about byron bay

Byron Bay, situated on the far north coast of NSW, is truly an idyllic location to host your destination wedding. Boasting pristine beaches and some of the best surf breaks in the world, it is also situated near some of the most exquisite subtropical rainforests on the east coast of Australia, with the surrounding hills being renowned for their quaint towns and colorful residents. At Byron Bay Weddings, we are long time residents of this Shire and are savvy to many secret hinterland locations which are ideal for both wedding ceremonies and receptions. Talk to us about this.

You and your guests will never run out of things to do whilst visiting our beautiful region, with plenty of activities on offer such as skydiving, hang gliding, kayaking with the dolphins or horse riding on the beach. And of course Byron is perfectly suited to a quiet game of golf, a spot of fishing or catching a wave or two. Of course, If shopping, drinking lattes and lying on the beach is more your thing, Byron Bay will not disappoint you as these are all offered here at a world class level.

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climate and tides

If planning a beach wedding, it is also a good idea to check the tides.

NSW has daylight saving from the end of October until the end of March, so please add an hour if you are coming from Qld.

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choosing a beach for your ceremony

Byron Bay is blessed with a variety of beaches which can be considered when planning a beach ceremony, and deciding on the right one will depend on personal preference as well as practical considerations which are relevant to the specific needs you will have. Things to consider include space, parking availability and degree of privacy from the public. We have provided you with a brief description of what each beach has to offer, however we thoroughly recommend you to either visit them personally beforehand (and especially a few days prior to the ceremony as beaches can change dramatically from month to month) or conduct further research to assure you have chosen one that best suits your needs.

belongil beach

Belongil beach is rather long, yet shallow in its depth. Offering views to Mount Warning in the north and the Lighthouse to the south. Parking is quite limited and it is important to get your tide times right.

main beach

Main Beach is probably Byron's busiest beach, but it does offer paid parking close to the beach. It offers views to Julian Rocks, the Lighthouse and the hills to the north. Main Beach also offers alternatives (such as the park) if the weather is too windy on the day.

watego's beach

Whilst you can walk straight to the beach from the carpark, Watego's offers limited parking. It is best if you hire a minibus or taxi to transport guests. The beach is pretty and cove-like, but can be busy in summer and at peak times.

little watego's beach

This is a lovely secluded cove with a small beach (when the tides are right) and whilst it is private it is also hard to get to. You need to climb quite a lot of steps which may prove challenging for the elderly or impaired. If this is not an issue for your ceremony, it is a wonderful option to consider.

tallows beach

Tallows Beach offers expansive beaches that provide privacy and ample parking. There are great photo opportunities here, however you will need transport for yourselves and your guests.

the byron bay lighthouse

Offers amazing views but is often busy with tourists and can be very windy. With various lookouts and grassy areas it is ideal for amazing wedding photos, but is also very public. There is limited parking available (paid) so it is best to arrange a minibus or taxi.

Broken Head Beach

Broken Head is a stunning beach that is located a little out of town, and provides a quieter option offering long views north towards the Lighthouse.

Brunswick Heads Beaches

Whilst you will need transport to access these beaches (20 minutes north) there is plenty of parking as well as spots to choose from should the weather be questionable on the day. Many beautiful photo opportunities also.

Lennox Head Beaches

Lennox Head is located twenty minutes south of Byron Bay and therefore will require transport. However, there are many lovely headland spots from which to conduct ceremonies and that provide amazing photo opportunities. You will need to obtain your wedding permit from Ballina Shire Council for weddings at Lennox Head and surrounding areas.

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required permits for your byron bay wedding

In order to get married on one of Byron's beaches or at the iconic Byron Bay Lighthouse, you will need to secure a permit from either the Byron Shire Council or the Cape Byron Trust. For weddings in Ballina Shire (such as Lennox Head and surrounding areas) you will need to go through Ballina Shire Council. If you plan on having your wedding photos taken at one of Byron Bay's public places, you may also need a Wedding Photography Consent Form. It is a good idea to book as far ahead as possible as Byron Bay has become very popular for destination weddings and wedding photography.

Byron Shire Councils Wedding Permit Application
The Cape Byron Trusts Information Sheet - Wedding Photography
The Cape Byron Trusts Information Sheet - Wedding ceremony
Cape Byron Trusts Wedding Photography - Application Form
Cape Byron Trusts Wedding ceremony - Application Form

Ballina Shire Weddings on Public Land Policy
Ballina Shire Weddings Booking Form

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getting to byron bay

The closest international airport is in Brisbane, which is a two hour drive from Byron Bay.
The closest domestic airports are located in Ballina (a 30 minute drive from Byron Bay)
and Coolongatta (a 45 minute drive).

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