There are many beautiful locations that are popular for weddings and private ceremonies within the Shire of Augusta Margaret River. A permit is required in order to hold a ceremony on land that is vested with the Shire. Please complete the attached application form and submit with a location plan. A permit fee is payable on lodgement of your application.
Things to consider
Weddings and private ceremonies are very personal events, when selecting your location it is important to understand that beaches and reserves are “Public Open Space” which is intended for recreational use. Permits for weddings and private ceremonies do not grant the holder exclusive use of the site. Other users may be in the area playing, walking dogs or even launching boats and jet skis. When conducting a ceremony, participants and their guests must show respect and courtesy to other users in the area. The ceremony should not affect the use of the space by others.
Visual appearance and presentation of your chosen location cannot be guaranteed, while the Shire may advise you of potential works in the area chosen for your ceremony, works by other agencies and other environmental issues such as weather, storm destruction or accumulated seaweed may impact on you on the day.
Use of the reserve
Permits for ceremonies are granted for a maximum time frame of three hours, this is to include set up and pack of any items to be used for the ceremony.
You may bring items onto beaches or reserves on a small scale for use at the ceremony. For example:
- A small shade structure (no larger than 10m²) for protection from sun and rain
- Arches and chairs (one arch, a maximum of 10 chairs and a small table for celebrant use are permitted).
Structures need to be adequately secured (with weights, no pegging on grassed reserves) to ensure stability.
Important notes:
- All items are to be installed and removed from the site within the permit timeframe.
- Details of all items to be used on reserves are to be included in the permit application. No items are to be brought onto the reserve without prior approval.
- The permit holder is responsible for ensuring the reserve is left litter and damage free at the conclusion of the ceremony. Confetti is not permitted. If there is any damage to the reserve (i.e. damage to reticulation) the cost of repairs will be the responsibility of the permit holder.
- Permits for ceremonies on Shire reserves will not be granted for ceremonies to be held on long weekends or public holidays.
If planning your ceremony on a Shire beach please avoid peak summer visitation times such as January school holidays.
Vehicles
Car parking is an important consideration. Coastal locations during the spring and summer months have a high recreational use, car parking in these areas is often at capacity. Advising guests to carpool or bringing them to the ceremony by bus is recommended. No car bays may be reserved for those attending your ceremony.
Vehicles are not permitted to be driven onto Shire reserves. Please be mindful of this when organizing items / structures you wish to use for the ceremony.
Application
Locations managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
A few of the popular ceremony locations within the Shire are managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. These include:
- Hamlin Bay
- Cape Freycinet
- Boranup Forest
- Redgate Beach.
Permits for ceremonies in these locations are issued by Parks and Wildlife Services. If you wish to hold your wedding or private ceremony in one of these locations, please contact the Parks and Wildlife Service or call the Busselton office on (08) 9752 5555. Note: You do not need to contact the Shire for these locations.
Locations managed by the Shire
For locations managed by Shire, please complete the application package below.
Note: this is for ceremonies only. Shire beaches and reserves are generally not considered appropriate for larger functions such as wedding receptions.
The Shire’s Intramaps is a tool that may help you identify the Reserve vesting for your desired location.
More information and contact
For more information or advice, please contact the Shire’s Events and Permit Officer on (08) 9780 5266