Destination weddings used to be the exception to the rule, but because they offer couples so many ‘pros’, they’re becoming more and more popular. Couples can say ‘I do’ a unique setting, can have a wedding and honeymoon in one, it gives guests an excuse to pack their bags and allows you to extend the celebrations over a few days. But if an overseas destination means you’ll be sacrificing on important guests, like Granny, then book a patch of paradise at Hamilton Island, Australia’s most romantic wedding location.
The perfect embrace at sunset.
These top Hamilton Island destinations will put a smile on your dial and a sun-shiny bling on your ring! Hamilton Island is the largest inhabited island of the 74 Whitsundays Islands. It’s located on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders, is a world heritage listed site and the largest coral reef in the world. It’s the perfect locale to showcase everything beautiful, magical and breathtaking to guests, from your significance of your wedding vows to the natural wonders that make The Whitsunday Islands so special – picturesque landscapes, calm turquoise waters, secluded beaches, beautiful weather, fascinating coral reefs, island passages and diverse flora and fauna.
Hamilton Island is loaded with great ceremony locations.
Here’s our top ceremony spots…
On Australia’s number 1 beach: Whitehaven Beach
It’s hard to top a kiss at this pristine stretch of paradise! Voted 2014’s number one beach in Australia by TripAdvisor, Whitehaven Beach is a magical seven kilometres of silky white sand and vibrant turquoise water. It is arguably one of the most unique and stunning locations. Guests can either travel 30 minutes by high-speed catamaran, or do it luxe style by air in just 8 minutes by scenic seaplane or helicopter flight over picturesque Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and the dreamy Heart Reef, before landing at the most stunning wedding ceremony ever.. You won’t need decorations, but if you choose to, Hamilton Island Weddings can organise it all for you – flowers, flags and even photography, videography and hair and makeup.
Whitehaven beach – for people serious about stunning locations
The Great Barrier Reef is a sight to behold.
Guests can travel in style via catamaran to Whitehaven beach.
The traditional quaint chapel: All Saints Chapel
It has all the (church) bells and whistles of a traditional church setting, but is located in the heart of paradise. Offering both religious and non-religious and nondenominational ceremonies, All Saints Chapel allows you to say ‘I do’ to the sounds of chiming bells within a quaint wooden white chapel, set amidst tropical landscaped gardens on the hillside overlooking Catseye Bay. Awww! It even has the requisite traditional stained glass windows and a bell tower.
Goin’ to the Chapel and we’re, gonna get maaaaried. Hamilton Island Chapel is tres cute.
Beautiful timber, leadlight windows and a room filled with love.
On the greenest pastures: All Saints Chapel Gardens
You’ve found your greener pastures, so pay tribute on the beautifully manicured lawns alongside the All Saints Chapel Gardens. It’s perfect for those who love the location and views, but don’t want sandy feet or a religious chapel ceremony.
Barefoot on beach: Catseye Beach
Toss the heels, it’s time to get at one with nature. Go Island style and declare your love in the luxe sands on Catseye Beach. Imagine, you and your hubby-to-be, the sound of calm waters, the feel of soft sand through your toes, looking out through the palm trees over Hamilton Island’s picturesque Catseye Beach across to the Whitsunday Islands beyond.
Rings mandatory. Footwear optional!
Get lost in love and the views.
He’ll be putty in the palms of your hands…
At the luxury resort: qualia.
It’s 5 star luxury in paradise. Qualia is Hamilton Island’s award winning resort, nestled intimately on the edge of Hamilton Island’s sun-drenched northern-most tip. You’ll be totally swept off your feet by qualia’s understated luxury, quintessential Australian charm, natural beauty and world-class touches. qualia has one a string of international awards and is in high-demand for good reason. There’s 60 luxurious pavilions are set sensitively amongst native Eucalypts to unwind, with either a sundeck or private infinity edge plunge pool overlooking the azure waters, the perfect pad for lovers. There are three main ceremony locations, the helicopter pad, located on lush green grassy knolls, The Beach House at qualia, for an intimate hideaway wedding for 40 or less guests, and Pebble Beach, which as a water’s edge restaurant set beside an expansive waterfront pool, gym and cabanas, providing the stunning backdrop for a more casual beach side ceremony and or reception. A ceremony at Pebble Beach can be held either on the lawn, or on the beach.
Luxe love. World class views from a world class resort.
The library at qualia. In case you fancy writing the next chapter in your life.
Pebble Beach, qualia, has stunning views.
Set up your tables to maximise the locations beauty. Pebble Beach, qualia.
Take a stroll along Pebble Beach, qualia, for wedding pics.
A wedding for two? Perfect!
For the coolest ever wedding transport, arrive by air at the qualia helipad.
Breakfast Tiffany’s style. The Pavilion, qualia.
A home away from home! Rooms you’ll never want to leave.
Soak in the views, with a tub built for two.
Relax in your own private plunge pool perched cliffside.
When you’re not gazing into one another’s eyes, try this view.
The Beach House, qualia.
Surrounded by panoramic views: One Tree Hill
Enjoy a cocktail and a stunning sunset as you settle in for a romantic afternoon at this iconic look out. One Tree Hill is the ultimate lover’s lookout point, complete with a pop up bar to champers and blissfully romantic views.
Sunset at One Tree Hill is an experience you’ll never forget.
Watch the sky light up!
On top of the world at One Tree Hill.
On the green: Hamilton Island Golf Club
Tee off your nuptials in a beautifully unique location, at Hamilton Island Golf Club. It’s located on Dent Island, one of the 74 islands in the Whitsunday group. For nature lovers, this setting is all about natural and rugged beauty, mountainous terrain and of course, the stunning 360 degree views across secluded coves, beaches, islands, the mainland and passages beyond.
Have a ball at the Hamilton Island Golf Club.
The reception centre at Hamilton Island Golf Club.
Fancy a round? A hole lot of love in one.
Spectacular sunset drinks.
The interior, Hamilton Island Golf Club.
Blue and green should always be seen…
Floating on the Great Barrier Reef: Reefworld Pontoon
Now here’s a wedding guests won’t forget… Cruise Whitsundays permanently moored ‘Reefworld’ pontoon is 40 nautical miles from the Whitsunday Coast mainland, at Hardy Reef, just near world famous ‘Heart Reef’ – how befitting! Truly a unique event venue set afloat a stunning maze of coral reefs amongst bright azure seas, it is an absolutely spectacular location. Wedding and event packages include private charter of one of Cruise Whitsundays modern cruising catamarans for guests to travel to and from the reef, exclusive use of the ‘Reefworld II’ pontoon at Hardy Reef and a range of seated and standing set ups for meals, cocktail receptions or corporate events. Wedding packages also include a romantic night for the Bridal couple at ‘Reefsleep’ – sleeping overnight in a private Honeymoon Suite on the pontoon including a candlelight dinner surrounded by fish in the underwater observatory. Visit www.cruisewhitsundays.com/groups.aspx or contact weddings@cruisewhitsundays.com
Say ‘I do’ on the love pontoon.
Vows with a view!
The perfect day on the love boat….
Nice wedding wheels!
Some uninvited guests you’ll be pleased to see.
Flying high on love.
Take a flight over Heart Reef.
The ultimate sunset drinks.
Book it!
To make your booking, or for more information on pricing and availability, contact Hamilton Island Holidays on 137 333 or visit Hamilton Island Weddings, who have a team of experienced wedding consultants dedicated to making your special day perfect. From a formal wedding for 200 to a private ceremony with just the two of you, you can leave every detail to the professionals while you focus on enjoying your wedding day. Reception venues are equally varied, from formal dining at a restaurant by the Marina to tropical informality by the Main Pool or under the palms in a beachfront marquee. You can choose the style of decoration, from flowers to butterflies and balloons, and your wedding consultant will customise the details, right down to the wedding stationery, photography, entertainment and wedding cake.
Are you planning a destination wedding? Tell us in the comments below!
