Facility bookings & outdoor events

Holding wedding ceremonies and marriage proposals in parks and public spaces

Project Status: When you need to do this

You can apply to hold a wedding ceremony or marriage proposal in one of our parks and public spaces.

Ceremonies and proposals that do not use any infrastructure or equipment and do not expect exclusive use of a facility such as a rotunda do not need to apply for approval.

Note, wedding receptions cannot be approved in outdoor spaces.

What you need to do

To apply and book to hold a wedding ceremony or marriage proposal at one of our parks and public spaces, you must meet some special rules:

  • There is a fee for booking a wedding ceremony or marriage proposal. Bookings are not confirmed until fees have been paid.
  • Bookings are approved in 3-hour blocks. We allow half an hour between each booking.
  • Guest numbers are limited to 35, including the wedding party.
  • You can bring up to 30 chairs, a carpet, and one table into the booked space.
  • You cannot bring catering, more event infrastructure or vehicles into the space.
  • If you book a park with a rotunda, including Observatory Park, you have exclusive use of the rotunda during your booking. You do not have exclusive use of the rest of the park or open space and these areas remain open to the general public.
  • You do not have exclusive use of the location other than where specified in an approval, such as a rotunda.
  • Wedding ceremonies and marriage proposals are not permitted in Paddington Reservoir Gardens.
  • You do not need a permit or approval to take wedding photos on the same day as the ceremony.
  • Drones are prohibited.

To make a booking, complete the park/open spaces wedding ceremony and marriage proposal application.

Note, applications need to be lodged at least 4 weeks before your proposed booking date.

Wedding ceremony and marriage proposal application

Apply to hold a wedding ceremony or marriage proposal in one of our parks or public spaces.

Apply online

Need help?

If you have questions before you apply, contact our open space bookings team.

phone number
02 9265 9333
email address
[email protected]

Land ownership

Our area includes some precincts that require applications and permits from other authorities.

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