Getting married in the Northern Territory (NT)

 

If you want your wedding to be memorable and truly unique, there’s no better location than the Northern Territory in Australia.

The beauty of the Northern Territory is that you can embrace any style of wedding, from small intimate elopements in the great outdoors, to out of the box ideas for larger celebrations. Choose how you want to celebrate and there will be the perfect location to suit.

The Northern Territory is magnificent in that the landscape is like nothing you will ever have experienced. Spectacular terrains, rugged in nature and starry nights and a rich culture – you know your wedding will be a once in a lifetime affair if you choose this stunning state to host.

 

 

NORTHERN TERRITORY VENUES TO SUIT ANY WEDDING THEME

Darwin is a modern and tropical choice when it comes to celebrating weddings. The sparkling harbour and waterfront or beaches could just be the perfect place to say, ‘I do’, alternatively the tropical Botanic Gardens have much to offer also. Either way, you will be guaranteed good food and wine in this stunning city, Darwin really is a little slice of heaven.

The Top End, while encompassing Darwin, also boats the world-famous waterfalls of Kakadu, Litchfield National Park, remote Arnhem Land as well as Katherine. The area is vast and eclectic it when it comes to the various types of landscapes encountered, from tropical rainforests too semi-arid desert country too. The backdrops are breathtaking and find the right location and you will not be disappointed.

Northern Territory’s Red Centre has the most extraordinary landscape – think desert plains, mountain ranges and gorges. Alice Springs, Uluru, Kings Canyon are just some of the places you will encounter on your journey. Be it an intimate elopement with incredible views, or a larger gathering, a wedding here will be one that is not forgotten.

 

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING AT NORTHERN TERRITORY WEDDING VENUES

 

Weather

In the Northern Territory you will find two distinct climates, there’s the warm, tropical Top End and the dry, semi-arid Red Centre.

The Top End has a dry and wet season while the Red Centre has four distinct seasons, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring.

While the weather often cools in June/July in Australia, in the Northern Territory you will find the sun still shining!

It’s really important that you research the place you’re intending on going, the season and then planning appropriately for the weather. It’s important to dress appropriately and keep hydrated too.

 

Transport

The Northern Territory is vast, so it’s important to plan on how you will get around the state or your location before arrival. You can fly into Darwin or Alice Springs, and from there self-drive, or in more populated areas, use taxis, coaches or even cycle around.

If self-driving, it’s important to research the type of terrains that you might come across and being prepared for this with the right kind of vehicle.

Remember that at times phone or internet reception might be rare in remote areas, so be prepared.

 

Local Events

When it comes to events, the Northern Territory calendar is pretty packed thanks to year-round warm weather. Outdoor festivals and events, cruises on the harbour, a popular restaurant scene in Darwin, markets – there’s plenty of action happening so best to check out the Northern Territory’s tourism website to ensure events will not impact your wedding plans.

 

Accommodation

Depending on your location, there’s plenty of styles of accommodation to choose from in the Northern Territory.

More remote areas generally have tourist’s parks and camping options available while larger towns of Darwin and Alice Springs can enjoy a range of B&B’s, luxury resorts, hotels, Air BnB’s etc.

Be sure to book well in advance in busy seasons so you don’t miss out.

 

 

Outback wonders and breathtaking backdrops.

Here are our some of our top recommendations when it comes to the best wedding venues in the Northern Territory.

 

Unique and unspoilt paradise.

WILDMAN WILDERNESS LODGE, ARNHEM

• From: Price on enquiry.

• Size of venue: Up to 90 guests.

• Indoor or outdoor: Both options are available.

 

For an unforgettable wedding experience, Wildman Wildnerness Lodge on the fringe of Kakadu National Park is the ultimate in bush luxury. Feeling far removed from the rest of the world, this location offers a tailored celebration to suit you needs with delicious meals and fine wines to spoil yourself with. There are a number of sensational ceremony locations, think wetlands, a secluded billabong or amongst the termite mounds with the Mary River floodplain as your backdrop. Their lodge and decking then creates a romantic atmosphere to celebrate the rest of the night away before using their luxe accommodation to rest. Whatever you choose, this is a one-of-a-kind wedding venue that you will never forget. 

 

Breathtaking experience at Kings Canyon.

KINGS CANYON RESORT, WATARRKA NATIONAL PARK

• From: Price on enquiry.
• Size of venue: Intimate and larger gatherings are welcome, ask the team for capacity.
• Indoor or outdoor: Both options are available.

Imagine celebrating your wedding day in one of the most ancient, rugged and beautiful places in the world. With 400 million years of history – Kings Canyon is a truly unique and magical location for your wedding. The unspoiled wilderness offers an outback oasis with the soaring shapes of the canyon as the back drop for your special day. Just think of the photos! There are many locations across the resort property to exchange your vows, with the Sunset Viewing Deck being a popular location. As the sunsets and the official part of the ceremony concludes an exclusive dining experience Under a Desert Moon will see you and your guests enjoy a five course dinner – each course with matching wine. The team at Kings Canyon Resort will help you plan your day every step of the way.

 

 

A unique and unrivalled experience.

LONGITUDE 131°, ULURU

• From: $57,800 per night, for an exclusive use booking with a minimum two nights’ stay for all guests.
• Capacity: 32 guests
• Indoor or outdoor: Outdoor ceremony and reception under the stars, or indoors in the Dune House Restaurant.

With just sixteen ‘tents’, Longitude 131° is ideal for intimate weddings, with the lodge booked exclusively for family and friends for a minimum two night stay. A feeling of generosity extends from the all-inclusive tariff; the bar is stocked with a premium selection of wines, craft beers and top-shelf spirits. All dining is included, from breakfast to lunch and four-course dinner. The lodge offers a signature itinerary of personally guided experiences; options include a sunset walk at the base of Uluru or a morning expedition to the Walpa Gorge among the dome formations of Kata Tjuta.

Table 131° offers a truly unique setting for a wedding banquet. Set among the dunes under a canopy of stars, guests arrive to the sounds of an ancient culture and the warm glow of firelight. A degustation menu unfolds, matched with premium Australian wines. Later, the lodge’s resident astronomer regales guests with tales of the southerly constellations.

Now that we’ve shared the beauty of Northern Territory be sure to take a peek at the stunning real weddings that have been hosted here.