Wonderful South Coast Wedding Venues
[Updated 2023]
Wonderful South Coast Wedding Venues
Are you looking for a South Coast wedding venue? Hey, I’m Adam, an Australian wedding photographer who loves to shoot weddings all over the South Coast of NSW. I have been shooting wedding around the South Coast for over twelve years so I have seen my fair share of wedding venues. And there are some amazing wedding venues on the South Coast. So on this page, I’d love to share with you some of my all-time favourite wedding venues with you. And I’d also love to share some venues that I haven’t photographed, but think they would make an awesome wedding venue
The South Coast of New South Wales is basically the coastal strip of area, starting south of Sydney down to the Victorian border. So it is a huge, huge area to cover. It is broken up into four main regions. The Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Sapphire areas. I’ve listed it all together but tried to keeps towns together.
It is really easy to see why the South Coast is such a popular wedding destination for couples. It is only a few hours from Sydney, so it is a great location for family and friends to get together. Most wedding venues can do all or the majority of the day on the one property. So there is no need to travel to different locations for different parts of the wedding. And most venues allow you to make a weekend of it. Often two to three days.
For lovers of the beach, the South Coast has 109 beaches with the whitest sand and the clearest waters. These are definitely some of the best beaches in the world. The South Coast also has some of the greenest hills and farmlands and Australian bush. And from a wedding photographers point of view, the South Coast really has everything you need to capture beautiful photos.
So, in no particular order, here are my favourite South Coast wedding venues. Some of them I have photographed many times, And others I would absolutely love to shoot. But all of them would be great for a wedding and I can happily recommend them.
1. Merribee
Merribee is a seven-acre garden property located on the South Coast of NSW and it is one of the most beautiful wedding venues around. And the owners really look after and care for this property. Every year they are adding new things and improving facilities.
There are over 2kms of garden paths and over 20 different outdoor garden rooms and entertainment areas.
There is on-site accommodation available with The Main Historic House (8 guests) and the Grain Silo. The Grain Silo is a four-storey beautifully converted grain silo and perfect for couple accommodation.
Wedding ceremonies can be held at various locations around the property and there are plenty of places for photos at Merribee.
The Barn at Merribee is a timber and corrugated iron barn that can cater to 140 guests seated in the room and another 40 guests on the verandah. Merribee has pretty much everything you need for an awesome, beautiful and stress-free wedding.
Address: 660 Comerong Island Rd, Numbaa
2. Seacliff House Gerringong
Seacliff House is a beautiful house and wedding venue in Gerringong, set on 5-acres of green pasture land. It has beautiful sweeping views of rolling green dairy country hills and views of the ocean.
The main house is modern and luxurious and has five bedrooms. The wedding ceremony happens outdoors overlooking the amazing green hills and ocean views.
The Barn at Seacliff is a converted working farm equipment shed and can accommodate up to 132 guests. They make it really easy for you to have a beautiful wedding here and it is easy to see why they are so busy and why I love shooting here.
Address: 139 Princes Hwy, Gerringong
3. Crooked River Wines Gerringong
Crooked River Wines is a family-run, working winery, situated on the beautiful South Coast at Gerringong and is an amazing South Coast wedding venue.
There is accommodation available with Willowvale Estate House located within the grounds of Crooked River Wines.
The wedding ceremony takes full advantage of the stunning panoramic views over the green rolling hills of Gerringong.
Address:
4. Jaspers Berry
Jaspers Berry is a beautiful garden wedding venue, located just 90 minutes from Sydney on the beautiful South Coast. And it would have to be one of the classiest and most elegant South Coast wedding venues around.
Jaspers has everything you need for the whole wedding day from start to finish. There are eleven accommodation rooms on-site, all surrounding a beautiful courtyard and pool area.
There is also a large and glamourous Bridal Salon which is perfect for getting ready for Bridal parties of any size. It has Showers, baths, “Boudoir” Dressing Room and your own steward service.
The wedding ceremony takes place is a beautiful courtyard garden area and there are lots of stunning areas around the property for wedding photos.
‘The Orangery” is where the wedding reception takes place. It is a large, high ceiling room that can be easily styled to match your needs.
Address: 4 O’Keeffes Ln, Jaspers Brush
5. Silos Estate Berry
Silos Estate is another stunning South Coast wedding venue, where you can do absolutely everything on-site. It is located just on the outskirts of the little town of Berry and it has some of the best countryside views around.
Silos Estate offers accommodation on the property and every room has views of rolling green hills. The ceremony takes place with the countryside in the background and the reception takes place in the rustic restaurant.
Address: B640 Princes Hwy, Berry
6. Willow Farm Berry
Willow Farm Berry is one of the most stunning South Coast wedding venues around. Located on 160 acres of green, beautiful farmland and it’s only a few minutes out of Berry.
You can have the whole venue for the weekend. On the property, there is a large farmhouse with accommodation to sleep up to ten people. It includes a luxurious master bedroom with an ensuite and a bridal salon.
There are lots of locations onsite for your ceremony and photos. The gardens, jetty with a dam, the amazing old fig tree with no leaves. There are swings, a rowboat, barn doors with ivy, cows, geese and other animals
Willow Farm Berry can accommodate up to 135 guests and is an awesome option if you are looking for a country wedding.
Address: 123A Beach Road (via Galls Lane), Berry
7. Bundara Farm Berry
Bundara Farm Berry is a really beautiful little South Coast wedding venue that can accommodate up to 30 people and you get the whole property for three days!!
If you are eloping or having a small intimate wedding, then this venue just might be for you. You get three-nights accommodation for you and your wedding guests in the Bundara Homestead, Waverley Cottage and the Bellevue Cottage.
You can have your wedding ceremony at any number of locations around the property. Bundara Farm looks beautiful for wedding photos and there are 14 acres of land to explore.
And there are a few places where you could have your reception dinner, including “The Stables”, which is a rustic undercover dining area. This place has everything you need to a relaxed and intimate weekend wedding!
Address: 18 Wire Lane, Berry
8. Driftwood Shed
The Driftwood Shed is located on five acres of beautiful countryside on the shores of the stunning Shoalhaven River and it is one of the most popular South Coast wedding venues.
It has mountain views, charming gardens and is a super relaxed and rustic wedding venue. Driftwood Shed also has an awesome eighty-year-old rustic shed and also a self-contained cabin that can accommodate up to 6 guests. It is the perfect venue if you are looking to do a lot of DIY.
You get the venue for the entire weekend, starting from Friday, finishing on Sunday afternoon. You have your choice of ceremony locations and the property is just beautiful for photos.
The maximum number of people at Driftwood Shed wedding is up to 100 guests.
Address: 111 Terara Rd, Terara
9. Melross and Willow Estate
Wedding venues don’t get much better than Melross and Willow Estate. Located in Kangaroo Valley, Melross is a 270-acre working horse and cattle farm. And it is all 5-star country luxury at its best at this amazing wedding venue.
There is onsite accommodation available with three country homes, The Rye House (sleeps 10 people) and The Millet House (sleeps 10 people) and Willows Cottage (sleeps 2 people). So you and your family can all stay on property the whole weekend.
For the wedding ceremony, you have your choice of four areas within the property and there is even a wet weather backup if it rains on the day.
The Barn at Melross is the location for the wedding reception. A beautiful country venue that can accommodate up to 170 guests seated. If you are interested in this venue, get in quick because they book out a long way in advance.
Address: 2286 Moss Vale Rd, Kangaroo Valley
10. Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat
Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat is one of my favourite wedding venues on the South Coast of NSW.
There are two main drawcards for me at this venue that sets it apart from other wedding venues. The Rock Cathedral is one of the nicest locations for a wedding ceremony. A natural bush cathedral for your wedding! And the views at sunset over the escarpment is nothing short of breathtaking.
There is plenty of onsite accommodation available and so you can spend the entire weekend on property.
Address: 55 Radiata Rd, Kangaroo Valley
11. Ooralba Estate
Ooralba Estate is an exclusive 200-acre property, with rolling green hills, located in the Kangaroo Valley. It has stunning panoramic views of Morton National Park and has award-winning gardens and landscaping.
This is an elegant and contemporary wedding venue in a country setting that offers all-inclusive marquee weddings.
Ooralba Estate can accommodate up to 150 wedding guests. This is a pretty awesome South Coast wedding venue if you are looking for a place in a great location, that is elegant and sophisticated but still has that country feel to it.
Address: 47 Cavan Rd, Barrengarry
12. Terrara House
Terrara House is a beautiful historic, two-storey Edwardian mansion, located down a kilometre-long driveway, lined with trees. And next to a 150-year-old pine tree. It is set on 16.5 acres of private land.
It is an elegant garden wedding venue with a country feel to it. The gardens are expansive and immaculately maintained.
This is a marquee wedding venue and has a Bridal salon on site where you can do your wedding preparations.
Address: 77 Millbank Rd, Terara
13. Terara Riverside Gardens
Terara Riverside Gardens is situated on the beautiful banks of the Shoalhaven River, Terara. Only two hours south of Sydney and 15 minutes from Berry, this unique location is the ideal private venue for your special occasion.
The wedding ceremony will take place on the spectacular riverbank with extensive views of the green lush meadows and the blue-grey Cambewarra Mountain Range, or on the 5-acre property in one of the many beautiful garden areas. We have a sea of purple jacarandas, or a pink festival of crape myrtles, let alone our magnificent willow tree!
The wedding reception is in a large white marquee that comes with the venue, set on a lush green paddock with views of the entire property. It seats 120 people, which sits next to an awesome rustic barn for the party and dancing, making Terara Riverside Gardens one of the most beautiful wedding venues on the south coast.
Address: 135 Terara Rd, Terara NSW 2540
14. Bush Bank Kiama
Bush Bank Kiama is situated on the South Coast, an hour and a half south of Sydney. The home, nestled between the mountains and the sea overlooking the picturesque Loves Bay, is built on 61 acres of lush green farmland.
The federation farmhouse, which is perfect for wedding preparations, was built in 1918 and has three bedrooms with ensuites.
The ceremony takes place among 300-year-old Morton Bay Fig Trees, with rolling green hills and the ocean in the background.
There is a permanent marquee onsite that can seat up to 140 guests.
Address: 59 Princes Hwy, Kiama Heights
15. Cupitts Winery, Milton
Cupitts Estate is located amongst the hills of Milton on the NSW South Coast. It is five minutes from Ulladulla, Milton and Mollymook. It is a working winery, a brewery, fromagerie, restaurant and of course, one of the best South Coast wedding venues.
It has stunning views around the vineyard of rows and rows of vines, as well as beautiful views of the Budawang Ranges and Burrill Lake.
There is accommodation available with a cute little cottage on the property called Cupittl’s Cottage. Which is perfect for getting ready.
Ceremonies are held outside the historic Creamery building and there are some lovely locations on the property for photos.
They have a large, high ceiling reception room that can accommodate up to 180 guests.
Address: 58 Washburton Rd, Ulladulla
16. Worrowing Jervis Bay
Worrowing Estate is a historic coastal farm property of 250 acres that provides on-site accommodation and an amazing wedding venue that is only minutes away from pristine white sandy beaches, Aussie bushlands and the charming seaside village of Jervis Bay.
Worrowing Estate features a Georgian style country homestead surrounded by 5-acres of beautifully manicured gardens, rolling green hills, paddocks and views of the Budawang mountains.
There is on-site accommodation that can accommodate up to 53 people among 12 houses around the property.
The ceremony can take place at over twelve different locations around the property. So you are not spoilt for choice.
The Hereford Shed is a high roofed timber and corrugated iron converted shed which is the reception venue. You also get the shed for three days, so you have time to set up and pack down. Worrowing Jervis Bay really has it all as far as South Coast wedding venues go. It has everything you need for an awesome wedding.
Address: 81 The Wool Rd, Worrowing Heights NSW 2540
17. Bewong River Retreat
Bewong River Retreat is a beautiful private property located on 160-acres within a temperate forest of the Australian bush, right on the Bewong River. It is about ten minutes from Jervis Bay and it is a pretty awesome wedding venue on the South Coast, because the whole day from start to finish can happen here.
There is accommodation available with nine fully contained Bungalows and there is also the option for Glamping as well.
The wedding ceremony can take place on the Bewong River or anywhere else on the property that you like. It is a huge property so there are plenty of locations for beautiful photos.
There is a large function room with a permanent marquee attached that is the reception room
Address: 2395 Princes Hwy, Bewong
18. The Woods Farm Jervis Bay
The Woods Farm is a luxury country farm property located on 40-acres of land on the South Coast of NSW in the Jervis Bay area. It is a mixture of a garden, rustic, and country wedding. It can be as elegant as you want to make it and as boho, as you want to make it.
There are eight cottages on site that can sleep a total of 80 people. Or you can accommodate up to 130 people if you add on some Glamping.
There is an amazing Bush Chapel, which gives you the best of both worlds. The beauty of an outdoor ceremony, but with the protection from the sun and the rain because it has a roof.
A converted shed is the luxurious wedding reception venue. It is one of the most glamorous sheds I have ever seen. It is a massive 200 square meter building with glass sliding doors and all the amenities you would expect.
Address: Lot 3 Bayly Rd, Tomerong
19. The Cove Jervis Bay
The Cove Jervis Bay is a beachside paradise located inside the Booderee National Park Jervis Bay. They are located right on the beachfront and are surrounded by the beaches and waters of Jervis Bay.
When you book The Cove, you get the whole place to yourselves and your wedding guests. Including your own private beach access.
There is a variety of accommodation on-site, so you and your guests don’t need to travel anywhere. From three-bedroom cottages to glamping. Their reception room can accommodate up to 150 guests.
I think one of the best things about The Cove Jervis Bay is its location right on the beach. If you love the beach and you want to make a weekend out of your wedding. Not just getting married, but enjoying the crystal clear beaches, white sands and the national park, then this venue might be perfect for you.
Address: Ellmoos Road via Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay
Tips for choosing your South Coast wedding venue
The South Coast is famous for its beaches, rolling green hills, farmlands, the Australian bush and its amazing wedding venues. The South Coast is an extremely popular wedding destination. Not only for locals but Sydneysiders just love it down there.
People often ask me what my favourite wedding venue is, and I really can’t answer that question. My favourite wedding property is really any place I have never photographed before. I love variety and shooting in different locations and sceneries. It really gets the creative juices flowing. But having said that, there are some things that make some wedding venues slightly superior to others. So where is what I look for…
Accommodation at the wedding venue
It is always a plus if there is accommodation available at your actual wedding venue. And I definitely prefer venues that offer onsite accommodation. And I prefer venues where you can do absolutely everything onsite. From preparation, ceremony, photos and the reception.
Onsite accommodation means that you won’t spend your wedding day travelling from one place to another. By staying and getting ready on property you also greatly reduce the stress of the day. Trust me. Most of the wedding day stress happens in the morning because you are running late. But getting ready on site and knowing that you don’t need to travel in a car to your ceremony and you just have to walk to it, you will feel so much calmer.
Venues with good ceremony locations
Most, if not all South Coast wedding venues can also do the ceremony as well as the reception. So choose a wedding venue that can do both. You don’t need to have a venue for your ceremony and a different venue for your reception. Particularly not on the South Coast.
There should also be a good or great option for the ceremony location. A couple of options is even better. For outdoor ceremonies, I like locations that offer some good shade and that also have a nice background. If you are planning an outdoor ceremony, check out my outdoor wedding ceremony tips to help get you started.
Always ask what the wet weather option is for your venue. The South Coast gets a good amount of rain… that is why there are green rolling hills. So ask about the wet weather back up option and plan your wedding as if it will probably rain. That way if it does rain, you are totally prepared. Rain is not such a bad thing on a wedding day either. Some of the best weddings I have photographed have been rainy day weddings.
South Coast photo locations
An awesome wedding venue also has some nice photo locations on the property. I personally like properties with a bit of land, where you can wander off and explore the place a bit. Trees, hills, long grass, old sheds, vineyards, lakes, jetties, animals. They are all good.
The Reception
My main tip for the reception is to choose a venue and a reception room that is a bit unique. Something that has character, charm or a venue that just has something about it that is really cool. What I really dislike, are reception rooms that look plain and generic that it could be any venue from any function centre or hotel anywhere in the world. ‘Wedding factory venues’ often look like this. Venues that pump out hundreds of weddings a year from various properties that all look the same. Choose somewhere unique.
Choose a venue that suits the location and the beautiful South Coast. It can be beachy, totally elegant, historic, a blank canvas venue that you DIY. Rustic, vintage or just whatever your tastes are.
Venue Owners and Salespeople
Venues are only as good as the people that work there. And good service is really important. So go with your instincts here. If staff and salespeople are not friendly and helpful when enquiring and viewing the property… chances are they will be equally unhelpful and friendly on your wedding day.
This advice really goes for all wedding vendors. Only choose positive, friendly and helpful vendors for your wedding
South Coast Average Temperatures
The South Coast is a huge area to cover and the temperatures and climate does change slightly from region to region. Talking generally about the South Coast climate, it would be labelled as warm, mild and temperate. So being a mild climate, it is unlikely to get too hot or too cold.
Summer – The average temperature is 16°C to 27°C
Autumn – The average temperature is 12°C to 22°C
Winter – The average temperature is 7°C to 17°C
Spring – The average temperature is 11°C to 23°C
South Coast Average Rainfall
The South Coast is known for it’s rolling green hills and farmlands. And green grass only happens with rain. So if you are planning a South Coast wedding, it might be worthwhile seeing average rainfalls per month.
Looking at the average rainfall in the South Coast according to the Bureau of Meteorology, you can see that the highest and the lowest amount of rain happens in Winter. Summer and Autumn are also very wet seasons.
Summer – December 77mm, January 103.7mm, February 82.3mm
Autumn – March 99mm, April 89.2mm, May 85.3mm
Winter – June 104.1mm (Highest rainfall), July 98.4mm, August 54.9mm (lowest rainfall)
Spring – September 59.7mm, October 60.6mm, November 59.3
In regards to rainfall on your wedding day, my advice would be to plan for it. Have a plan B up your sleeve, especially for the ceremony and don’t just pray that it won’t rain. Because it definitely might. I actually don’t mind rainy-day weddings. Some of my favourite weddings have had rain. Rain means clouds, which immediately means soft light. Which means beautiful photos.
Best time to have a wedding on the South Coast
Spring Weddings – Spring is a clear win for the title of the ‘best time to get married on the South Coast.’ Temperatures are perfect and there is the least amount of rainfall.
BUT it is also the peak season for weddings so you will find that awesome wedding venues book out a long way in advance. Especially weekends and especially any time near holidays or long weekends. Don’t be surprised if your dream wedding venue is booked out up to 2 years in advance.
Autumn weddings – Autumn is a close second place to Spring. And everything I said about Spring, applies also to Autumn weddings.
Summer weddings – The beauty of the South Coast is that it doesn’t get too hot. So unlike many other places in NSW, Summer is still a good time to get married. With an average high of 27°C it’s not too hot. If you are having a Summer wedding, you should definitely have a wet-weather backup.
Winter weddings – Winter is the least popular month to get married on the South Coast and it is a clear loser. It is colder and wetter than other seasons. But because it is considered an off-peak time for weddings, you may get venues offering a ‘Winter Special’. So you may be able to get your ideal wedding venue, sooner than you thought, and cheaper. FYI wedding photographers also love Winter weddings because the light is softer and lower in the sky.
ALSO the second half of Winter should be a real option for you. August is arguably the best month to get married on the South Coast all year. It has mild temperatures and the least amount of rainfall.
Estimated travel times to the South Coast
These are estimated travel times by car from Sydney. Leaving at 9 am on a Saturday. According to Google Maps.
- Sydney to Wollongong: 1hr 15mins
- Sydney to Berry: 1hr 50mins
- Sydney to Kangaroo Valley: 1hr 50mins
- Sydney to Ulladulla: 2hrs 50mins
- Sydney to Batemans Bay: 3hrs 30mins
- Sydney to Bega: 5hrs 20mins
If you are still looking for your perfect wedding venue, then check out some of our favourites from some other regions:
Hunter Valley Wedding Venues | Newcastle Wedding Venues | Central Coast Wedding Venues | Southern Highlands Wedding Venues | Blue Mountains Wedding Venues | South Coast Wedding Venues |
Hey, I’m Adam. A South Coast wedding photographer who loves to shoot fun, relaxed couples in a natural and candid way.
I shoot weddings all over Australia, so if you are engaged and looking for a photographer, please check out my work. If you can see yourself in these photos, feel free to get in contact to check my availability. Thanks :)
