Council charges couples 'Noosa tax' to marry by the beach

Couples seeking to marry on the picturesque Noosa Main Beach foreshore in Queensland are facing a significant fee, with Noosa Council charging a non-refundable $799 for a three-hour permit. This charge, which has steadily increased from $159 in 2014 to its current rate, has led local industry professionals to dub it the 'Noosa tax.'

Jodie O'Dea and Daryl Pilmore, a local couple, found themselves unable to use their booked beach site due to heavy rain just before their April wedding. Despite attempts to contact the council, they could not cancel the booking and subsequently lost their permit fee. They were forced to hold their ceremony at their reception venue, incurring an additional $3,000 cost. Ms. O'Dea expressed frustration, noting that as locals, they had hoped for more flexibility or a goodwill gesture, especially considering the potential economic injection their wedding brought to the area.

Wedding photographers and organizers in the region report a noticeable decline in the number of ceremonies held in Noosa. Lindy Yewen, a wedding photographer with over 30 years of experience, stated that the high permit fees, combined with expensive accommodation and dining, are deterring couples. The Noosa Wedding Organisation, a group of local suppliers, reported a drop in ceremonies from 781 in 2014 to 563 in 2025. This decline is estimated to represent an annual loss of $30 million in visitor spending, as the average guest typically spends around $2,600 during a three-day stay.

While the council also charges for other managed locations, those fees have also seen an increase, rising from $375 in 2025 to $399. Industry members, including celebrant Jacqueline Gray, have been lobbying the council to reduce these fees. The sentiment among some locals and industry professionals is that the rising costs are making Noosa feel unwelcoming to couples wanting to celebrate their special occasions on the beach.