These days, more and more couples are choosing to get married at the Brisbane Wedding Registry (The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages). Brisbane’s wedding registry boasts some of the best views in town from its 32nd floor location, along with beautiful ceremony rooms, and range of celebrants to choose from. As well as this, Roma Street Parkland is a short walk away, and provides the perfect location for your portraits. The Brisbane Wedding Registry is becoming a favourite option for couple over traditional weddings, as it offers a cheaper, more simplified and stress-free experience.
Although planning your wedding at the Brisbane Registry is a much more straightforward process than a traditional wedding, there are still some things that you need to consider to ensure your day runs smoothly. Below is our complete guide to getting married at the Qld Registry Office (the “Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages”).
The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
The Brisbane Births, Deaths and Marriages office is located at 180 Ann Street in Brisbane. The building is a modern high-rise structure located in the heart of the city’s business district. You can enter from either Ann Street, or Turbot Street (pictured below).
The building’s façade is made of glass and features a modernist design, with a series of setbacks at various levels. It features a grand, double-height lobby with marble floors and polished timber panels. The lobby also has a large central staircase and a number of lifts providing access to the upper floors. As mentioned, the ceremony rooms are situated on the 32nd floor of the building, which provide stunning panoramic views of the city skyline, Roma Street Parkland, and the nearby mountains – making for beautiful backdrops to your vows (and especially your photos).
Upon arrival, couples will need to check in at the reception desk, which is located on the ground floor of the building. From there, you will be directed to the elevators which will take you up to the 32nd floor.
Once you arrive on Level 32, you will be greeted by your celebrant who will lead you through the wedding ceremony room. These rooms are designed to be intimate and romantic, with soft lighting, elegant furnishings, and floor to ceiling windows creating the perfect atmosphere for exchanging vows. We have more about each of these rooms below.
How Much Does the Brisbane Wedding Registry Cost?
The first thing we know everyone wants information on in our Brisbane Registry Wedding Guide, is the cost.
The cost to get married at the Qld registry office depends on the type of ceremony you choose. The fees for a standard ceremony start at $371.50, however the final cost will be dependent on the day and time of your choice.
This registry ceremony includes:
- the ceremony
- a celebrant
- the ceremony room
- a ceremonial marriage certificate.
The registry is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00pm, with ceremonies scheduled throughout the day. There are also some limited timeslots available on Friday and Saturday evenings for couples to choose.
A registry ceremony costs:
- $371.50 (Monday to Friday)
- $482.90 (Saturday)
- $636.70 (Friday and Saturday evenings).
Parking Near the Brisbane Wedding Registry:
Next in our guide to getting married at the Brisbane Wedding Registry, is a question we are always asked about – parking!
Unfortunately, there is no on-site parking available at the Brisbane marriage registry, but there are several public car parks nearby that you can use, as well as some street parking if you can get lucky enough. Here are three of the closest options:
- King George Square Car Park: This car park is located on Roma Street, just a few minutes’ walk from the registry. It is open 24 hours a day, and fees start at $5 per hour or $35 for a full day. You can enter the car park from Roma Street or Adelaide Street.
- Post Office Square Car Park: This car park entrance is located on Edward Street, a short walk from the registry. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Fees start at $15 per hour, or $60 for a full day.
- Turbo St Secure Parking: This car park is located at 179 Turbot Street – just a short walk from the registry. It is open 6am – 6pm on weekdays, and fees start at $14. However if you book online and choose the PM parker option (entering after 2pm and exiting before 6pm) you pay $18 total.
If you’re arriving by Uber or limousine, the best drop off points are on Edward Street or Ann Street. From there, it’s just a short walk to the registry. Note the map below.
It’s worth noting that parking fees and availability may be subject to change, so it’s a good idea to check the car park’s website or contact them directly to confirm details before your visit. Additionally, pricing is significantly cheaper if you book online prior to the day so it literally pays to be organised!
What to Do When You Arrive at the Registry Office:
It was important for us to add some information about what to do when you arrive, into our guide to getting married at the Brisbane Wedding Registry.
Upon arrival you will need to proceed to the building’s ground floor entrance, and pass through a security checkpoint before taking an elevator up to Level 32. Please note that all visitors are required to show photo identification, so be sure to have your ID on hand.
It’s very important for couples to note that there are restrictions on taking photographs of the building’s exterior. Also, if you have booked a professional photographer they will not be able to take photographs inside the building’s foyer due to privacy and security reasons. However, there are plenty of beautiful options upstairs. As we mentioned, the views of Roma Street and Mt Coot-tha are quite spectacular (even in the misty rain as below!).
Once you arrive at Level 32, the foyer is clearly marked, and your celebrant will be on hand to greet you and your guests. The ceremony rooms are located off the foyer, and you will be guided to the correct room for your ceremony.
Remember, it’s important to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before your scheduled ceremony time, so that you have enough time to check in, meet with your celebrant, and get settled before the ceremony begins.
Registry Ceremony Rooms:
Getting married at the Brisbane Wedding Registry doesn’t mean you have a boring office space for your ceremony.
In fact, the Brisbane Marriage Registry has two ceremony rooms available for weddings, both of which are located on the upper floors of the building.
Ceremony Room 1 is a larger room with a capacity of up to 70 guests. The room is decorated with classic furnishings and features a beautiful chandelier. Ceremony Room 1 has a traditional and elegant atmosphere, making it a popular choice for couples who want a more formal wedding ceremony.
Ceremony Room 2 is a smaller room with a capacity of up to 20 guests. The room has a contemporary feel and is decorated in neutral tones, creating a simple and understated backdrop for your ceremony. Ceremony Room 2 is perfect for couples who want a more intimate and relaxed wedding ceremony.
Both Ceremony Room 1 and Ceremony Room 2 are equipped with air conditioning, heating, and a sound system, ensuring that you and your guests are comfortable throughout your ceremony. Additionally, both rooms are wheelchair accessible, and there are seating options available for guests with disabilities.
Of course, most couples don’t want to make a decision on the ceremony rooms without having seen them, and so the Brisbane registry office also allow you to book an appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays to view the ceremony rooms. Check out the booking page here.
Brisbane Registry Wedding Guide – Marriage Celebrants:
In addition, getting married at the Brisbane Wedding Registry doesn’t mean you are stuck with a single celebrant to officiate your ceremony.
Although some couples choose to bring their own celebrant, when booking your wedding at the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, you get the option to choose from their range of celebrants. All of which are experienced and knowledgeable professionals who will work with you to create a personalised and meaningful wedding ceremony. They even have cute little bios you can read about here.
Before your wedding day, you will have an opportunity to meet with your chosen celebrant to discuss your ceremony and exchange ideas. They will guide you through the legal requirements for getting married, including completing the necessary paperwork and obtaining the required documents, and also walk you through the process for your day. They’ll also provide you with guidance on writing your vows, selecting readings or music, and other aspects of your ceremony.
On the day of your wedding, your celebrant will officiate your ceremony and help create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. They’ll lead you through your vows, the exchange of rings, and any other elements that you’ve included in your ceremony. They’ll also ensure that all legal requirements are met, and your marriage is registered with the relevant authorities.
Wedding Registry Ceremony:
The ceremony when getting married at the Brisbane Wedding Registry is short, but very, very sweet.
Despite what many think, a ceremony at the Brisbane Marriage Registry can be such a beautiful and intimate event, designed to celebrate your love and commitment in a meaningful and memorable way. Obviously there are differences between a registry ceremony, and a traditional wedding ceremony, the biggest one being the timeframe as the ceremony itself is typically quite short. It will last around 15-20 minutes from start to finish. This time frame includes your arrival, the ceremony itself, and the signing of the marriage certificate.
With regards to music, you are welcome to bring your own to be played during your ceremony. The registry has a sound system that can play music from a phone or other device, so you can choose your favorite songs to set the tone for your ceremony. However if music isn’t a priority, the registry can provide it.
You will also need to consider who you would like to witness your registry marriage as you need two witnesses present at your ceremony. These can be anyone over the age of 18 who is not the celebrant or a party to the marriage. If you’re unable to provide your own witnesses, the Brisbane registry can provide witnesses for you also.
As mentioned, the two ceremony rooms are beautiful and it will depend on the size of your wedding, how many guests and room availability, as to which you will be married in. However remember that the bigger room can accommodate up to 70 guests. There is no formal aisle to walk down, although the seating will be arranged to form a walkway for you. You’ll be able to make your entrance together or separately, depending on your preference.
After you exchange your vows and rings, you’ll sign the marriage certificate with your witnesses and celebrant. The celebrant will guide you through the process and ensure that all necessary information is included.
PHOTOGRAPHY TIP – its important to chat with your photographer about the timing of your wedding before your day. As there are significant restrictions on time it is imperative that they are aware of the optimal positioning, lighting, and framing for the best images – as well as how many guests you can get photos of following the ceremony. Remember, you will all be ushered out very quickly – this is normal! But it just means your photographer needs to be on their game.
Where to go for Bridal Portraits (the photos after your registry ceremony)
An important part of this guide to getting married at the Brisbane Wedding Registry is considerations of where you can go for photography.
One of the best things about getting married at the Brisbane Marriage Registry are the many locations at your fingertips for these wedding portraits. Chat with your photographer about their recommendations as they may have some secret spots that they love. Below are some of our favourites:
Roma Street Parklands: Roma Street Parklands is a beautiful park located just a 10-15 minute stroll from the Brisbane registry office and is the most popular option with our couples. The park features lush gardens, stunning waterfalls, and a variety of other picturesque spots for wedding portraits. The park is free to enter and is open from 6am to 9pm daily.
It’s important to note that while Roma Street Parklands is a beautiful location for portraits, it is at least a 10-minute walk from the registry, so make sure to factor in enough time for travel when planning your schedule. Roma Street Parklands also boasts plenty of metered street parking with easy access to the grounds.
ANZAC Square: ANZAC Square is another popular location for registry wedding photos, and it’s conveniently located just a 5-10 minute walk from the registry (although remember to consider your outfits!). It is a historic site and features a memorial dedicated to Australian and New Zealand soldiers who served in World War I, as well as a beautiful park surrounding it. Despite it being a war memorial, the architecture and stonework offer some incredible backdrops for your photography and should certainly be considered.
Other Landmarks: There are a range of other iconic Brisbane landmarks that could form the backdrop for some pretty stunning shots. The Old Windmill, located in Wickham Park, is one of the city’s oldest buildings and a popular spot for wedding photos (especially if your photographer has a lens wide enough to capture the whole thing, like we do). The Queen Street Mall, with its colorful storefronts and bustling atmosphere, can also make for a fun setting. It’s a good opportunity for your photographer to get creative (we love leaving the shutter open for longer periods to capture that blurred effect on surroundings, while our couples stay perfectly still). And if you’re feeling lucky, you can head to the nearby Treasury Casino, which is a heritage-listed building alongside the Brisbane River. This spot is iconically Brisbane and also a great option.
PRO-TIP – Despite many of these locations only being 5-10 minutes walk from the registry, don’t under-estimate just how hot you could get in your wedding dress, or suit. We strongly recommend driving or catching an uber to your portrait location to stay as comfortable as possible. You don’t want to be posing for your photographer feeling uncomfortable, hot and bothered or even wet if the weather isn’t ideal!
Food!
Getting married at the Brisbane Wedding Registry means you have your choice of practically any food you can think of.
There are so many food options to choose from after you’ve finished your portraits. It really just depends on what you and your partner enjoy, and where you finish up with your registry wedding photographer.
Tank Street Bistro: Located just a short walk from the Brisbane Marriage Registry, Tank Street Bistro is a popular spot for a celebratory lunch or dinner. The bistro offers a range of modern Australian dishes and an extensive wine list, with both indoor and outdoor seating options available.
Donna Chang: For a more upscale dining experience, Donna Chang must be considered. This contemporary Chinese restaurant is located just a few blocks from the registry and offers a range of delicious dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The stylish and sophisticated interior makes for a memorable dining experience.
Suzette: Located in the Sofitel Hotel, Suzette Restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience with an extensive buffet selection featuring international cuisine, fresh seafood, and a dessert bar. Many couples choose to stay at the Sofitel the night before or after their registry wedding, and Suzette is a great option for a romantic dinner.
These are just a few of the many dining options available nearby. Whether you’re looking for a formal sit-down meal or a quick bite to eat, there are plenty of great restaurants and cafes in the surrounding area to choose from.
Photography for Your Registry Wedding in Brisbane:
The most important part of this guide to getting married at the Brisbane Wedding Registry is to carefully choose your photographer. As there are some crucial considerations.
The most important thing to discuss with your registry photographer are the time restrictions for the ceremony. This is why it’s especially important to use a professional photographer who is familiar with the registry and can work quickly to capture all the important moments within the short timeframe (in some cases, 7 minutes!). Although hiring a professional photographer can be more expensive than relying on a friend or family member to take photos, the results are well worth the investment – and it allows your family and friends to relax!
The team at Light Collections is very experienced at photographing weddings at the Brisbane Marriage Registry – it is becoming a more and more popular option for our couples. We offer very affordable registry photography packages to suit this type of wedding perfectly.
We recommend booking your photographer for two hours to ensure they capture the ceremony, with plenty of time left over for beautiful portraits at your chosen location.
Light Collections offers 2 hour elopement packages for $1150, but are also happy to customise a quote if you wanted to book less (or more) time with us.
Brisbane Wedding Registry Guide – Conclusion:
Getting married at the Brisbane Wedding Registry is becoming an increasingly popular choice for couples who are looking for a simple and affordable way to tie the knot. With such a convenient price and location in the heart of Brisbane City, it’s easy to see why more and more couples are choosing a registry marriage.
These weddings are easy to plan, affordable, and quick. Following your ceremony in the stunning rooms on the 32nd floor of 180 Ann Street, the nearby scenic landmarks and parklands make for stunning backdrops for your wedding portraits before dining at one of the plethora of options to suit any taste.
To book your Brisbane Registry Wedding with Light Collections, visit https://lightcollections.com.au/wedding-contact.
To view more weddings at the Brisbane, visit their Instagram page – https://www.instagram.com/rbdm.qld/?hl=en.
The RBDM website is fantastic and provides more detail on many of the aspects we have mentioned. You can find it here https://www.qld.gov.au/law/births-deaths-marriages-and-divorces/marriage-weddings-and-civil-partnerships/ceremonies-at-the-brisbane-registry/wedding-at-the-brisbane-registry
More Images From Light Collections’ Weddings at the Brisbane Registry:
