Discover the Top Cairns Wedding Venues for a Memorable Celebration (Updated 2024)
Planning a wedding in Cairns offers couples access to some of the most beautiful and unique venues in Australia. As an experienced event planner, I’ve curated a list of the top wedding venues in Cairns, Australia, complete with details on ambiance, location, facilities, and pricing. This guide will help you find the ideal setting for your special day, whether you’re envisioning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering.
1. Salt House
- Location: 6/2 Pierpoint Rd, Cairns City QLD 4870
- Capacity: Up to 200 guests for dinner, or 300 for a cocktail reception.
- Ambiance: Modern, waterfront elegance.
- Facilities: Indoor and outdoor spaces with breathtaking views of the city, ocean, and hinterlands.
- Pricing: Packages available upon request.
- Type of Wedding: Suitable for both intimate and grand weddings.
Why Choose Salt House: Known for its iconic location and scenic backdrop, Salt House is perfect for couples looking for a modern venue with panoramic waterfront views. Its flexible indoor and outdoor spaces make it adaptable for any wedding style.
2. Cairns Colonial Club Resort
- Location: 18-26 Cannon St, Manunda QLD 4870
- Capacity: Accommodates up to 250 guests for a sit-down dinner or 350 for cocktails.
- Ambiance: Tropical garden paradise.
- Facilities: Lush rainforest gardens, poolside ceremonies, on-site accommodations, catering.
- Pricing: Packages start from AUD 95 per person.
- Type of Wedding: Ideal for intimate to large weddings.
Why Choose Cairns Colonial Club Resort: This resort’s serene rainforest gardens and colonial-style charm make it a top choice for couples desiring a tropical escape. The option to host poolside ceremonies adds a relaxed, unique element to the celebration.
3. Rydges Esplanade Resort
- Location: 209-217 Abbott St, Cairns City QLD 4870
- Capacity: Up to 400 guests for dinner, or 500 for a cocktail reception.
- Ambiance: Beachfront sophistication.
- Facilities: Multiple ceremony spaces, Coral Sea views, luxury accommodations.
- Pricing: Packages available upon request.
- Type of Wedding: Suitable for large gatherings with a beachfront or ballroom style.
Why Choose Rydges Esplanade Resort: With stunning views over the Coral Sea, Rydges Esplanade offers a sophisticated backdrop perfect for grand receptions and seaside ceremonies. The extensive catering options and accommodations make it ideal for larger gatherings.
4. Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa
- Location: 5 Triton St, Palm Cove QLD 4879
- Capacity: Seats up to 300 guests for dinner, or 400 for cocktails.
- Ambiance: Elegant beachside retreat.
- Facilities: Beachfront location, on-site spa, outdoor and indoor event spaces.
- Pricing: Packages start from AUD 130 per person.
- Type of Wedding: Perfect for luxurious beachside weddings.
Why Choose Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple: This venue blends natural beach beauty with luxurious amenities, creating a perfect setting for beach-loving couples. From private ceremonies on the sand to stylish receptions, Pullman delivers a full wedding experience.
5. Thala Beach Nature Reserve
- Location: 5078 Captain Cook Hwy, Oak Beach QLD 4877
- Capacity: Up to 100 guests for dinner or 150 for cocktails.
- Ambiance: Eco-friendly, secluded.
- Facilities: Private beach access, outdoor reception areas, eco-conscious design.
- Pricing: Packages available upon request.
- Type of Wedding: Ideal for small, intimate, or eco-friendly weddings.
Why Choose Thala Beach Nature Reserve: For couples seeking seclusion and natural beauty, Thala Beach offers a unique experience. The private beach, along with its eco-friendly ethos, makes it ideal for intimate, nature-inspired ceremonies.
6. Hilton Cairns
- Location: 34 Esplanade, Cairns City QLD 4870
- Capacity: Up to 200 guests.
- Ambiance: Elegant, contemporary.
- Facilities: Waterfront views, luxury accommodations, on-site catering.
- Pricing: Packages start from AUD 120 per person.
- Type of Wedding: Great for intimate to medium-sized weddings.
Why Choose Hilton Cairns: Hilton Cairns combines modern elegance with waterfront charm, providing a stylish option for medium-sized weddings. The venue’s luxurious accommodations and dedicated event spaces add convenience and sophistication to any celebration.
7. Pullman Reef Hotel Casino
- Location: 35-41 Wharf St, Cairns City QLD 4870
- Capacity: Up to 500 guests.
- Ambiance: Luxurious and stylish.
- Facilities: Ballroom, rooftop garden, on-site accommodations, full catering services.
- Pricing: Packages start from AUD 150 per person.
- Type of Wedding: Ideal for medium to large-sized weddings.
Why Choose Pullman Reef Hotel Casino: With its glamorous ballroom and rooftop garden, this venue is ideal for couples seeking a grand and luxurious wedding. Pullman Reef’s high-end service and large capacity make it an excellent choice for elegant celebrations.
8. Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
- Location: 1 Veivers Rd, Palm Cove QLD 4879
- Capacity: Up to 100 guests.
- Ambiance: Romantic, beachfront.
- Facilities: Beachfront ceremony areas, on-site accommodation, catering.
- Pricing: Custom packages available.
- Type of Wedding: Ideal for intimate beachside weddings.
Why Choose Alamanda Palm Cove: For couples dreaming of a romantic beachfront wedding, Alamanda provides a picturesque setting with swaying palms and pristine sands. The venue’s exclusive atmosphere and stunning views create an unforgettable experience.
9. Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
- Location: Cairns Western Arterial Rd, Caravonica QLD 4878
- Capacity: Up to 350 guests.
- Ambiance: Cultural and natural.
- Facilities: Indoor and outdoor spaces, cultural performances, on-site catering.
- Pricing: Packages start from AUD 3,000.
- Type of Wedding: Perfect for couples seeking a unique, culturally enriching experience.
Why Choose Tjapukai Cultural Park: For couples wanting to incorporate local Aboriginal culture into their celebration, Tjapukai offers an extraordinary setting with the opportunity for cultural performances. The park’s natural surroundings make it a one-of-a-kind choice.
10. Sugar Wharf Port Douglas
- Location: 44 Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD 4877
- Capacity: Up to 300 guests.
- Ambiance: Historic and romantic.
- Facilities: Open-air, oceanfront views, historical architecture.
- Pricing: Contact venue for custom packages.
- Type of Wedding: Ideal for outdoor, romantic weddings.
Why Choose Sugar Wharf: Couples who appreciate history and scenic ocean views will love Sugar Wharf. This open-air venue provides a charming setting with a historic touch, perfect for sunset ceremonies and coastal receptions.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Wedding Venue in Cairns
- Ambiance: Select a venue that reflects your style and vision.
- Location: Choose a meaningful spot that complements your theme.
- Facilities: Ensure the venue has necessary facilities like kitchens, restrooms, and parking.
- Capacity: Match the venue size to your guest list.
- Pricing: Pick a venue within your budget, with clear package options.
Cairns offers a range of stunning venues, from beachfront escapes to grand resorts. By considering these options, you can find the ideal setting that reflects your unique love story and vision for your wedding day.