If you are engaged (congratulations!!!) and starting to put ideas together to plan your ideal wedding in Perth, Mandurah or the South West read on. It can be overwhelming to say the least, especially deciding on the style of wedding and conveying your personal design flair with all of the details you choose. Your ceremony location and reception venue is a big part of it all and there are so many options available ie. beaches, riverside settings, rustic barns & farms, vineyards, golf clubs, estates, hotels, resorts, gardens, churches, backyards and even the zoo! Below are just some options and ideas for both ceremony & reception from various weddings I have photographed in Perth & WA that might spark some inspiration. At the end of the day, go with your heart and do it your way - whether that is simple & intimate or big & fancy.

CEREMONY LOCATIONS

1. Estates | There are a number of stunning Estates around the Perth Region that are wonderful choices for you to say ‘I do’. Brookleigh Estate in the Swan Valley has rustic elements with Stables but also a French Chateau & Lake which makes a beautiful backdrop. Peel Manor House in Karnup is a Georgian Manor set on 10.5 acres of manicured picturesque grounds. Caversham House is a well known and popular venue with beautifully terraced and manicured grounds and a sunken garden area. Masonmill in Carmel with its French Gardens, Secret Garden & Crab Apple Walk locations is incredibly pretty. And Noble River Estate in Dwellingup has a great mix of gardens and forrest surrounds within onsite Chalets for accomodation options.

2. Wineries | The grounds of wineries in the Swan Valley, Peel Region & the South West can make for a stunning location to say your vows and for Bridal Party photos after. The settings vary from vineyard to vineyard….but are definitely worth considering. Sandalford in the Swan Valley has two lovely lawn locations for your vows & epic barrel reception rooms, Millbrook Winery in the Peel Region is absolutely gorgeous with the lake & venue as a backdrop, the Vines Resort, Sittella Winery, Darlington Estate and so many more in Perth & the South West….why not spend a day or two winery hopping to check them all out!.

3. Rustic Farms & Bush Camps| The Perth fringes and foothills offer some wonderful options for’ Farm’ style venues with some being more rustic and others a mix of rustic with some refined charm. Either way you can really create your own style within the setting. Quarry Farm in Whitby is a fabulous option with at least 5 different location options for ceremonies and includes a Jacaranda lined laneway. Baldivis Farm Stay is farm venue with a timber barn, lawn areas and a 2 bedroom cottage onsite for couples. Rothwood is another fantastic option set close to Perth in Wattle Grove amongst beautiful gardens with onsite Reception Marquee for BYO Catering. Nanga Bush Camp just out of Dwellingup offers a beautiful forrest setting with rustic barns for your reception.

Baldivis Farm Stay Country Charm Wedding — Baldivis Farm Stay

4. Beaches | The beach can be a beautiful location for a ceremony however there are a few things to consider. Firstly wind which you cannot always predict, this can mean hair blowing across faces and sand whipping up on guests. There is also harsh sun and no shade which in Perth’s hot summers can make things a bit uncomfortable for the couple and the guests. Consult with your photographer as to where it is best to position your arbour (as they may be shooting directly into the sun) and consider large umbrellas for shade for the guests. Having said all of that if you have your heart set on the beach Perth has plenty of them.

5. Riverside | A wonderful backdrop for a wedding ceremony is the Swan River and along Matilda Bay foreshore is a popular location. With it’s close proximity to UWA, Kings Park, the Blue Boatshed & the City for post wedding photos you can see why. There is also Kings Park overlooking the Swan River as well as the Scented Gardens in Sir James Mitchell Park in South Perth, Burswood on Swan, Ascot Quays, Heathcote in Attadale and the list goes on. There are also a number of Yacht Clubs at various sections of the Swan River. In the Mandurah Region there are popular waterside locations like the Fig Tree with the Estuary as a backdrop or rustic Redcliffe on the Murray in Pinjarra.

6. Golf Courses | Golf Courses & Clubs around Perth & Mandurah are another choice for your wedding ceremony and often offer varying locations within the Golf Course to say your vows. From structures & gazebo’s to saying ‘i-do’ on the 9th Hole! Ambrose Estate (Wembley Golf Course), Araluen Golf Resort, The Vines Resort in the Swan Valley, Mt Lawley Golf Club and The Cut Golf Course (Dawesville) are just a few that spring to mind. And a bonus is that you and your bridal party might be ferried around on golf carts between photo locations!

7. Gardens & Parks | There are so many options in this category from large areas like Stirling gardens, Hyde Park, Supreme Court Gardens, Kings Park, Wanneroo Botanic Gardens, Cottesloe Civic Centre to smaller local parks. All of these would require a booking via local council and generally a fee is payable.

8. Perth Zoo | I absolutely love the Perth Zoo as a wedding venue option. The Oak Lawn space for the ceremony is lush and private and then there are so many varying locations for photos all within walking distance or the zoo staff will ferry the bridal party around on golf carts. There is also a hidden area that contains a fixed Marquee for your reception. Another all in one solution! A bonus is the wonderful sounds of all of the zoo animals in the background!

9. Unique Ceremony Locations | There are so many other unique options for wedding ceremonies and far too many to list them all. From Fremantle locations like the Kidago Art House, the courtyard at Moore & Moore Cafe and even the Freo Jail. Industrial warehouse wedding ceremonies are also on trend with Stackwood, The Old Pickle Factory and Perth City Farm being wonderful options. Bar Therapy in Mandurah is another great option for a small wedding right next to the new Mandurah Bridge on the water. For a very different location you could consider the Cabaret Caves in Yanchep, they cater for ceremonies & receptions. And I couldn’t finish this section without mentioning Rottnest Island where you’re guaranteed to have a quokka or two in your photos!

Courtyard Ceremony at Moore & Moore, Fremantle

10. Backyard Wedding | And lastly you could consider a backyard wedding….some of the weddings with the best relaxed vibes can often be backyard (or frontyard) weddings! Whatever option you choose for your special day, make it exactly what you want it to be. Sure, have a look on pinterest and social media for inspiration and ideas but don’t get too caught up in comparing with what everyone else is doing. Have fun with the planning and then relax and enjoy your fabulous wedding day!