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For instance, local grounds and beaches come under the classification of national parks and every city council has their own laws and regulations regarding ceremonies and receptions. You may find that weddings are not permitted at your dream venue, or that you may need a permit or to pay a hire fee and/or bond to use the area. Most times couples will have to notify councils of a number of issues. These include the intended amount of time they will need the area, how long set up and clean up will take, how many people will be attending, if they will have a marquee or be serving food as well as whether it will be just a ceremony or the entire wedding. As all areas vary, following some guidelines for popular regions. The best idea is always to check with your local council. Do not forget that most areas insist that you fill out a notification or application form to use a public area. Usually these forms can be found on the website of the relevant city council. Happy planning!
The Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
There is no fee applicable but a Notification Form must be completed and returned to the Community and Events division of the Mornington Peninsula Shire. The notification is kept on a database to prevent double booking of a public place on your preferred date but the council does note that if they are conducting a wedding or reception in a public open space they can not guarantee exclusive use of the area. You can contact the Mornington Peninsula Shire on 03 5950 1739.
Byron Shire, New South Wales
Byron Bay and its surrounds is made up of many beaches and parks, not all of which can used for weddings. Some beaches are not owned or controlled by the council so it is important to call the council and find out if your chosen public space is viable. If they do have an area that is council controlled they will need to file an Application to use Public Reserve for Wedding form at least six weeks prior to the event. Couples will be charged a fee in accordance with Council’s Schedule of Fees and Charges and they may also be charged a bond. This bond is refundable following an inspection of the land by a council staff member that it has been left in an acceptable manner. You can contact the Byron Shire Council on 02 6626 7031.
Redcliffe City Council, Queensland
Redcliffe has many beautiful areas for a wedding or reception, and once a date has been decided on, it is best to call the council to see if the area is available. As with the Mornington Peninsula, recreational areas are open public space and therefore the areas remain available to others and no area can be roped off for exclusive use. The council suggests that they have someone arrive early to secure their spot. Should you wish to get married on the foreshore there is no fee applicable, however if they wish to have their reception in a local park there are only certain parks that this is permitted in and fees are payable. The council has sites within these parks that they suggest and as of the 30 June 2007 the fees payable are a $430 event fee and a refundable $780 security deposit returned provided the area is left in a clean and tidy condition. You can contact the Redcliffe City Council on 07 3283 0226. |