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                    Weddings in parks

                    Photo of a wedding arrangement in a park
                    City of Melbourne has some great parks and gardens to consider for your wedding ceremony. If you decide to hold your wedding in one of our parks and gardens, you will need to make a booking and apply for a permit.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​You need a wedding permit if one or more of these conditions apply:

                    • You plan to erect infrastructure, such as a marquee. (Note: chairs and tables, or market umbrellas – limited to four*, are not considered infrastructure.) 
                    • There will be 50 attendees or more.
                    • Your event is catered by an external supplier who is bringing temporary cooking equipment or vehicles onsite in excess of two barbecues.
                    • You require vehicle access to drop off equipment or for elderly or mobility impaired guests. (Note: this does not include wedding vehicles – wedding vehicles are prohibited in parks.)
                    • Your wedding requires a reservation for a specific bookable space.

                    A permit entitles you to use a nominated section of the garden for 4 hours. An exception to this is the Fitzroy Gardens Conservatory, which can be hired for 1.5 hours (5:30 - 7:00pm) or 3 hours (5:30 - 8:30pm), including bump in and bump out.​

                    The Crown Land (Reserves) Act does not allow for exclusive use of the gardens or for an area to be physically cordoned off from the public.

                    Heritage Listed Parks 

                    Additional restrictions are in place for weddings held within a heritage listed park or garden. No infrastructure can be permitted at these locations and setup must be limited to: 

                    • Up to 80 chairs 
                    • Up to 4 tables 
                    • Up to 4 market umbrellas* 
                    • A wedding arch/arbour 

                    The following Heritage listed parks are available for weddings: 

                    • Carlton Gardens ​
                    • Fitzroy Gardens 
                    • Kings Domain  
                    • Queen Victoria Gardens 

                    If your setup exceeds the above, you may wish to consider Treasury or Flagstaff Gardens as an alternative. 

                    *The use of an arch/arbour affects your ability to have 4 market umbrellas. Limitations will be discussed during the application process.

                    Permit information

                    Bookable wedding locations

                    When submitting a wedding permit application you will need to choose a specific lawn area within the park of your choice. Locate a lawn number by using the interactive map.

                    To help you choose, view the wedding image gallery below. The image gallery does not include all lawns available for wedding ceremonies.

                    On very rare occasions, if there are high winds, water fountains or features such as the Hochgurtel Fountain in the Carlton Gardens, may not be in operation, so please keep this in mind when choosing a venue for your wedding.

                    Fitzroy Gardens Conservatory

                    Access to Fitzroy Gardens Conservatory is not available for private use or wedding photography during opening hours (9am to 5.30pm). The Conservatory can be booked for private use outside of these times.

                    We recommend ceremonies held inside the Conservatory are limited to 65 guests, cocktail style (standing). The outdoor area of the Conservatory allows space for larger ceremonies. We encourage you to consider a set-up time prior to your ceremony, however access for set-up cannot be granted prior to 5.30pm.

                    Please note: The floral arrangements inside the conservatory change throughout the year and cannot be altered in any way for the ceremony. The displays are specifically arranged to coordinate seasonal variations in availability of flowers. We recommend inspecting the site closer to your ceremony to ensure you can accommodate any recent changes inside the venue.

                    Kings Domain

                    When applying for a wedding permit in Kings Domain please keep in mind that the Sidney Myer Music Bowl is located within the gardens and musical events are often staged within the Bowl. City of Melbourne is not responsible for advising when these events take place. For an event listing, visit the Sidney Myer Music Bowl website.

                    Permit fees

                    Wedding permit fees apply to commitment ceremonies that are invitation only. This does not include wedding receptions, parties or wedding photography.

                    • All wedding permit applications will incur an application fee which is non-refundable, and a site fee.
                    • All fees are GST inclusive.
                    • Use the interactive map to determine the classification of the site you wish to book.

                    Application fee: $64

                    Fees (maximum of 4 hours) applying to site types:

                    • premium sites: $707
                    • unique sites: $645
                    • standard sites: $585

                    The Conservatory at Fitzroy Gardens:

                    • for 1.5 hours: $584
                    • for 3 hours: $1170

                    This venue can only be booked outside of public opening hours (9am to 5.30pm).

                    Fees are effective from 1 July 2023.

                    Additional fees may apply during the permitting process.

                    Confirmation of booking and payment

                    Your wedding permit application will be reviewed and assessed by City of Melbourne's Event Operations Team. An outcome will be sent via email. ​

                    Payment for wedding bookings can only be made after the wedding permit application has been assessed and an invoice issued.

                    Invoices must be paid in full within 7 days of the invoice date. Application fees are non-refundable. ​

                    To pay your invoice online, you will need to provide the reference number located on your invoice.

                    Reinstatement

                    City of Melbourne expects you to be responsible for costs of reinstating the public space to its best possible condition after your event. This also includes damage incurred by third parties, suppliers and any contracted service providers.

                    Download the fact sheet for examples of how to prevent damage and the possible costs involved in reinstating public places:

                    Terms and conditions

                    Please read the permit terms and conditions before applying:

                    Other events in our parks

                    The City of Melbourne hosts many events around the city and is not responsible for advising you of any other events that may be held in and around Melbourne on your wedding day.

                    Frequently asked questions

                    Weddings

                    Do I need to make a booking and get a permit?

                    A booking (and the associated permit) is required for wedding ceremonies in the City of Melbourne's parks and gardens. A permit entitles the hirer to the use of a nominated section of the garden for the day.

                    Remember that you will need to include time for set up. We provide a scenic venue on your special day, but we do not play any role in organising any aspect of your event such as celebrants or venue set up.

                    Do you fence a section off for the ceremony?

                    The Event Operations Team will make a reservation for a specified area of parkland for your wedding. The Crown Land (Reserves) Act does not, however, allow for exclusive use of gardens or for an area to be physically cordoned off from the public.

                    Ensure you have a copy of the wedding permit with you on the day. When setting up for the ceremony the general public have a good understanding that an event is going to commence and usually leave the space.

                    Am I allowed to erect a marquee?

                    Marquees are not allowed in these parks as they are heritage listed:

                    • Carlton Gardens
                    • Fitzroy Garden
                    • Kings Domain
                    • Speakers Corner (in Birrarung Marr)
                    • Queen Victoria Gardens.

                    In all other locations, marquees are allowed, however:

                    • marquees cannot be pegged to the ground and must be flat base or water/sand base
                    • a protection zone with a 4.5 m radius around all trees must be maintained within the City of Melbourne. Marquees must remain clear of these zones.

                    Up to four market umbrellas are allowed, and cannot be pegged into the ground.

                    Does the City of Melbourne provide tables and chairs?

                    City of Melbourne does not play any role in organising any aspect of your event such as celebrants or providing any kind of infrastructure such as chairs or tables. We do not have a preferred suppliers list. ​

                    May I place a platform over the pond in Pioneer Women’s Memorial in Kings Domain Parkland?

                    Due to risks (injury to a person and existing infrastructure and associated reinstatement costs) associated with placing infrastructure over the pond, we do not support this.

                    Please note due to the Heritage status and additional overlay at Pioneer Women’s Memorial, infrastructure is not permitted to be brought onto the site. Allowable at this site are chairs for the ceremony, signing table and market umbrellas (limited to four, not pegged into the ground) or an arch/arbour. You cannot have both an arch/arbour and 4 market umbrellas.​

                    Is there an electrical power source we can use in the parks?

                    No. There is no provision for electrical power in parks. We encourage you to bring a battery-operated device or a silenced generator if you require power.

                    You will need to make alternative arrangements if you require a public address (PA) system. Note that no amplification over 65 decibels is allowed within parks.

                    Can I drive the bridal car into the park?

                    No. Bridal vehicles (including cars and horse-drawn carriages) are prohibited from entering or remaining in a park or garden.

                    Some vehicle access is allowed, for example, dropping off and picking up equipment or transporting mobility impaired guests. For information about this see permit terms and conditions.

                    You may wish to consider reserving car parking spaces. However, reservations can't always be guaranteed.

                    Do I need a permit to undertake photography at a wedding?

                    A permit for wedding photos is not required. Wedding photos may be taken in the city’s parks and gardens free of charge unless a reserved space is required. Please note that a permit will be required if you wish to undertake photography within the Fitzroy Gardens Conservatory, which can only be booked outside its hours of operation.

                    If you wish to use a drone/remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) as part of your photography, a filming permit will be required.

                    What if it rains on the day?

                    The possibility of bad weather needs to be taken into account when making a booking. We do not provide wet weather alternatives, and you cannot erect a marquee without prior notice.

                    As stated in the permit terms and conditions, refund of fees are not issued in the case of wet weather or extreme weather conditions such as heat.

                    Can I use confetti or rice?

                    No. The use of confetti in parks and gardens is prohibited.

                    The use of rice is also prohibited as it attracts animals such as possums, and the population of possums are already unsustainable in many inner city parks.

                    Where can wedding guests park?

                    Car parks near parks and gardens is limited and you may wish to advise guests to use alternative modes of transport.

                    See Parking locations and fees to locate nearby street or commercial parking.

                    What if other events are on at the same time as my wedding?

                    ​See under the above heading Other events in our parks.

                    When are trees and flowers looking their best in Melbourne parks and gardens?

                    ​Our skilled staff endeavour to ensure that our natural assets are at their best at all times of the year. Please be aware that throughout the year, flowers and other plants need to be maintained and can be at varying stages in height and growth. You may consider visiting several locations before making your booking.

                    How and when do I pay?

                    ​You will need to pay after your application has been approved. See 'Wedding permit fees' above for specific fees.

                    How do I make a booking?

                    ​You make a booking by submitting a wedding permit application.

                    Are we allowed to drink alcohol at the wedding?

                    ​You are allowed to serve alcohol but not sell alcohol. If you are serving alcohol, food must also be served. You will also need to ensure all rubbish and containers are cleaned up before you leave.

                    How do I know which area I have booked?

                    When making your application, you will need to specify which area of the park you wish to book. An online map shows the different areas available for events such as weddings, and indicates lawn numbers.

                    There are no signs on the lawns themselves, so it is recommended that you print the map and take this with you so it will be easier to navigate. You may also like to bookmark a digital map and use your smartphone or mobile device to find the map when you are at the park.

                    Can we use decorations on the rotunda, structures or trees?

                    ​No adhesive materials are permitted to be used, tacked or taped onto City of Melbourne property or trees. We encourage you to place decorations on your own furniture, for example on chairs or flower stands.

                    Can I see photographs of possible wedding venues?

                    ​See our weddings image gallery below.

                    We recommend you visit any parks and lawns you are interested in booking in person to get a feel for the site.​

                    Skip Image Gallery

                    Weddings image gallery

                    External view of The Conservatory - Fitzroy GardensExternal view of The Conservatory - Fitzroy GardensThe Conservatory - Fitzroy GardensThe Conservatory - Fitzroy GardensWedding party in front of gazebo.Wedding party in front of large banstand.Treasury Gardens lawnWedding scene in park setting with bride and groom at end of aisle and small group of guests seated on either sideCarlton Gardens with the Royal Exhibition Building and Hochgurtel Fountain in the background.Wedding party under trees, fountain and Exhibition Building behind.View across pond, Fitzroy GardensBluestone paved area under a large fig treeFormal garden with paved areaTreasury Gardens within lawn 5 called JF Kennedy Memorial.Wedding party next to pond, Fitzroy Gardens.View across pond, Fitzroy Gardens.Bluestone paved area under a large fig tree.Fountain in the lake, with city view.Wedding party in dappled sunlight, Flagstaff Gardens.View across pond, Fitzroy Gardens.Bluestone paved area under a large fig tree.People standing in front of wedding chairs and umbrellas.View across pond, Fitzroy Gardens.Chairs, market umbrellas and flower stands in the garden.Wedding party in front of Pavilion Café.People by rotunda in Fitzroy Gardens.Decorated chairs in front of rotunda.Lawn, trees and flowers by pond.Lawn, trees and flowers by pond.Lawn, trees and sculpture by pond.Lawn, trees and sculpture by pond.Small classical style structure in Fitzroy Gardens.Wedding party and guests standing around a small classical style structure in Fitzroy Gardens.Small classical style structure in Fitzroy Gardens.Small classical style structure in Fitzroy Gardens.Folding chairs set up with avenue of trees behind.Chairs and tables set up in gardens.

                    Contact us

                    Contact name
                    Experience Melbourne – Event Operations Team
                    Telephone number
                    03 9658 965803 9658 9658
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