Bathurst is the oldest inland city in the country, and its history is one of its main attractions. The city has many historic churches - choose from almost any denomination for a religious wedding service.

Its historical buildings make good backdrops for photographs and there are many parks, including the city's garden centrepiece, Machattie Park where weddings can be held with permission.

The city is rich with history as Bathurst was once the headquarters of Cobb and Co coaches. There are fine examples of the colonial period of Australian architecture, the Victorian period as well as Federation style.

The city was built around its stunning Court House, built in 1878.

The Court House overlooks Machattie Park which dates back to 1847 and feature huge established trees and a large rotunda.

There is an impressive fernery which dates back to 1900 featuring marble statuary. The statues 'Prigioniera D'amore (prisoner of love) and Dispacato D'amore (messenger of love) re-enforce the park's romantic qualities.

There are many private gardens available for weddings and photographs in Bathurst.

Public parks and gardens include Kings Parade, opposite the Court House with its carillon bell tower and monuments. The carillon has 35 bells and can still be played by hand. It plays each day at 12 noon and 1pm.

McPhillamy Park at the top of Mt Panorama racing circuit, offers a panoramic view of Bathurst.

Other parks with barbecue facilities are perfect for al fresco, informal weddings. There is the Bridle Track with its lovely, shady spots and Macquarie Woods with its Heritage Grove. Check with the Bathurst City Council on 6331 1622 for permission to use the parks.

Ohkuma Japanese Garden is a new garden symbolising the relationship between Bathurst and its Japanese sister city Ohkuma.

You might look for photographic possibilities against the Japanese flowering cherry trees and Japanese Maples.

Garden ceremonies are also available at historic Woolstone House. Woolstone House was built in 1830 in an area rich in the history of Australia?s colonial past. It is a magnificent example of Victorian architecture complete with a ballroom which suggests a bygone era.  It is famous for its magnificent Victorian surrounds - just perfect for weddings.

Lithgow
In Lithgow parks and gardens for weddings include Queen Elizabeth Park which is also popular for photographs. Council permission is needed. Blast Furnace Park is great for photographs, as are Hassen Walls and Esbank House.

Also popular is the beautiful Hoskins Uniting Church for a traditional Christian wedding and Council's Union Theatre should be ready for weddings.

Lithgow City Council can be contacted on 6352 1077. The Visitors' Centre is on 6353 1859.

Orange
Orange is described as 'Australia's colour city' a glorious vista of colour no matter what the season may be. In Orange you can find tree-lined streets and parks with trees well over 100 years old and the city offers a wealth of heritage architecture and historic buildings.

Orange has always been a popular tourist destination - the city was named after Prince William of Orange, and it is a wonderful place for a country wedding.

Orange also offers fine dining, with a host of cosmopolitan cafes and gourmet restaurants and has the full range of accommodation options - from historic hotels to cosy bed and breakfasts to farmstays that even have their own pet kangaroos.

But one of the best and most romantic things about Orange is, it is almost guaranteed to snow each year and snow quite heavily.

Mt Canobolas, which dominates the area and is the highest point between the Blue Mountains and the Indian Ocean, is usually always snow capped in winter. In Spring, bushwalkers love its wildflower studded mountain tracks, with rare and unique flora to be found.

In the City Cook Park has a variety of locations which are popular for weddings.

The park has the original caretaker's cottage built in 1887. You can also see the 120-year-old Deodar Cedars which form a beautiful canopy over the area.

Cook Park also has an avenue of 60 year old elm trees which are spectacular in autumn and a beautiful duck pond which is a perfect picnic spot.

In Orange's Botanic Gardens photo sessions and ceremonies are often held on the weeping elm lawn and heritage rose garden. The century-old church in the gardens is also popular.

Orange Botanic Gardens can be contacted on 6361 5186. Check with Orange City Council on 6361 5111 for permission to use parks and gardens for weddings and photographs.

There are also a number of private gardens available for weddings. Check with Orange Visitors' Centre on 6361 5226.

Outside Orange you will find perfectly preserved historic villages at Millthorpe and Carcoar.

Carcoar is unique in that its main streets have barely changed since they were first built last century. Most of the tiny township is classified by the National Trust. Carcoar has a number of beautiful old churches, set high on a hill above the village, the original old bank buildings, antique stores and a fascinating old general store.

Millthorpe is also beautifully preserved with its old fashioned shops, weatherboard cottages and historic churches

In Bathurst, Lithgow Orange, as in other country areas wedding professional services can be far more economical than those in the city.

Contacts

• Lithgow City Council - 6352 1077
• Orange Botanic Gardens - 6361 5186
• Orange City Council - 6361 5111
• Bathurst City Council - 6331 1622

Looking for a church? - go to our Churches directory to view all the major churches in Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
To find wedding professionals go to our Wedding Services directory.