We must admit that we’re beach bums here at Hello May HQ so we may be a little (a lot) bias, but not many things in life chill us out like the feeling of a salty seaside breeze. So, what better way to get your guests in the mood for your nuptials? We’re blessed with many stunning beaches in Australia and NZ, and luckily for us, plenty of incredible coastal venues are dotted along them. Today, we’ve rounded up our faves for you couples who love the ocean as much as we do.
Want a waterside wedding but not into the nautical aesthetic? Fear not, friends. We’ve picked something for every reader’s taste, from Bawley Vale Estate‘s contemporary barn on the NSW South Coast, right across to the stylish brewery that is Black Brewing Co. in the WA Margaret River Region. No matter your vibe, we’ve got you covered!
If you want to travel a little further for that tropical feeling, we also happen to have included some of our international top picks in our Destination Wedding Hot Spots. Once you get the wedding planning ball rolling, take a peek at our Best of 2022: Real Weddings to get a few ideas from last year’s most popular posts, then head to our Best of 2022: Bridal Style and Best of 2022: Groom Style for your dose of fashion inspo!
BAWLEY VALE ESTATE
If you can’t decide between coastal and country, then this is the one, people. Nestled within the seaside village of Bawley Point sits Bawley Vale Estate, a newly-built industrial barn on 100 acres of divine bushland. There is quite literally nothing that owners Marg and Chris haven’t thought of: Vineyards? Check. Onsite accommodation for the loved up couple? Check. Super cute and friendly farm animals ? Triple check! If you’re keen to check it out for yourself, then head here to get in touch. Be sure to make a weekend of it so you can laze about on Bawley Point’s picturesque beaches, and enjoy some delicious wine at Bawley Vale‘s own Cellar Door which is open for tastings every Sunday.
Location: Bawley Point, NSW
SPRING BAY MILL
Believe it or not, Spring Bay Mill was once home to the world’s largest wood chip mill. If that’s not a little conversation starter for guests then we don’t know what is! The 43 hectare parcel is now a state-of-the-art venue overlooking the Tasmanian coast line with four versatile spaces for either intimate nuptials on the Windlass Deck or a cocktail style love-fest in the amphitheatre with 400 of your closest mates. This was something Georga & Calen loved about Spring Bay Mill when planning their 120 person celebration overlooking the bay, complete with a party in the old Tin Shed and glamping tent on the lawn. Check out their big day here, and drop Spring Bay Mill a line here to start planning yours too.
Location: Triabunna, TAS
RICK SHORES
Now, if you live on the East Coast of Australia, there’s a good chance that you’ve already heard of Rick Shores for both it’s Instagrammable location and infamously scrummy Pan-Asian cuisine, but did you know that it is also a wedding venue? For Amy & Kat, the hatted restaurant was the only choice to host both their ceremony and reception. “Rick Shores is our favourite restaurant. Kat is a massive foodie, which is something that has definitely rubbed off on me,” Amy tells us. Another perk? “We quickly realised that the view of Burleigh Heads and polished concrete at Rick Shores meant we didn’t have to spend as much on styling.” A win-win, we say! Click here to see more pics of Amy & Kat’s epic day.
Location: Burleigh Heads, QLD
ELEVEN EIGHTY
Looking for a venue that’s truly out of the ordinary? Eleven Eighty is a 160-year-old treasure chest of artfully curated and lovingly restored spaces, including a courtyard perfect for marquee events, a barn with an inbuilt bar, the delish Argentine Grill & Brasero, the charming Old School Hall, and even a train carriage for wedding party preparations. The onsite accommodation sleeps up to 15 of your fave people, and the beachside town of Shoalhaven Heads is brimming with places to stay just 10 minutes down the road. It’s also pet friendly, so your doggo can be there to celebrate as well! Pop over here to ask owners Clare and Richard more.
Location: Coolangatta, NSW
BLACK BREWING CO
Ooft, the only thing we love more than having a beer at the brewery is weddings, and Black Brewing Co does both in the one super stylish spot. Their open plan restaurant seats up to 250 guests and boasts high ceilings and ambient fireplaces. Outdoor wedding more your thing? Their lakeside deck is the perfect ceremony backdrop. All of this lies only a 5 minute drive from the beach in WA’s infamous Margaret River region, making it a perfect holiday destination as well, so pack your suitcase and book a table at their restaurant to see for yourself. Get more info here.
Location: Wilyabrup, WA
WORROWING
Worrowing is a fave of HM couples, and it’s not hard to see why. Just minutes away from the pristine beaches of Jervis Bay lies their landmark Georgian-style Homestead nestled amongst 250 acres of magnificent gardens. For Caroline & Jared, they immediately knew they had found their special place to get hitched. “We really wanted to choose a venue where we could have the ceremony and reception all in one place and the gorgeous bush setting, the reception area, the beautiful on-site accommodation and the amazing staff just blew us away!” Who could blame them? Read more about their love-fest here then head here to get in touch with the wonderful Worrowing team.
Location: Jervis Bay, NSW
M.V. CATALINA
How much more coastal can you get than literally floating on the water? M.V. Catalina is the largest fully licensed vessel on the Noosa River, boasting a stunningly refurbished two-storey space that comfortably fits up to 160 of your nearest and dearest. The upper deck features retractable awnings for peace of mind should there be subtropical weather conditions, which also means that you can open the roof after dark to dance under the stars with your crew. When Catalina isn’t hosting exquisite weddings, it’s hosting epic ticketed events all Summer long, giving you the chance to suss out the digs first!
Location: Noosa, QLD
MOBY DICKS
When you think of a quintessential coastal venue, you’re probably thinking of something that looks like Northern Beaches icon Moby Dicks. The nautical modern vibes combined with the panoramic views of Whale Beach aren’t just what makes it a hit with couples, but the hands-on events team and delish food as well. This beachside space sits up to 150 of your pals for a sit down dinner with room for an all-important d-floor. The location also happens to be pretty darn incredible for a weekend away, with endless surrounding accommodation and foodie options available!
Location: Whale Beach, NSW
KAURI BAY BOOMROCK
You Kiwi’s are extremely lucky ducks to be able to call this one your own! Located under an hour out of the hustle and bustle of Auckland’s CBD is this 500-acre private parcel of paradise on the hills overlooking the Hauraki Gulf. HM couple Karyn & Simon knew that they wanted to get married by the sea, and Boomrock instantly won them over. “Every time we went out there we were blown away as we walked down the platform looking out at the bay below,” they tell us. “What also convinced us to go with KBB was the level of service we got from the staff. They are absolute pros and took so much of the stress out of the day.” Well, that’s us sold, too! See more of Karyn & Simon’s idyllic nuptials here.
Location: Clevedon, NZ
LA COSTA CANTINA
If the Palm Springs aesthetic is your vibe, then boy, do we have the place for you! Located in the luxe arched architecture and manicured gardens of The Med, La Costa Cantina is a chic Mexican restaurant and wedding venue for couples who love a fiesta. The onsite accommodation provides your fam and friends a modern place to rest after a night of tequila and tacos, with amenities such as a swimming pool and gym, and is walking distance from the beach for a dip in the morning. We’ve got more deets here – you’ve gotta see the stunning grounds for yourself!
Location: Crescent Head, NSW
CREDITS Photos (from top) Supplied, KLD Photography, Sophie Sullivan Photography, Tropical Romance & Co., Lea & Lens Photography, Flossy Photo, Blaise Bell, Janneke Storm, Supplied, Ana Galloway, Seed + Salt.