Captain Henry Waterhouse Reserve in Kirribilli offers one of the most spectacular, iconic backdrops for a Sydney wedding ceremony. As a sought-after marriage venue on Sydney Harbour, it blends natural beauty with world-famous urban charm, making it a perfect spot for your unforgettable "I do".
This magnificent marriage venue provides more than just a view; it delivers a truly unique experience. Here are five compelling reasons why couples choose this incredible location for their wedding:
Exchange your vows with the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge perfectly framed behind you. This reserve offers one of the best vantage points in the city, ensuring your wedding photos are nothing short of breathtaking and instantly recognisable.
The reserve provides lush green lawns and a beautiful old tree that offers welcome shade and a natural "altar" setting, contrasting beautifully with the sparkling harbour and city skyline. It’s the ideal blend of a garden wedding and a harbour wedding.
While located close to the city, the reserve maintains a serene and relatively secluded atmosphere, particularly suited for intimate to medium-sized wedding ceremonies. It allows for a deeply personal experience away from the busiest tourist crowds.
Nestled in Kirribilli, this wedding venue is easily accessible for you and your guests via ferry, train, bus, or car. Being well-connected makes travel planning simpler for everyone attending your special day.
Beyond the ceremony spot, the surrounding Kirribilli area, including the nearby foreshore and historic streets, provides endless stunning locations for wedding photos, ensuring you capture every moment with a spectacular Sydney backdrop.
Standard: 20 People. Add Guests: Add up to 60 in total +$75.
You can have up to 20 people (the 2 of you and 18 guests) at your ceremony. This excludes children under 6 years old. For an additional fee of $75, this number can be increased to 60 people in total. To add guests after your initial booking, go to the Add-ons tab in your portal.
I understand that if I plan to have more than 60 people, it is my responsibility to make the required booking with the park authority and pay any associated site fees directly to them.
Please aim to arrive 15 minutes prior to your ceremony (along with your guests) to ensure you are in the right location and ready to go at your scheduled time. Captain Henry Waterhouse Reserve is conveniently located at the base of Jeffreys Street in Kirribilli.
The reserve is accessible by car. Parking is typically available on nearby streets such as Jeffreys Street and surrounding Kirribilli streets, but it is generally metered parking with time limits (e.g., 2-hour or 4-hour limits). Arriving early is recommended, and advise guests to factor in payment and time limits.
One of the most scenic ways to arrive! Take a ferry to Jeffrey Street Wharf, which is directly adjacent to the reserve. This is highly recommended for guests coming from Circular Quay or other harbour points.
The nearest train station is Milsons Point Station. From the station, it is a pleasant 10 to 15-minute walk down to the reserve via Kirribilli streets. This is an excellent option for guests arriving via the North Shore line.
Taxis and rideshare services can drop you directly near the reserve on Jeffreys Street. Allow extra time if travelling during peak hours, as traffic across the Harbour Bridge can be unpredictable.
Now it doesn't happen often, but when it does you will need to shelter under trees or bring umbrellas - how romantic. As a stunning outdoor venue, Captain Henry Waterhouse Reserve does not have permanent built-in shelter for wedding ceremonies.
The primary wet weather options available on-site are limited to the natural cover provided by the large, iconic tree on the reserve or the use of personal umbrellas for you and your guests.
a) Public Park Acknowledgment
I understand that this venue is a public park and that no site fee has been charged for its use by you (the provider).
b) Guest Capacity
I understand the Standard maximum number of people is 20. I can increase this to a maximum of 60 people for an extra $75 (I will select Add Ons after booking).
I understand that if I plan to have more than 60 people, it is my responsibility to make the required booking with the park authority and pay any associated site fees directly to them.
c) Booking Duration
I understand the Standard booking time is 30 minutes, which is plenty of time for a beautiful ceremony. I acknowledge that this duration cannot be extended on the day of the ceremony.
If I wish to extend the time, I understand I must arrange this prior to the ceremony date for an additional $150 for an additional 30 minutes (I will select Add Ons after booking).
d) Confetti and Prohibited Materials
I understand that confetti of any sort, including natural materials such as flower petals, rice, glitter, or artificial equivalents, are strictly prohibited.
e) Public Liability Insurance
I understand that an additional fee of $50 will apply if Public Liability confirmation is required for bookings with more than 60 people.
