Top Wedding Locations Within Australia
By Karen Cooke

Australia has so many locations that are ideal for weddings, making it a popular destination for international weddings as well as for domestic travelers. Whether you want a tropical island setting for a wedding in paradise, a luxury five star resort setting, the lush rainforest complete with cascading waterfalls or an opulent outback wedding with a difference, it's all here in Australia.

Here are our top five suggestions for your perfect Australian wedding location:

1. Sydney

Within the vibrant city of Sydney there are many excellent wedding venues and locations. One of the most popular areas is certainly the beautiful Sydney Harbour, with the world renowned Opera House providing a unique backdrop for your wedding photos.

Other popular locations you could choose for your Sydney wedding include beaches such as Bondi Beach or Coogee Beach, one of the pristine gardens such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, one of the many historic Sydney churches or a yacht or tall ship wedding right on Sydney Harbour, providing a variety of stunning backdrops. You can even choose to marry on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

2. Gold Coast

Another popular Australian wedding location is the ever-sunny Gold Coast in south east Queensland.

The Gold Coast is not only full of glamorous, idyllic wedding settings, it also offers a wide range of activities and hideaways for the perfect honeymoon. The Gold Coast has many breathtaking beaches with miles of soft white sand and rugged headlands, ideal for a magical wedding. If you prefer a church wedding, the Heritage listed Riverside Chapel at the Gold Coast Arts Centre is the perfect spot.

For something uniquely opulent, a wedding on QDeck - the top of the world's tallest residential building, the Q1 - is the way to go. From there you can experience spectacular panoramic views of the entire Gold Coast. This could be followed by a luxury honeymoon at the totally decadent Palazzo Versace Hotel.

3. Cairns

Cairns, in north Queensland, is known for providing stunning wedding locations within a laid back, relaxed atmosphere. For a heavenly tropical island wedding setting, one of the many tranquil beaches such as Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach or Palm Cove would be idea. Imagine your wedding photographs - crystal clear waves lapping the white powder-like sand, with palm trees lining the beach.

If you prefer a lush rainforest setting, complete with brightly coloured parrots watching from nearby trees, there are many choices within the Cairns region. There are also many picturesque chapels for those who want a traditional church wedding.

4. Port Douglas

Further north in Queensland is Port Douglas - a destination that is often used as a holiday hideaway for the rich and famous. Port Douglas is perfect for romance and offers an abundance of magical wedding locations, with the infamous Great Barrier Reef on one side and World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest on the other.

Along with mesmerizing beaches and spectacular, serene rain forests, Port Douglas is known for its seclusion, with a number of 5 star hotels - just what you may be after for your honeymoon. There are many glorious beaches or secluded rainforest spots that are perfect for your wedding, along with numerous beautifully ornate chapels nestled amongst the stunning scenery.

5. Uluru

If you would like a wedding with a difference, but without having to scrimp on quality, then a wedding at the majestic Uluru - Ayers Rock - may be for you. Just imagine the amazing backdrop Uluru will create for your photographs, especially with the magnificent array of colours of the setting sun behind.

There are also five star resorts near Uluru that are able to cater for an intimate affair or a substantial gathering of all your family and friends.

No matter what type of setting you prefer, you are sure to find your dream wedding location in Australia.