“What is this going to cost?”

It’s easily the most common question we’re asked, closely followed by “where should we stay?” and “do we really need a wedding cake?”

And the honest answer is always the same.
There isn’t one.

Not the most satisfying response, we know, but it’s also what makes each wedding here so unique.

Your budget is shaped entirely by your vision, your priorities, and what matters most to you. 100 guests or 20. A live band or a perfectly curated playlist. A long, elegant dinner or tacos at sunset. Each choice gently guides the overall investment.

What we can say with confidence is this: weddings on Stradbroke Island aren’t more expensive than mainland weddings, they’re simply different. More immersive, more personal, and often far more memorable.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key elements that influence your budget, along with realistic vendor pricing to help you plan with clarity.

What Shapes Your Wedding Budget

Guest numbers
The most influential factor. More guests naturally mean more of everything including food, drinks, furniture and staffing.

Sit-down vs cocktail
A seated reception brings a more structured, styled experience, while cocktail celebrations feel relaxed, social, and often easier on the budget.

Venue choice
Existing venues are more cost effective. Pop-up structures like marquees and tipis create something truly special, but involve building your venue from the ground up, from power and water, to bars, flooring, bathrooms and even every spoon and towel. Truly amazing, but this does come with a cost.

Food and beverages
From relaxed food truck style catering to a fully curated dining experience, there’s a wide range of options to suit your style and budget. The same applies to beverages. Simple packages through to premium selections and cocktails.

Vendor hours
Whether you’d like full-day coverage or just key moments captured, hours of service directly influence cost particularly for photographers and videographers.

Styling and florals
You may choose to keep things minimal and let the island speak for itself, or layer in design elements for a more elevated, full Pinterest dream.

Entertainment
From a carefully curated Spotify Playlist to a 5-piece band, this is where the energy of your celebration really comes to life.

Extra touches
Late-night snacks, signature cocktails and outfit changes. These are not essential, but often the elements that make your day feel uniquely yours.

Elopements

For something more intimate, elopements offer a beautifully considered and cost-effective option, with all the magic of the island, in a more personal setting, and maybe allowing for one or two “we had to have it” moments along the way.

At the heart of it, there’s no right or wrong approach, it’s about choosing what feels right for you and putting your budget towards the parts that matter most.

Vendor Costs — A Realistic Guide

Vendor pricing across Australia is generally consistent, whether on the island or the mainland. Here’s a guide to help you plan:

Hair & Makeup
$300–$600 (bride)
$150–$500 (per bridesmaid)

Trials are usually extra.

Catering

One of the biggest and most important drivers of your budget. With usmenus range from $60 to $110 per guest. You can also customise a menu with our chef if you have something specific in mind. Bar tabs are often included in our packages. Certain venues allow BYO.

Wedding Dress
$1,500–$5,000+ (plus alterations)
Photographer
$1,400–$6,500 depending on experience and coverage. Travel costs may also apply.
Celebrant
$800–$2000
Musicians / Entertainment
$300 (solo artist) to $4,000+ (full band)

Musicians can either be booked for the ceremony only, or till late at night at the reception.

Accommodation & Transport

Many couples choose to extend their celebration into a multi-day destination - one of the most special aspects of a Straddie wedding.

Accommodation costs on the island can vary considerably, however we can help guide you in the right direction based on your specifications. We always recommend securing accommodation early, particularly during peak seasons.

Getting around the island is simple and affordable:

Local bus services across the island (.50c)
Passenger ferries from the mainland (approx $13 one-way)
Group transfers and charters available

All part of the experience and often more accessible than expected. You may also choose to bring your own vehicle across on the barge.

Planning & Styling — What’s Included

One of the most underestimated aspects of a wedding is everything that happens behind the scenes.

The planning, communication, timelines, logistics, supplier coordination, all thoughtfully managed so you can remain fully present throughout your celebration.

Our packages are designed to simplify this process, including:

A fully styled ceremony and reception
Planning and coordination
Styling and design
Furniture and décor
Ceremony and reception florals
Staffing and service
Vendor liaising
Permits and logistics
Bar packages (where applicable)

By bringing these elements together, we create a more seamless, transparent experience — with fewer moving parts and greater peace of mind.

What Does a Straddie Wedding Cost?

Every wedding is unique, and we tailor proposals accordingly.

As a guide, for approximately 60 guests (cocktail style), you might expect the below. These packages include everything you need for your venue, ceremony, styling, staffing and management, as well as your ceremony set up and ceremony and reception flowers. Vendor costs (such as your wedding dress, food, hair- and make up, celebrant and photographer) are not included yet unless specified.

Community Hall
From $18,800 (BYO beverages)
Tipi Weddings
From $37,000 (including bar tab)
Marquee Weddings
From $39,000 (including bar tab)
Oasis
From $26,300 (including food and beverages, up to 80 guests)
Surf Club
From $17,900 (excluding drinks)
Beach Elopement
From $7,300 (including vendors)

These figures are comparable to weddings across Australia with the added benefit of a destination-style experience in one of the country’s most naturally beautiful locations.

The Part You Can’t Quite Put a Price On

Stradbroke Island offers something rare.

A sense of space.
A sense of calm.
A feeling that, for a moment, it’s just you, your people, and the ocean.

No crowds. No distractions. Just the experience.

The next step is to reach out for a tailored quote. Share a little about your plans, your guest numbers, budget and what matters most, and we’ll guide you through what’s possible, mapping out a clear and considered approach from the beginning.