6 Tropical North Queensland venues for a wedding in paradise

If you envision your wedding with a backdrop of golden sands, azure waters and swaying palms, you don’t have to book yourselves a flight overseas. Home to tiny islands, quaint coastal towns and Insta-ready beaches, Tropical North Queensland ticks all the right boxes and is right on your doorstep. Want a celebration with a summer-all-the-time vibe? Get out your Havaianas and retreat to one of these beauties for a wedding in paradise.

Related article: Your honeymoon guide to the Whitsundays

Fitzroy Island Resort

Just 45 minutes by FastCat from Cairns, Fitzroy Island Resort is a Queensland gem you seriously need to discover for yourselves. Set within the sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef, the venue is blessed with lush rainforest and beach surrounds – perfect for beautiful ceremonies and post-wedding photo-sessions! And with plenty of accommodation available, Fitzroy Island can make for an unforgettable escape for both you and your guests. Four words – instant destination wedding vibes.

Castaways Resort & Spa Mission Beach

The tiny coastal locality of Mission Beach (just under two hours south of Cairns) has plenty to be enchanted by. Powder-soft sands, bright blue waters, ancient rainforest and a calm pace of life – it’s all here. Calling this amazing destination home, Castaways Resort & Spa Mission Beach brings it all together to create a dreamy setting for exchanging vows. Overlooking the Coral Sea, the venue’s palm-dotted gardens are a winner for ceremonies, while its restaurant is ideal for refreshing cocktails, fresh cuisine and dancing the night away. Sounds utterly lovely to us!

Thala Beach Nature Reserve

For a real ‘escaped from the rest of the world’ feeling, celebrate your special day with loved ones at Thala Beach Nature Reserve. Located 45 minutes from Cairns and 15 minutes from Port Douglas, this 145-acre eco hideaway is nestled within pristine rainforest and is where you’ll find some of Queensland’s most spectacular sunsets (their night skies aren’t too bad, either). With an array of fabulous ceremony settings (including a scenic rainforest lounge, a shabby-chic beach shack pavilion, palm-filled gardens and a secluded beach), Thala Beach also offers incredible food-focused receptions and accommodation for all your guests. That’s the buddymoon sorted!

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

If you’re seeking a venue that combines a tropical location with old-world touches, say “I do” at Cairns Colonial Club Resort. With sprawling rainforest gardens, this fantastic spot is known for its heritage style and charming garden ceremonies. Cap off a sensational day with celebrations in one of the venue’s lovely reception spaces before retreating to one of Cairns Colonial Club Resort’s stylish guestrooms. With 345 available, there’s plenty to accommodate everyone.

QT Port Douglas

Port Douglas is making it big at the moment for amazing Queensland wedding locations and it’s not hard to see why. With a breezy atmosphere, proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and postcard-ready beaches, this wonderful destination seems made for weddings. Easily one of the most stylish spots in town, QT Port Douglas is synonymous with high-end accommodation and outstanding celebrations. Tie the knot on one of the nearby beaches or in the venue’s manicured gardens before feasting on expertly prepared fare and delicious cocktails. Of course, there’s also onsite accommodation that’ll impress you and your guests – cheers to that!

Shantara Resort Port Douglas

Another brilliant Port Douglas venue, Shantara Resort Port Douglas is great for intimate weddings or elopements. With emerald gardens and an elegant pool, the venue is also just moments from the beloved Four Mile Beach and the magical Daintree Rainforest – ideal for post-wedding photos! Providing a sumptuous place to stay for your guest-list (both small and large), Shantara makes the transition from wedding to honeymoon (or buddymoon) totally stress-free.

Searching for a venue? Take a look at our helpful directory here…

Related posts: