Have you ever dreamt of being married surrounded by glittering turquoise waters? How about enjoying a unique wedding ceremony that isn’t the ‘same old’? Perhaps you’ve even thought of eloping, just the two of you? Well I am pleased to bring you the news that you can have all of the above… without stepping a foot outside Australia.

Source: Whitsundays Marketing and Development Ltd (WMDL)

Here in our own backyard lies one of the seven wonders of the natural world – the Great Barrier Reef. Until now, weddings have been restricted to the land that bordered this tropical wonderland, but not anymore. As of April 2014, Cruise Whitsundays have launched Outer Reef Weddings! That’s right, you now have the exclusive opportunity to be married on board the Reefworld 2 pontoon, in the middle of Hardy Reef Lagoon, near the iconic (and super romantic) heart reef.

A number of wedding industry enthusiasts were invited along to the launch, where Samara Whalley and Adam Lownds bravely took the plunge in a mock wedding ceremony. I’m sure this is one man who didn’t think he’d be getting hitched before even proposing to his lovely partner! However Adam was good-natured and his love was clear as day as Samara made her way down the aisle in a figure-hugging satin gown, orchids in hand.

Jessica Stafford of Blue Angel Ceremonies conducted the fake nuptials underneath the wedding arch, whilst the rest of us secretly hoped for a surprise on-the-spot proposal. Whilst we may not have got our wish, we certainly weren’t let down by the gorgeous weather our sunshine state is famous for. This is yet another reason to come out from the cooler southern regions and make your way northwards to the warm Whitsundays.

Cruise Whitsundays reported that “Chief Executive Officer Nick Hortle said he anticipated the pontoon becoming one of Australia’s most sought after event venues.” Not only can you be married on the upper deck, but you can hold a sit-down reception or a cocktail party on the lower deck. White chiffon ceiling draping and white Italian wedding chairs are just a couple of the inclusions in the wedding package too. You can also privately charter one of the Cruise Whitsundays catamarans to take your guests to and from the reef.

And after the festivities have died down, why not bid your guests farewell and head to the Reefworld bridal suite for your wedding night. You’ll be greeted with sparkling wine and chocolates, and lulled to sleep by the ocean. I can vouch that the reef sleep is truly one of the most remarkable and unique experiences I’ve ever had. Several of us slept overnight in swags on the upper deck after being treated to dinner and a spectacular sunset of golden, pink, and purple hues.

The next morning we were taken on a personalised snorkel tour through Hardy Reef sighting Nemo and friends dancing amongst the bright coral. The water was beautifully warm and the snorkel left you feeling reinvigorated – just how you want to feel as you start married life. There are lounge chairs a plenty, and the chance to peek into life under the sea from Reefworld’s underwater viewing chambers.

If you want to experience a destination wedding without needing your passport, then contact Cruise Whitsundays via email: [email protected]. You won’t regret it!

Images by Iconic Bride Photography  Polka Dot Bride traveled to the Whitsundays as a guest of Whitsundays Tourism for editorial consideration in accordance with our disclosure policy.