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Australia is a wonderful choice for a destination wedding if you have a couple of weeks to enjoy at least a small part of this stunning country. Getting far, far away from everything can be very appealing for some couples, who want nothing more than to get married quietly, in an intimate and private ceremony, yet also somehow combine that with a bit of adventure.

Encompassing miles of pristine beaches, coral reefs, wild and untamed desert, modern cities and mysterious rain forests, Australia is an enticing playground. The key to making your time in Oz special is to select one area to visit and restrict yourself to it. The country is simply too vast to do everything at once, unless you can take at least two months out from your normal life, which will allow you to sample some of the highlights of the country.

Over on the East Coast you'll have a great chance to explore and experience the marvels of those fabulous beaches and the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Tropical Queensland's best kept secret is Palm Cove. It's a gorgeous beach front town that is perfect for weddings and honeymoons.

You could exchange your vows on a beautiful beach, shaded with exotic palm trees or take a deep breath and have an underwater wedding, or let go and fly high with an exciting hot air balloon ceremony. The weather is glorious and it's a peaceful, idyllic setting and you just cannot beat it for a destination wedding. It has everything.





When to go

Spring, from September to November, is probably the best time of year for an all-round comfortable visit. Daytime temperatures average at 28 degrees Celsius and minimum night temperatures are around 19 degrees Celsius.

Read in more detail about the climate over here.

Legal Requirements:

• There is no minimum residency requirement.
• Papers, however, must be filed at least 31 days before the wedding (you can download these from the Australian government website) or collect them from an Australian consulate. A wedding planner can submit them on your behalf.
  

Documents needed:

• Notice of Intent to Marry
• Copies of both birth certificates
• Divorce certificates (if previously married)
• Death certificate (if widowed)
• If your name has been changed by deed poll, you need to show legal proof

Adventure Weddings

Palm Cove Weddings offers a number of unique weddings that are great for adventurous, excitement-seeking couples:

1. Underwater wedding package for AU$ $2920.00 (about US$ 2781.00) which includes:

• the underwater ceremony - they have their own communication devices which means the entire ceremony can take place underwater and not just the ring exchange.
• private boat charter

After your ceremony you can have lunch on the yacht, then do a spot of swimming, snorkeling or more diving, or even take a secluded walk on an island beach. During the trip back to the main shore you will be served with drinks, fruit platters and cheese platters.

2. Private hot air balloon wedding package for AU$2600 (about US$2475), includes:

• Champagne breakfast
• Wedding CD with photos
• Bridal bouquet of your choice.

3. Great Barrier Reef island wedding package for AU$1980 (about US$1883 ), includes:

• Private yacht charter on a luxurious catamaran to an island on the Great Barrier Reef
• Tropical lunch and afternoon cheese platter

The Sebel Reef House and Spa

This boutique resort is an idyllic wedding venue and offers a good wedding package for AU$1360. It includes:

• Ceremony fees (license, certificate, marriage celebrant)
• Your choice of wedding venue (on the hotel grounds)
  
• Bride's bouquet and groom's buttonhole
• Mini wedding cake
• Bottle of sparkling wine

But, there is a condition of a minimum of 5 nights stay at the Reef House, which isn't really a hardship, as it's a fabulous place. Room rates start at AU$245.

Peppers Beach Club and Spa

A stunning venue that can cater for up to 100 wedding guests. Contact the wedding co-coordinator at palmcove@peppers.com.au to discuss a package.

Room rates from AU$335.

There is a good choice of accommodation, read more over here.

Things to do

• Swimming
• Diving
• Snorkeling
• Kayaking
• Horse riding
• Scenic horse rides
• Fishing
• A trip on the Skyrail Cableway over a tropical rain forest

To assist you in arranging your tropical destination wedding, try one of these Palm Cove wedding planners:

Fantasea Weddings
Palm Cove Weddings


You'll probably wish you had more time available to spend in Palm Cove - it's guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience, and to give you wonderful wedding memories.