7 places to tie the knot in Outback Queensland
So the big question has been popped – where are you getting married?
Brides and grooms from all over the country are tracking to Outback Queensland for an unforgettable wedding in an unforgettable location.
Think barn wood, corrugated iron, grass plains and sandstone rock backgrounds at some of the most iconic outback locations.
If you have a ring on it, here are seven places to tie the knot in Outback Queensland.
1. For the American Dream- The Barn at Mt Hope
The Barn at Mt Hope is exactly that – an American style barn made from recycled wood and iron that screams country wedding.
Originally built for the wedding of the owner’s daughters, the picture-perfect barn is not the only drawcard for this location.
There’s a country garden pruned around a gazebo and grass area that calls for the ceremony, while a green area 50m away known as ‘the pad’ is great for nibbles before the reception inside the barn.
The owners are happy to be as involved in your big day as you’d like, offering help with organising the catering, makeup and hair, photographer, and celebrant (who are all sourced locally).
There’s limited accommodation onsite. The property offers comfortable guest accommodation for up to 17 people in a mix of share and en suite rooms. However there are transfer buses available to escort the guests back to their accommodation in Roma, 40 minutes from the property.
2. For a wedding like no other – Cobbold Gorge
For a rock formation rivalling the one on the bride’s hand, say your vows at Cobbold Gorge.
They say it’s a day you’ll never forget, but with a wedding at the hidden gem of the outback’s northern pocket – neither will your guests.
Only accessible by car, you’ll be able to extend your wedding day into more than a 24 hour affair.
You and your guests can stay onsite at the award-winning accommodation (that happens to have Outback Queensland’s first swim-up bar) which also doubles as the reception venue with indoor and outdoor options.
If you’re wondering what a wedding at Cobbold Gorge looks like – imagine this – arriving to your ceremony by boat, the bride making a grand entrance between the giant sandstone cliffs and exchanging your vows amongst the 135-million-year-old natural wonder.
P.S. It also guarantees that your wedding photos will be GORGE-ous.
3. For a Garden Wedding – Lodge on Hawthorn
If you’re after an outback wedding with a touch of urban elegance, the Lodge on Hawthorn in Blackall is your answer.
This historic 110-year-old lodge has the ‘sophisticated country’ look down pat, with an antique shop inside that offers quaint photo opportunities.
For the wedding and reception, the lodge’s wrap around verandah spills onto a garden that is teamed with a water feature. Say I do amongst the flowers, and celebrate under the twinkle of the fairy lights in the trees.
Guests can stay onsite at the Lodge, which although new to the wedding scene offers help with the catering and decorations.
4. For a classic outback setting – Kinnon and Co Functions Venue
For an outback themed wedding in the heart of the outback (here’s looking at you Longreach) – Outback Pioneers have got you covered with their heritage styled functions venue.
Depending on seasonality, you can arrive to your wedding in style in one of their Cobb and Co Stagecoaches or vintage vehicles, ensuring your day is outback themed to a T.
Catering for up to 56 guests, The Welcome Home event room has an old fashion country fit out where long tables fill the space and can be decorated to your liking.
Outback Pioneers can also source the cake, catering (buffet or sit-down meal), floral arrangements, and any other room requirements such as a projector or large display-screen TV.
5. For the Fame – Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame
A wedding at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame in Longreach is sure to make your heart skip a beat.
The museum and heritage centre plays tribute to the extraordinary men and women of the outback throughout history, telling the story of stockmen, the traditional owners of the land, and the introduction of prominent outback industries.
It’s a great venue for larger weddings, as The Hall can cater for hundreds of guests. This means that last minute plus one won’t be an issue.
This location offers a few different location options, with a grassy area, cottage, and The Hall (indoor/outdoor function hall) available for your day.
6. For an exclusive event – Gilberton Outback Retreat
Hosting their first wedding in 2018, the Gilberton Outback Retreat is fresh on the outback wedding list.
The retreat has got luxury and exclusivity on lockdown, with the retreat only accommodating one couple at a time in it’s private five-star tin hut that includes a self-contained kitchen, canopy bed, and bath with panoramic views of the Gilbert River.
Located in the remote plains of the north west and with only one bed available in the retreat, guests are welcome to camp on the property – however this limits the guest count to 20 people maximum.
There’s a marquee available and catering options from Atherton, however you have the freedom to organise the rest to your liking.
7. For a town wedding – Roses ‘N Things
If you’d rather stay in town than the sticks, then head west to Barcaldine – where the local café and shop serves up more than just sweets.
With a white picket fence creating the boundaries of a tea garden that’s lined with rose bushes – this location has wedding written all over it.
Both the ceremony and the reception can take place in either the tea garden or grass area and the café can erect a marquee over.
The café will close on your big day, allowing for privacy and the ability for the café to provide any catering (all except the cake) you need.
There is space behind the café for a camping set up, however there are plenty of accommodation options around town.
With the quaintness of the tea garden and the backdrop of horses in the paddock behind the café, your wedding is sure to radiate small-country-town charm.
Want some spectacular wedding snaps?
These classic shots are sure to take your wedding to the next level when it comes to outback romance:
- Put a tractor/vintage car into the mix for rustic appeal
- Nothing says “we got married in the bush” like your photos being taken on a cattle station
- Pose in front of the iconic Blackall Woolscour shed for that coveted barn shot
- If you’re after a refreshing outback look – get snaps on the banks of Lara Wetlands
- Keen for some more Outback photo ideas? Check out this guide
