Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Exclusive Wedding Venue in Cairns at Whitfield House
Established in 1925, Whitfield House has evolved from a private residence into one of Australia's most prestigious boutique reception centres. Our heritage-listed property, nestled within the Mount Whitfield Conservation Park, combines historical elegance with modern sophistication. The venue's unique location adjacent to the Cairns Botanic Gardens and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef create an unparalleled setting for exclusive events. Our team specialises in curating unforgettable experiences for weddings and corporate functions, maintaining a reputation for excellence since winning the 2006 North Queensland Wedding Venue and Catering Award. The property's meticulous restoration preserved original rainforest timber floors while integrating state-of-the-art digital technology across all reception rooms.Our commitment to privacy ensures only one event occurs at a time, with dedicated staff managing every detail to exceed client expectations. The 2011 Best New Building in Australia Award ($5-$10 million category) winner serves as our entrance, reflecting our dedication to architectural excellence. Our culinary team sources premium local ingredients, including fresh seafood and organic produce, to create bespoke menus tailored to each event. The heated lap pool, Persian rugs, and antique furnishings contribute to the venue's distinctive 'Somerset Maugham effect'. With over 90 years of combined operational experience, our owners Henry and Joy Glennie have transformed the property since their 2005 acquisition while maintaining its historical integrity.
Services
Wedding Venues
Corporate Events
Catering Services
Event Planning
Accommodation Packages
Details
- Year established: 1925
Highlights and features
- We offer 24/7 event exclusivity with only one function booked at a time
- Our team includes an in-house florist and award-winning executive chefs
- We provide state-of-the-art digital technology in every reception room
- Our venue has maintained a perfect customer satisfaction record since 2005
- We combine heritage architecture with modern luxury in a conservation park setting
Associations and certifications
- 2011 Best New Building in Australia Award
- 2006 North Queensland Wedding Venue and Catering Award
What people say
Stunning location
Exceptional service
Perfect event execution
Award-winning venue
Complete privacy
Services
Wedding Venues
Our venue specialises in exclusive wedding ceremonies and receptions with complete privacy. The property features multiple ceremony locations including a garden gazebo converted into an elegant chapel and a sweeping lawn with Flecker Terrace staircase entrance. Bridal parties enjoy access to the entire venue from 9am to 11:30pm on event days, with no concurrent bookings allowed. The heated lap pool and tropical gardens provide stunning photographic backdrops.
Corporate Events
We host prestigious corporate gatherings in a unique conservation park setting. The venue accommodates conferences, product launches, and gala dinners with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment in every reception room. Recent events include the Pacific Island Forum Retreat Day and annual national galas. Our colonial-style terrace and level lawn provide flexible spaces for networking and presentations.
Catering Services
Our executive chefs create bespoke menus using premium local ingredients. We offer gourmet dining experiences featuring fresh seafood, organic produce, and tropical fruits sourced from regional suppliers. The catering team manages everything from intimate cocktail parties to grand gala dinners, with menu options ranging from traditional Australian cuisine to international dishes.
Event Planning
Our experienced staff provides comprehensive event management services. From initial planning to execution, we coordinate all aspects including floral arrangements, entertainment, and technical requirements. The in-house florist offers custom floral designs, while dedicated coordinators ensure seamless execution of weddings and corporate events with personalized attention to detail.
Accommodation Packages
We offer exclusive venue hire with access to all facilities including the heated lap pool and tropical gardens. The property accommodates up to 150 seated guests in the main function area, with additional spaces including a colonial-style terrace and poolside gazebo. Our packages include use of antique furnishings, crystal chandeliers, and Persian rugs to enhance the event's elegance.
People
Henry Glennie
Owner
Purchased Whitfield House in 2005 and led its transformation into a luxury retreat while preserving historical elements like original rainforest timber floors and high ceilings.
Joy Glennie
Owner
Co-owner with Henry Glennie, instrumental in developing the venue's award-winning services and maintaining its reputation as North Queensland's premier wedding destination since 2005.
Questions
What makes Whitfield House unique for weddings?
Our exclusive use policy ensures only your event occurs on the day, with access to the entire property including tropical gardens, heated pool, and heritage interiors.
Can we host large corporate events?
Yes, we accommodate up to 200 guests with flexible spaces including a 150-seat banquet area and level lawn with marquee options.
Are catering options customizable?
Our executive chefs create tailored menus using fresh local seafood and organic produce to match your event's requirements.
How accessible is the venue?
Located 5 minutes from Cairns CBD and airport, with private driveway access code 4032 for secure entry to our conservation park setting.
What technology facilities are available?
All reception rooms feature state-of-the-art digital technology including surround sound systems and ambient lighting controls for modern event requirements.
Reviews (2)
Rowan Harrison
Jan 26, 2018
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We recently had our wedding at Whitfield house in April 2017. Located in the Botanic gardens this was once a popular wedding venue until a period between 2014-2016 where it changed ownership and seemingly got out of the wedding game - I'm glad it's back. I've written a more extensive review on their facebook page but in summary we found it worked extremely well for weddings would definitely recommend it to others.
Tim Kingston
Dec 13, 2017
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My experience with the so called manager today ( @ 9:20am on the 20/1/18) was absolutely disgusting and unprofessional. The gentleman I spoke to not only refused myself,my fianc and my 10mth old son viewing today but pretty much wanted us to book the wedding via email prior to viewing. The gentleman I spoke too who claims to be the manager stated that if we wanted to look at the premises there are photos on the website. I guess you dont want to look after the locals or anyone else. I request the someone higher than this so called manager to call me to discuss this matter further. The service
