Why the Geelong Botanic Gardens Is the Perfect Place for Your Wedding
Imagine walking down the aisle under a canopy of leaves, the gentle sound of birdsong echoing through the trees, and petals falling softly with the breeze. Just a short walk from Eastern Beach, the Geelong Botanic Gardens offers a breathtaking backdrop for couples dreaming of a wedding surrounded by nature, heritage and beauty.
Whether you're planning a grand ceremony or an intimate elopement, here's why this iconic garden setting might just be your perfect match.
A Garden Wedding Like No Other
The Geelong Botanic Gardens is one of Australia’s oldest and most treasured public gardens, with over 160 years of horticultural history. Set within the expansive Eastern Park and overlooking Corio Bay, the Gardens provide a serene and versatile setting for weddings of all sizes.
Every season brings something new, from the cherry blossoms of spring to the golden leaves of autumn, even the beautiful Camellias in winter, making it a truly living, breathing canvas for your big day.
Why Couples Love It Here
🌿 Unmatched Natural Beauty
The gardens offer twelve distinct locations for weddings including the Bunya and Walnut lawns which can cater for large crowds, nestled between vibrant flowerbeds and under magnificent fig and oak trees.
Every corner of the gardens is photogenic, with lush green backdrops, hidden pathways, and sun-dappled foliage. It’s no surprise this is one of the most sought-after outdoor wedding venues in Geelong.
📍 Centrally Located, Yet Quietly Secluded
Only minutes from the Geelong CBD and waterfront, the Gardens feel worlds away from the city, offering privacy, tranquillity, and convenience. Guests can arrive easily by car, taxi, or even enjoy a pre-wedding walk from nearby accommodation.
🕊️ Eco-Friendly, Elegant and Affordable
With low-cost council permit fees and minimal need for styling (thanks to nature doing the heavy lifting), this location is perfect for couples looking to celebrate in a way that feels both timeless and sustainable.
Planning a Wedding in the Gardens
To hold a ceremony here, you’ll need to get a permit from the City of Greater Geelong. It’s a simple process and the team there is helpful and used to working with couples planning weddings.
Here’s a quick overview:
Permits are required for all ceremonies
Guest capacity can range from small elopements to 100+ depending on the space
Wheelchair accessible paths and flat areas throughout
Free Parking nearby in Eastern Park Drive and other surrounding streets
Wet weather options aren’t available on-site, so it's good to have a backup location or some stylish umbrellas on hand just in case
City of Greater Geelong wedding permit info
Make it Even More Special with Where You Meet
Where You Meet or WYM, is a licensed cafe located in the middle of the Geelong Botanic Gardens. We also cater weddings! Providing food and drinks packages and staffing for your ceremony.
We work with you to create an experience to suit your needs, from drinks packages with local beers, wines and bubbles, to food platters featuring local cheeses and cured meats with crackers and nuts or sweets like our housemade slices and locally supplied pastries.
💌 Interested in reserving WYM for your special day? Get in touch with us here to start the conversation.
Sources
City of Greater Geelong – Weddings in Public Spaces
Information on how to book a wedding ceremony at the Geelong Botanic Gardens, including permit requirements, guest capacity, and venue guidelines.
https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/events/weddings/
Geelong Botanic Gardens – Official Information
Details on the gardens’ location, layout, heritage significance, and seasonal highlights.
https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/gbg/
Friends of the Geelong Botanic Gardens
Community-based insights into the plant collections, seasonal changes, and the overall garden atmosphere.
https://www.friendsgbg.org.au/
Where You Meet – Café & Venue Information
Information about the licensed café within the Geelong Botanic Gardens, used for post-ceremony drinks and relaxed receptions.
https://www.instagram.com/wym_geelongbotanicgardens/
As Daisy Does – Florist
Referenced for their experience with floral styling in the Geelong region, including events held in and around the Gardens.
https://asdaisydoes.com.au/
Botanica Fresh Flowers – Florist
A local Geelong florist known for seasonal and native floral designs often featured in outdoor ceremonies.
https://www.instagram.com/botanicafreshflowers/