Looking for a wedding venue that’s unique, beautiful and affordable? Here are six of SA’s stunning national parks where you can say ‘I do’ with a view.
Are you dreaming about your wedding? Why not choose a national park venue that has it all – romance, natural beauty, and a touch of magic?
For Mackenzie and James Sexton, choosing a wedding venue wasn’t just about aesthetics – it was about connection. When the couple tied the knot in October at Belair National Park, they weren’t just picking a scenic spot – they were embracing a place filled with memories, meaning, and a love for the outdoors.
“I grew up going to Belair National Park with my dad all the time,” Mackenzie says. “It was such a big part of my childhood, so it felt really special to celebrate such an important moment in a place that already meant so much to me.”
Originally, the couple planned to marry in a small council park closer to home in Adelaide’s southern suburbs, but their guest list had other ideas. As the numbers grew past 230 people, they needed a space that could accommodate everyone without losing the relaxed, family-friendly vibe they had envisioned. Enter Belair National Park.
A dream venue without the price tag
“Belair made everything so easy,” Mackenzie says. “The staff were amazing to deal with. They let us bring our own alcohol and food, which a lot of local parks don’t allow, and the cost was incredibly affordable – we had the whole park to ourselves for just over $600, including parking for our guests.”
The wedding itself was a perfect blend of nature and nostalgia. The wedding party was able to use Belair’s Karka Pavilion, while also enjoying its lush green setting.
“We barely went inside all day because it was just so beautiful outside,” Mackenzie says. “The backdrop was stunning – when we got our photos back, we couldn’t believe how vibrant and green everything looked.”
Guests flew in from across Australia and around the globe, with one friend from San Diego blown away by the venue.
“She told us that hiring out a national park like this in the US would cost over $100,000,” Mackenzie says. “It really made us appreciate just how lucky we are to have these incredible places right on our doorstep.”
The “perfect” big day at Belair
For the couple, the best part was the intimacy and warmth of the day.
“It didn’t feel like a traditional function hall wedding – it felt personal, relaxed, and totally us.
“Everyone pitched in, whether it was helping with drinks or tidying up at the end of the night. It was a real community effort, and that made it even more special.”
Mackenzie says more couples should have a look at SA’s national parks when they’re planning their wedding venue – especially if they want a “back to nature” vibe that’s also affordable.
“Honestly, the day was perfect. If we had to do it all over again, we wouldn’t change a thing.”
Why choose a national park?
There’s something truly magical about saying ‘I do’ in the heart of nature. South Australia’s national, conservation, and wildlife parks protect over 20 per cent of the state’s land, offering a safe haven for rare species to recover and thrive while preserving the iconic landscapes that make our state so unique.
Through its National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) plays a vital role in conserving biodiversity, restoring habitats, and supporting endangered species in these protected areas, as well as some of SA’s other special places.
By celebrating your love in one of SA’s national parks, you’re creating special memories while contributing to conservation.
Top wedding venues in South Australia’s National Parks (and beyond)
- Onkaparinga River National Park – Punchbowl Lookout
With stunning clifftop views over the river and gorges below, this spot offers a dramatic and breathtaking setting for adventurous couples.
- Belair National Park – Karka Pavilion
SA’s oldest national park is a classic choice with open grassy areas, excellent facilities, and easy accessibility, making it ideal for larger gatherings and relaxed, family-friendly weddings.
- Lincoln National Park – Wanna Beach
A coastal paradise featuring endless sandy shores and turquoise waters – perfect for a romantic beachside ceremony.
- Coffin Bay National Park – Long Beach
A quiet, secluded coastal setting where couples can exchange vows with nothing but the sound of waves in the background.
- Morialta Conservation Park – Near the Elvyn H Dunn Shelter
Nestled among rocky formations and lush greenery, this park provides a quirky and unique backdrop for wedding photos.
- Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park
A magical underground venue offering a truly one-of-a-kind ceremony experience, perfect for an intimate elopement.
Planning your Park wedding: Tips and tricks
- Choose the right park for your big day
Not every park is suited for weddings. Use the National Parks and Wildlife Service’s Find a Park tool to filter locations by facilities, accessibility, and event suitability, ensuring your day goes off without a hitch. - Take a day trip to explore
Visit your chosen park ahead of time to get a feel for the location, check out nearby amenities, and visualise your setup.
- Decide how you’ll use the park
Some couples use national parks for the full ceremony and reception, while others just take advantage of the stunning scenery for the ceremony or wedding photography.
- Don’t forget the event permit
You’ll need an event agreement to host your wedding in a national park. This ensures compliance with park rules and helps with logistical planning.
- Plan for rentals and setup
Consider how tables, chairs, and decorations will be delivered to the site. Some parks have vehicle access, but others require carrying items in.
- Catering and fire restrictions
Choose caterers familiar with outdoor events and be aware of fire regulations – some parks restrict the use of open flames or generators, so check first.
- Skip the confetti and petals
Many parks prohibit confetti and flower petals to protect native plants. Opt for biodegradable alternatives like bubbles.
- Be ready for possible closures
Some parks may close on days of extreme fire danger. To avoid last-minute stress, plan your wedding during the cooler months or have a backup location.
- Ask the experts
Park staff are on hand to help make your big day run smoothly: If you need advice on which park is best or have questions about permits, give them a call.
- Love and leave no trace
National parks operate on a “leave no trace” principle, which means everything you bring in must come out. There are no bins in the parks, so work with your vendors to manage waste responsibly and keep the area pristine.
