The incredible wilderness of Tasmania, with its dramatic landscapes and unique flavours, makes this Australian state a magnificent destination for a wedding. If you seek something beyond the conventional, this relatively small island is magical for elopements, micro weddings and mini-moons. Plus, there is something for couples seeking classic wedding celebrations, especially within Hobart.
Approximately 600,000 people reside in Tasmania, with the majority concentrated in the state capital, Hobart, and other major cities, including Launceston. Almost 2,400 marriages were registered in this state in 2024, coming close to or slightly higher than the range before the pandemic. Up to 83% of ceremonies were civil, the highest rate of civil ceremonies in Australia.
Tasmania attracts couples from interstate and overseas, offering iconic coastal locations — Bay of Fires and Bruny Island, dramatic mountain landscapes — Cradle Mountain, ancient forests and wilderness — Tarkine and Mount Field National Park and unique geological formations — Hastings Cave and the Tasman Peninsula. Get ready for a serene atmosphere, a dash of adventure and magnificent wedding photos!
Tasmanian couples pay less for their wedding day than couples in other states. But the island's unique charm also means a lower number of venues and wedding vendors.
Weddings in Tasmania cost an average of $25,000, which is significantly lower than the national wedding average of $37,000, as presented in Bridebook data.
Several factors influenced these numbers, including lower venue and service prices, as well as a shorter guest list for typical Tasmanian weddings. You can go cheaper, too. For example, wedding planning services in Australia can be as high as $4,500. If you opt for a no-frills, Tasmanian wedding emphasising connection with nature and spectacular location, the expenses will drop.
But if you are planning to fly to Tasmania for your wedding day and you're not that familiar with the wedding business in the state, you can expect the cost to rise for travel and accommodation.
Similar trends rule across the entire Australian wedding industry, extending to Tasmania. In this state, trends, such as micro-weddings and elopements, are infused with the distinctive vibes of this island character. For example, Tasmania offers an array of breathtaking sites for secluded, intimate ceremonies, photos and receptions, which are often more accessible than mainland sites thanks to the state's compact size.
Micro-splurge best describes this trend - couples are ready to invest more money in a luxury wedding experience for a smaller number of guests, typically under 50 and fewer. Plus, the Tasmanian wilderness, featuring Cradle Mountain peaks, ancient Tarkine forests, remote Bay of Fires beaches, and the magical Lake St. Clair, is often a key feature of scenic wedding packages offered by local wedding businesses that handle the logistics. Apart from logistics, fresh Tasmanian food and wine are a must in these packages.
On top of everything, accommodation is a significant aspect of these micro-weddings, and venues like Eagles Nest Retreat offer off-grid overnight stays immersed in nature.
Another trend gaining popularity is non-traditional wedding attire, a genuine shift away from traditional gowns and expensive wedding dresses. This trend follows the elopement trend. Tasmanian brides, especially ones engaging in elopements, now prefer colourful dresses, suits, two-piece attire, and jumpsuits. Instead of following the pages of bridal magazines, these brides seek personalisation.
But micro-weddings aren't all that happens in Tasmania! If you still want a traditional wedding and want to invite a large number of guests, stay in style by focusing on experiential dining. Tasmania is just the right state for this, with the abundance of flavours. Think rich grazing tables and interactive food stations serving local cheeses, oysters and premium meats. For beverages, include Tasmanian gins and whiskies to create an authentic Tasmanian party. Venues such as Glen Albyn Estate can handle large crowds and provide high-quality Tasmanian feasts.
Don't miss the breathtaking coastal areas of Tasmania for your wedding. Piermont Retreat, for instance, on Tasmania's east coast, overlooks Freycinet National Park and Great Oyster Bay. The venue offers a unique blend of historic and coastal vibes, along with a secluded atmosphere, ideal for weddings with fewer than 50 guests. A small locality of Falmouth, also on the east side, hides a charming venue with a private beach: White Sands Estate.
Moving on to the north-west of this island, you will have a range of venues. Tall Timbers Tasmania, closest to Tarkine Rainforests, accurately reflects the unique island character with lush nature, waterfalls and a great team. Spreyton Cider Co, also in the North West region, is a flexible venue available for DIY weddings and laid-back, rustic or formal celebrations.
A tranquil venue, Purple House Forest Estate is ideal for an enchanting Tasmanian forest-like experience, with lush gardens, mazes and a labyrinth (discover Bridebook guide for forest wedding ceremony). If you seek a Tasmanian venue with a larger capacity and outdoor function areas, consider Woolmers Estate in Longford, which combines heritage charm with stunning natural surroundings.
At the base of spectacular Mount Wellington, Hadley's Orient Hotel in Hobart offers a unique combination of Orient vibes, Victorian culture and a Tasmanian atmosphere. Crowne Plaza Hobart IHG Hotel has some of the largest capacities on the island. It has a range of services, including accommodation, catering and planning.
For couples who appreciate vineyard settings, Josef Chromy Wines in Relbia accurately reflects unique Tasmanian appeal with exceptional wine, food and scenic locations. If you love ciders, then hosting a wedding in an authentic Tasmanian apple shed is your way to go. Try Willie Smith's Apple Shed in Grove, a genuine Tasmanian wedding venue.
Of all costs related to weddings, the venue will cost you the most in Tasmania and other Australian states. Bridebook's extensive surveys and industry insights show that the average venue cost in this state is $12,842, which is up to $2,000 or $3,000 lower than average costs in NSW and other mainland states.
Tasmanian wedding venues are often booked up a year or 18 months in advance. However, all vendors, including photographers, bakers, musicians, and venues, have longer lead times in Tasmania for Saturday weddings during the peak season, from September to April. Sometimes, it can stretch up to two years.
Another thing to keep in mind is that some remote venues only host a limited number of weddings per year. They can fill out really fast, so there isn't time for overthinking!
If you are okay with hosting a wedding during off-peak season and in some rural locations, you can secure your date sooner. For example, most venues are available within six months' notice on weekdays from June to August.
In addition, if you're planning a destination wedding and travelling interstate or overseas, consider the timing. During local events, such as Dark Mofo or Agfest, hotels book quickly, which might affect your wedding venue choice if you prefer to keep everyone in one place. This logic also applies to public holidays and long weekends.
Additionally, intimate weddings may allow for shorter lead times at venues due to their flexibility compared to large-scale weddings with over 200 guests.
The refreshing weather, clear, fresh air and dramatic light are key features of the Tasmanian climate. The Southern Ocean influences the weather and creates a comfortable climate zone, free from the mainland's heat waves and high humidity. On this island, the weather can take turns. So, last-minute wedding plan changes are possible!
Summer (December–February): The busiest wedding season in Tasmania, summer features the longest daylight hours in the country and pleasant temperatures between 12°C (54°F) and 24°C (75°F). Afternoon and evening receptions are the most popular, especially in coastal regions such as Freycinet and the Bay of Fires, where sea breezes keep the weather comfortable. The Central Highlands are cooler and are loved for their colourful flowers.
Autumn (March–May): Autumn is also popular for island weddings, and it features golden shades, clear air and mild humidity; this is a harvest season, so choose a venue with a focus on local produce for your wedding feast; for example, The Agrarian Kitchen Weddings in New Norfolk and its farm-to-table concept ensure a delicious wedding feast; averages are between 9°C (48°F) and 21°C (70°F); days are sunny, and the evenings can get cool, so roaring fires are the Tasmanian way to stay warm!
Winter (June–August): Chilly winter in Tasmania is romantic, with snow in Central Highlands, Cradle and Wellington Mountains, and Mount Field National Park; the temperature range is between 4°C (39°F) and 12°C (54°F), but the temperatures can go lower, especially overnight; this is the off-peak season, so venues aren't as busy as during warmer months and they offer discounts; typical wedding includes indoor ceremony and reception in venues such as Aspect Tamar Valley Resort in Grindelwald, and the wedding photos are magical!
Spring (September–November): Blooming flowers, lush Tasmanian nature, and clear, vivid blue sky make a stunning backdrop for an authentic Tasmanian wedding. The weather changes quickly, creating dramatic skies and a special effect for your wedding photos. This season is particularly popular for weddings, whether you choose the coastal area, from the Bay of Fires to the Tasman Peninsula, or the rolling hills and vibrant forests. You can choose both indoor and outdoor venues, decorate them with seasonal natives to enhance the natural beauty and create a cohesive and romantic scene. The general temperature range is from 5°C to 19°C (41–66.2°F.). Be prepared for every scenario as the weather can change quickly, especially in October.
Tasmania is connected to the mainland by air and offers various transportation options, providing easy access to its diverse landscapes. Hobart is connected to major regional hubs: via Midland Highway to Launceston, via Tasman Highway to the east coast, via Huon Highway to Huon Valley and Arthur Highway to the Tasman Peninsula. Plus, the northwest coast and Launceston are accessible via the Bass Highway. Generally, rides are scenic but can be winding and steep on some points.
Public transportation, featuring a well-established network of buses, connects major city hubs. However, for rural and remote areas in Tasmania, a car is often the only transportation option. Luckily, there are car rental companies at major airports, so your guests can drive to your chosen wedding location, even if it's remote.
If you prefer ferry transport, you'll love Tasmania. Your guests travelling by sea can use the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, serving Geelong, Victoria and landing in Devonport. There are nightly ferry rides year-round, but during peak season — December to April — your guests can book a scenic daytime ferry ride.
Within Tasmania, there are several ferry transport options. Hobart CBD is well-connected with eastern suburbs and Bruny Island by ferry.
The fastest way to travel to a Tasmanian wedding from the Australian mainland is by air. Hobart International Airport (HBA) is a busy airport offering connections to the mainland. International connections are limited but available through transfer in Sydney or Melbourne. This airport is an excellent choice for Southern Tasmania, while Launceston Airport (LST) serves north east.
Tasmania also has a list of regional airports, including Devonport (DPO), Burnie (BWT), King Island (KNS) and Flinders Island Airport (FLS).
In Tasmania, the accommodation range is vast and includes luxury and boutique hotels, guesthouses, self-contained apartments, lodges, caravan parks, and more. For ultimate Tasmanian weddings, booking a cabin in the wilderness is an excellent way to experience the natural spirit and ambience. But, for your wedding, you can leverage discounts for group wedding bookings in Tasmania in hotel chains such as Accor Hotels (Hobart, Launceston, Devonport), the InterContinental Hotels Group (Hobart), Hilton (Hobart), and more.
The pricing varies, from ultra-luxury lodges on the Tasmanian east coast that charge up to $2,000 per night to camping parks with a nightly fee of $10.
Couples choose Tasmania as a wedding destination for a variety of reasons, each contributing to the island's popularity as a picturesque and romantic setting for tying the knot.
Firstly, Tasmania's stunning natural beauty is a major draw for couples seeking a scenic backdrop for their wedding ceremony. With its diverse landscapes ranging from rugged coastlines and pristine beaches to lush forests and majestic mountains, Tasmania offers an array of breathtaking settings that appeal to couples looking for a unique and memorable wedding experience.
Additionally, Tasmania's temperate climate and relatively mild weather year-round make it an attractive choice for outdoor weddings, allowing couples to take advantage of the island's natural beauty without worrying too much about inclement weather.
Furthermore, Tasmania boasts a wealth of charming and historic venues, including vineyards, estates, gardens, and boutique hotels, providing couples with a wide range of options to suit their preferences and style.
Wedding venues in Tasmania often have policies regarding the use of confetti, rice, or flower petals during ceremonies and celebrations. These policies are typically designed to ensure the preservation of the venue's natural environment, cleanliness, and the safety of guests.
Many venues in Tasmania encourage couples to use biodegradable alternatives to traditional confetti, rice, or flower petals, such as dried leaves, petals, or eco-friendly confetti made from natural materials. This approach aligns with Tasmania's commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation, minimizing the impact of wedding celebrations on the surrounding landscape.
Furthermore, some venues may designate specific areas or provide guidance on where and how confetti, rice, or flower petals can be used to minimize cleanup efforts and prevent damage to sensitive ecosystems or landscaping.
In Tasmania, wedding venues often implement policies regarding the use of confetti, rice, or flower petals during ceremonies and celebrations. These policies are primarily aimed at preserving the venue's natural environment, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring the safety of guests.
To align with Tasmania's dedication to sustainability and environmental conservation, many venues encourage couples to opt for biodegradable alternatives to traditional confetti, rice, or flower petals. These alternatives, such as dried leaves, petals, or eco-friendly confetti made from natural materials, help minimize the ecological impact of wedding celebrations on the surrounding landscape.
Moreover, certain venues may specify designated areas or provide guidance on the appropriate use of confetti, rice, or flower petals to reduce cleanup efforts and prevent damage to sensitive ecosystems or landscaping.
In Tasmania, couples can often arrange for fireworks displays or lantern releases as part of their wedding celebrations, but they must adhere to specific regulations and guidelines to ensure safety and environmental protection. Fireworks displays and lantern releases are subject to stringent regulations due to potential fire hazards, safety risks, and environmental concerns.
To organize a fireworks display, couples typically need to obtain permits from the relevant authorities, such as Tasmania Fire Service and local councils. These permits ensure compliance with safety standards, fire regulations, and environmental considerations. Additionally, couples may need to engage licensed pyrotechnicians to handle the fireworks and oversee the display to ensure safety and minimize risks.
Similarly, lantern releases may require permits and adherence to regulations to prevent littering, protect wildlife, and minimize fire hazards.
Wedding venues in Tasmania may have varying policies regarding photography and videography, but there are generally no blanket restrictions. However, it's common for venues to request that photographers and videographers adhere to certain guidelines to ensure the smooth running of the event and the privacy of guests.
One common guideline is for photographers and videographers to be respectful of the venue's property and surroundings. This may include refraining from using equipment that could damage the venue or disrupt other guests' experiences.
Additionally, some venues may request that photographers and videographers obtain permission before using certain areas of the venue for photoshoots. This helps to prevent conflicts with other events or guests and ensures that the couple's privacy is respected.
