20 Gorgeous Wollongong Wedding Venues (2023)
As Wollongong Wedding Videographers who know these venues pretty well, we have handpicked the very best Wollongong wedding venues to help make your wedding day spectacular.
If you’ve stumbled upon this article, it’s quite likely that you’ve recently taken a significant step forward – the engagement.
Congratulations are most certainly in order!
You’ve just embarked on one of life’s most wonderful chapters.
Should your heart be set on the idea of a rustic coastal wedding or elegant celebration with breathtaking views in the “the Gong”, then you’re in for a unique experience. We’ve thoughtfully compiled a damn good list of the best Wollongong wedding venues, tailored especially for you.
The task of selecting perfect Wollongong wedding venues can be super time consuming. You seek a place that not only caters to your every need and that of your guests but also matches your vision. It should be a place that offers all the amenities, gorgeous backdrops and of course the scenery the Wollongong area is know for.
And, naturally, it must work with your budget.
As you’ve likely gathered, finding perfect Wollongong wedding venues is no easy task.
But fear not! If your wedding is set to unfold in the Wollongong region, we have curated a selection of our top venue choices – venues that not only meet these must haves but do so with style.
So, look no further than our meticulously assembled list of the Top Wedding Venues in Wollongong! Your dream location awaits!
Best Wedding Venues In Wollongong
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Tumbling Waters
Tumbling Waters Retreat, located north of Wollongong, is a stunning wedding venue with private gardens, ocean views, and a sandstone reception centre. It offers a perfect backdrop for garden weddings and boasts breathtaking ocean and rainforest vistas. The venue provides elegant surroundings, delicious cuisine, friendly staff, and a dedicated wedding coordinator to meet all your needs. With superb accommodation and a team of wedding professionals, it’s the ideal one-stop destination wedding venue for a successful and memorable day. Our favourite, the infinity pool.
The Pavilion Kiama
The Pavilion in Kiama is a stunning wedding venue overlooking a beautiful surf beach. It offers various spaces for both your ceremony and reception The venue features a wrap-around balcony with waterfront views, providing a picturesque setting for your family and friends. Situated just meters from the ocean and framed by century-old Norfolk Pines, it offers a magical backdrop for your special day. As far wedding venues go, the Pavilion is on the larger side but whether you prefer a big or intimate celebration, The Pavilion is the perfect place to start your journey.
Bonus: We recommend the old Bombo quarry which is close by and perfect for photography and videography.
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
The Novotel Northbeach is an elegant wedding venue known for its stunning ocean views and exceptional service. It offers a unique combination of a worldwide hotel chain’s quality and excellence with an intimate, personalized touch. With various dining and beverage packages, this award-winning beachside venue caters to every couple’s needs. It features spacious indoor and outdoor event spaces, accommodating weddings ranging from intimate gatherings of 40 to grand receptions with up to 350 guests. The venue’s Deck provides a warm sun-soaked setting for wedding ceremonies. With on-site accommodation, restaurants, and bars, Novotel Wollongong Northbeach is the perfect destination for a memorable multiday celebration.
Bonus: Parking can be limited so be sure to reserve paid underground parking at the venue beforehand.
Address: 2-14 Cliff Rd, North Wollongong NSW 2520
Phone: 02 4224 3111
Social: Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach
Headlands Austinmer Beach is a stunning waterfront wedding venue an hour from Sydney, boasting chic decor, panoramic ocean views, and nearby ceremony options. Couples love its modern feel, luxurious accommodation, and five-star service. The venue offers sun-drenched balconies and sandy beaches, catering to both intimate and grand weddings. It’s the perfect place for a beachside ceremony and memorable celebrations along the beautiful Illawarra coastline. Absolutely one our top picks for Wollongong wedding venues.
Hot Tip: Both Glastonbury Gardens and Little Austinmer beach are very close by and can be used as wedding ceremony location with easy access. Either can also be used as gorgeous photo and video shot location.
Address: Cnr Headland Ave & Yuruga St, Austinmer NSW 2515
Phone: (02) 4200 1099
Social: Headlands Austinmer Beach
The Lodge Jamberoo
The Lodge Jamberoo is a picturesque hotel set on 9 acres of riverfront land, surrounded by pine and rainforests, and just 10 minutes from Kiama’s beaches. It accommodates up to 136 guests in 41 hotel rooms and offers a riverfront chapel, indoor ceremony space, a stunning wedding hall, outdoor pool, restaurant, bar with a fireplace, and more. This newly renovated venue specializes in 3-day destination weddings where guests stay onsite for two nights, with 43 fresh hotel rooms overlooking a central swimming pool.
There are also delightful spaces like a champagne garden and terraces for pre-wedding events and recovery. (Did somebody say recovery party?)
Address: 406 Jamberoo Mountain Road, Jamberoo NSW 2533
Phone: (02) 4236 0269
Social: The Lodge Jamberoo
Altitude 1148
Altitude 1148 promises an intimate, romantic, and uniquely sophisticated wedding experience with exclusive use of their venue for one wedding at a time. They provide professional service, delicious cuisine, a premium setting, and an experienced wedding coordinator to ensure your day is exceptional. The staff is dedicated to creating a magical atmosphere with chair covers tea lights and DIY options available. They offer flexible packages for varying guest counts, all just 45 minutes south of Sydney.
Address: Southern Gateway Centre, Princes Hwy, Bulli Tops NSW 2516
Phone: 02 4267 5443
Social: Altitude 1148
Kalinya Estate
Home to the hit reality show married at first site, Kalinya Estate is a luxurious 5-star wedding venue located approximately 45 minutes from Wollongong. Offering a harmonious blend of heritage charm and modern design for receptions, while enchanting garden settings are available for ceremonies. With a capacity of up to 200 guests and on-site lodging, it’s an ideal choice for couples seeking a dreamy multi day wedding experience. With a very private tranquil five-acres of space just outside Sydney, Kalinya Estate provides ticks all the boxes. The Carriage House, a reception space with high ceilings, outdoor terraces, and a dance floor, accommodates up to 150 seated guests or 200 for cocktails and opens onto the award-winning gardens, this venue is simply stunning and we absolutely suggest a meeting with the wonderful owner Mandy.
Pro Tip: Check out our Ultimate Kalinya Estate Wedding Gude for all the detailed info.
Ruby’s Mount Kembla
Ruby’s Mount Kembla, nestled in the historic village of Kembla Heights, has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s when it served as the village store and Post Office for coal miners and their families. Named after Ruby Moore, a renowned local resident and Post Mistress in the 1920s and 1930s, this meticulously restored establishment is now a beloved restaurant and wedding venue. Ruby’s is an ideal venue for couples who appreciate bold flavours, fun celebrations, and intimate gatherings.
City Beach Function Centre
Experience Wollongong’s exclusive beachfront wedding venue with stunning Ocean views, where the focus is not just on the backdrop but also on creating a personal and unforgettable celebration.. City Beach caters to weddings of various sizes offering hassle-free packages. With award-winning service, modern facilities, and that breathtaking ocean view of the Wollongong lighthouse and South beach, it’s among Australia’s most acclaimed reception venues. Their event spaces offer loads of natural light, elevated bridal tables, unobstructed ocean views, and private balconies. From ceremony packages to pre-reception drinks and a range of décor options, City Beach offers versatile customization to match your unique style. During the day, guests can enjoy ocean views and sea air, while evenings celebrated under the venues celling optical fiber twinkle lighting that help create a magical atmosphere.
Seacliff House
Seacliff House is an extraordinary entertainment venue making it an ideal choice for weddings accommodating up to 130 guests. This luxury property, set on 5 acres of pasture land, features a gorgeous split-level sandstone entertainment area. The manicured grass lawn surrounding the 15-meter saltwater pool offering insanely gorgeous views of Gerringong’s escarpment, and the beach. Seacliff House provides exclusive privacy, allowing you to book the entire property for your special day. With various locations for your ceremony, marquee setup, lawn games, and pre-dinner canapés, it offers a breathtaking backdrop and ample space for creating cherished memories with family and friends.
The Grange
The Grange offers a unique and charming vibe for your special day This timeless venue boasts a Hamptons-style clubhouse and a spacious terrace for pre-dinner gatherings. Inside, you’ll find elegant spaces for your reception, including a marble bar and fine a menu crafted by an experienced chef. With its picturesque setting, impeccable service, and exquisite details, The Grange is the ideal destination for those seeking quality packages.
Diamonds Reception Centre
This premier wedding reception venue offers breathtaking water views, exceptional catering, and a fun relaxed vibe. This award-winning contemporary venue, nestled by the picturesque Little Lake in Barrack Heights, provides a range of function rooms suitable for both intimate and larger weddings. With a gazebo for ceremonies, fairy lights adorning the function rooms, flexible catering choices, and a scenic backdrop of native gardens, it promises to be a hit on your wedding day. Their all-inclusive packages, innovative menus, and beautiful location make it an ideal choice for couples seeking a beachside wedding experience.
Bonus: The popular Killalea Beach known as ‘The Farm’ is close by and the perfect location for sunset photos and video.
Address: Jason Ave, Barrack Heights NSW 2528 NSW
Phone:(02) 4295 9595
Social: Diamonds Reception Centre
Ravensthorpe Estate
Ravensthorpe is an elegant and versatile wedding venue. With 3 acres of award-winning gardens, luxury accommodation, and various indoor and outdoor spaces, it’s a blank canvas for creating your dream wedding. The venue, exclusively yours for your booking, can accommodate up to 14 guests across the Manor House, The Stables, and Bateman Cottage. Recent refurbishments ensure you have all the amenities you need, including a spacious bridal salon. From morning preparations to on-site ceremonies, receptions for up to 200 guests, and post-wedding recovery brunch, Ravensthorpe caters to all your wedding needs with stunning rural and escarpment views, manicured gardens, and a purpose-built marquee, offering the perfect backdrop for modern weddings and celebrations.
The Imperial at Clifton
Located just 500 meters from the famous Sea Cliff Bridge, The Imperial at Clifton offers an iconic wedding venue with stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the escarpment. This beautifully restored venue, provides a unique setting for weddings small to medium in. While it doesn’t offer an on-site ceremony space, there are several nearby options, including beach ceremonies in Stanwell Park and the incredibly scenic Coal Cliff Beach. The venue, with its unmatched ocean views through almost floor-to-ceiling windows, is bathed in natural light and can accommodate up to 112 seated guests. If you have envisioned a relaxed vibe surrounded by your nearest and dearest then look no further.
Address: 315 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Clifton NSW 2515
Phone (02) 4207 3192
Social: The Imperial at Clifton
Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral
Park Proxi Gibraltar distinguishes itself from typical hotels by offering a unique blend of classic modern vintage feel and hospitality. It boasts premium accommodations, an 18-hole golf course, 77 rooms ranging from private balconied options to suites and family suites, well-equipped event spaces, along with Harveys Bar and Observatory Restaurant. Beyond its status as a stylish hotel, it offers additional amenities like a gym, indoor heated pool, and a renowned golf course, making it a compelling choice for both weddings and relaxation. With its accessible rooms and capacity for group accommodations, Park Proxi Gibraltar is indeed a venue to consider.
Hot Tip: If you are also considering the Southern Highlands a a wedding destination check out our article on 16 stunning Southern Highlands Wedding Venues.
Address: 7 Boronia St, Bowral NSW 2576
Phone: (02) 4862 8600
Glastonbury Gardens
Glastonbury gardens is truly Wollongong’s best Kept Secret. Run by Wollongong council this is an enormous space with lots of options. A Glastonbury Gardens wedding ceremony is about as close as you can get to a beach ceremony without acutely having your ceremony on the beach and having to deal with the struggles of sand and no protection from wind. The beach provides a gorgeous blue backdrop for your ceremony where you’ll be surrounded by private greenery. Glastonbury gardens has street parking behind the gardens with a short walk for you guests. This also lets you arrive to your ceremony unnoticed before you walk down the aisle.
Address: Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Austinmer NSW 2515
Phone: (02) 4227 7111
Illawarra Rhododendron and Rainforest Gardens
Another secret location for a very private wedding ceremony. Located atop the stunning Wollongong escarpment, the internationally acclaimed Gardens offer a picturesque setting for wedding ceremonies amidst vibrant rhododendrons, ponds, gazebos and exotic plants. The lush gardens are especially captivating during peak flowering season (and wedding season) and provide a magnificent backdrop for photography and videography as well. Planning your ceremony at the Rhododendron Gardens wedding is pretty easy but it can be busy most weekends compared to other Wollongong wedding venues during the warmer months so its best to make a booing as soon as possible.
Address: Parrish Ave, Mount Keira NSW 2519 NSW
Phone: 0493 628 855
Social: Illawarra Rhododendron and Rainforest Gardens
The Sebel Kiama
Discover an elegant harbourside wedding venue with breathtaking panoramic ocean views at The Sebel Kiama. This idyllic hotel not only offers deluxe accommodation but also provides a stunning backdrop for your special day, with captivating ocean views that will make your wedding photos truly envy-inducing. Whether you’re planning an intimate romantic dinner or a grand celebration for up to 150 guests, The Sebel Kiama offers personalized service and outstanding facilities to ensure your wedding reception becomes a cherished lifetime memory.
Bush Bank
Nestled on a historic working cattle farm Bush Banks wedding venue sprawl across 61.5 acres of rolling hills with sweeping ocean views. The 1850 Blue Stone Cottage function room exudes rustic elegance, featuring exposed rockwork, Dutch Cathedral-style wooden ceilings, and a fully equipped kitchen. Offering a marquee for your reception you can hold your ceremony beneath ancient Morton Bay Fig Trees, overlooking the 1856 Bush Bank Flour Mill ruins, gardens, and the ocean. With seating for up to 140 guests (or 150 for cocktail-style weddings), our in-house chefs and private picturesque views create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable celebration for up to 10 hours.
Bonus Tip: Access is only available while heading South bound on the Princes Hwy.
Lagoon Restaurant
Creating a serene beachside atmosphere, this venue offers diverse photo and video opportunities. The Lagoon Seafood Restaurant stands out not only for its stunning beachfront location but also for its award-winning cuisine, specializing in fresh seafood and a range of culinary delights. With five different room setups accommodating intimate gatherings or larger parties of up to 200 for dinners and 250 for cocktails, this venue offers flexibility for various budgets. The Lagoon prides itself on crafting unique and personalized weddings, with a key focus on delivering top restaurant-quality cuisine, making it the perfect choice for foodie couples seeking well fed experience.
Bonus: The Lagoon Restaurant is just a stone’s throw away from Wollongong Botanic Gardens, a popular option for a gorgeous wedding ceremony or a portrait session.
Address: Stuart Park, George Hanley Dr, North Wollongong NSW 2500
Phone: 02 4226 1677
Social: Lagoon Restaurant
Crooked River Wines
Celebrate your special day at Crooked River Wines, one of the most stunning wedding venues on the South Coast. With picturesque ceremony sites, breathtaking backdrops for wedding videography, and an award-winning restaurant at your disposal, it’s the perfect location for a bespoke Wollongong wedding. If you are traveling from Sydney, its an easy 90-minute trip with options for on-site accommodations and dedicated assistance from their experienced team to ensure an unforgettable wedding day. Exchange vows against the backdrop of rolling hills and vineyards, makes it a classic choice for your wedding.
Final Thoughts
Wollongong, with its stunning ocean views, golf clubs, vineyards, enchanting forests and scenic hidden gems, is the ultimate location for some wedding magic, whether you’re aiming for timeless elegance or beachfront extravagance. The options are as diverse as your budget allows, and the venues range from super helpful to delightfully laid-back. You can go all-inclusive or craft your dream DIY experience, and there are even options for bringing your own catering if that’s your jam. The real challenge will be choosing a single venue because, honestly, they’re all so darn beautiful that your wedding photos will be glorious no matter where you say those magical “I do’s”!
Getting Hitched in “The Gong” – Venues & Budgets
So, what’s the price tag for tying the knot here? Well, the average wedding venue cost in Wollongong hovers around $14,000, just a tad above the national average of $13,000. The good news? There’s less price variation here, with most venues falling between $7,000 to $18,000 for their all-inclusive packages. But be the savvy planner and read those fine print details! The hotspots in Wollongong include waterfront and mountain venues like hotels and bespoke venues being the most popular.
Top picks? You can’t go past Tumbling Waters, The Lodge Jamberoo, Kalina Estate and Headlands in Austinmer in our option.
Travel & Staying the Night
Wollongong’s Illawarra Airport is a breeze for regional guests, but there are connecting flights from Melbourne (1 hour 40 minutes) and Brisbane (2 hours 10 minutes) for those out-of-staters or international pals. A quick 20 minute drive from the Illawarra Regional Airport lands you in Wollongong. While public transport is an option, we’d suggest renting a car for ease. Now, onto accommodations! Wollongong hotels might give your wallet a workout, ranging from around $80 to $500, depending on your style. But, don’t sweat it, there are plenty of equally charming and budget-friendly Airbnb stays in the area, with some starting as low as $50 per night.
Weather Wisdom
Wollongong’s weather is a year-round delight, offering warm temps without being Queensland hot. The average high is around 26°C, usually hitting its peak in February. Winters? Not too shabby either, though a tad breezy with lows of 8°C in July. Thinking of a wedding in Wollongong? Consider the winter months for possibly cheaper venue pricing but spring and Autum are equally lovely options for weather as well. Be wary of summer; it tends to shower the most and throw in some thunderstorms in the afternoons as humidity increases. Remember, whether you choose sun or rain, your wedding venue should a backup plan in case Mother Nature decides to join the celebration!
