Getting Married on Sydne's Observatory Hill

Sydney Wedding couples choose Observatory Hill as their beautiful romantic venue to celebrate their love and commitment with their family and friends from all around the world! Of course ~ under the fig tree with its massive sweep of shade of a hot day. The venue also includes a stunning Rotunda which was built in 1912 on the northern slope of Observatory Hill Park.

It represents a time in history when park-going became a large part of people’s leisure time and bands playing music in bandstands for the public were regular events.

Did you know...?

The earliest European development on Observatory Hill was the construction of the first windmill by Irish convict John Davis in 1796. The windmill was a stone tower fitted with machinery to grind wheat to make bread. This windmill subsided in 1800 and lost its sails in a storm in 1805. By then another windmill had been built in timber to the south. These early structures gave rise to the name Windmill Hill, and the district still bears the name Millers Point.

As the highest hill overlooking the settlement of Sydney, this area was the site of Fort Phillip built in 1800 and named after the colony’s first Governor. The fort was armed with four 6-pounder cannons and a gunpowder magazine. The powder magazine was moved to Goat Island in 1833, and Fort Phillip was partially demolished in 1840. Upper Fort Street commemorates Fort Phillip.

The southern hemisphere was regarded as an important site for astronomical observations so the first observatory was built in Sydney in 1788. The Observatory and Astronomer’s residence were built here in 1857-1859, incorporating a time ball which signalled the time to shipping in the harbour each day. Due to increasing light and pollution the observatory closed in 1982 and is now a museum.

Sydney Observatory Wedding Information Ceremony Bookings

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Sydney Observatory Wedding Information Kit Ceremony Bookings

Areas available for hire

for ceremonies

Sydney Observatory Grounds

Off-peak: Front Gardens or Courtyard

Peak Marquee Period: Front Gardens only (with hire of the

Marquee)

*NOTE - Observatory Hill Park & Band Rotunda (Public Reserve)

are booked through the City of Sydney Council. The park

coordinator can be contacted on 02 9265 9333.

Wet-weather

Unfortunately as the Sydney Observatory cannot offer wet-weather

facilities, we recommend having a wet-weather backup venue.

General Public

The Sydney Observatory is open to the general public from 10am -

5pm; during this time the public will access the Observatory via the

path near the Front Gardens. We have found in the past that the

visitors respect the private ceremonies taking place in the

gardens/courtyard and do not enter this area (generally just

proceeding to the Observatory itself).

Exclusivity

The Sydney Observatory is only hired out for one wedding

ceremony per day, guaranteeing exclusivity of the venue for your

ceremony and photography.

Cleaning & Care

As the Sydney Observatory is a heritage listed site the throwing of

confetti and rice are not permitted for ceremonies.

Flower petals are permitted on the Observatory site - this incurs a

cleaning fee of $220 (please advise event coordinator in advance).

Music

The Sydney Observatory welcomes quiet pre-recorded music or a

small live ensemble (string quartet etc) for ceremonies. Power is

available in the rear courtyard area. If the power required for

music/PA in the gardens we recommend either using a pre-

charged amplifier or CD Player or similar which can be run off

battery.

Catering

If you are interesting in have post-ceremony refreshments available

for your guests, please contact Create Consultants the exclusive

caterer for Sydney Observatory. Please feel free to email them at

your convenience for a personalised quote and menu options:

MAASobservatory@createconsultants.com.au

Please note: external catering and self-catering is not permitted on

the Observatory grounds.

Furniture, Equipment

& Decoration

Previous clients have used the following companies for ceremony

furniture, theming and decoration:

Pages Event Equipment (http://www.pages.id.au/) Jacques Party Hire (http://www.jacquespartyhire.com.au/) Walkers Event Hire (http://www.walkershire.com.au/) Barlens Hire (http://www.barlens.com.au/) CC&C (Chair Covers & Candelabra) (http://www.cc-c.com.au/) Decorative Events (http://www.decorativeevents.com.au/)

Fabmosphere (http://www.fabmosphere.com/)

Create Consultants can also assist with the supply of outdoor

furniture for the ceremony.

As the venue is a heritage listed site – naked flames are not

permitted onsite (this includes candles, torches, fireworks etc).

Vehicle access

(transportation for

guests)

The size of the bus able to get up to the top of Watson Rd at the

entrance to the Sydney Observatory is a maximum 15-20 person

mini bus. Any larger than this and there is difficulty with the turn

circle at the top of the road.

*For the safety of your guests and Observatory visitors - no vehicles

are permitted to enter the Sydney Observatory grounds.

Parking

Metered parking is available on Watson Road and Argyle

Street, the Observatory is then only a short walk up Watson

Road and through the Observatory Hill Park.

Wilsons Parking station (Clocktower, The Rocks) is located at

55 Harrington Street near the corner of Argyle Street. Special

rates are available for ‘Book a Bay’ online pre-booked

parking: $9 for weekday evening parking (entry after 5pm and

leave before close); and $20 all day parking for weekends.

Please check the Wilsons Parking website for more information

about times and conditions (*above rates are correct at time of

publishing 17/08/2015).

Wilsons Clocktower

http://www.wilsonparking.com.au/go/wilson-car-

parks/nsw/clocktower

Marquee Bookings

Dates Available for hire

(Peak dates)

2015 Saturday 14 November to Sunday 13 December 2015

2016 Saturday 13 February to Sunday 13 March 2016 Friday 18 November to Saturday 17 December 2016

Caterers Create Consultants are the exclusive caterer for Sydney

Observatory. Please feel free to email them at your convenience for

a personalised quote and menu options: MAASobservatory@createconsultants.com.au

Venue Hire

Covers:

 Hire of the Marquee for the duration of the event (fully

installed including power and lighting);

 The Marquee comes silk-lined, with fairy lights in the roof

and rice paper lantern light fittings

 Access for equipment deliveries from 8am to 10am,

bump out until 1am and equipment collection the next

morning from 8am to 10am;

 A 6m by 6m catering marquee;

 Standard security charges;

 Standard cleaning charges;

 A venue manager will be onsite for the duration of your

event; and

 Complimentary use of the front gardens for your wedding

ceremony (if required)

Music/Entertainment As the Observatory is located in a residential area strict noise

restrictions apply; all background music, record or acoustic must

finish at 11.30pm (Clients are advised to please avoid use of music

with a strong bass beat). Please advise the event coordinator

before booking any music/entertainment acts, for manager’s

approval.

Bureau of Meteorology

Rainfall on Observatory Hill is still a feature of Sydney weather reports. The Bureau of Meteorology moved here in 1908 although it has moved around the site over the years.

Bandstand Rotunda

The bandstand was built in 1912 and used for public musical performances. On the hill overlooking the Harbour and Bridge it is now a popular spot for weddings.

To make a venue booking, please contact: Venue Management on (02) 9265 9333.

To chat with Janet from Weddings I Do call: 0404463664