Stunning Wedding Venues on the Gold Coast

You’ve made the big call. Said yes to the next chapter, shared the news with your friends and family, and maybe even popped a bottle or two. Now comes the part where things get real: you’ve got to pick the place where it’s all going to happen.

The Gold Coast is a pretty ideal spot to start. With its mix of beaches, laid-back venues, and places that just feel made for a good time, it’s no surprise so many couples choose to get married here. Whether you’re thinking something simple or planning the whole shebang, there’s a venue out there that’ll fit.

Your Guest List, Timing and The Vibe You Want

Think about your guest list first. You don’t need to lock in exact numbers, but having a general idea makes a big difference. It helps you steer clear of places that won’t fit everyone or ones that’ll feel too big for the group you’ve got in mind.

Setting your date. The Gold Coast is known for good weather, but summer can get pretty hot. Spring and autumn are usually the busiest, so the earlier you book, the better. Winter’s underrated though, it’s quieter, cooler, and you might even find a few good deals. Maybe it’s worth considering too.

As for the kind of day you want, just start with what feels right. Maybe it’s an afternoon ceremony with dinner to follow. Maybe it’s a casual setup with drinks and dancing, or an all-in-one venue kind of celebration. You’ll figure out the rest, but having a vibe in mind helps when you start searching.

What Wedding Venues on the Gold Coast Are Like

You’ll find everything from beachside restaurants and hotels with a view to garden venues, relaxed halls, and spaces that feel more like someone’s backyard than a big function room in the Gold Coast. Some venues offer full-service packages where they’ll sort your food, drinks, staff, and setup while others hand you the space and let you take the reins.

If you’re still narrowing things down, it helps to look at a few key areas:

Surfers Paradise is probably the most well-known. It’s busy, central, and right by the beach. If your guests are flying in or booking nearby accommodation, this area makes it a bit easier. From hotel rooftops, venues with sea views, and spaces that are made for big celebrations can be found here.

Palm Beach is a good fit for couples who want something breezy and coastal without too much fuss. You’ll find venues tucked near the water, beachside spots with an open-air feel, and places that work well for slower, more relaxed days.

Burleigh Waters feels more local. It’s not as flashy, but that’s the charm. There are smaller venues here, ideal for couples looking for a private or low-key setup. If you’re into something intimate, this is a great area to check out.

Each part of Gold Coast brings something a little different to the table, so it really comes down to what kind of energy you want on the day and how much room you’ll need.

What’s Usually Included in Wedding Packages

Most venues bundle things together. You’ll usually get venue hire, catering, drinks, and staff in one package. When it comes to food, expect canapés or grazing to start, then mains either alternate drop or shared and maybe dessert or snacks later in the night.

Drinks often include beer, wine, sodas, and you can sometimes upgrade to include cocktails or add a special toast. If you’ve got your own bottle or a cake you want to bring, just check ahead some venues charge for corkage or cake service.

If you have guests with dietary needs, mention it early. Most places can handle gluten-free, vegan, and halal meals, but it’s good to confirm. Ask about tastings too as most venues will let you try the food before locking it in.

Average Wedding Costs on the Gold Coast

On average, weddings here cost about $120 per guest. You’ll find basic options from $95 and more premium setups hitting around $145. It depends on the package, the extras, and how long your booking goes for.

Some venues don’t charge by the head. Instead, they set a minimum spend. That gives you more flexibility, you can spend more per guest or save by keeping the guest list tight. Ask how it works when you enquire.

Want to stay on budget? Consider a weekday or off-season date. Winter weddings tend to be cheaper, and venues often throw in a few bonuses like extra hours or styling perks.

Location and Getting Around Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is pretty easy to navigate, but it’s still worth checking how your guests will get to and from your venue. Surfers Paradise has plenty of accommodation and transport. Palm Beach is quieter but still close to everything. Burleigh Waters is tucked away, but you’re never far from the coast or a main road.

Make sure to include directions with your invites or on your wedding site. Add a note about nearby parking, the best rideshare drop-off spot, or where the nearest bus stop is. Your guests will thank you for it.

Adding a Personal Touch To Your Special Day

Weddings feel best when they reflect who you are. That might be a playlist full of your old road trip songs, a table with printed photos, or a signature drink that means something to you.

Keep the guest book simple. Could be a notebook, cards on the table, or a camera they can use to snap a few pics. Your wedding site doesn’t need to be fancy either. Just pop the basics in: time, location, what to wear, and any gift info.

Some couples ask a few speeches to run the ceremony or say a few words. It doesn’t have to be formal, just those people who know you well and can keep the moment grounded.

Before You Say Yes to the Venue…

Once you find a spot you like, ask the right questions. What’s included? Are tables, chairs, and cutlery part of the deal? Is there a sound system? Can you bring your own suppliers?

If you’re keen on doing an outdoor wedding, ask what happens if it rains. Will they move things indoors? Can you decide on the day? What happens when you shift things around? Be specific, that will save you the stress. 

Find out how early you can set up, and if you can leave anything overnight. Some venues want everything out that same night, others give you a bit more time.

And try to visit the space in person. It helps to picture how it’ll feel when it’s full and ready to go.

Last Thought Before You Dive In

Take your time. Start with the people you want there, the way you want the day to feel, and the kind of spot that fits. Once the venue’s sorted, everything else can build around it. Because the last thing you want is to be stressed on your special day and you don’t deserve that. So plan ahead, take it one step at a time.

How much do Gold Coast wedding venues cost?

Based on VenueNow's historic data, on average, Gold Coast wedding venues cost between 150 per person and 225 per person. For example, a 100 person wedding would cost approximately 15000-22500. Costs may differ based on your food and beverage requirements, AV requirements, event date and time and the type of venue you decide to book.

What are the top Gold Coast wedding venues?

Here are some of our favourite Gold Coast wedding venues:

1. Woodstock Farm
2. QT Gold Coast Hotel
3. voco Gold Coast
4. Oaks Gold Coast
5. SkyPoint Australia
6. Novotel Surfers Paradise
7. InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort
8. The Island Gold Coast
9. Mercure Gold Coast Resort
10. Sea World Cruises

How do I find and book Gold Coast wedding venues?

Finding and booking a Gold Coast wedding venue is easy with VenueNow, simply follow these steps:1. Enter Gold Coast as your location and wedding as your event type into VenueNow's search engine.2. Narrow down your search results by entering more filters such as number of people, event date, room layout and budget.3. Send enquiries to venues to request pricing and availability (we recommend sending 3-5 enquiries to different venues to ensure you get the best price).4. Review your quotes and connect directly with your favourite venues to book a site visit and finalise your booking.5. Host your event!

How far in advance should I book a Gold Coast wedding venue?

On average, VenueNow customers book a Gold Coast venue 90 days in advance of the event. For larger events and event dates in December we recommend allowing additional time as there may be limited availability.

Can VenueNow help me find a Gold Coast wedding venue?

We sure can! VenueNow's team of Venue Booking Experts can help you find the perfect venue, collect quotes from multiple venues on your behalf, negotiate the best price with venues and book venues, all for free. Simply send us your event brief and our team will be in contact with venue recommendations within 24-48 hours.