There’s plenty of upside to choosing the winter months for your Sydney wedding.
We’re lucky enough to be in a part of the world where the winter weather doesn’t really get in the way of plans. Unlike our northern hemisphere counterparts, we’re not plagued by sub-zero temperatures, buckets of rain, or grey skies all winter. In fact, Sydney winter is kind of magical.
While the mornings are undoubtedly chilly, there’s no getting away from the fact that throughout June, July, and August, the weather is fantastic – blue skies, glimmering harbour, and less people about in general. So, if you’re considering a Sydney-based wedding and are not interested in getting married in the traditional ‘peak’ season, here’s 7 reasons why the ‘off-season’ may be right for you.
Author: Meggan Brummer
If we haven’t met before - I am an award-winning Marriage Celebrant in Sydney, Australia.
I’ve married hundreds of couples over the last 13 years and have over 23 years experience as a professional writer.
1. Mild, Sunny Days
June, July and August are the main winter months in Sydney, with July being the coldest. Because Sydney temperatures range between 8°C – 17°C (46°F – 63°F) at this time, there’s a good chance you could end up having your wedding on a crisp yet sunny gorgeous day.
This is especially great if you’re planning an outdoor wedding ceremony on a gorgeous beach like Balmoral in Mosman, or a park wedding with views of the Opera House like the Sydney Botanical Gardens.
2. Less Crowds
Summer high season in Sydney (December to February) is the peak time for visitors, with hot, humid days and balmy evenings and lots of crowds.
For couples who want a destination wedding, Sydney in winter is an excellent choice. Less crowds allow you and your guests to explore the sights and enjoy ferry rides around Sydney harbour without the usual hustle and bustle of summer crowds.
Because Sydneysiders are spoiled with great weather for most of the year, they tend to go to the beach only when the weather is absolutely spectacular. Because of this, the beaches in Sydney are much quieter and uncrowded in winter. So if you’re planning a winter wedding in Sydney, you’ll have much more choice of where to get married if you’re keen on a beach wedding. And you won’t have to dodge crowds when having your romantic photo shoot.
3. Availability and Affordability
Winter in Sydney is the off-season for tourists and for weddings.
This is the least expensive time to travel to Australia, with lower demand decreasing the price of flights and accommodation. For the same budget, you can afford a little more luxury to make the entire trip that much more magical.
For the wedding itself, you’ll find wedding vendors have much more availability. This gives you a much better chance of booking your first choice wedding celebrant, wedding photographer and venue. And some of these suppliers may discount their rates in these months.
As a celebrant, I myself offer lower prices for couples getting married in winter months. I also know this is also the case with some of the nicest venues in Sydney including Ripples Chowder bay, Q Station in Manly, Athol Hall and Gunners’ Barracks in Mosman, The Grounds in Alexandria, and Centennial Homestead in Centennial Park. Sophie Noble, from Grand Pacific Group, (which own Athol Hall and Gunners Barracks) says, “For our venues, Winter Weddings present the opportunity for couples to experience exactly the same celebration as peak season functions, however at a discounted rate (with some packages seeing a reduction of up to $50 per person without compromise to its inclusions)”.
4. Great Light for Your Wedding Photos
Instead of harsh bright summer sunlight you’ll get that softer, more flattering winter light, which is just perfect for a sunset photo shoot on the stairs of the Sydney Opera House or at the amphitheatre in Mosman at Bradleys head.
Because the sun sets much earlier during winter months (around 5pm), you can get your photos done well before dinner, unlike in the summer months when couples often leave their guests during the reception to go for sunset photos around 6-7pm.
5. Don’t Sweat it
Winter is definitely a more comfortable month than summer for couples planning on wearing suits or grand wedding gowns… those outfits are not designed for Sydney’s summer weather.
In winter you won’t have to manage perspiration issues during your photos and you’ll sit down for your reception feeling fresh, not sticky.
6. Wedding Flowers Won’t Wilt
Winter is definitely a more comfortable month than summer for couples planning on wearing suits or grand wedding gowns… those outfits are not designed for Sydney’s summer weather.
In winter you won’t have to manage perspiration issues during your photos and you’ll sit down for your reception feeling fresh, not sticky.
7. Flexibility with Honeymoon Plans
Winter is definitely a more comfortable month than summer for couples planning on wearing suits or grand wedding gowns… those outfits are not designed for Sydney’s summer weather.
In winter you won’t have to manage perspiration issues during your photos and you’ll sit down for your reception feeling fresh, not sticky.
