ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, SYDNEY

As an iconic Sydney destination, the Royal Botanic Gardens provide some stunning ceremony backdrops right in the heart of Sydney’s city. With spectacular views to the lush garden surrounds and the harbour, it is a great option if you want to show off the splendours of Sydney to your out of town guests.

However, the gardens can be tricky to navigate for those who don’t know their way, so consider all the factors when choosing the right spot. If you have less mobile guests, avoid spots that require a long walk around the gardens, and have a clear entry point from the outside streets.

Our top picks are Lion’s Gate Lodge and the stunning Rose Garden Pavilion and Lawn.

The Rose Garden is a perfectly manicured space, and comes with an undercover pavilion for rainy or hot weather. The space is good for numbers of all sizes, however the pavilion is on the smaller size, so gets a little squashy.

The Lion’s Gate Lodge is a small private garden with a lush grassed areas for your ceremony, and a sandstone paved courtyard perfect for cocktails and canapes. You can hire this for your ceremony only, or use for a small reception also.

There is an adjoining house with caterers kitchen, toilet facilities and an undercover area perfect for all weather, and the access is also right on the road, with lots of parking available.

When reserving a spot in the gardens, you are allowed to have a bar and have exclusive use of the area, plus toilet facilities are available.

Photos of Rose Garden Pavilion and Lawn