Tropical Cairns is known for its stunning beaches and great scenery. The climate is warm and the weather is tropical year-round, with two distinct seasons - the dry season from April to October and the wet season from November to March. Weddings in Cairns and Port Douglas occur at all times of the year, with each season having its own superlative. If you're planning to host your wedding in Cairns or Port Douglas, there are a number of factors to think about.
The dry season is the best time to get married in Cairns.
Cairns is a beautiful place to get married. The weather and natural surroundings are amongst the best in Australia and the World, but there are a few things to consider when deciding on your big day.
The vast majority of couples get married during summer and autumn in Cairns and Port Douglas, but for those looking for a truly unique experience, getting married during the wet season can be an awesome option.
The wet season in Cairns extends from November to March, which is similar to the tropical cyclone season. This means that during this period Tropical Cyclones can form and affect the weather (although they are rare). During this period we also see most of our rainfall as well as very high humidity.
While not every wedding will be affected by tropical cyclones or heavy rains, it does mean that you should be prepared for some unplanned surprises if you choose to tie the knot during this period.
For those looking for a bit more certainty, booking your wedding during winter or spring is definitely recommended. The weather is more settled and predictable at this time of year throughout Queensland, so there is less risk of unexpected events affecting your big day.
The dry season is also known as winter in Tropical North Queensland. The main reason why it’s the most popular time to get married in Cairns is because of the weather. It’s less likely to rain and more than likely that you’ll experience fine blue skies and sunny days.
Why would you decide to have a wedding in Cairns?
Cairns is a tropical paradise with brilliant views, surrounded by rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is located on the east coast of Far North Queensland and has a population of approximately 150,000 people. It is well-known for its reef, rainforest, bungee jumping and skydiving opportunities.
The city of Cairns has many historic buildings and beautiful gardens as it is rich in history and culture. If you are thinking about having your wedding in Cairns, it would be a good idea to familiarise yourself with the most popular wedding venues in Port Douglas, Plam Cove and other locations beforehand.
If you want to hold your wedding ceremony in a garden or outdoor setting there are some lovely parks or gardens that would be ideal.
You can also opt to have the ceremony on one of the many beaches in the area. If you are looking for an indoor venue then there are some equally impressive venues available with beautiful views of the harbour, ocean or rainforest.
There are many reasons why you may decide to get married in this part of Australia, but the main reason is that it is such a beautiful place and offers something different from other parts of Australia.
Wedding dress, shoes and suits and other clothing.
If you don’t want to be carrying a heavy train all day, or trying to keep your dress clean as you walk along the beach then make sure that you consider your location when choosing your wedding outfit. If you know you gonna want those rainforest shots that might have you walking down a rough path, make sure to grab some comfy shoes for the walk.
It’s also important to consider the weather in Cairns and dress accordingly. You don’t want to get too overheated during your day. Check our ultimate wedding checklists for more details.
Depending on the timing of your ceremony and how much time you have between your photos and reception, you may want to bring a change of clothes with you so that you are comfortable during the celebrations.
The sunsets are always better in the winter months.
As winter approaches, the days become cooler and the nights become longer. It’s a time of year that appeals to many couples when planning their special day. The sunsets are beautiful in the winter months and it also means fewer mosquitoes and bugs so you can take advantage of outdoor reception locations like Palm Cove Beach.
If you’re interested in a winter wedding then we recommend booking your venue as soon as possible. The months of June, July and August are very popular for weddings so avoid disappointment by booking early.
If you’ve always dreamed about getting married on a white sand beach in a tropical paradise then you’re in luck!
Cairns is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia, from Palm Cove to Port Douglas and beyond, if you want to get married on a beach then there’s no better place than Far North Queensland!
Lush vegetation from May to July.
As a Cairns Wedding photographer and videographer, I've found that the most popular time to get married in Cairns is during the dry season between May and October.
While there are pros and cons to each season, you might find that autumn is an ideal season if you want lush greenery in your wedding photos. You'll have more options for locations for your pictures with lush vegetation from May to July. The weather will still be warm enough for a beach or outdoor ceremony but with drier conditions that make outdoor celebrations easier.
There is only one thing that matters!
The bottom line is, that the best time to get married in Cairns is now. Regardless of when you are thinking about getting married, whether it be in January or December, the important point to remember is that the weather and most importantly the rain is unpredictable. No matter what time of year you get married in Cairns, you will have your wedding day the way you want it and that is what is important, your wedding day will be a wonderful memory you’ll cherish for the rest of your life, so have a blast!