A common question we get asked by couples is whether they require a permit to hold their ceremony in an outdoor location in a location that is open to the public. Here is what you need to know about permits for your ceremony
DO I NEED A PERMIT?
If you choose to get married at our elopement venue Big Love HQ or at a private location, then you do not require a permit. If you are choosing a ceremony location that is open to the public, then the answer is… maybe! Read on to find out more.
DO I NEED TO APPLY FOR A PERMIT?
YES. If you are choosing to hold your ceremony at a location that is open to the public, you must apply for a permit. Many councils will require you to apply for a permit and you may receive one of three responses:
- You will be informed that you require a permit and you must pay the relevant fees. You will then be issued with a permit number to keep on hand for your records
- You will be informed that you don’t require a permit, but now you have it in writing that you don’t require a permit in case you are stopped by local rangers. This also allows the relevant councils to know you have read and understood the rules around holding your ceremony in public land.
- You will NOT be granted a permit due to other events, roadworks, maintenance etc taking place on the date and time you have requested.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR APPLYING FOR A PERMIT?
It is the responsibility of the couple to enquire, apply and pay for a permit in your chosen location so that you are able to agree to the rules and requirements associated with your permit application.
HOW MUCH DOES A PERMIT COST?
That completely depends on the location you have chosen, but it shouldn’t be more than a few hundred dollar bucks (The Bluey fans will get it!).
HOW DO I APPLY FOR A PERMIT?
We thought we’d point you in the right direction for popular elopement destinations with big Love Elopements in and around the Greater Geelong/Bellarine/Surf Coast regions.
PARKS VICTORIA LAND
Parks Victoria land includes You Yangs and Great Otway National Park which spans from Anglesea to Apollo Bay along the Great Ocean Road and includes The Redwoods, Otways)
You must apply for a permit to Parks Victoria at least 8 weeks prior to your ceremony date. If your total number of people attending is under 30 then you will most likely receive a notification from Parks Victoria stating you won’t require a permit (but you still need that confirmation in writing).
ENQUIRE HERE
https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/get-into-nature/events-and-filming-permits/weddings
SURF COAST BEACHES
Beaches along the Great Ocean Road are either managed by Surf Coast Shire or Parks Victoria. Please follow this link to locate which organisation to contact for your location regarding a permit.
https://www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/About-us/Council/Laws-and-regulations/Weddings-on-Council-land
BARWON COAST
Barwon Coast Committee of Management Inc (Barwon Coast) is delegated to manage 19km of the coast along Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula. This includes the beaches and foreshores of Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, 13th Beach, and Breamlea.
ENQUIRE HERE
https://www.barwoncoast.com.au/foreshore-permits/wedding-event-permit/wedding-event-form/
GEELONG BOTANIC GARDENS
No matter the number of guests attending (whether it’s just the two of you and two witnesses or up to 150 guests, we’ve had lengthy chats with them about this!) you must book a 2 hour time slot in a garden of your choice and pay the relevant fees which are just over $300 as of January 2024.
ENQUIRE HERE https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/gbg/gbgevents/weddings/article/item/8cc46d580110623.aspx
GARDENS/PARKS IN GEELONG
Check which outdoor locations are managed by the City of Greater Geelong below. Popular locations include Balyang Sanctuary, Rippleside Park and The Dell (Clifton Springs)
https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/weddings/default.aspx
Hopefully this helps in your quest to gain permission for your outdoor elopement location. We know an easier and often cheaper option to this… elope at Big Love HQ, the one and only dedicated elopement venue in Geelong!
