Merewether Beach, one of Newcastle’s most iconic and beautiful stretches of coastline, offers a spectacular backdrop for your wedding ceremony. Imagine saying 'I do' with the sound of the ocean waves and the famous Merewether Ocean Baths in the background. It's a prime location for couples seeking a stunning beachside experience without venturing far from the city.
As expert marriage celebrants, we know that choosing your venue is the first exciting step in your wedding journey. Merewether Beach and its surrounds provide an elegant yet relaxed setting for your special day. Here are five compelling reasons why you should consider this stunning location for your marriage ceremony.
Uninterrupted vistas of the Pacific Ocean provide a dramatic, natural setting. The expansive, crystal-blue ocean and the rolling waves create a truly magical atmosphere and serve as a magnificent, ever-changing backdrop for your wedding photos. The beauty here is simply unparalleled for a beach wedding or marriage ceremony.
The famous Merewether Ocean Baths and Surfhouse add unique photographic opportunities. The historic, tiered baths offer a wonderful contrast to the natural beach, providing a beautiful, structured element for post-ceremony photos. This mix of natural and architectural beauty is what makes this wedding venue so unique.
It's a beautiful beach location that is easy for all your guests to access. Unlike some secluded wedding venues near me, Merewether Beach is close to central Newcastle, meaning accommodation, transport, and reception options are plentiful and simple to arrange for you and your guests.
The eastern-facing beach makes for spectacular golden hour and sunset lighting. Planning your ceremony for late afternoon means you can benefit from the soft, flattering light as the sun begins to dip, illuminating the ocean and creating a romantic glow for your nuptials.
Outstanding reception options, such as the Merewether Surfhouse, are literally steps away. You can transition seamlessly from your beautiful beach marriage ceremony to a celebratory reception, minimising travel for your guests and maximising celebration time.
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.
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. Merewether Beach is easily accessible and a short drive from Newcastle's city centre.
Merewether is easily reached by car from Newcastle, Sydney, or the Hunter region. There is a designated car park right near the beach and Merewether Surfhouse, often referred to as Merewether Beach Carpark off Watkins Street. However, parking can be limited and busy, particularly in peak summer months or on weekends. We strongly advise using ride-sharing or taxis if possible, or for guests to carpool and arrive early to secure a spot.
Booking a taxi or using a ride-share app (like Uber or DiDi) is one of the most convenient ways to travel, especially for the wedding party. Simply enter "Merewether Beach, Newcastle" or "Merewether Surfhouse" as your destination. This avoids any parking stress, allowing you and your guests to relax and enjoy the occasion fully.
Newcastle's public transport system offers bus services that operate near Merewether Beach. Check the Transport for NSW website or app for the most up-to-date routes and timetables, looking for services that connect from Newcastle Interchange (train and light rail hub) towards Merewether. The nearest stops will be a short walk from the beach area.
Now it doesn't happen often, but when it does you will need to shelter under trees or bring umbrellas - how romantic. If you are having your wedding ceremony directly on the sand or foreshore of Merewether Beach, there are no permanent public structures or convenient shelters for protection from rain.
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 20 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.
