If you’re a water babe who feels most comfortable in places where a sea breeze is blowing, then take note, friends, cos today is all about the best-of-the-best coastal venues. It’s no secret we’re blessed with many stunning beaches and waterways in Australia, and luckily for us, plenty of incredible wedding venues are dotted along them. Today, we’ve rounded up our faves for you couples who love the seaside as much as we do in the hope you’ll find your dream space in this little ol’ list.
We’ve tried hard to pick something for every reader’s taste, from Spring Bay Mill’s contemporary, sustainable and versatile space on the Tassie coast, to the stylish brewery that is Black Brewing Co. in the WA Margaret River Region as well as a quintessential Sydney seaside space in The Boathouse Rose Bay. We’ve taken a few liberties here too, as some of the venues listed are not technically on the water, but rather a short drive away… as far as we’re concerned this still totally counts. 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. And once you lock in your dream venue, be sure to check out our Top 20 Florists, Top 20 Stylists and Top 18 Caterers posts. While you’re at it, why not grab a copy of our Wedding Planner & Notebook to keep all your notes/thoughts/ideas in one tidy and cute spot. Happy scrolling and planning.
THE ANCHORAGE HOTEL
Tucked away on the secluded shores of Port Stephens and nestled on the tip of Corlette Point with 180-degree waterfront views, you’ll find The Anchorage Hotel & Spa. The versatile venue offers up two picturesque backdrops to say your ‘I dos’, a reception area named The Pier, which has an undercover alfresco terrace, as well as several more intimate options for your big-day bash. They can host between 60 to 110 seated guests, or up to 160 guests cocktail-style, and also have a bar, spa and accomodation on-site so you and your fave people can make it a weekender, or week-long affair if that’s more your style. Drop The Anchorage a line here to start planning your waterside nups.
Location: Port Stephens, NSW
SPRING BAY MILL
Once home to the world’s largest wood chip mill, Spring Bay Mill is a 43-hectare parcel, which now houses a state-of-the-art venue overlooking the Tasmanian coastline with a focus on sustainability. 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 seriously gorgeous venue also offers off-grid accommodation options with outdoor hot tubs and sea views that stretch from Windglass Bay to Maria Island National Park, which accommodate up to 118 people. 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
THE BOATHOUSE ROSE BAY
When you think of a quintessential coastal venue, you’re probably thinking of something that looks like the seaside Sydney restaurant The Boathouse. The modern vibes combined with the panoramic views of the harbour at Rose Bay aren’t just what makes it a hit with couples, but the hands-on events team and delish food as well. You can host a cocktail or sit-down soiree in this sleek waterside space, and the location also happens to be pretty darn incredible for a weekend away, with endless surrounding accommodation and foodie options available! You can learn more here.
Location: Rose Bay, NSW
STAR OF GREECE
There’s a lot to love in this simple but stunning space overlooking the Port Willunga clifftops in South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. Good food, good wine, and GREAT views is what this ocean-front restaurant venue, which hosts weddings of up to 100, is all about. If you need a hand locking in your dream team of vendors, Star of Greece can also help with recommending local suppliers they love from the McClaren Vale wine region where they call home. Foodies would do well to check this one out as the Mediterranean-inspired menu with a focus on fresh and local produce is as delish and impressive as the spectacular seaside location.
Location: Port Willunga, SA
THE JACKSON RANCH
Okay guys, this venue is something spesh. Just ask Hannah & Hayden who hosted their epic lovefest here and are currently gracing the pages of our 2024 Real Wedding Special. “We will never forget their hospitality and how beautifully they showcase that part of the world,” the newylweds share. “The landscape and warmth of the venue really made the whole day perfect.” Exclusively yours for the duration of your booking, the venue located on the beautiful NSW south coast offers blue water glimpses of Lake Willinga, and can host up to 200 of your nearest and dearest at your reception, with five recently renovated cabins able to sleep up to 40 guests for those staying on. There’s also two bars on-site perfect for cocktail hour or a night-cap and a team of rockstars at the ready willing to help make planning a breeze. Sound like a dream? Get in touch here.
Location: Bawley Point, NSW
DAYDREAM ISLAND RESORT
If tropical island vibes is what you’re into (who isn’t?) and a destination wedding is on the cards, then Daydream Island Resort in the magical Whitsundays should be added to your hitlist. Stat. Surrounded by the world-heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, this piece of paradise in our own backyard is as dreamy as it comes, and just as ideal for a small elopement as it is for a large wedding with 250 guests. Boasting several indoor and outdoor ceremony locations, including The Chapel (with panoramic views over the Whitsunday Pass), the idyllic beachside setting of Lovers Cove or Mermaids Beach Lawn, the venue is not only postcard-perfect, but there’s also gorg accomodation and loads for guests to do and see on the island once the festivities are done. A wedding here also equals an epic holiday. And there’s nothing not to love about that!
Location: Daydream Island, QLD
HEADLANDS AUSTINMER BEACH
Just a cruisy hour’s drive south of Sydney, Headlands (as the name suggests) sits atop the headland in the northern Illawarra and has sweeping 180-views of the Pacific Ocean. Bliss. The venue offers multiple spaces to cater for intimate gatherings, large soirées and everything in between, with a capacity of up to 300, as well as onsite and nearby ceremony locations, a reception space, dedicated wedding coordination and 50-plus serviced apartments for you, your wedding party and guests to stay if they wish. Head here to get in touch with the team.
Location: Austinmer, NSW
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
SUGAR WHARF
You’ll find this absolute gem in tropical Far North Queensland. A heritage-listed building, which was once used for the mooring of ships and loading of sugar (hence the name), sits smack-bang on Dickson Inlet overlooking the Coral Sea and Daintree Rainforest. It can accomodate 150 guests seated or 200 standing and is a blank-space venue just waiting for couples to inject their personality and style, while maximising that can’t-be-beat view. With its incredible locale, there’s also a plethora of ceremony spots and phenomonal photo ops nearby, so the whole shebang can be held in the one spot.
Location: Port Douglas, QLD
THREE BLUE DUCKS AT THE FARM
Although this one is not technically on the water’s edge, given it’s a seven-minute drive to the sea, and the fact it’s a bloody awesome space in such an iconic location, means it definitely deserves its place in this list. Jenna &Chris had nothing but rave reviews when they became Mr and Mrs on the 80-acre working farm with views of Cape Byron, “We had always loved The Farm– relaxed, beautiful, lots of nature and absolutely delicious food,” they share. With the Three Blue Ducks at the helm and in charge of the food offering, you know you’re in for a good time – ethical, locally-sourced dishes with bangin flavour and created with heart. Sign us up! There’s also a choice of rustic farm-style locations, both indoor and outdoor, with garden planters and festoon lighting, a shaded terrace, a cosy produce store and a magical macadamia orchard a short stroll away (perfect for photos). If you’re digging this vibe, reach out to the Ducks team here.
Location: Byron Bay, NSW
FREYCINET LODGE
Imagine exchanging vows at the turquoise Honeymoon Bay with views of Great Oyster Bay and The Hazards mountain range as your backdrop? This is the reality of making it official at this unique Tassie venue, Freycinet Lodge. Surrounded by the most beautiful scenery in Freycinet National Park, this seaside eco-lodge specialises in small to mid-size weddings (up to 60 peeps), and offers up romantic-AF elopement packages tailored towards couples who are after that simple yet chic ‘I do’ moment.
Location: Coles Bay, TAS
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
CREDITS Photos Katie Purling Photography, Muse Photography, The Anchorage Hotel & Spa, Jon Gazzignato, Luminous Moments, Time With Alex, Mitch Pohl Photography, Supplied, James Simpson, Blaise Bell, Kate Purling Photography, Allume Weddings, Mia Forrest, Supplied, Flossy Photo.