Why Rainbow Beach and the Cooloola Coast are perfect for Valentine’s Day and weddings…

Barb Rees

Valentine’s Day is a very special time of the year for the young and not-so-young romantics out there, and what better place to celebrate than here, at beautiful Rainbow Beach.

From a romantic stroll down the beach at sunrise or a bottle of bubbles and a picnic at Carlo Point, to a five-star stay with all the bells and whistles, Rainbow Beach has plenty to offer everyone.

“Valentines Day has always been a really busy time for us.’ Explains Tessia Fitzgerald from Rainbow Hair and Beauty Studio, ‘It’s a great time to give a gift voucher for a bit of pampering. It is always nice to receive something lovely and special.

“We also have Valentines packages which can include couples massage, facials, pedicures and manicures, everything to spoil yourself and your Valentine.”

A surf lesson, canoe with the dolphins, a visit to the lighthouse, a helicopter flight or a horse ride on the beach are always memorable gifts and what better places to pop the question!

Did you know that there are over 220,000 marriage proposals on Valentine’s Day every year!

Our gorgeous town has always had a lot to offer those wanting to tie the knot –  we have the best and most diverse places to hold the ceremony…think Carlo Sand Blow, the Coloured Sands, some amazing rainforest areas, Mudlo Rocks, Double Island and the Lighthouse to name a few.

Add in some fantastic reception options like the Surf Club, Sports Club and The Community Centre and we really are up with the best.

We also have a few hidden gems such as Rainbow Hair and Beauty Studio, as well as Registered Marriage Celebrant, Zaneta Fitzgerald.

With the legalisation of same-sex marriage on December 9, the wedding business in Rainbow can only become bigger and better.

“If you are happy to conduct same-sex marriages you are classed as a Registered Marriage Celebrant, if you don’t wish to, you can register as a Religious Marriage Celebrant. It gives both celebrants and couples an idea of who is doing what.

“It’s just a bit of a safeguard for both parties to save any conflict,” explains Zaneta.  “I am more than happy to fly the rainbow flag.”

Zaneta has two same-sex marriages booked in already this year and has had several enquiries for next year. “I think Rainbow Beach will become a more and more popular destination for gay marriages, not the least because the name Rainbow is close to their hearts.”

Tessia agrees, “‘Rainbow’ is very symbolic for the gay community, and Rainbow Beach is a wonderful, relaxed place for them to come to.

“We have a lot of pampering packs for couples and brides and grooms, for both before and after the ceremony. Most couples don’t want to get ready together, they want that special moment of seeing each other at the ceremony.

“We have a mobile team that can go to their accommodation and get one partner ready while the other can come and let us work our magic in the studio.

“We want all of our clients to relax and feel at ease and be comfortable, we don’t judge anyone, love is love!” adds Tessia.

Rainbow Beach truly is one of the most amazing, naturally beautiful places on earth. And nearly every business in town can embrace, enjoy and benefit from the increase in couples coming here to say ‘I do’.

As Tessia puts it, “Rainbow Beach is a small, intimate setting, and most weddings are not just one day, everyone usually stays for a few days to enjoy our town and spend quality time with family and friends. We are blessed to live in such a place.”

You don’t need to be getting married to make the most of Valentine’s in Rainbow Beach – Zaneta also runs a home-based beauty business ‘Serenity Beauty’, and will pamper and spoil your loved one for you.

Happy Valentines Day everyone, and take a minute to remember poor Bishop Valentine who was executed on February 14 for secretly marrying young couples after marriage was prohibited by Claudius II, because single men made better soldiers!

To treat your special Valentine contact Zanetta on 0438868116 or via her website zanetafitzgerald.wixsite.com/serenitybeauty and Tessia on 0754863533 or www.facebook.com/rainbowhairandbeautystudio