Norah Head Lighthouse a beacon for newly-weds
Media release | 11 February 2021
The Crown land reserve at Norah Head Lighthouse has scooped the pool at the annual Central Coast Brides Choice Awards.
The popular reserve not only serves as a working lighthouse but is also a place of significant environmental and cultural heritage that provides a stunning backdrop for weddings and other functions.
The lighthouse reserve won the overall ‘Best of the Best’ award as well as the ‘Best DIY’ wedding venue award at the Brides Choice Awards on 9 February.
The annual awards recognise the best wedding businesses in regional areas with voting by brides and grooms married over the past 18 months.
The latest win for the Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve Land Manager board follows a string of annual award wins by the Crown reserve over the past five years.
Tracy Stubbings, who manages wedding bookings for the Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve Land Manager, said the venue had become a beacon for newly-weds.
“So far this year we have 17 wedding receptions booked and that doesn’t account for other wedding ceremonies planned. We host about 30 a year,” Ms Stubbings said.
“As well as Central Coast couples we get wedding parties from Sydney with three currently booked from the Penrith area.
“Couples come for wedding photos and we have options for ceremonies, receptions and accommodation. Wedding parties can even bring their own caterer.
“Funds raised from the weddings are put back into the operation of the reserve.”
Toukley couple Ian Rhodes and Courtney Jones tied the knot at Norah Head Lighthouse last September.
“The lighthouse has always been a special place for us, we used to rendezvous there for walks before we got married,” Mr Rhodes said.
“The location and architecture are stunning. We booked accommodation and there was a spectacular lightning storm on the Friday night and then the weather cleared on Saturday to a perfect spring day for our wedding.”
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said Crown reserves such as Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve were for the benefit and use of the community.
“This Central Coast icon is a great example of how Crown land is community land that can serve and benefit the entire community,” Mrs Pavey said.
“The NSW Government has allocated $200,000 stimulus from its COVID-19 stimulus program to further improve the reserve including constructing a workshop for reserve volunteers, repair access roads and paths, weed management, and to free up the former Stables building for potential adaptive reuse.”
