Wedding ceremonies FAQs

• Use of the Arc of Pines for up to four hours*. This includes your set-up and pack-down time.
• Photography permit to take photos in Sydney Olympic Park on the day of your ceremony.
• Parklands Officer assistance with escorting your suppliers and vehicles to and from your booked location within the period booked.

All other facilities such as barbeques, car parks, paths, playgrounds and toilets are for shared public use. Events must not interfere with the general use of the public facilities. 

*The Arc of Pines public walkway and cycleway must remain open and accessible to park users at all times.

Opening hours are from sunrise to sunset.

Available 7 days a week (excluding Public Holidays).

Between 10:00 am – 4:30 pm.

All bookings must fall within a four-hour period including supplier set-up and pack-up times. Once your booking is paid, you will be asked to confirm your preferred 4 hour booking period.

Please ensure your suppliers are aware of these time limits.

Guest numbers include the wedding party and event organisers on-site.

• Arc of Pines: up to 200, maximum seating permitted 100.

• Weighted freestanding decorative items such as an arch or arbour are permitted. Items cannot be pegged into the ground or enclosed (cannot have any closed sides). Your arch or arbour (or similar) must be weighted as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Its use on the day is at the discretion of SOPA staff (in terms of positioning and current weather conditions including high winds, high fire danger and public amenity.)
• Tables – for signing, check-in and/or BYO refreshments
• Seating for up to 100 people
• Floral decorations and signage (no soil is to be brought into the Parklands)
• Carpet or runners
• Lectern (stage not permitted)

* Maximum 1 marquee or shade up to 3 metres by 3 metres in area.

View full Terms and Conditions for permitted items and activities.

• Decorations cannot be attached to trees.
• Any candles, fireworks (any form), sparklers, fires and bamboo torches are not permitted
• Signs, streamers, balloons, sticky tape, rope or similar must not be attached to trees, plants or frog fences

Unfortunately, no throwing. Confetti, bio-confetti, rice, flower petals or similar are not permitted, as these often contaminate the natural environment and become a hazard to our wildlife.

Unfortunately, no. Fire and/or flames are not permitted, as they are a high-risk hazard to the surrounding natural environments.

Unfortunately, no, we do not have any equipment for hire.

• Motorised vehicles are only permitted on public roads and car parks unless prior arrangements to access lawns or footpaths have been made as part of the site hire agreement. Permission will only be granted to vehicles carrying equipment for site setup or bridal party.
• Vehicles approved to access the site along pathways, before, during or after an event, may only do so with the escort of Parklands Officer or Sydney Olympic Park Authority staff. Access is along pathways for pick-up and drop/off only, and cannot remain on path.
• Guest and service vehicles that are parked contrary to marked parking may incur infringement notices/penalties.

Dogs are permitted and must be kept on a leash at all times. Outside of the Arc of Pines, certain areas of the Parklands prohibit dogs. All signage pertaining to dogs must be adhered to. All other companion animals are not permitted. These restrictions apply only to companion animals, not to assistance animals.

Unfortunately, no. The release of birds, butterflies, animals, fish, plants and balloons is not permitted.

Unfortunately, no. Commercial suppliers for catering are not permitted. BYO refreshments such as bottled water, juice or small snacks are permitted.

Yes. You can have Bring Your Own (BYO) alcohol only. Your intention to provide alcohol must be provided in your ceremony briefing to us.

Laws apply. Alcohol must not be served to minors. Any intoxication observed by our staff may involve the ejection of the intoxicated persons from the park and direction to stop activities. Any disturbances caused may be a breach of the Terms and Conditions of Hire.

Yes. Amplified noise must be kept to a minimum to not disturb other park users. The level of amplified noise must not exceed 5dBA above the ambient background noise, a legal requirement of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Yes, although the level of amplified noise must not exceed 5dBA above the ambient background noise.

Unfortunately, no. Power is not available in Bicentennial Park.

Fuelled generators are not permitted.

The Park is large with numerous parking bays. During peak usage, parking may be difficult. Traffic flow is one way from the entry on Australia Avenue to the exit on Bennelong Parkway.

For convenience, we recommend carpooling. Nearest parking areas to your location:

• Arc of Pines: Public parking available at P10a and P10b. The first two hours of parking is free. After the initial 2-hour free period, a parking fee will apply of $3 per hour on weekdays, and $5 per hour on weekends.
• P3 Multi-storey Car Park: Guests may choose to book parking prior to your ceremony. Fees apply. The P3 Car Park is accessed via Sarah Durack Avenue. Allow at least 15 minutes to travel across to Bicentennial Park. 
• Receptions at Waterview: If you have booked your wedding ceremony with the Waterview Function Centre, your guests may have access to separate parking arrangements. Contact Waterview for details.

To locate parking areas, check our map.

Refunds are not payable for cancellations by the Hirer.

Hirers making a cancellation can receive customer 'Promo Code' credit according to cancellation conditions:

Promo Code credits expire 12 months after issue, and can be used to discount another Arc of Pines or Picnic Area booking. See full cancellation policy under the Terms and Conditions.

Potential hirers should be mindful that the Arc of Pines is an outdoor setting. Refunds are not payable for cancellations by the Hirer, including for weather conditions unless SOPA closes the Arc of Pines. Customer credit may be provided according to cancellation policy under the Terms and Conditions.

Unfortunately, no, there is no wet weather option available and use of marquees are restricted. Please speak to your wedding reception venue to discuss a Plan B if the weather is not looking favourable, alternatively, we can postpone your booking (please note that refunds are not payable for cancellations by the Hirer).

You may consider booking an additional location within the parklands to continue your celebration. Additional fees apply.

Next to the Café at the Waterview Function Centre.

Permission to take wedding photos in any area of Sydney Olympic Park on the day of your ceremony. This does not include exclusive access to any part of the Park. Some areas may not be accessible due to the staging of other events.

Please note that drone use is not permitted in any area of Sydney Olympic Park, including Bicentennial Park.

For more details, visit Wedding and Special Occasion Photography Permit.

We currently are not able to approve requests for horse and carriage.

Yes. Once you have booked the Arc of Pines you can organise your own stylist or supplier to provide any of the above. However, there are restrictions in the parklands, be sure to check what is permitted before booking. Full details of permitted items and activities are available in the Terms and Conditions.