and get transfers to us. The town itself is simply magical for a wedding with a tree lined esplanade, warm tropical weather, manicured gardens and an ocean setting to take your breath away.
-Stacey Leigh, Operations Manager
Thala Beach Lodge, Port Douglas
Thala Beach Lodge has a unique vantage point being perched on a hill overlooking the rainforest leading out to the bright blue ocean waters. Even though the accommodation is just south of Port Douglas and 45 minutes north of Cairns, you will feel as if you are in a secluded hideout on this private headland. You can easily get to the local attractions, such as the Great Barrier Reef, and take part in onsite activities like stargazing and beach lounging.
Average wedding size:
Thala Beach Lodge offers a scenic destination for weddings of up to 60 people (seated) or 80 to 100 in a standing cocktail reception. The average size of a wedding tends to be either elopements or those of in the 50 person range.
Starting wedding prices:
The standard ceremony wedding package at Thala Beach Lodge runs $2500 and includes a number of great features:
- Fees for the Marriage Celebrant.
- All administrative costs associated with organising the wedding by Thala Beach Lodge.
- Venue for the wedding ceremony.
- Bouquet for bride and buttonhole for groom.
- Bottle of Australian Sparkling wine served following the wedding ceremony.
- Provision of witnesses
- Professional photographer to capture the occasion, 2 hours photography including the ceremony, family and bridal portraits.
Reception setup and fee, per person, runs $199 and includes seating, meals and beverages.
Included wedding assistance from Thala Beach Lodge:
All weddings at Thala Beach Lodge include an accredited wedding planner to make the occasion the perfect day you dream it to be.
What does Thala Beach Lodge do that is special?
An accredited wedding planner will assist with all coordination and personal touches on every requirement. Thala Beach Lodge’s wedding planner makes planning the wedding fun and easy, no stress. All arrangements with supplier taken care of. From Aboriginal smoking ceremonies, tropical beach, secluded rainforest and helicopter landing ceremonies to traditional ceremonies, we have done them all.
-Angelique Schesser, Wedding Planner
Why Thala Beach as opposed to other areas in north Queensland?
Privacy, romantic settings with personal touches and stress free planning!
-Angelique Schesser, Wedding Planner
Read more about the best places to honeymoon in Australia.
Beach wedding photo credit. All other photos provided by respective accommodation: Kewarra Beach Resort, Peppers Beach Club & Spa and Thala Beach Lodge. I stayed at all of these locations as part of a media trip and can attest to their optimal wedding settings – gorgeous part of the country!