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Beautiful Australia
There's much to see on your Australia destination-wedding adventure. Depending on where you go, you might catch a glimpse of koalas, kangaroos, seadragons, wombats or parrots. (Be careful when viewing wildlife. Some animals may become dangerous if they feel threatened.) Plants range from the mild to the wild, including colorful rainforest flowers and exotic greenery.
Where to Begin
You can either plan your destination wedding yourself or, if you're overwhelmed by the incredible number of choices, enlist the help of a wedding planner who specializes in Australia destination weddings. Search online for photographers, bakers, chapels, and anything else you may desire for your big day. Or let your wedding planner guide you with one of the many wedding packages available. Packages often include the airline trip, resort or hotel stay, flowers, a romantic dinner, and other items to make your wedding day special.
The Many Faces of Down Under
As a wedding destination Australia offers unparalleled variety for you and your destination wedding guests. Dance the night away in one of Australia's cities, or escape to an exotic island. Take a cruise where you can say your vows amid sandy beaches and blue skies. Explore Aboriginal rock carvings and paintings stretching back 30,000 years. You may also want to check out the country's many contemporary art museums and galleries.
A few popular wedding and honeymoon destinations for your Australia wedding include:
- Whitsunday Islands: This chain offers 74 exotic islands to explore.
- Broome: Located in the northwest of Australia, Broome offers romantic sunsets and unspoiled white sands.
- Byron Bay: This romantic cove is home to the famous Byron Bay Lighthouse.
- Sydney: Beaches, a harbor, and the majestic Sydney Opera House are part of the charm of this contemporary, bustling city.
- Melbourne: Melbourne is bursting with hip night life and vibrant culture.
- Cairns: Here you can get married in the splendor of the Great Barrier Reef, tropical rainforests, and warm beaches.
- The Blue Mountains and Jamison Valley: Get married atop a hill with breathtaking views.
- Uluru (Ayers Rock): A longstanding symbol of the Outback, Uluru is an amazing 1,141 feet high.
Marriage Regulations in Australia
Australia has a 31-day filing period for processing marriage documents. Contact one of the seven Australian consulates in the US; they can fax you a Notice of Intended Marriage form so you can submit it in plenty of time for your special day. The document will need to be witnessed, and filled out by you and your fiance. To obtain the phone number of the consulate closest to you, call (202) 797-3000 (Washington, D.C.) No blood test is required, and there are no residency requirements.
You will need a valid passport in order to enter Australia. If you don't have a passport, apply for one at least two months in advance of your departure date. In addition, anyone not holding an Australian or New Zealand passport will require a visa for entry. An Australian Visitor Visa can be obtained from your nearest Australian consulate.
You and your spouse-to-be will need to be in the country at least a week prior to the wedding ceremony. On your wedding day, bring two witnesses over 18 years old, your passport and birth certificate (an original or a certified copy), a final divorce decree if you were previously married, or a death certificate if you are a widow or widower.
Summer Weather All Year Long
Australia's seasons are the exact opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere. The weather varies by region, but generally, you can expect the tropical zone (above the Tropic of Capricorn) to be warm enough year-round for lightweight clothing. In the southern, temperate regions, evenings can get cool; bring along a jacket or sweater. You may need warmer clothes if you are planning your wedding for the winter in the southern region.
Remember to check current marriage and entry regulations ahead of time to be sure you're up to date on everything you'll need. Bring a couple of close friends, or go it alone. Whichever you choose, your Australia wedding will be a trip you'll never forget.