Grange Beach & Jetty

The Grange Beach and Jetty is a very popular spot to host wedding ceremonies – a major drawcard being that it is free to use. It’s also very beautiful, with the beach often forming lovely reflective pools at low tide which can make for stunning glamour photos. As a west-facing beach, the sunset can provide dazzling background colours in the evening, and the jetty, both on top and underneath, provides another popular backdrop for photos. The pleasing wooden lattice work creates a classic Australian beach scene from below, and the white guardrails make a pretty frame while walking along its length. There are also some green grassy areas by the base of the jetty to utilise in Grange Jetty Reserve.

The City of Holdfast Bay website has information about the use of public spaces for weddings, and highlights that no formal event approval or hire fees are required. There are some rules around it though, and it is important to remember that since it is a public area, exclusive use cannot be guaranteed, and the public is free to come and go during the event – the space cannot be booked. A wedding in a public space must have an approximate attendance of 40 guests or less, and have little or no infrastructure. A wedding arch is allowed, as well as portable trestle tables, up to 40 chairs, and a shade tent of up to 3m x3m weighed down with sandbags or water containers.

Fresh flower petals are allowed to be scattered, but wedding vehicles are not permitted to drive onto reserves, beaches or the foreshore area. Confetti, balloons, glitter, rice, gas heaters and open fires are not allowed.

There is also a chance of other events occurring at the same time, or possible maintenance works, so the City of Holdfast Bay recommends contacting their Events Team to check up front. It is also worth checking out the Grange Beach ‘What’s On’ calendar first for any planned activities or events, which may be updated on a daily basis. The Grange Surf Life Saving Club may have scheduled events using the beachfront, too.

Food vendors can be hired to provide food and refreshments to guests, as long as no money is exchanged on the day (i.e., you pay the supplier for their services – guests do not pay). The vendor must not sell goods to the public, but solely provide for wedding guests. They cannot drive onto reserve or beach spaces but can set up in a nearby parking space or convenient spot on the side of the road. Acoustic instruments and battery-operated PA systems are permitted for use in wedding ceremonies – there is no access to power points in the open spaces. The City of Holdfast Bay recommends asking any external equipment supplier to provide a copy of their public liability insurance certificate.

The permanent shade cover in Grange Jetty Reserve can be utilised on a first come first served basis, and there are public toilets available for use on site. Indoor reception venue options nearby include the Grange Hotel, the Grange Surf Life Saving Club and the Palais in Semaphore. Five minutes down the road is the beachfront hub of Henley Square, which offers further restaurants and venue options.

The Grange Beach and Jetty is a great option for smaller weddings with a casual, laid-back feel. It can be very cost effective to hold a ceremony in a public space, with the choice to then carry on with a relaxed outdoor reception or move into a nearby venue for a fancier affair. The party can carry on in nearby Henley Square or move into the city, which is about twenty minutes away.