Gunners Barracks sits on Georges Heights in Mosman: an 1873 sandstone barracks with Sydney Harbour on one side and bushland on the other. We've designed the flowers for more than 20 weddings there since 2022 and are one of the venue's recommended vendors. Here's what we've set up in each space, and what works.
The spaces at a glance
| Space | Used for | What works |
|---|---|---|
| Sandstone Courtyard | Ceremony (our most requested) | Flowers around the centre pole, an asymmetric arch facing it, freestanding pillars, greenery trailing from the canopy |
| Harbour View Lawn | Ceremony | Floor arrangements and flowers on plinths, kept low and weighted for the wind |
| Harbour Terrace | Wet-weather ceremony, canapés, some receptions | Bud vases on bar tables, low arrangements with candles |
| Main Dining Room | Reception | Low centrepieces with candles on round tables, or a long table with a greenery runner; the mantelpiece takes the ceremony flowers |
| Drawing Room | Lounge, dance floor, tea ceremonies | Tea ceremony flowers and repurposed arrangements |
Ceremony in the Sandstone Courtyard
The courtyard has a central pole, so most couples either frame it or face it. Setups we've done there:
- A floral installation climbing the pole from the floor, so it reads as the backdrop
- Asymmetric clusters on our white arch, placed in front of the pole
- A pair of lush freestanding floral pillars for a 180-guest wedding
- A single statement arrangement fixed to the pole for a smaller wedding
- Light greenery, or a canopy of single stems, trailing from the courtyard canopy
- Paper lanterns hung from the canopy alongside the flowers
A blue and white installation on the pole, 2026.
Plinths framing the pole for a smaller courtyard ceremony.
Jess & Jackson's courtyard ceremony. Photo: Ann Marie Yuen.
Ceremony on the Harbour View Lawn
The lawn puts Sydney Harbour behind you, and it can catch the wind. We design floor arrangements and flowers on plinths rather than heavy pieces sitting on top of a freestanding round arch, which can tip. A well-weighted arch with asymmetric clusters works, and small aisle arrangements at the base of the chairs move up to the reception afterwards.
Plinths on the Harbour View Lawn, weighted for the wind.
Reception in the Main Dining Room
The crystal chandeliers and the mantelpiece do a lot of the work, so the table flowers can stay low and let the room breathe. Most couples choose round tables with a low arrangement, two pillar candles and a few tealights each. Smaller weddings often go for a long table with a greenery runner, bud vases and candles. The mantelpiece usually gets the ceremony flowers.
Ceremony flowers moved to the mantelpiece and bridal table, 2026.
Photo: Ann Marie Yuen.
Harbour Terrace and Drawing Room
The Harbour Terrace is the usual wet-weather spot for a courtyard or lawn ceremony, and it's where canapés happen: we put bud vases on the bar tables. A few couples have dined out on the terrace with low arrangements and candlesticks. The Drawing Room works as a lounge or dance floor, and we've styled tea ceremonies there.
Timing and logistics
- Bump-in is usually from 3pm to 4.30pm for an evening wedding, with the ceremony around 4pm to 5.30pm and the reception from 6pm.
- Ceremony to reception: we move the ceremony flowers to the mantelpiece, bridal table or cake table in 15 to 30 minutes while guests have canapés.
- Pack-down is late at night or the next morning, depending on the venue's bookings.
- Candles: the venue can supply some; we bring pillars and tealights to match the design.
- Wet weather: we plan a design that works in the courtyard or on the lawn and on the Harbour Terrace, so nothing changes on the day except where it stands.
Photo: Ann Marie Yuen.
Real weddings at Gunners Barracks
See Jess & Jackson's Gunners Barracks wedding: a courtyard ceremony with a pole installation and a dusky pink and burgundy reception in the Main Dining Room.
Gunners Barracks wedding flowers FAQ
How much do wedding flowers cost at Gunners Barracks?
There's no set price. It depends on your guest numbers (the venue seats up to 130), the scale of your ceremony design, and whether ceremony flowers are repurposed for the reception. After your enquiry we send a tailored range estimate, then a detailed proposal. Our guide to wedding flower pricing explains what drives it.
Are you a recommended florist at Gunners Barracks?
Yes. We're a recommended vendor at Gunners Barracks and at its sister venues, Sergeants Mess and The Tea Room QVB.
Can the ceremony flowers be used at the reception?
Yes, and most couples do. It takes us 15 to 30 minutes while guests are at canapés.
What happens if it rains?
Courtyard and lawn ceremonies usually move to the Harbour Terrace. We design with that in mind so the flowers work in either spot.
Planning a Gunners Barracks wedding?
Tell us your date, guest numbers and the moments you'd like flowers for, and we'll send a tailored range estimate. See our wedding work or start your enquiry.