A rise in wedding permit fees for beachside ceremonies has sparked backlash, with local operators claiming higher costs are driving couples to other destinations.
The Noosa Wedding Organisation, a not-for-profit group of local wedding suppliers, said the cost of permit fees for beachside ceremonies were discouraging bookings and impacting the wider visitor economy.
The group has written to Noosa Council seeking clarification over its recent decision to increase wedding ceremony permit fees to $799 for Noosa Main Beach Foreshore ceremonies and $399 for all other council-managed locations, following an endorsed rise from $750 and $375 respectively.
In comparison, Sunshine Coast Council charges $83, and the City of Gold Coast is free for beach weddings.
The organisation pointed to data showing local wedding numbers had fallen from 781 in 2014 to 563 in 2025, a decline it said represented an estimated $20–$30 million annual loss in visitor spending across accommodation, hospitality, transport and retail.
In response, a Noosa Council spokesperson said council reviewed its fees and charges each year as part of the annual budget process to ensure they remained fair, equitable and reflective of the cost of providing services.
“Council is aware of commentary regarding reductions in wedding numbers however it also worth noting that this in-line with broader national trends that show marriage rates, per 1000 adults, have fallen by more than half over the last 50 years,” a spokesperson said.
“It would therefore be overly simplistic to attribute changes in wedding numbers to permit fees alone.”
Noosa Heads celebrant Jacqueline Gray, speaking on behalf of the Noosa Wedding Organisation, said couples were increasingly questioning the cost of holding ceremonies in the region.
“We, as celebrants and event planners, are the ones who are asked for justification of the fee,” she said.
“A common statement is ‘Noosa tax’, and a request where can they marry without paying the fee.”
Concerns were also raised about council’s no-refund policy, particularly in cases of extreme weather or venue unavailability.
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Ms Gray said providers were now regularly taking work to other parts of the Sunshine Coast, including Point Arkwright and hinterland venues, with economic benefits flowing to those areas instead.
“We go where the work is, but venues, and other fixed businesses are no longer receiving the benefits that come with guest spend,” she said.
Ms Gray said the organisation would like to see renewed promotion of the region as a wedding destination.
“As a starting point, the Noosa Wedding Organisation recommends that Visit Noosa and Noosa Council consider reinstating or refreshing targeted wedding-industry campaigns similar to those run in 2014 and prior,” she said.
Council property manager Hayley Jamieson said council’s wedding permit fees were set to enable a reasonable cost recovery.
“Council’s objective is to progressively align wedding permit fees with the actual cost of administering the service and managing council-managed public spaces,” she said.
“The higher fee for ceremonies in the Noosa Main Beach Foreshore area reflects the premium nature of these locations and the higher level of service provided by council to maintain them.
“Council considers these additional service and management costs when determining an appropriate permit fee, consistent with its approach to reasonable cost recovery for the private use of public spaces.
“Council’s approach is intended to ensure private ceremonies make an appropriate contribution towards the costs they generate, while balancing affordability, maintaining public access and ensuring the responsible stewardship of community assets.”
