Fort Scratchley Wedding Hire

Fort Scratchley is located in Newcastle East, New South Wales, where the coastline meets the harbour. It’s an idyllic location for weddings, easily accessible for guests travelling from the city, the surrounding regions, or interstate.

Perched atop Newcastle's headland, Fort Scratchley offers breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean, harbour, and city skyline. The venue's rich history and its contemporary function centre and balcony allowing guests to enjoy the fresh sea air create an unforgettable setting for your momentous event.

Yes, the venue is conveniently located near some of Newcastle's most beautiful beaches, providing stunning backdrops for your wedding photos and additional leisure opportunities for your guests.

Absolutely! Fort Scratchley offers an idyllic location for your ceremony and reception. Hosting both events on-site means your guests can enjoy the entire celebration without the need to travel between venues. Ceremonies can commence from 4:15 pm, with exclusive access to the grounds from 4:00 pm.

The Function Centre can be used as an alternative for your ceremony in wet weather, if you have booked your reception with us as well

The standard beverage package includes a selection of beers, ciders, and wines, and non-alcoholic beverages like soft drinks, roasted coffee, and premium leaf teas. Upgrades are available to feature regional favourites from the Hunter Valley.

In addition to plated meals or a classic three-course service, you can elevate your celebration with options like welcome cocktails to seafood grazing tables. Our Food & Beverage team offer a whole range of seasonal and regional additions to suit your taste and budget.

Absolutely. In addition to the standard beverage package, you can add upgrades featuring local wines, roasted coffee and premium teas, and regional craft favourites like Good Folk beers — perfect for adding a local flavour to your celebration.

No, as a licensed venue, Fort Scratchley does not permit BYO alcohol or external catering. All food and beverage services are provided in-house to ensure high-quality food, service, and compliance.

Yes, Fort Scratchley is great for cocktail-style events. Whether you prefer relaxed mingling or want to take in the views with a drink in hand, our flexible floor plans, balcony access, and gourmet canapé menus make cocktail receptions just as special as traditional seated dinners.

Yes — our reception space includes a balcony allowing guests to step outside and enjoy fresh sea air and a filled space with spectacular coastal views. It’s one of the most photographed features of the venue, especially at sunset.

A signed venue hire agreement and full payment of the venue hire fee are required to secure your date. Tentative bookings can be held for up to seven business days.

Final guest numbers are required 14 days before your event. Full payment for food and beverages due seven days before your wedding.

Yes, Fort Scratchley offers on-site parking for approximately 30 vehicles, providing convenient access for you and your guests.

Certainly! You're welcome to bring in your decorations or hire external decorators. Insured professionals must install any decorations above head height, and all setup and pack-down must occur within your booked access times.

Yes, to preserve the venue's integrity, certain items like confetti, rice, glitter, bubbles, and unweighted helium balloons are not permitted. Additionally, adhesives such as sticky tape and Blu-Tack cannot be used on painted surfaces.

Most bands, DJs, and entertainers are welcome. If you're planning unique performances, please discuss this with our team in advance. All third-party suppliers must provide public liability insurance, and some may need to submit a risk assessment.