raes on wategos

Wedding Guide

Raes on Wategos is one of Australia's most iconic luxury wedding destinations, offering an intimate celebration in one of Byron Bay's most exclusive beachfront locations.

Overlooking the pristine waters of Wategos Beach, Raes combines boutique luxury accommodation, award-winning dining and personalised service to create a wedding experience unlike anywhere else in the region. Rather than catering for large celebrations, Raes is designed for intimate weddings where every detail feels considered, relaxed and effortlessly elegant.

Why Couples Love Raes on Wategos

Raes is all about quality over quantity.

Everything feels intimate, from the boutique accommodation and personalised service through to the incredible food and breathtaking beachfront setting.

Unlike larger wedding venues, Raes offers a private luxury experience where your closest family and friends can slow down, enjoy the surroundings and celebrate together over several days rather than just a few hours.

Intimate Ceremony Options

Raes offers several beautiful options for intimate ceremonies.

Many couples choose to exchange vows overlooking Wategos Beach, while others opt for one of the private terraces or exclusive accommodation spaces, creating a celebration that feels personal and completely private.

Following the ceremony, Wategos Beach, the surrounding headland and the iconic white architecture of Raes provide some of Byron Bay's most beautiful wedding photography locations.

Drinks on the terrace

Following the ceremony, guests can enjoy champagne and canapés on the terrace while you head off for photographs.

With champagne flowing, beautifully presented canapés and the relaxed atmosphere Raes is known for, it feels less like a traditional cocktail hour and more like an elegant afternoon gathering with your closest family and friends.

It's a seamless transition into the evening, setting the tone for a celebration centred around exceptional hospitality, incredible food and understated luxury.

An Intimate Reception

Receptions at Raes are held in the renowned Raes Dining Room, where exceptional food and genuine hospitality take centre stage.

The Mediterranean-inspired interiors, refined finishes and personalised service create an atmosphere that feels luxurious without being overly formal. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered, allowing couples to enjoy a celebration that feels intimate, elegant and effortlessly relaxed.

The seasonal menus showcase premium Australian produce with Mediterranean influences, creating one of Byron Bay's most celebrated dining experiences. For couples who believe great food is an essential part of a memorable wedding, Raes consistently delivers.

Premium Beverages

Raes' beverage offering has been carefully curated to complement the dining experience.

From premium Australian and international wines to handcrafted cocktails and Champagne, every drink has been thoughtfully selected to pair beautifully with the menu and elevate the overall guest experience.

Luxury Accommodation

One of the biggest advantages of celebrating at Raes is being able to stay on-site with your closest family and friends.

The boutique hotel features beautifully appointed suites, while the nearby Raes Guesthouses provide additional luxury accommodation, allowing intimate wedding groups to extend the celebrations together.

From getting ready on the morning of your wedding to waking up by the beach the following day, the experience feels seamless from beginning to end.

weather contingency

Like any coastal venue, it's important to have a plan should the weather change. Fortunately, Raes on Wategos offers a beautiful alternative that still complements the overall experience.

If the forecast is showing light showers, it's often worth waiting for a break in the weather. A slight adjustment to the timeline is often all that's needed to still enjoy your outdoor ceremony.

If rain persists, ceremonies can be relocated to the terrace, where market umbrellas are included to provide overhead cover while still allowing you and your guests to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and coastal atmosphere.

I'd also recommend hiring clear umbrellas for your guests and bridal party. Not only are they practical, but they can also create some incredibly romantic wedding photographs along Wategos Beach.

With a thoughtful weather contingency in place, you can feel confident knowing your wedding day will remain elegant and seamless, whatever the forecast.

A Planner's Perspective

What makes Raes so unique is the experience it offers.

Rather than feeling like a traditional wedding venue, it feels like an intimate luxury escape shared with the people who matter most. Every detail, from the service and dining through to the accommodation and setting, has been thoughtfully considered.

For couples planning a smaller celebration where exceptional hospitality, incredible food and a beautiful location are the priority, Raes delivers one of the most memorable wedding experiences in Byron Bay.

Is Raes on Wategos Right For You?

Raes on Wategos could be the perfect fit if you're looking for:

An intimate luxury wedding
Boutique beachfront accommodation
Ceremony options overlooking Wategos Beach
Champagne and canapés on the terrace
Reception in the iconic Raes Dining Room
Seasonal menus showcasing premium local produce
Premium beverage experience
Personalised service
Luxury accommodation for your closest guests
A sophisticated Byron Bay wedding experience

Raes on Wategos offers one of the most exclusive and luxurious wedding experiences in Byron Bay, making it an exceptional choice for couples planning an intimate celebration centred around incredible hospitality, breathtaking surroundings and unforgettable food.

Still Weighing Up Your Venue Options?

Book a complimentary consultation below and I'll help you compare venues, navigate the pros and considerations of each, and find the venue that best aligns with your vision, guest experience and budget.

Kiera x

Book a 1:1 call with me