THE VENUE GUIDE

ANCORA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY guide

Your ultimate photography guide for a gorgeous Ancora Wedding

About Ancora

Ancora is a stunning wedding venue that combines Mediterranean beach club interiors, acclaimed food, and unbeatable water views.

If you are looking for a modern and luxurious wedding venue on the Tweed Coast, Ancora might be the perfect choice for you. In this guide, I will share with you some of the reasons why I love photographing weddings at Ancora, as well as some tips and tricks to make the most of your wedding day.

Without further ado, let’s dive into why Ancora is one of the Best Tweed Coast Wedding Venues

UPDATED OCTOBER 31st, 2023 Table of Contents

Where is Ancora?

Located on the Tweed River in Tweed Heads, Ancora is just 10 minutes from the Gold Coast airport and 5 minutes from world-famous beaches Snapper Rocks and Rainbow Bay1.

The address is 118 Wharf St, Tweed Heads NSW 2485, and you can find it on Google Maps

“ Thank you so much for being the best photographer/ hype man!! You were definitely a crowd favourite at our wedding. We are the lucky ones to have had you at our wedding! Thank you so much for all of your efforts Mario!  – Monica & Rob

Why Choose Ancora for Your Wedding?

Ancora is not just a wedding venue, it is a complete wedding experience. Here are some of the features that make Ancora stand out from other venues:

  • Waterfront location: Ancora offers uninterrupted views of the picturesque Terranora Inlet, which creates a stunning backdrop for your ceremony and reception. You can exchange your vows on the sheltered open-air deck, or in the riverside garden area, both overlooking the water. You can also enjoy a romantic boat ride on the river after your ceremony, or arrive in style on a private yacht.
  • Mediterranean-inspired interiors: Influenced by the stylish beach clubs dotted along the Mediterranean coastline, Ancora features high ceilings, hardwood timber flooring, crisp white-panelled walls, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The venue is filled with natural light and has a spacious and airy feel.
  • Acclaimed food: Ancora has partnered with UK-born Michelin star celebrity chef Matt Kemp to create a signature Mediterranean-inspired menu that will delight your guests. You can choose from authentic Italian, Greek, or modern Mexican cuisines, or create your own custom menu.
  • Professional service: Ancora has a dedicated function manager and a professional wedding team that will take care of every detail of your wedding day. From planning to execution, they will ensure that everything runs smoothly and seamlessly, allowing you to relax and enjoy every moment of your celebration.
  • All-inclusive packages: Ancora offers all-inclusive venue packages that include white European bentwood chairs, hand-crafted wooden dining tables, lighting and AV systems, cake table and knife, easel and frame, and a complimentary menu tasting for two. You can also add extras such as floral arrangements, styling elements, entertainment options, and more.

How to Plan Your Wedding Photography at Ancora?

As a wedding photographer who has captured many weddings at Ancora, I can tell you that this venue offers endless opportunities for beautiful photos. Here are some tips and tricks to help you plan your wedding photography at Ancora:

  • Consider the time of day: The best time to take photos at Ancora is during the golden hour, which is the hour before sunset or after sunrise. The golden hour provides soft and warm light that enhances the natural beauty of the venue and creates a romantic atmosphere. You can also capture stunning sunset photos over the water if you time your ceremony accordingly.
  • Use the natural features: Ancora has many natural features that can add interest and variety to your photos. For example, you can use the breezeblock entry as a backdrop for some portraits, or pose on the wooden jetty with the water behind you. You can also take advantage of the lush greenery around the venue, such as the palm trees, ferns, and flowers.
  • Explore the nearby locations: Ancora is close to some of the most amazing beaches and headlands on the Tweed Coast and Gold Coast. You can take a short drive to Coolangatta, where you can find Snapper Rocks, Rainbow Bay, Greenmount Beach, Kirra Beach, and Point Danger. These locations offer spectacular views of the ocean, the skyline, and the hinterland. You can also visit Fingal Headland, where you can find secluded private islands with white sand and turquoise water.
  • Have fun: The most important tip for your wedding photography at Ancora is to have fun. This venue is designed to make you feel relaxed and comfortable, so don’t be afraid to let loose and enjoy yourself. Smile, laugh, dance, hug, kiss, and celebrate your love with your partner and your guests. I will be there to capture all the candid moments and emotions that make your wedding day unique and memorable.

Ancora Wedding Ceremony Locations

Ancora has two beautiful ceremony locations to choose from, both with stunning water views:

  • The Deck: The deck is a sheltered open-air space that can accommodate up to 130 seated guests or 150 standing guests. It features a white wall with your name sign as a backdrop, hanging chairs and bar stools for your guests to relax on, and fairy lights to create a magical ambience. The deck is perfect for couples who want an outdoor ceremony with a modern and elegant touch.
  • The Garden: The garden is a riverside area that can accommodate up to 100 seated guests or 120 standing guests. It features lush greenery, palm trees, ferns, and flowers as a backdrop, white bentwood chairs for your guests to sit on, and an arbour that you can decorate as you wish. The garden is ideal for couples who want an intimate ceremony with a natural and romantic feel.

Wedding Photo Locations at Ancora

As a wedding photographer who has captured many weddings at Ancora, I can tell you that this venue offers endless opportunities for beautiful photos.

  • Venue Entrance + Wall & Bougainvillea Trees
  • Ancora White Wall
  • Tweed Riverside
  • Nearby Beaches

The Wedding Reception

Ancora has a spacious and elegant reception area that can accommodate up to 130 seated guests or 150 standing guests. The reception area features high ceilings, hardwood timber flooring, crisp white-panelled walls, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the water. The reception area also has a beautiful marble top bar with rattan pendant lights to help set the mood.

Ancora Wedding Cost

The cost of your wedding at Ancora depends on several factors, such as the date, the time, the number of guests, the menu, the beverage package, and any extras you may want to add. However, here are some indicative prices to give you an idea:

  • Venue Hire: The venue hire fee ranges from $2,990 to $5,990 depending on the day of the week and the season. The venue hire fee includes white European bentwood chairs, hand-crafted wooden dining tables, lighting and AV systems, cake table and knife, easel and frame, and a complimentary menu tasting for two.
  • Food: The food cost ranges from $57 to $62 per person depending on the style of reception you choose. The food cost includes bread rolls and butter, tea and coffee station, and wedding cake cut and served on platters.
  • Beverages: The beverage cost depends on whether you choose a beverage package or a custom bar tab. The beverage package ranges from $45 to $65 per person depending on the duration and the selection of drinks. The beverage package includes sparkling wine, white wine, red wine, beer, cider, soft drinks, juice, and water. The custom bar tab allows you to set your own budget and choose your own drinks from the bar menu.

FAQ

Ancora can accommodate up to 200 guests for a sit-down reception or up to 300 guests for a cocktail-style reception. The venue also has a minimum guest requirement of 80 guests for a Saturday wedding or 60 guests for a weekday or Sunday wedding.

Ancora offers a range of catering options, from plated menus, buffet menus, grazing tables, cocktail menus, to dessert stations. The venue also has a fully licensed bar and a selection of beverage packages. Ancora’s catering is provided by the award-winning [Platter Catering Co.], which specializes in fresh, local, and seasonal cuisine.

Ancora offers a variety of styling options, from furniture, linen, cutlery, crockery, glassware, to lighting. The venue also has a network of trusted and talented stylists, florists, and decorators, who can help you create your dream wedding theme and design. You can also bring your own styling elements, such as signage, stationery, favors, or candles, to add some personal touches to your wedding.

Ancora offers two ceremony options, either on the jetty or in the courtyard. Both options have stunning views of the water and the sky, and can be customized to suit your preferences and needs. The venue also has a wet weather backup option, which is the lounge bar, which has a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Ancora’s ceremony package includes a signing table, chairs, a PA system, and a coordinator.

Ancora does not have on-site accommodation, but there are many nearby hotels, resorts, and apartments that offer comfortable and convenient accommodation for you and your guests. Some of the recommended accommodation options are the [Mantra on Salt Beach], the [Peppers Salt Resort & Spa], and the [Salt Village Beachside Apartments]. You can also contact Ancora’s team for more information and assistance on booking your accommodation.

Ancora offers many photography options, as the venue has multiple indoor and outdoor spaces that can accommodate different styles and themes of wedding photography. You can choose from the jetty, the terrace, the pool deck, the reception hall, the lounge bar, or the courtyard, depending on your preferences and needs. You can also consult with your photographer and your venue coordinator to get their advice and suggestions on how to plan and execute your wedding photography session at Ancora. Check my full guide above for more tips, ideas, and examples.

Ancora has a limited number of parking spaces on-site, which are reserved for the bridal party, the suppliers, and the guests with special needs. There are also some street parking spaces nearby, which are subject to availability. The venue also recommends using public transportation, such as buses, trains, or taxis, or hiring a private transportation service, such as [Gold Coast Luxury Transport Services], [Coastline Limousines], or [Tweed Coast Transfers], to get to and from the venue.

You can contact Ancora by phone, email, or online form, using the following details:

Looking for an Ancora Wedding Photographer?

If you are planning to get married at Ancora and looking for a wedding photographer who can capture your special day, look no further. I have photographed many weddings at Ancora and I know how to make your photos stunning and memorable.

I love working with couples who choose Ancora as their wedding venue, because it is a place that reflects my style and vision. I create natural, elegant, and timeless photos that showcase the beauty of the venue, the light, and the love between you and your partner. I also like to add some creative flair and fun to your photos, to make them stand out from the crowd.

If you are interested in booking me as your wedding photographer at Ancora, please contact me today. I would love to hear from you and chat about your wedding plans. You can also check out my portfolio and testimonials from my previous clients on my website.

CONTACT MARIO