If you're searching for the perfect location for your **wedding ceremony** in the Northern Beaches area, look no further than James Meehan Reserve. Located right next to Dee Why Beach, this beautiful park offers a peaceful setting that feels miles away from the hustle and bustle, while still being easily accessible. It’s a wonderful **wedding venue** alternative to a dedicated **marriage registry office**.
Here are five fantastic reasons why couples choose this reserve as their special **marriage venue**:
Note. At this location you must also book the venue, in addition to the celebrant service we offer. See details below under Booking and Fees.
🌴 Coastal Tranquillity with Easy Access: The reserve is nestled right near the beach but feels like a secluded oasis. You get the benefit of a beautiful, natural setting without the difficulty of a remote location. It's an ideal spot for a relaxed and lovely ceremony, a great choice amongst **wedding venues near me** on the Northern Beaches.
📸 Photogenic Backdrops Galore: From the lush, well-maintained lawns of the reserve itself to the proximity of Dee Why Beach and the Long Reef headland walking paths, your photographer will be spoiled for choice. These stunning natural backdrops ensure you get beautiful and memorable **wedding** photos.
🤝 Plenty of Room for Guests: James Meehan Reserve features expansive grassy areas, meaning there is ample space for your guests to witness your vows comfortably, even for larger groups (subject to Council limitations). It provides a relaxed, open atmosphere for your **wedding celebrant** ceremony.
🅿️ Convenient Parking and Amenities: The reserve benefits from a dedicated public car park (pay and display/permit required), which is a huge bonus when hosting a ceremony. With other amenities like a playground and nearby toilets, it's a practical choice for guests with families.
🐚 Perfect Blend of Park and Beach Vibe: If you love the ocean but prefer the comfort of grass underfoot for your ceremony, James Meehan Reserve provides the best of both worlds. You get the fresh sea air and coastal feel without needing to worry about sand. It truly stands out among local **wedding venues**.
Yes, a booking and permit are required to hold a wedding ceremony at James Meehan Reserve.
James Meehan Reserve is managed by the Northern Beaches Council, and you will need to book the location directly with them in addition to booking your **marriage celebrant** with us. This is essential for all planned events, especially if you have over 50 people or wish to place any structures (like chairs or arbours).
Please note that fees and requirements are set by the Council and are subject to change. Always confirm the latest details on their official website or by contacting them directly.
Standard: 20 People. Add Guests: Add up to 100+ 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 100+ people in total. To add guests after your initial booking, go to the Add-ons tab in your portal.
I understand that, 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 - Richmond Avenue.
James Meehan Reserve is located on Richmond Avenue in Dee Why, adjacent to the southern end of Dee Why Beach. Plan your journey carefully to ensure a stress-free arrival for your special day.
Now it doesn't happen often, but when it does you will need to shelter under trees or bring umbrellas - how romantic.
As an open park area, James Meehan Reserve does not have any dedicated permanent, covered structures specifically designed for wedding ceremonies. Back-up shelter at nearby, Walter Gors Park.
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). This applies to only small gatherings 20 people or less and doesn’t permit chairs, decorations etc. Simple Ceremonies will provide a signing stand for you to sign your certificates.
I understand, if I am planning more than 20 people to be at the ceremony or want to have chairs or decorations of any sort, it is our responsibility to ensure this location is available for our ceremony. I will make all necessary arrangements and pay any associated fees directly to the venue or relevant authority.
a) Reservation of Location and Payment of Associated Fees
I understand that it is our responsibility to ensure this location is available for our ceremony. I will make all necessary arrangements and pay any associated fees directly to the venue or relevant authority.
b) Guest Numbers
I understand that the Standard number of people is 20. This can be increased to 100+ people for an additional fee of $75 (click on Add Ons after making your booking).
c) Standard Duration of Booking is 30 Minutes
I understand that the total time for the standard booking is 30 minutes, which is plenty of time for a beautiful ceremony. This time cannot be extended on the day of the ceremony. However, if you would like to extend the duration of your booking, this can be done prior to the date of the ceremony for an additional fee of $150. (Click on Add Ons after making your booking.)
d) Confetti and Natural Materials
I understand that to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the area, confetti of any sort, including natural materials such as flower petals, rice, glitter, or artificial equivalents, are strictly prohibited—unless prior written consent is received from the venue.
e) Public Liability Insurance
I understand that if Public Liability confirmation is required, there will be an additional fee of $50 to provide this.
