Outdoor weddings and celebrations

Frequently asked questions

• Do I have exclusive rights to the open space when I have a permit?

  A permit entitles the event organiser to hold an event in the open space as indicated on permit, but does not give exclusive rights to the area.

  Members of the public have the right to use the parks, gardens or foreshore while the event is in progress.

  Events being held on the sand at the beach are permitted to rope off a small area for the duration of the event.

  The City of Port Phillip does not rope off the permitted area or provide any signage.

• How far in advance can I apply for a weddings and celebrations permit?

  Applications can be made up to 12 months in advance. Please note that permits may not be available on Public Holidays or other high-demand days.

• Where can I hold my event?

  A list of all open spaces within the municipality can be found on Parks and Playground locations.

  All major events are listed on our Major Events Calendar.

  The City of Port Phillip cannot guarantee that equipment or marquees or road closures will not be present in the surrounding area on the event day.

  Catani Gardens are heavily used during the Event Season (September to April) for triathlons and other sporting events.

  Road closures occur on Beaconsfield Parade during triathlons.

• Can I bring chairs, tables or a marquee?

  As part of the event permit, event organisers are permitted to set-up the following equipment:

  • a maximum of 10 trestle tables
  • a maximum of 100 chairs
  • temporary structures smaller then 3x3 meters may be used without additional charge, if weighted to the ground and not pegged.

  Structures that are 3x3 meters or larger must be approved in advance by the Events Services Team and may need to be installed by a professional hirer. Additional permit fees may apply for structures 3x3 meters or larger.

  Jumping castles are not permitted for such events.

  The City of Port Phillip does not supply any equipment or staff. Your permit duration includes any time required to set-up and pack-down equipment.

• Can I serve alcohol?

  A local law is in effect regarding alcohol bans on beaches and in foreshore reserves in St Kilda.

  These laws include:

  • Consumption of alcohol is prohibited in all open spaces and foreshore reserves between the times of 8 pm to 12 midday every day throughout the year. Additional restrictions apply over the Christmas and New Year period.
  • Consumption of BYO alcohol is only permitted in a limited capacity during other times.
  • No glassware is permitted in any City of Port Phillip open spaces or foreshore reserves. Drinks must only be served in recyclable cups.

• Which open spaces have BBQs or can I bring my own?

  A guide to the facilities available within our open spaces can be found on parks and playgrounds. All BBQs in our City are free to use however they cannot be reserved.

  You are welcome to use your own BBQ if you follow Council guidelines for their safe use in open spaces which can be found on BBQs and total fire ban days.

• When do the flowers bloom in the Rose Garden at the St Kilda Botanical Gardens?

  The floral displays in the Alastair Clark Rose Garden are optimal in the spring (September-November).

  However, the City of Port Phillip cannot guarantee continual or constant flower displays in any parks or gardens, and in particular the Rose Garden due to seasonal variables and the management of annual displays.

  The below indicates the usual planting schedule:

  • March to September
    Annual displays may be starting to fade
  • April and October
    Annual displays are removed
  • May and November
    Annual seedlings with small flowers are pruned to promote foliage growth
  • June and July
    Roses undergo winter pruning

• Do I require a permit for wedding photography?

  Yes.

  If you are applying for wedding photography or videography only, you are required to complete the Weddings and Celebrations Application Form.

  The relevant fields for wedding photography only are outlined on the application form. A permit fee applies.

  If you are applying for a permit to hold your wedding ceremony in our City, you do not need an additional permit for photography or videography.

• Do I need Public Liability Insurance?

  All events are required to have public liability insurance with a minimum of $20,000,000 coverage.

  Event organisers must either:

  • provide a copy of their own insurance policy along with the application form
  • purchase cover through City of Port Phillip by completing the required form and paying the premium.

  In addition, if equipment is hired for the event, a copy of the hire company’s Certificate of Currency for Public Liability Insurance needs to be forward to us.