Weddings and private functions in parks

• Submission of application does not constitute approval for park usage or guarantee park availability.
• No booking will be finalised until payment of the applicable fee is made in full.
• Per Council’s refund policy, cancellations/refunds due to change of mind or wet weather will not be considered within 21 days of the event.
• Full co-operation is required with other park users at all times. Public access must not be restricted in any way, other than designated areas approved for your use.
• You must comply with all provisions of our local law relating to the use of parks and any other laws or conditions that may apply to your proposed activity.
• When vacating Council parks you must remove any equipment brought into the park and decorations. No fixtures are to be attached to trees and no nails or tacks are not to be used on any vegetation or structures.
• Marquees, jumping castles and structures are prohibited for private functions, no penetrating of the ground is allowed as this may damage underground services.
• The volume of a sound amplifier must only be as reasonably necessary for the hearing and enjoyment of persons at the activity. The sound level cannot cause disturbance to other park users or neighbouring properties.
• The area is to be left in a tidy condition with all litter collected.
• Confetti and rice are not permitted as they are classified as litter. Rose petals are permitted in lieu of confetti and must be cleaned up after the event.
• Any overflow of litter or where bins are not provided, is to be removed from the site by the applicant. A fee to clean up litter as a result of bins not being supplied may apply.
• Under the Queensland Government Liquor Act 1992 no alcohol is to be consumed in a public place.
• Council may request additional information as required before approving the application and can revoke the approval at its discretion.
• Council reserves the right to include any other conditions that may be required to ensure the protection of the parklands and will determine these conditions upon review of the application.
• No vehicles are permitted in the park. As the park is open to all residents, safety is of upmost importance. All the parks recommended for private functions have nearby roads/parking spaces so only a short walk is required. Guests should be made aware that vehicles that are illegally parked on the park will be subject to an infringement notice.
• Council does not facilitate bookings for exclusive use of any infrastructure such as gazebos, BBQs or similar.
• No electricity use permitted.

• Lake Annand
• Laurel Bank Park
• Newtown Park
• Picnic Point Bushland Reserve
• Queens Park and Botanic Gardens
• Toowoomba Waterbird Habitat
• Peacehaven Botanic Park

Our parks are popular venues for many events including weddings, picnics and get-togethers. We appreciate how important your wedding day is and booking your preferred park is the best way to ensure no other approved activities are taking place at the same time.

A fee is applicable to use the park for a wedding/private function ceremony. This fee can be found in our fees and charges application here.

When submitting your written application, it is recommended that two sites are selected in case your preferred choice is unavailable.

Ceremonies must only take place in the area/s approved by us and, unless otherwise approved, must not interfere with pedestrian flow, public amenities, picnic gazebos/shelters, local businesses or residents. No specific areas are to be closed for private use.

All bookings are in three hour increments only. This way, we can meet demand and sometimes allow several weddings to take place comfortably across the day. We ask that you don't set up the area earlier than your booking time as there may be other activities before yours.

Of course. Acoustic instruments and battery-operated PA systems are permitted. However, please respect local park users and nearby residents by keeping music to a suitable volume.

No, areas will not be cordoned off or signage erected by Council. An approval does not guarantee exclusive use of the area and/or its facilities.

No. Photography and videography are at your leisure. If you wish to have photographs taken at a park, without a ceremony, booking is not required. However, please be mindful of existing park users and other wedding ceremonies.

No alcohol is permitted to be consumed in parks in accordance with Queensland State Law, Liquor Licencing Act of Queensland 1992. Visit Liquor and wine licensing for more information.  

Yes. You are able to select any celebrant - it's your day, enjoy! It's a good idea to forward a copy of the park booking to the celebrant so they can ensure they set up at the correct location and time.

You may bring your own wedding set-up including carpeted aisle, archway, flags and/or a signing table, chairs etc.

The provision of all equipment required for a ceremony is the responsibility of the applicant and all costs must be borne by the applicant. Set up and pack down of all equipment within the allocated time is to be undertaken by the applicant, at the applicant’s expense.

The applicant is responsible for all property, equipment, decorations and materials associated with their ceremony. We will not accept any responsibility for damage or loss prior to, during or after the ceremony.

No fixtures are to be attached to trees or structures.

No. As the park is open to all residents, safety is of upmost importance. All the parks recommended for weddings have nearby roads/parking spaces so only a short walk to the aisle is required. Guests should be made aware that vehicles that are illegally parked on the park will be subject to an infringement notice.

Confetti and rice are not permitted as they are classified as litter. Rose petals are permitted in lieu of confetti and must be cleaned up after the event.

Flowers are seasonal and we don't guarantee a flower display.

We strongly suggest you have an alternate plan in place. No refund applies for wet weather cancellations.

We ask that you contact us as soon as possible in the event of a cancellation/change of date. This way we can free the booking time and make it available to other users.

If the booking is cancelled more than 6 weeks prior to the date, a full refund will apply. If the booking is cancelled less than 6 weeks before the date, no refund will apply, However, we may review each case on an individual basis.

We play host to many events, whether they are in parks, on the city streets or within major entertainment complexes and are not responsible for advising you of any other events that may be held in and around the region on your day. We will, of course, refuse any bookings for the park that coincide with your booking. There are certain events, however, over which we have not direct control.

There is no provision for electrical power in the parks. You will need to make alternative arrangements if you require a public address system (PA). Please note: No amplification over 72 decibels is allowed in parks.

Wedding receptions are not allowed.

No. Marquees are prohibited for wedding ceremonies/private functions.

If ponds, fountains or lakes are located within the area of your ceremony, it's a good idea to advise parents before the ceremony to ask them to take responsibility for their children's supervision.

Other users may be in the area picnicking, playing or walking dogs. There may also be another ceremony both prior to and/or after your ceremony

We may undertake unprogrammed/emergency maintenance within parks which is beyond our control, as well as programmed maintenance for parks; we have the right to carry out these works. In these instances, you may be required to relocate your booking location. We make every effort to carry out park maintenance with minimal disruption to booked activities, but circumstances can arise when this is not possible.

We will contact you in the case of major work being carried out at your booking location. Due to the continuing improvements of our parks, we cannot always guarantee the area will remain free from construction activities. Special mowing or additional servicing of the area is not provided. We are unable to control leaf/branch debris resulting from inclement weather conditions or irresponsible people using the area prior to your activity.

If, due to unforeseen circumstances, the park/gardens are affected (i.e. storm damage, mechanical failures or vandalism etc.), we may review cases on an individual basis.

The applicant must comply with and give all notices required by any relevant local laws.