Wedding ceremonies

If you would like to host your wedding ceremony on public land in Moreton Bay, you will need to apply for approval. Council regulates these activities to make sure they are carried out safely and are considerate to residents and other park visitors.

A designated wedding ceremony location can be booked for a maximum of three hours. You need to submit your application and all supporting documentation at least 30 business days before the ceremony. 

You will need to apply through the 'all other locations' process below if you wish to:

  • host your wedding at a non-designated site
  • conduct other wedding activities in addition to the ceremony
  • have a booking longer than three hours.

To proceed with an application, first check if the location is a designated wedding location. Once you have determined this, follow the relevant process below. 

Designated wedding location

Step 1.Choose a location

Choose from our designated wedding locations.

Step 2.Complete a risk management plan

Complete a risk management plan using the risk management plan template(DOCX, 927KB).

Step 3.Take out public liability insurance

Evidence of a current public liability insurance policy to the value of $20,000,000 in the same name as the applicant should be provided with your application.

Ensure the location listed on your policy includes public land, for example, Anywhere in Australia or Worldwide. This must be outlined either on your certificate of currency or the terms and conditions of your policy and provided to Council. If this is not listed, obtain written confirmation from your insurer.

Step 4.Review conditions

Review and understand the:

Specific conditions may be added after your application has been assessed.

Step 5.Review the fees and charges

An application fee is payable at the time of submission per Council’s fees and charges. Council will contact you for payment.

The first column is the type of fee, the second column advises the fee amount, and the third column explains the fee's purpose.

Fee type  Amount Details
Application fee  201211 This is a one-time fee paid when submitting your application.  
Amendment application fee  201210 Payable when an application to change an existing approval is submitted. There is no fee for minor changes, for example, trading name or contact details.
Transfer application fee  201208 Payable when an application to transfer an existing approval to another person or business is submitted. Note: Not all approvals are eligible for transfer. Check the approval conditions before applying.

Charities and not-for-profit organisations are exempt from paying fees with evidence of eligibility.

Step 6.Submit an application

Download and complete the Events (wedding section) application(PDF, 308KB) and submit:

The applicant for an approval must be a legal entity, such as an individual, company, incorporated body, unincorporated body, partnership, body corporate or trustee.

All other locations

Step 1.Prepare a site plan

We recommend using an aerial photograph of your event site (available through Google Maps) to prepare your site plan.

Your site plan should address all aspects of your wedding, including:

  • location, parking and toilet facilities, including toilets with disability access
  • location and type of all structures for example, arbour, chairs, signing table
  • location and size of generators and electrical cables.

Step 2.Complete a risk management plan

Complete a risk management plan using the risk management plan template(DOCX, 927KB).

Step 3.Take out public liability insurance

Evidence of a current public liability insurance policy to the value of $20,000,000 in the same name as the applicant should be provided with your application.

Ensure the location listed on your policy includes public land, for example, Anywhere in Australia or Worldwide. This must be outlined either on your certificate of currency or the terms and conditions of your policy and provided to Council. If this is not listed, obtain written confirmation from your insurer.

Step 4.Review conditions

Review and understand the:

Specific conditions may be added after your application has been assessed. 

Step 5.Review fees and charges

An application fee is payable at the time of submission per Council’sfees and charges. Council will contact you for payment.

The first column is the type of fee, the second column advises the fee amount, and the third column explains the fee's purpose.

Fee type  Amount Details
Application fee for over 3 hours  201206 This is a one-time fee paid when submitting your application.  
Commercial use of public land annual charge  201194

Charged monthly on a pro rata basis for the approval period; or If renewable, charged pro rata from the approval date to 30 September. Then annually, each September, for the approval term between 1 October to 30 September.
Amendment application fee  201207 Payable when an application to change an existing approval is submitted. There is no fee for minor changes, for example, trading name or contact details.
Transfer application fee  201208 Payable when an application to transfer an existing approval to another person or business is submitted. Note: Not all approvals are eligible for transfer. Check the approval conditions before applying.

Charities and not-for-profit organisations are exempt from paying fees with evidence of eligibility.

Step 6.Complete an application 

Download and complete the Events (wedding section) application(PDF, 308KB) and submit:

The applicant for an approval must be a legal entity, such as an individual, company, incorporated body, unincorporated body, partnership, body corporate or trustee

About hosting your wedding on public land

  • Special mowing or additional servicing of the area is not provided. Council maintains its parks and gardens on a routine maintenance schedule.
  • To ensure safety of the general public and to avoid potential damage to the park surfaces, no vehicles may drive or park on grassed areas. All vehicles onsite must be parked lawfully.
  • Electricity access is not provided.
  • For environmental purposes the throwing of confetti, rice and any other similar material is not permitted. Rose petals and bubbles are permitted.
  • A portable PA system may be used; however please take into consideration the volume and the type of music played.
  • The insertion of stakes or pegs into the park surface is not permitted. Stand up umbrellas, wedding arches and chairs are permitted, and a "red carpet" may be laid down. All temporary structures must be self-supporting and weighted down.
  • Fireworks are not permitted.
  • Alcohol is not permitted to be consumed in public parks in accordance with Queensland State Law
  • Pathways and walkways must not be obstructed to ensure the safe passage of the general public during the ceremony.
  • The park must be left in a clean and tidy condition and any waste taken off site at the conclusion of your ceremony.
  • Please note parks are public places and a permit will not guarantee exclusive use of the park.
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