Private Events
The National Capital Authority manages a range of beautiful parks and gardens to hold Weddings and Outdoor Functions for wedding or outdoor Function.
This page contains important information if your wedding or outdoor Function has 50 people or more.
- Pick your venue, read the toolkit and consult with the events team
- Reserve your venue
- Prepare and lodge your Documentation
- Payment of fees and charges
Timeframes may vary depending on the scale and nature of your event and are to be use as a guide only. The NCA reserves the right to charge a late fee or reject an application if the below minimum timeframes are not met.
| Timeframes | Items |
|---|---|
| 2 months prior to event | Reserve your Venue |
| 2 Months prior to event | Lodge Event Documentation |
| 1 Month prior to bump in | Pay fees and charges |
The NCA has a number of venues zoned for event use. Each Venue has restrictions outlined in the venue toolkit. Your event is assessed on the suitability of the venue. Please be sure to take venue limitations into consideration when booking and planning your event. Unsuitability of a venue for an event will cause delays is the application process and may lead to your application being denied.
After receiving your venue enquiry the events team will email you to confirm availability, suitability of the venue and provide you with an application package. In the package you will find:
- A venue toolkit;
- A quote of fees and charges.
If you plan to have structures/services at your event you will also receive the following:
- A list of documentation required specific to your event;
- Lodgement timelines and Documentation templates
- To submit a Venue Enquiry please fill in and email this Event Permit Application Form to NCA.Events@nca.gov.au.
Once you have reserved your venue and If you plan to have structures/services at your event, you will need to apply for Works Approval.
The following documentation will need to be submitted:
Public Liability Insurance
A copy of your providers Public Liability Insurance.
Risk Management Plan
A copy of your providers Risk Management Plan.
Site Map
A map of the venue detailing the proposed layout of your event. A map can be found in the venue toolkit
Works Approval
If you plan to erect structures for your event Please fill in and submit a Works Approval Online (WAeL) application. Be sure to list sizes and amount of all marquees, stages, toilets etc. Also include road closure signage, coffee vans, display vehicles, generators lighting towers etc.
Depending on the type and size of structure specs and/or engineering certification may be required. The events team will advise you once your works approval application is submitted.
Information on costs associated with a works approval application can be found on the fees and charges page.
Stakeholder Report
Depending on the size of your event you may need to consult with stakeholders located close to your venue. The below Consultation Report detailing any issues or concerns, and how these issues will be resolved will need to be submitted as part of your application.
A stakeholder list will be sent to you with your application package.
It is a requirement of your Works Approval that an irrigation mark out of the event site be conducted prior to your event. Please contact Citywide at least three weeks prior to your event via email to arrange a suitable time. Costs associated with this is the responsibility of the event organiser.
Can I use confetti?
No. The use of confetti on National Land will not be approved as it is damaging to the environment and can harm local wildlife.
Am I able to have alcohol at my event?
Yes you can serve alcohol but you can not sell alcohol. Glass is prohibited on National Land so drinks must be served from plastic.
What’s in the Rose Garden Kiosks?
Both kiosks have a microwave, bar fridge, instant chilled and boiling water tap and power points.
Can I have signage for my events?
Yes you can but there are some restrictions – signs must be small and free standing. This means they can not be staked into the ground or attached to any trees, gates, light poles, fences, bollards etc. your signage must be removed after your event.
Can I hand decorations from trees?
No. Most trees on National Land heritage significance. In order to protect the trees the NCA will not allow anything to be hung from them.
Is there power available at the venues?
Yes. Locations of the power boxes can be found on the venue maps under the venue description. A $500 bond per key must be paid when you collect the keys. Keys are available the Wednesday before your event from the NCA reception at Treasury Building, King Edward Terrace, Parkes.
When are the Roses in the Old Parliament House looking their best?
The gardens are in full bloom in October.
Can I have fireworks at my event?
No. Fireworks for private events will not be approved.
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John Dunmore Lang Place, located on King Edward Terrace, is a spacious grassed area in the heart of the Parliamentary Triangle.
These two grassed areas, located off King Edward Terrace in the Parliamentary Zone, are ideal for social and community events.
The unrivalled beauty of the Old Parliament House Gardens makes them a popular venue within the Parliamentary Zone.
Commonwealth Park East is a landscaped park located on the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin between Nerang Pool and Rond Terrace.
Kings Park adjoins Commonwealth Park on the northern side of Lake Burley Griffin.
The unrivalled beauty of the Old Parliament House Rose Gardens makes them a popular venue within the Parliamentary Triangle.
Commonwealth Place is an open space venue located on the southern shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
With views of Lake Burley Griffin, Commonwealth Park and the Captain Cook Memorial Jet, the Patrick White Lawns are one of the best-kept secrets in Canberr