Planning a Wedding in the Northern Rivers

So, you’re planning on getting married somewhere in the stunning Northern Rivers of NSW?

Great idea — you’ve chosen well! With its mix of lush hinterland, pristine beaches, charming towns, and breathtaking natural landscapes, the Northern Rivers region is one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in Australia. But with so many gorgeous wedding venues, celebrants, and ceremony locations to choose from… how do you decide where to start?

Newlyweds and a champagne tower at Aurora House, a Byron Bay hinterland wedding venue. They are in front of a barn door.
Aurora House, Byron Bay. Photo by Emma Wiseman

🏞️ Northern Rivers Wedding Locations

Endless Possibilities

There are an abundance of wedding venues, beaches, parks, waterfalls, and rainforest settings across the Northern Rivers, so you’re guaranteed to find something that suits your style — whether that’s barefoot on the beach or black tie in a barn.

First, think about the vibe or backdrop you both want:

  • Hip and happening?

  • Hippy and free?

  • Fancy and elegant?

  • Casual and coastal?

Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxed Byron Bay elopement, a rustic Tweed Valley farm wedding, or a stylish celebration in Lismore, Lennox Head, or Bangalow, the Northern Rivers has a setting to match your vision for your wedding day.

Grace Loves Lace wedding dress. Bride at Bluewater, Byron Bay Belongil beach wedding
Mag twirling after her Belongil beach elopement

👯 Guest List and Venue Considerations

Ask yourselves: how many people are we inviting?

Some Northern Rivers wedding venues are designed for larger guest lists, while others are intimate hideaways perfect for elopements or micro-weddings. And naturally, more guests often means higher costs — think catering, seating, transport, and accommodation.

If you’re after a smaller, more intimate celebration, you’ll want to find venues and vendors (like your celebrant and photographer) who specialise in this kind of vibe.

Bride and groom wedding at Miginbil Eco resort with Byron Bay celebrant Heidi Robertson
Ally and Alistair got married at Miginbil Eco Resort. Photo by Tropical Romance

💸 Budgeting and Priorities

What’s your budget — and what are your top priorities?

Is the Northern Rivers wedding venue the most important piece of the puzzle? Or could you happily get married in a swamp, as long as you’re marrying the love of your life?

Would you rather splurge on an amazing photographer, live music, or a 7-course feast with paired wines?

Or are you dreaming of a low-key affair with fairy lights, a tipi tent, and a mobile pizza oven?

There’s no wrong answer — but talking through your must-haves and non-negotiables early will help you plan with clarity (and avoid wedding stress later).

couple about to skydive and then have wedding on Belongil Beach
Gav and Ness jumped out of a perfectly good aeroplane, landing on Tyagarah Beach where I was waiting to marry them

🧘 Setting Boundaries and Staying True to Yourselves

One of the biggest pieces of advice I share with couples as a Northern Rivers wedding celebrant is this:

👉 This is your day. Make it the way you want it.

Too many times, couples who originally wanted a small, simple wedding end up with something huge and complicated because they felt pressured to invite extended family, or to include religious elements they don’t believe in.

Sit down with your partner. Have the conversation about what’s truly meaningful to the two of you — not what other people expect.

Your ceremony should reflect your values, your story, and your connection. The rest is just icing on the cake.

Raes on Wategos wedding with Heidi Robertson Wedding Celebrant
Jolene and Lachlan tied the knot at the penthouse at Raes on Wategos

💬 Ready to Plan Your Northern Rivers Wedding

Whether you’re planning a big celebration or an intimate elopement, I’d love to help you create a ceremony that feels real, relaxed, and totally you. As a local Northern Rivers wedding celebrant, I work across Byron Bay, the Tweed Coast, the Gold Coast, and beyond — and I’m here to make the whole process easy, heartfelt, and joyful.

Get in touch if you’d like to chat about venues, ceremony ideas, or just get some clarity around what’s possible.

Find me listed on the Attorney General’s website here.

More Wedding Wisdom …