The Port Douglas wedding community has joined forces and are throwing magic, romance and even fireworks into the mix with a $60,000 wedding giveaway competition for one lucky couple.

The competition aims to reignite the dream for a loved-up couple whose big day may have been put out of reach by the recent bushfires, drought, floods, or the COVID-19 pandemic.

The prize of a fabulous, free wedding in Port Douglas on 11 August 2021 for up to 50 people has all the bells and whistles including flights for the couple, flowers, ceremony and reception venues, celebrant, cake, transport, accommodation, photos, videography, planning and styling, hair and makeup, catering, entertainment, and fireworks.

Competition organiser and owner of Port Douglas Weddings and Hire, Vicki Kurth, said she had been overwhelmed by the support of the local wedding industry to make it all possible. 

“Whether it is the from COVID-19 pandemic, the floods, the fires or ongoing drought, Australian’s are really hurting.

“My team and I were brainstorming ideas of how we could make a difference to someone in need and the idea just grew from there.

“It bought tears to my eyes that everyone we contacted here locally wanted to be a part of it and contribute in some way. I feel so thrilled and privileged to be part of the whole thing,” she said.

Tara Bennett, chief executive officer of Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, said the team at Port Douglas Weddings and Hire had come up with the novel idea to make one couple’s special day an exceptional one.

“More than 30 local businesses are pulling together to provide a wedding valued at more than $60,000 to help a couple affected by all that 2020 has thrown at us, and who may not have otherwise had their dream wedding,” Ms Bennett said.

“We have seen some extraordinary moments of care and community support throughout the world during these difficult times and even though Port Douglas and Daintree businesses are doing it tough, they are also giving back and showing that we care.”

Ms Bennett said couples may nominate themselves or be nominated by someone else via the competition’s website.

“All entrants need do is submit a short video or 150 words on why they deserve to win an unforgettable, wedding in beautiful Port Douglas.

“The competition runs from Sunday, 19 July until Sunday, 16 August. The winning couple will be decided by a panel of five judges and announced on Friday, 28 August.”