Port Douglas – a small town with a big heart
If you’re searching for the perfect place to tie the knot, look no further than Port Douglas. This charming coastal town in Far North Queensland is the ultimate wedding destination, with its stunning scenery, warm tropical climate, and unique landmarks.
Located between the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. It’s a beautiful location that offers endless possibilities for your wedding ceremony, reception, honeymoon and photoshoot.
Being the tropical paradise that it is, Far North Queensland generally enjoys a typically wet and dry season. The weather in Port Douglas is perfect for weddings, with warm temperatures all year round. The best time to get married is generally between May and October when the weather is dry, and the temperatures are around 25-30 degrees Celsius. Having said that, I have found that a wet season wedding allows for some incredibly stunning and ‘moody’ photoshoots, providing timeless and unique memories of that special day.
As a Cairns and Port Douglas wedding photographer since 2015, I have had the pleasure of capturing those special moments on film and camera throughout the entire Douglas Shire. Over the years, this region has become increasingly popular for weddings and honeymoons. Let’s take a look at my favourite locations for the following:
- Best Wedding Venues
- Best Accommodation Venues
- Best Honeymoon Locations
- Best Photoshoot Locations
Best Port Douglas Wedding Venues
St Mary’s By The Sea
One of several key Port Douglas wedding icons, the first thing you’ll notice when entering St Mary’s By The Sea is the huge glass altar window, showcasing stunning, picturesque views of the beach, ocean and rainforest covered mountains. The beauty and eloquence of St Mary’s traditional wooden pews and stained glass windows, along with a church bell that can be rang on your wedding day makes this location one of my favourite wedding photography spots.
Sugar Wharf
Overlooking the inlet, the Sugar Wharf is a beautifully renovated historic building, providing breathtaking views across the Coral Sea and the Daintree Mountains. With its beautifully white washed walls, the Sugar Wharf creates an unforgettable experience for events of up to 200 guests.
Little Cove
Located at the north eastern tip of Rex Smeal Park, Little Cove is perfect for that small, intimate marriage ceremony, catering for up to 60 guests.
Rex Smeal Park
A stunning tree-lined park overlooking the inlet and outlying islands, Rex Smeal Park remains a hugely popular ‘picture-perfect’ location for locals and tourists alike.
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
A beautiful 5 star resort fronting onto the stunning Four Mile Beach of Port Douglas, the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas is situated right next to 2 of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites; the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
Offering a range of wedding packages to suit every budget, the resort has a stunning pool area and gardens that are perfect for a reception, and can accommodate up to 500 guests.
Four Mile Beach
As one of the most popular beaches in all of Far North Queensland, Four Mile Beach provides a wonderful opportunity for your wedding photoshoot, with four miles of broad, soft and rustic beach providing many idylic spots to choose from.
Best Port Douglas Accommodation Venues
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
See Best Port Douglas Wedding Venues above for information on this location.
QT Port Douglas
A lush tropical setting awaits your arrival at the quirky Oaks QT Port Douglas Resort, ideally located just moments away from the iconic Four Mile Beach.
Sea Temple Resort
Elegant and stylish, guest rooms at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa provide a spacious, peaceful haven, allowing guests to relax in total comfort.
Niramaya Villas and Spa
Looking for a serene getaway to unwind and be pampered? Look no further than the luxurious resort accommodation at Niramaya Villas and Spa, nestled in the heart of Port Douglas. Their premium villas and rejuvenating spa treatments guarantee an unforgettable experience.
Mali Mali
Crowned Australia’s Best House in a gala awards ceremony in Canberra, Mali Mali also won Queensland’s Best House. The luxe Queensland holiday property is located on 40 acres of absolute hilltop with 360 degree panoramic views from the Daintree Rainforest to the Pacific Ocean. This idyllic and private retreat is in a league of it’s own and a stay here will ensure an unforgettable holiday experience.
5 Marine Parade – Newell Beach
Situated just 10 metres from the beach, this short term rental property is in the perfect location to relax, unwind or celebrate that perfect occasion.
Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Tucked away on a secluded headland between the idyllic towns of Cairns and Port Douglas lies the exquisite Thala Beach Nature Reserve. Their deluxe eco-accommodations are thoughtfully placed throughout our sprawling 145-acre property, blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Experience a truly unique stay where conservation and comfort intersect in perfect harmony, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Thala Beach Nature Reserve.
Best Port Douglas Honeymoon Locations
Niramaya Villas and Spa
See Best Port Douglas Accommodation Venues above for more information on Niramaya Villas and Spa
Mali Mali
See Best Port Douglas Accommodation Venues above for more information on Mali Mali
Newell Beach
Nestled between Port Douglas and the sprawling Daintree National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, lies the quaint coastal town of Newell Beach. This idyllic retreat offers stunning vistas of Port Douglas to the south and the iconic Low Isles lighthouse to the east.
The pristine two-and-a-half-kilometer stretch of beach is a haven for beachgoers, with its crystal-clear waters and unspoiled shoreline. The beach is bordered by estuaries to the north and south, adding to the picturesque scenery of Newell Beach.
Best Port Douglas Photoshoot Locations
Four Mile Beach
See Best Port Douglas Wedding Venues above for more information on this location.
Rex Smeal Park
See See Best Port Douglas Wedding Venues above for more information on this location.
Port Douglas Marina
Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina is Queensland’s northernmost marina and one of Australia’s premier nautical destinations.
Located in Port Douglas, Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Visitors come from all over the world to experience the pristine northern reef, the wonders of the Coral Sea, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, local Indigenous history and culture, and lush tropical Far North Queensland.
Mowbray Valley
South of Port Douglas lies the Mowbray Valley, in the foothills of the Macalister Range and the Wet Tropics Mowbray National Park
Want More?
In addition to the above, there are many other beautiful landmarks in Port Douglas that make it a fantastic wedding destination.
Another stunning wedding photoshoot location is the timelessly stunning Mossman Gorge, located in the Daintree Rainforest. It’s a sacred location for the local Indigenous people, and it’s easy to see why. The lush greenery and crystal clear waters create a magical atmosphere that is perfect for a wedding ceremony or photoshoot.
Let’s not forget one of the most, if not the most stunning Port Douglas wedding attraction: the magnificent Great Barrier Reef. It’s the world’s largest coral reef system, and is home to an incredible array of marine life. Many couples choose to get married on one of the Great Barrier Reef’s many islands or on a boat, surrounded by the sparkling waters and colorful corals.
Finally, when it comes to photoshoot locations, Port Douglas has an abundance of options. The town itself is full of colourful buildings and quirky street art, making it the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos.
In conclusion, Port Douglas is the ultimate wedding destination in Australia. With its stunning scenery, warm climate, and unique landmarks, it’s the perfect place to tie the knot. Whether you’re looking for a beach wedding, a traditional chapel ceremony, or something more adventurous, Port Douglas has something to offer.
So, why not make your special day even more memorable by choosing Port Douglas for your wedding?
Speak with Graeme about his personal Port Douglas wedding tips and recommendations as Cairns’ leading videographer and photographer.
