Ipswich wedding spots10 perfect Ipswich wedding spots

Romance and Indulgence

10 perfect Ipswich wedding spots

The heritage city of Ipswich is fast becoming an ideal place from which to begin a charm-filled Happily Ever After. Sitting pretty at just an hour from both the Gold Coast and Brisbane, Ipswich is a wedding venue mecca.

Regardless of your budget, there are endless ceremony options throughout the city and its surrounds, including traditional churches and stunning gardens, sprawling natural landscapes and enchanting estates. Have a scroll through these 10 dreamy locations and start planning your wedding day in Ipswich.

Woodlands of Marburg

If swanning around a heritage listed nineteenth century mansion sounds like time well spent, this is the place for you. The Woodlands of Marburg mansion exudes old-world grandeur and is perfect for a luxurious vintage-themed wedding. The estate is nestled among 250 acres of countryside and ceremony locations include a classic chapel, immaculate gardens, Rose Hill, and The Vineyard.

The reception can be held in any of the original dining rooms, the underground cellar or outdoors under a marquee. Boutique accommodation is available for your nearest and dearest.

Kholo Gardens

Kholo Gardens is the perfect place for couples seeking a stripped back and tranquil wedding day. There are a number of spaces for your nuptials throughout the lush surrounds, but the Garden’s wooden church is truly magical. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to photos, too, with a nearby lily pond and multiple walking tracks that meander through the sub-tropical rainforest.

Receptions can be held in the relocated function centre, which is set in a beautifully restored Queenslander. This mini getaway is only seven kilometres from the Ipswich CBD.

Ivory’s Rock

Looking to become one with nature as well as your significant other? Ivory’s Rock is a dramatic geographical landmark at the gateway to South-East Queensland’s Scenic Rim region. The valley below is now home to a number of convention and events facilities, creating an ideal location for those interested in a fully-catered bush wedding.

Opt for a private ceremony by the lake, surrounded by native gums, before moseying on over to the Casuarina Function Centre and Restaurant for alfresco dining on the veranda. There are apartments and cabins available for guests to stay the night, or camping sites for the more adventurous crowd.

The Workshops Rail Museum

Have you ever thought of saying ‘I do’ at an historic railway workshop? Perhaps not, but you just might after this. The Workshops Rail Museum in Ipswich can be hired for both wedding ceremonies and receptions. The Museum offers tailored packages as well as extensive food and drink options, from hot and cold canapes to three course dinners.

The Workshops Museum wedding - Ipswich wedding spots

This is Australia’s oldest railway workshop still in operation and creates a locally relevant connection to ages past. The Museum’s stunning industrial heritage also provides a prime backdrop for photos.

Spicers Hidden Vale

Finding the absolute perfect ceremony, photo, reception and accommodation spot all wrapped in one seems utterly impossible. But, impressively, it’s completely possible at the sublime Spicers Hidden Vale. An historic homestead, rolling hills and natural bushland provide an exquisite backdrop for an elegant country wedding – and it’s only a stone’s throw from the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

There is an endless supply of outdoor ceremony locations throughout the Grandchester retreat. Reception options include intimate dining rooms, Homage Restaurant, The Barn or a custom marquee. Guests can stay in charming colonial cottages and an onsite spa is an obvious choice for both pre and post-wedding day pampering.

Queens Park

Queens Park is smack-bang in the centre of Ipswich and a top notch location for those couples seeking a low-key wedding and reception. The open-air bush chapel accommodates up to 120 people and surrounding parklands serve as a peaceful ceremony setting. Grassy areas and shady trees create the perfect spot for a picnic reception and nearby playgrounds are great for keeping the little ones entertained.

Wedding and party snaps can be taken at the park’s Japanese-styled Nerima Gardens.

Historical churches

If your heart is set on a traditional church wedding, there are plenty to choose from in this historic town. Heritage-listed churches, built in the Gothic Revival style, can be found around almost every corner in Ipswich.

Central Church, Ipswich is located in the heart of the city on Limestone Street. It’s foundation was laid in 1865 and the building itself features an impressive steeple reaching 37 metres into the sky. The church’s modern auditorium seats just over 200 people.

St Mary’s Catholic Church is both an impressive and imposing stone structure, sitting proudly on Mary Street. It was built in 1876 by an Italian architect in the style of an Italian villa. The church provides a stunning backdrop for traditional post-ceremony photos.

Ipswich City Uniting Church can be found on Ellenborough Street and is Queensland’s oldest church in continuous use. Built in 1858, the painted rendered brick church predates the separation of Queensland and New South Wales.

St Paul’s Anglican Church and surrounding gardens take up an entire city block on Brisbane Street. The building opened in 1859 and features beautiful stained glass windows, original cedar joinery and traditional pews.

Proposal spots

It’s worth remembering that in order to reach one’s ‘big day’, one must first pop a particular question. Romance, seclusion and an Instagram-worthy outlook – Ipswich has it all. Here are just a few of Ipswich’s top proposal worthy locations.

Lovers Lane at Ironbark attracts doe-eyed couples from all over the state, keen to pop the question in front of the Lovers Lane sign and oversized red love heart.

White Rock or Flinders Peak are great for nature-obsessed couples, with each hike offering breathtaking views over the South-East’s mountain ranges and valleys. Just don’t fumble the ring.

Denmark Hill Water Tower serves up exceptional 360 degree views over Ipswich and beyond and is a perfect sunset lookout.

Purga Nature Reserve provides an endless supply of private spots to ask for your partner’s hand. The Reserve is home to large stretches of idyllic countryside and the largest area of protected Swamp Tea-trees in Australia.

Floating Images Hot Air Balloon flights are a pretty impressive way to secure a ‘yes’. Float through the sky, shoulder-to-shoulder with your significant other, as the sun rises over the heritage city below.