Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a horse & carriage?

It is possible to have a horse and carriage for a wedding within Centennial Park, however this decision is at the discretion of the Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust. Some points for consideration are:

• Traffic Management – Centennial Park has a variety of shared uses including cars, bicycles, horses, joggers, dog-walkers and other events. The Park can be very busy on weekends, and the horse and carriage may cause impact to, or be impacted by, the other traffic in the Park.
• Insurance  – the horse and carriage operator must have $20million public liability cover, and a declaration of animal health form.

Can I bring in doves/butterflies for release in the Parklands?

Yes, doves and butterflies may be released for ceremonial purposes.

Can we have rose petals/rice/confetti?

Rose petals are fine, except in the Rose Garden and the Column Garden, as the petals may have a fungus which could damage the plants in the Parklands.

Rice is not acceptable as it may be consumed by the native animals in the Parklands, to their detriment.

Confetti is not acceptable as this does not quickly breakdown, and is difficult to remove.

Can we bring tables & chairs?

You may bring up to two (2) tables and thirty (30) chairs.

Can we put up a marquee?

Marquees are not acceptable, however you may have a pop-up shade structure. Please ensure that this is properly weighted, and do not peg it into the ground as there are electrical and irrigation services underground.

Please note that no infrastructure of any kind is permissible in the Pine Forest.

Can we have a podium/stage/arches?

You may have free-standing, weighted arches. You may not have any stages or podiums.

What does the site hire include?

The site hire gives you access to the area.

Can we have a band/music?

You may have low-volume pre-recorded music or a small live acoustic ensemble.

Can we have an amplifier?

You may only use a battery-operated, small PA system. Please ensure that the speakers are positioned in towards your area, as this will help to minimise the impact on other Park users.

Is there parking and will car spaces be held for the bridal party?

A maximum of four (4) car spaces can be held for the bridal party only. Note that no vehicles may drive or park on the grass.

What sites do you recommend for a wedding ceremony?

Our website (see above section) has information about suggested areas for ceremonies: Column Garden, Rose Garden, Lily Pond and Busby’s Pond are particularly suitable.

Please note that the site condition for all areas within the Parklands is as found.

What is the cost and does it include wedding photography?

If the ceremony is held in the Parklands there is no additional fee for photography. If the ceremony is not held in Parklands, but the Parklands are used for wedding photography, then the wedding photography rate card and conditions will apply.  See our bookings page for more information on the current site fee and the non-refundable administration fee.

Can I still have my wedding photography in the park even if the ceremony is not at the Park?

Yes. If the ceremony is not held in Parklands, but the Parklands are used for wedding photography, then the photography rate card and conditions will apply. You must book your photography location, date and time. See our bookings page for more information.

Can we have caterers?

You may have professional caterers, and the caterers must comply with all statutory health and Occupational Health and Safety requirements. A certificate of currency for Public Liability Insurance ($20m) is required. Note that the catering infrastructure is also restricted to pop-up, weighted, shade structures. No food or drink can be sold within the Parklands for social activities or ceremonies.

Can we bring food and drink?

You may bring your own food and drink.

Can we have alcohol?

You may bring alcohol, but you must observe the Responsible Service of Alcohol requirements, which include: no alcohol served to minors, no alcohol served to intoxicated persons, and the provision of food and water for guests. You are responsible for the quiet and good order of your function.

Do you have any photos of wedding sites?

Our website (see above) has photographs of various wedding sites.

Is there any shelter if it rains?

The Parklands is an outdoor venue, and there is no shelter in the event of adverse weather. Note that the Lily Pond, and Rose and Columns Gardens can retain moisture if there has been rain in the days prior to an activity date.

Do I get a refund if it rains?

Hirers wanting to cancel their wedding ceremony should notify the Trust in writing on or before 14 days prior to the ceremony for a full refund.
The wedding ceremony fee will be charged for bookings cancelled by the hirer within seven days of the  wedding ceremony date.

NO refund will be given for bookings cancelled by the hirer within 48 hours of the wedding ceremony date.

If bad weather should result in cancellation of the wedding ceremony a full refund will be granted.

When are the flowers in bloom at Column and Rose Gardens?

There are flowers in bloom all year round in the Column Garden. The roses are generally in bloom in Summer and late Autumn. It is advisable to enquire about the rose pruning timing in the lead-up to your ceremony or activity.

Are there any toilet facilities?

Only the public toilet amenities within the parklands.  Please refer to our maps for details.

Is there any electricity available?

No.

What is the maximum amount of people that can attend?

You can ascertain this based on the size of the area you wish to book.

How long have I got the site for?

Two hours is the duration of the booking, which includes your set-up and pack-up time. Last bookings of the day to finish 30 minutes before gate closing times (see website for gate closing times)

Is the site exclusive for my event?

No, however the Rangers will put signs in the area advising that the area is held for a wedding ceremony. The signs also ask other Park users to respect the fact that there is a special activity taking place.

Can I stay into the evening?

No. There is no lighting in Centennial Park, and the vehicle gates close at sunset.

Can I bring a generator in?

No.

Can I decorate the trees/ stick signs, balloons on trees?

No. The trees are valuable assets to the Parklands, and we do not permit anything to be attached to them.

Where are the closest entry/exit gates?

Refer to the Centennial Parklands Map on our website.

Do I need to carry a permit/ confirmation letter with me?

You will need to have your letter of confirmation with you.

Is there a park ranger and what is his contact in case of an emergency?

The 24 hour Security Ranger mobile number is: 0412 718 611. Note this number is for emergencies only.

Can I use carpet for an aisle?

Yes, carpet or matting for an aisle is acceptable to be on the grass within your two hour booking period.

Are there rubbish bins I can use?

There are bins in fixed locations around Centennial Park. Note that extra bins are not available, and you must take away all waste generated by your activity.

Are there days when I can’t make a booking?

Sometimes there are large events within the park, such as Good Vibrations and other music or sports events. Generally, the wedding venues will not be available during these events.

Can I put up signs in the Parklands to direct guests to my wedding or other event?

No. See the Centennial Parklands map page for links to maps of the area, which can be downloaded.