For couples seeking a truly unique and intimate setting for their wedding ceremony, Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden in Lavender Bay is a perfect choice. This once-derelict railway land was lovingly transformed into a lush, rambling, and enchanting garden by artist and muse Wendy Whiteley, after the passing of her husband, Brett. It's an oasis of beauty, filled with winding paths, hidden nooks, and stunning harbour views, making it one of Sydney's most cherished and romantic wedding venues.
As expert marriage celebrants, we love conducting ceremonies here. The garden’s atmosphere is unmatched, offering a secluded feel despite its proximity to the city. Whether you're looking for a simple, elegant ceremony or a beautiful backdrop for your wedding photography, this garden delivers. It's a genuine secret gem that provides a spectacular canvas for your special day.
🌇 Unrivalled Sydney Harbour Views
The garden offers spectacular, framed views of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, providing a world-class backdrop for your vows and wedding photos. The vistas here are both grand and intimately tucked away.
🌿 A Lush, Magical Garden Setting
Wander through the beautifully curated landscape of exotic and native plants. The garden is rich with textures, colours, and quirky artistic details, creating a truly magical and memorable setting for your civil ceremony.
💖 Intimate and Secluded Atmosphere
Despite being close to the city, the garden feels wonderfully secluded. Its winding paths and natural screening offer privacy and an intimate space, perfect for couples who want their ceremony to feel personal and heartfelt.
📸 A Photographer's Dream Location
Every corner of the Secret Garden is a photo opportunity. From the giant fig trees to the unique sculptures and harbour glimpses, your wedding photographer will be spoiled for choice, ensuring you capture stunning and artistic images.
🎨 A Place of Love and Creativity
The garden is a living tribute to a great love story and an artistic vision. Marrying here connects you to that beautiful spirit of creativity, passion, and devotion—a beautiful omen for your own life together.
For all events at Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden, including wedding ceremonies, a booking is required through North Sydney Council, regardless of the group size. This is essential to ensure you have a designated area for your ceremony and to avoid disappointment.
Responsible Authority: North Sydney Council
Booking Requirements and Fees:
A booking is mandatory for all groups holding an event, including weddings, at Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden, irrespective of the number of people attending. Standard fees apply for hiring a section of the parkland for a wedding ceremony. Fees typically range from approximately $190 to $600, depending on the duration and size of the group. You will need to contact North Sydney Council directly to confirm the exact current fee and to check availability for your specific date.
It is crucial to finalise your booking and pay any associated fees with North Sydney Council well in advance of your wedding date.
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. The Secret Garden is tucked away, so clear directions are helpful for all attendees.
Train: Take a train to either Milsons Point Station or North Sydney Station. The garden is about a 5 to 10-minute walk from either station. Follow the signs or directions for Lavender Bay Parklands. Milsons Point often involves a slightly more scenic walk along the harbour foreshore.
Ferry: A scenic way to arrive! Take a ferry to Milsons Point Wharf or McMahons Point Wharf. The garden is a beautiful 10 to 15-minute harbourside walk from either wharf. This is an excellent option for guests coming from Circular Quay or other harbour locations.
Bus: Numerous bus routes service the North Sydney area, with stops near North Sydney Station. From the bus stop, follow the pedestrian route towards Lavender Bay and the garden.
Private Car/Taxi/Rideshare: The garden is located in Lavender Bay, adjacent to the Lavender Bay Parklands. It is best to input "Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden" or "Lavender Crescent, Lavender Bay" into a GPS. Parking in Lavender Bay is generally limited and restricted street parking (metered or time-limited) is common. Advise guests to allow ample time to find a spot. The nearby Kirribilli Club on Harbourview Crescent may offer parking for a fee, which is a short walk away, but check their policy beforehand.
Now it doesn't happen often, but when it does you will need to shelter under trees or bring umbrellas - how romantic. Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden is an outdoor venue, and there are no permanent structures or indoor spaces available for public hire as a wet weather backup on-site.
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.
