Planning an outdoor ceremony is one thing. It’s easy enough to find a location with a sunny aspect, a great view. But rain at your outdoor ceremony is the last thing you want to be contending with. It’s not much fun, even if you think you can handle a little bit of a sprinkle. So for a solid outdoor wedding ceremony location, you really need to find a venue with a great plan b. Hiring a wedding coordinator is also a very good idea. Not only do our coordinators manage last minute changes in inclement weather, but every couple deserves to have a worry free wedding. In the meantime, we have listed a few venues with great wet weather options for wedding ceremonies. We’ve still kept a few aces up our sleeve though. We always welcome couples to come in and chat about their events so we can work on other ideas, get in touch to book some time.
Hyde Park Barracks
Built back in 1817, there is so much character alone in the backdrop of the Hyde Park Barracks that you don’t need to create too much drama in styling the ceremony. The northern or southern courtyard is a lovely space for an outdoor wedding ceremony, and despite it being open to the public (operating as a museum) – it really doesn’t get too busy there on weekends so you’re not contending with the public. If it rains they have a court room inside the Barracks available to use for your wedding ceremony which truly is the most bespoke location, and makes for a great talking point among guests. Contact Sydney Living Museums for booking enquiries.
Palm House, Royal Botanic Gardens
Gosh who doesn’t love this location! If you have your heart set on a Royal Botanic Gardens wedding, then this location is a worthwhile consideration as a plan b. If you have already booked a lawn within the gardens, it is an additional venue hire fee to book this location. But it really is a smart move that you won’t regret. Being an old glasshouse, it does get a bit steamy if it’s a humid day, but windows do open for ventilation and floor fans are always helpful. It’s definitely a better option than getting wet!
Becky & Min. Palm House Pavilion at the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney is a safe outdoor wedding alternative. Image Tealily Photography.
Lion Gate Lodge
Lion Gate Lodge is an intimate private space. What makes this location great is that while the rest of the gardens are very public, the lodge is sectioned off to tourists and visitors when it’s booked. This space is suitable for smaller weddings, and the awning under the lodge itself is a great wet weather alternative. In the event of terrible weather you would always have the choice of moving the entire ceremony inside the lodge. Unfortunately they will not book out this venue too far in advance for ceremonies only, but worth getting in touch with the Botanic Gardens to discuss the options.
Marissa and John. When your outdoor ceremony is a wash out at Lion Gate Lodge in Royal Botanic Gardens. Image Bloom Photography.
Marissa and Jon. Lion Gate Lodge awning is a great plan b for rainy days. The private garden features in the background. Image Bloom Photography.
Vaucluse House
Vaucluse House is such a wonderful space for an outdoor wedding. Not just because the house itself makes for a striking backdrop, but because it a peaceful spot without too many tourists and the gardens are beautiful and immaculately maintained. Even though you can’t use the house inside itself for your wet weather back up, the terrace of the house is still very suitable for your ceremony, and you are still able to take advantage of the views of the garden from the house. Contact Sydney Living Museums for bookings.
Alex and Angus. A rainy day didn’t stop from this gorgeous couple tying the knot underneath the verandah at Vaucluse House. Image Mint Photography.
Elizabeth Bay House
Dating back to 1835 it was known as the finest house in the colony and both photographers and wedding parties alike adore the front facade of this colonial style building. With views out to Sydney Harbour and beyond, this property is situated high above Elizabeth Bay and is best suited to intimate groups of less than 100. The location of Elizabeth Bay House makes it the perfect compromise of bringing the outdoors in when you really want to play it safe with the weather.
For some more helpful resources on wet weather weddings:
- Rainy Day Protection Program
- The Rainy Day Back Up Plan
- Rain On Your Wedding Parade
- Planning Your Outdoor Wedding Hire and Space
- The Civil or Spiritual Ceremony, You Decide
It’s always safe to carefully consider what your wet weather back up plan will be if you are hosting an outdoor ceremony. You may opt to book an entirely different venue all together, or you might be able to find a suitable venue with an outdoor and indoor space. If you are finding yourself conflicted about making the right choice, come in and have a chat. We can work through all the options together and help point you in the right direction. We do offer consulting services by the hour and you can drop us a line to find out how we can help with your wet weather back up plan.
