The Shire of Augusta Margaret River offers a stunning natural backdrop for weddings and private ceremonies, making it a popular destination for special occasions. To ensure your ceremony is both memorable and respectful of our natural surroundings, please note the following guidelines.
Planning your Ceremony
Permit requirement
A permit is required for ceremonies held on land managed by the Shire. This helps us coordinate events and protect the natural beauty of our public spaces.
Public Spaces
- Our beaches and reserves are shared spaces. While your ceremony is special, please be aware that other members of the public may be present. The ceremony should not affect the use of the space by others, everyone attending should show respect and courtesy to the other users in the area.
- Exclusive use of the area cannot be granted.
- Visual presentation of the space cannot be guaranteed, due to the environment and weather conditions.
- Locations within National Parks are managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. If you wish to hold your wedding or private ceremony in a National Park, there is no need to contact the Shire, please contact Parks and Wildlife Service, Blackwood District office on 9752 5555 for advice.
Environment considerations
We cherish our natural environment and ask that you help us protect it. Permits for ceremonies include a responsibility on the permit holder to protect the natural values of the location. The permit holder is responsible for ensuring there is no environmental damage caused to the ceremony area, keep the following in mind:
- Everyone attending the ceremony should keep to pathways, do not walk across or stand on vegetation. Everyone attending the ceremony should keep to pathways, do not walk across or stand on vegetation.
- Native Flora and Fauna must not be removed.
- Please be aware of wildlife, avoid disturbing or interacting with any that may venture into your ceremony location.
- If pets are part of your wedding party, dogs must be kept on a leash unless the ceremony takes place in a designated dog exercise area. Dogs are not permitted in dog-prohibited areas.
Please also be aware that local beaches are subject to natural coastal processes, including storms, swell and tidal movements, which can impact the condition of the site. At times, large amounts of seaweed may accumulate on beaches. Seaweed plays a vital role in the coastal ecosystem. Permit holders are not permitted to remove or relocate seaweed from the ceremony site.
Ceremony logistics
Duration
Permits allow for a maximum of three hours, including set up and pack down.
Permitted items
You may bring:
• A small shade structure (no larger than 10 m²)
• One arch
• Up to 10 chairs (or equivalent of 10 seats)
• A small table for celebrant use
• A rug to define the aisle
Please ensure structures are adequately secured without pegging into the ground.
Clean-Up
All items must be removed within the permitted time frame. The area should be left clean and undamaged.
Confetti
Confetti of any kind (including petals) is not permitted.
Additional notes
Peak Times
Permits are not issued for long weekends or public holidays. We also advise against scheduling ceremonies during peak summer periods, such as the January school holidays, due to high visitor numbers.
Parking
Parking spaces cannot be reserved. Consider arranging shared transport or shuttle services for your guests.
Vehicle Access
Vehicles are not permitted on Shire reserves. Plan accordingly for transporting items to your ceremony location.
Application process
Complete the application
Fill out the Weddings and Private Ceremonies application form.
Submit your application
Send the completed form along with a location plan to [email protected]
Pay the fee
A fee is payable upon application submission; a customer service officer will contact you for payment.
Please note: This application is for ceremonies only. Shire beaches and reserves are not considered appropriate for larger functions such as wedding receptions.
More information and contact
For more information or advice, please contact the Shire’s Events and Permit Officer on (08) 9780 5266 or email [email protected].