The Old Cleveland Courthouse

 

There are a lot of wedding venues in South East Queensland, but you don’t have to travel far out of Brisbane to find stunning waterfront views, great food, and an elegant yet comfortable vibe. 

That’s exactly what you’ll get at the Old Cleveland Courthouse (or Old Courthouse Restaurant, as it’s been transformed into today).

Situated on the edge of Moreton Bay overlooking North Stradbroke Island, the views are spectacular. This historical property also has loads of character and it’s yours to transform as you wish on your special day.

This isn’t a large wedding venue, but it’s ideal if you want a more intimate ceremony. 

Support for wedding planning

The Old Cleveland Courthouse provides a range of packages to help you tailor your wedding to your vision. This includes different menu, beverage and decorator packages.

Dedicated wedding coordinators will meet with you regularly throughout the planning process. They can give you as much or little advice as you need. 

They can also coordinate with your vendors or give you their list of great options. You’ll definitely feel supported by this team.

A scenic ceremony

The Old Cleveland Courthouse Waterfront Garden is the perfect area for your ceremony and it lives up to its name. On the water’s edge, your guests will take in the panorama behind you as you say your vows.

You can choose either a daytime or twilight ceremony, where the garden will be romantically decorated with an archway and lights, and hanging glass baubles with fresh flowers.

The bride will walk down the aisle on a red or white carpet strewn with rose petals. And, of course, you can add your own touches to suit your theme.

If it rains, you can have your ceremony on the patio or courtyard and still take advantage of the views.

The garden will only have 32 guest chairs, so many of your guests will stand for the ceremony.

Inspired photographs

I found some great inspiration for photographs when I visited this venue. Of course, there’s the naturally-provided ocean and island backdrop. But this historical property’s old-world character also makes for memorable photos. And, if you want to travel a little further, the Cleveland Lighthouse is a popular place for wedding photos.

 

Award-winning restaurant

After you’ve taken in the romantic garden and spectacular ocean views, it’s time for your reception in the Old Courthouse impressive restaurant.

The wedding coordinators will provide several menus for you to choose from and all the food is amazing – the restaurant has won many awards for its fine dining.

The main dining room fits 50 to 110 guests. Alternatively, the outdoor areas are available for up to 250 guests if you prefer a cocktail-style reception.

They can even host smaller receptions in more intimate rooms that really show off this building’s history and character: the Judges Chamber fits 10 guests, the Bay Room up to 25 guests and the Courtyard up to 45 guests.

Music and entertainment

The venue has a wonderful pianist who can play throughout dinner, and he turns into a DJ when it’s time to party. They do have a preferred list of musicians, though you can organise your own as well. Just be aware of strict noise restrictions that your musicians must meet.

Additionally, if you have an outside cocktail wedding, you can’t play fully amplified music outside and it must conclude by 9pm.

Things to note

This venue has set ceremony and reception times. Daytime ceremonies start at 10.00am with a lunch reception until 3.30pm. Twilight ceremonies start at 4.30pm with a dinner reception until 10.30pm.

There are also minimum guest numbers for catering. So make sure to ask about these things when you inquire.

Wedding expo

If you’re currently planning a wedding, then I’m sure you already know that the annual wedding expo is on in July. I’ve been a vendor there for 7 years and can’t wait to do it again.

Tickets are free, though you can upgrade to a VIP ticket to get a great bag of goodies from suppliers.

Want to know more?

Contact me if you want to ask anything about my photography services or discuss your own upcoming wedding.