Intimate Weddings in the Whitsundays

Intimate weddings do not miss out on the fun factor that traditional weddings entail. If you are the one who loves the frenzy of fireworks, a once in a lifetime sailing experience, or a gourmet long lunch overlooking the Coral Sea, but in all the company of your closest circle, then an intimate wedding celebration is just perfect for you!

Villa Botanica


Picture this… After a big day preparing and primping with your bridal party you finally make it to your ceremony venue, step out of your car, hustle your way to the start of the ceremony aisle and without a moment to take it all in your are rushed towards the altar, your eyes gloss over the hundred and one guests that stare at you from their rows of chairs and … wait, wait, wait. This can’t be right, this can’t be your wedding day, you didn’t arrange for this feeling of disconnection in your wedding planning diary!

Tropix Photography


Whilst you may have been led to believe that the traditional ostentatious wedding affair is the only way to go, there is another option for you. An option that will make your celebration far more enticing to you and your guests and will ensure you only stay surrounded by people who mean the most to you.

Paradise Cove Weddings and Events


Now let’s get this straight, we are not talking about converting you to the extreme end of the scale that is the classic elopement. They certainly have their place in the wedding market, but instead we are talking about intimate weddings; boutique celebrations that range from 10 to 40 guests and give you the power, and the budget, to plan a wedding day celebration unique to you. Nowhere in Australia does intimate weddings like the Whitsundays. It is the ideal locale to host your destination wedding with a range of boutique venues and luxury add-ons at the ready for you to peruse and choose from.

Nowhere in Australia does intimate weddings like the Whitsundays.


Budget… that goes a great deal further

So let’s be straightforward. The less people you invite the less you spend per head on invites, bonbonniere, food and beverage and every other element you factor into your day, so of course these is huge potential to save money when you cut your guests numbers in half. But saving money is surprisingly not the main reason that brides are opting for intimate weddings, but instead making their budget go further.

Coral Sea Marina Resort


Splurge on luxury extras

Organising a small wedding does not mean that it has to be devoid of any luxury. In fact, when you have fewer close friends and relatives to cater to, you can opt for a more lavish venue and spend a bit more on the areas you truly wish to splurge on. The Whitsundays is home to the luxury extras and below are just a handful of the options you can choose from.

Lady Enid


Host your reception at a luxury holiday home and experience the day like Hollywood royalty.  Or book the penthouse at Pinnacles Resort and Spa and invite your closest girlfriends over for a day of pampering preparations and of course the ultimate wedding night experience. Arrive to your wedding ceremony in style via private helicopter or seaplane.

For something truly exclusive charter a private vessel. Sail to a deserted beach for your wedding ceremony or treat your guests to a sunset cruise post ceremony for cocktails and canapés.


Personal touch

Intimate weddings provide you the opportunity to share some meaningful moments with your partner, and exchange in personal conversations with those whose presence you truly cherish. Most Whitsunday wedding venues are equipped to host smaller wedding numbers and here are a few of our top picks.

Sorrento Restaurant and Bar

Sorrento Restaurant and Bar is naturally considered one of the most iconic venues in the Whitsundays and for good reason. Located in the multi award winning Coral Sea Marina/Resort, the restaurant, perched high on the point, lovingly captures all the magnificence of the Coral Sea, enchanting Whitsunday Islands and tranquil ambience of the Marina. Celebrated by locals and visitors alike for its mouth-watering menu, delectable cocktails, friendly and efficient staff and extensive bar, Sorrento is a first choice for couples celebrating their love in the Whitsundays.

Coral Sea Resort


The Coral Sea Resort Jetty and Oceanfront Lawn are two seaside reception venues that offer a more personalised setting when you have groups under 40. Allowing more space to mingle with your guests.

Villa Botanica


By reducing guest numbers Villa Botanica’s private estate becomes much more economical and enjoyable. Having sole use of the venue with a small group of family and friends imparts the feeling that you are hosting your most loved ones at your very own luxury estate.

Headland Park


Perched prettily next to a white-sand beach lies the lush tropical oasis of Headland Park. This is a little slice of paradise that boasts views over the Whitsunday coastline, bright blue waters and the Whitsunday Islands dotted along the horizon. Headland Park is a public space and a permit is required to conduct your ceremony here. We highly recommend using a Whitsunday wedding planner to assist in coordinating public space weddings.



Potential to customise

Customising a wedding to accommodate a large gathering is difficult and expensive. An intimate wedding is not only easy on your pocket, but also more manageable in terms of the preparations. So, with an intimate celebration, you can truly let your creative juices flow, and add personal touches to your wedding, just the way you want. Here are a few of our top picks.

Paradise Cove Weddings and Events


Less stressful

Let’s face it, less guests’ means less guests to stress about. You can plan for your dream destination wedding with more ease and now you have the funds to invest in a dedicated wedding planner who can take care of as much or as little as the affair as you choose. The Whitsundays have a number of specialised wedding coordinators who are all experienced in planning unique, boutique events. Treat yourself to a dedicated wedding planners and you don’t have to worry about a single thing.. seriously, not a single thing.

Villa Botanica


The Wedding Week

Why celebrate your love on just one day when you can extend the celebrations over a number of days, enjoying pre and post wedding activities will create lifelong memories for you and your guests and will ensure that you spend quality time with each and every one of the people you invite to your wedding. Wedfest specialise in organising everything for your wedding week and will take the stress out of arranging and making bookings for your family and friends.

Whitsunday Escape


The Whitsundays is well equipped for the wedding week with a large variety of accommodation options for your guests to choose from, a generous selection of restaurants and cafes to enjoy a pre wedding day dinner or post wedding day brunch and a host of planes and boats to help you explore the Whitsunday Coast. And of course with less guests to accommodate the wedding week is now so much more practical to plan.