The Royal Botanic Garden is Sydney’s most iconic wedding location. Set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline is an oasis of vibrant specialty gardens, lush lawns, heritage buildings and romantic pavilions – perfect for wedding ceremonies, receptions and photography. Celebrate your special day surrounded by natural beauty right in the heart of the city.
Set on the foreshores of Sydney’s majestic Harbour lie the beautifully presented Royal Botanic Gardens, where native Australian and tropical flora set the backdrop of your harbour garden wedding.
The Botanic Gardens of Sydney were founded on this site by Governor Macquarie in 1816 as part of the Governor's Domain. The first Colonial Botanist, Charles Fraser, was appointed in 1817, establishing the Gardens as the oldest scientific institution in Australia. In 1959, the title "Royal" was added to the gardens title.
The Sydney Gardens cover 30 hectares in a spectacular setting on the shores of Sydney Harbour, with over 8,000 examples of plants, trees and flowers from Australia and overseas on display.
The Gardens First Fleet Steps are the point where Queen Elizabeth II first set foot on Australian soil, and a commemorative wall marks the event. The site offers stunning views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
The nearby Mrs Macquarie’s Point Chair marks one of the popular photographic spots in Sydney with views across the Harbour to the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The Governor's wife had the chair fashioned out of the rock so she could relax and watch the passing ships.
Today the Royal Botanic Garden is one of Sydney's most iconic outdoor venues, with stunning backdrops of Sydney harbour and the city skyline.
It is the perfect place to celebrate your special day, with twelve breathtaking wedding ceremony locations to choose from:
The Bennelong Lawn overlooking the Sydney Opera House:
With a capacity for 200 guests, unsurpassed views of The Sydney Opera House and harbour front and iconic views of the Harbour Bridge, Bennelong Lawn is the garden’s premier wedding ceremony location.
The Australian Rockery Lawn:
With a capacity for 100 guests and nestled amongst the trees this intimate lawn looks out across Sydney Harbour towards the Heads and is within walking distance from the Sydney Opera House.
The Eucalypt Lawn:
With a capacity for 150 guests and nestled amongst the shady eucalypts, this gorgeous lawn is set back above a natural rock ledge with spectacular views overlooking the Harbour. This area provides an element of privacy and is close to parking and amenities.
The Fig Tree Lawn:
With a capacity for 200 guests, Majestic fig trees surround the lawn creating an intimate space with harbour glimpses.
The Flower Bed Lawn:
In the heart of the Garden you will find this spacious foreshore lawn with colourful flower beds and magnificent harbour views. With a capacity for 200 guests, the lawn lends itself to large wedding ceremonies and celebration drinks due to its close proximity to the restaurant and amenities.
The Harbour View Lawn:
Enjoy glistening water views framed by a large shady fig tree on the most iconic wedding lawn in Farm Cove with a capacity for 150 guests.
The Mare and Foal Lawn:
With a capacity for 150 guests, this stunning expansive lawn provides spectacular views towards the Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge.
The Tarpeian Lawn:
Tarpeian Lawn offers a level of privacy, shady figs and elevated harbour views. A convenient location for those wishing to be within walking distance of the Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay or The Rocks.
The Herb Garden and Pavilion:
The beauty of the manicured garden and sandstone pavilion combine to create an elegant and formal setting for your wedding ceremony with a capacity for 60 guests.
The Lion Gate Lodge:
In the grounds of the stunning Victorian sandstone Lion Gate Lodge, the garden and awning provides an intimate venue for 80 guests offering the flexibility to create your own theme.
The Palm House and Lawn:
Say ‘I do’ in the oldest glasshouse in New South Wales. Nestled in a beautiful garden setting, natural light floods this stunning glasshouse, providing a unique venue for wedding ceremonies and celebration drinks. Maximum capacity: 120 guests. The Palm House fits approximately 100 seated guests.
The Rose Garden Pavilion and Lawn:
The Rose Garden is fast becoming one of the most popular wedding ceremony venues in Sydney. You will fall in love with this romantic outdoor garden featuring a magnificent sandstone pavilion, private toilets and catering facility. Blooming from September through to May and pruning during winter months. Maximum capacity: 200 guests. The Pavilion fits approximately 80 people.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does the location hire include?
Exclusive use of the location for two hours. Additional time can be added at an extra fee. This includes set-up and pack-down time.
Permit for Wedding photography.
Signage reserving the area.
What furniture and decorations are permitted at the wedding ceremony location?
Up to two tables.
Seating for up to 30 people, or up to 100 people inside the Palm House.
Flower displays or columns.
Carpet or runner (no rubber backing).
A bridal arch, chuppah, mandap, gazebo or similar ceremony cover. All structures must be weighted, not pegged. Maximum size is 3m x 3m. No decorations can be attached to trees, buildings or other structures. Pegs or spikes are not allowed in the lawns and all items must be weighted. Balloons, party streamers, sparklers, fireworks (any form), fires (including kerosene lamps) and bamboo torches are not permitted.
Can we use a podium or stage?
Stages and podiums are not permitted.
Can we throw confetti, petals or rice?
Petals are permitted but must be picked up afterwards. The throwing of confetti and rice is not permitted.
How do I access my lawn?
All equipment must be carried or wheeled to the ceremony location. A ranger escort (vehicle access) can be pre-arranged for your decorator/wedding supplier at an extra fee. There is no bridal vehicle access.
Can we use a caterer?
Yes, you can provide your own catering or use one of the restaurants on site. A surcharge will apply to external caterers. All caterers must comply with statutory health and WH&S (Work, Health and Safety) requirements. Food must be cooked off-site, barbecues are not permitted and the caterer’s equipment is included in the furniture allowance. No food or drink can be sold.
Can we serve alcohol?
Yes, you can engage a company that has a catering licence to serve alcohol, or serve your own alcohol (BYO) and follow the RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) principles outlined below: not serving alcohol to minors not serving intoxicated persons providing enough food and water ensuring the quiet and good order of your party. Our rangers will ensure RSA principles are adhered to and will remove any intoxicated persons.
Is power available?
Power is not available and generators are not permitted.
Can I have speakers or amplified sound?
Yes, you can use a low-volume, battery-powered portable speaker or amplifier for the wedding celebrant. Please position speakers towards your area to minimise impact on other visitors.
Can I have a band/music?
Yes, you may have a live acoustic ensemble of up to four people or low-volume pre-recorded music. Bagpipes, drums, pianos or other amplification systems (such as electric guitars or keyboards) are not permitted.
Can I have fire?
Fire and/or flames are not permitted.
Is parking available?
Metered parking is available along Mrs Macquaries Road, Art Gallery Road and Macquarie Street. Secure undercover parking is available at The Domain Car Park and Opera House Car Park.
What do I do if it is raining on the day of my booking?
If you wish to cancel your booking on the day due to wet weather, please contact the Venue Services Office before midday.
How far in advance can I book a wedding ceremony site?
We accept bookings up to 18 months in advance. The Bennelong Lawn and Lion Gate Lodge Garden & Awning are only available for wedding ceremonies within eight weeks of the booking date.
What are the opening hours for the Royal Botanic Garden?
Opening times vary seasonally:
April and September: Gates open at 7.00 am and close at 6.00 pm.
October: Gates open at 7.00 am and close at 7.30 pm.
November to February: Gates open at 7.00 am and close at 8.00 pm.
May and August: Gates open at 7.00 am and close at 5.30 pm.
June and July: Gates open at 7.00 am and close at 5.00 pm.
March : Gates open at 7.00 am and close at 6.30 pm.
All bookings must finish 30 minutes prior to the Garden closing times so you and your guests/suppliers are able to exit before the gates are locked.
Will there be other people in the Garden on my wedding day?
Yes, the Garden is a public space and other events may occur at the same time. However, your chosen ceremony location will be reserved for your exclusive use.
Is there rain coverage?
If rain is a concern, consider booking a lawn with a pavilion or alternatively one of our heritage indoor venues. Shade structures and marquees are not permitted.
To plan your Royal Botanic Gardens Wedding, contact Australian Dream Weddings now:
Fast Facts about the Royal Botanic Gardens:
Total size of site: 64 hectares
Size of Royal Botanic Garden Sydney: 30 hectares
Size of The Domain: 34 hectares
Number of plant species in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and Domain: 8,900
Number of plant specimens in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and Domain: 67,100
Number of trees in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and Domain: 3,964
Number of preserved plant specimens in Herbarium of NSW: approx. 1.2 million
Australia’s oldest street trees: Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta x 3) planted in 1816 along the new Mrs Macquarie’s Road, Lower Gardens.
Oldest pre-settlement remnant trees in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney:
Sydney Red Gum (Angophora costata (Gaertn.) Britten) (x 2) and Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus Tereticornis Sm.) (Lawns 28 & 35)
Swamp Oaks (Casuarina Glauca Sieber ex Spreng.) (x 4 suckers from original trees). L38, L27 and Domain DL46.
Southern Mahogany (Eucalyptus Botryoides Sm.) (Domain D25d).
Oldest collected specimen: Australian Red Cedar (Toona Ciliata), planted 1822, Bed 9 near Creek.
Oldest planted trees in the Royal Botanic Garden: Hoop Pine and Giant Watergum, both planted c. 1820-28 in the Palm Grove.
Oldest collection in the Herbarium of NSW: dated 1770, collected by Sir Joseph Banks on the East Coast of Australia during the Voyage of the Endeavour.
Garden artworks collections (sculpture)
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney: 36
The Domain: 22
Annual visitation for the Royal Botanic Garden: 3,544,344
People attending concerts and major events in the Domain: 433,482
People using the Domain playing fields for booked sports: 59,300
The Royal Botanic Garden is Sydney’s most iconic wedding location. Set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline is an oasis of vibrant specialty gardens, lush lawns, heritage buildings and romantic pavilions – perfect for wedding ceremonies, receptions and photography. Celebrate your special day surrounded by natural beauty right in the heart of the city.
To plan your Royal Botanic Gardens Wedding, contact Australian Dream Weddings now:
