Are you getting married and looking for the best Central Coast wedding photography and venue to hire?
Hey! I’m Chris –
A Central Coast wedding photographer is here to make your special day absolutely perfect. With over decades of experience in the industry, I have captured many different love stories, across various locations in Australia to know the best venues to hold this momentous occasion in.
The Wonderful Escapade of Sydney’s Central Coast
The Central Coast of NSW is just an hour north of Sydney, up the M1. It is where you can find some of the most unique wedding venues around. The Central Coast is such a beautiful part of the world and I think most people don’t necessarily think of the Central Coast when they are thinking of a wedding venue.
The wonderful thing about the Central Coast is that you have miles and miles of coastline and secluded beaches. The beaches and backdrops are spectacular and has to offer so many beautiful locations. There is also the Central Coast hinterland and farmlands. The Central Coast has a coastline of beaches, but it also has farms, bush and National Parks all the way up the Coast. Making it perfect for your more rustic and country weddings. And in between the beach and National Parks, are many, many lakes, all with wonderful reception venues and photo locations. So there are so many styles of wedding venues to suit every couple. Big elegant weddings, vintage boho weddings and everything in between.
Below, are my favourite Central Coast wedding venues. Some of them I have photographed. And some of them are on my wish list to photograph.
1. Mercure Kooindah Waters
If you are looking for a beautiful, secluded & elegant wedding venue on the Central Coast surrounded by natural beauty, then you have to check out the Mercure Kooindah Resort.
The resort is nestled in picturesque surroundings and on an 18-hole championship golf course. It features 83 rooms and suites, and your whole entire wedding weekend can take place onsite at this venue!
The Mercure Kooindah Resort has two outdoor ceremony spaces to choose from, including a stunning golf course location and the Clubhouse landing, which overlooks the wetlands and boardwalk. Both locations provide a beautiful backdrop for your wedding ceremony, and there are some great wet weather ceremony options. And for your wedding reception, there are three elegant spaces that can accommodate up to 300 guests.
Address: 40 Kooindah Blvd, Wyong NSW 2259
2. Bells at Killcare
Bells at Killcare is a boutique hotel, restaurant and spa located on the Central Coast at Killcare Heights. They do elegant and sophisticated weddings in a beautiful picturesque location.
There is plenty of on-site accommodation, with 25 coastal-inspired suits located around the property. The ceremony can take place in their beautiful outdoor garden area. There are manicured gardens and bush settings which is great for wedding photos. It has everything you need for a perfect wedding. Can accommodate up to 120 guests.
Address: 107 The Scenic Road, Killcare Height
3. Fernbank Farm
Fernbank Farm is a sophisticated and elegant wedding venue in a country, garden setting. It is located just an hour from Sydney in the Yarramalong Valley at Wyong Creek.
It is a 25-acre property with beautiful gardens, bushland, trees and a lake. There is on-site accommodation, with the ‘main house’ and also ‘the cottage’, both featuring four bedrooms.
Wedding ceremonies take place under Fernbank Farm’s signature Steel Arbour, and the reception takes place in an elegant marquee.
Fernbank Farm only hosts up to 20 weddings a year, so book in quickly.
Address: 756 Yarramalong Rd, Wyong Creek
4. Somersby Gardens Estate
Somersby Gardens Estate would have to be one of my favourite venues on the Central Coast.
It is a family-run 50-acre property in a beautiful bush setting that also has beautiful native gardens, making it perfect for a wedding.
There is on-site accommodation available and numerous options for your ceremony. Wedding receptions are generally held in the “Pavillion” and can accommodate up to 120 guests. But a marquee may be used for larger weddings.
One of the things I love about this property is that the owner will drive you up to a high lookout on her property where you can get the most stunning view and amazing sunsets.
Address: Somersby Falls Road, Somersby
5. Avoca Beach House
Avoca Beach House is a gorgeous venue perched overlooking the stunning Avoca Beach. With uninterrupted ocean views, a modern-appointed interior and several wedding packages to suit all styles and budgets, it’s the ultimate beachside wedding venue.
Enjoy all the perks of a beachside wedding, with the added benefit of knowing that you’ll be accommodated no matter what the weather brings!
Address: 85 Avoca Drive, Avoca Beach, NSW
Photo courtesy of Avoca Beach House
6. Norah Head Lighthouse
If you are looking for a coastal venue then Norah Head Lighthouse should be high up on your list.
Norah Head Lighthouse is situated high up on a reserve with beautiful views across the Pacific Ocean and views up and down the coast. High up at the very top of the lighthouse is one of the only locations where you can actually see the city of Sydney and the city of Newcastle from.
On-site accommodation is available in the Lightkeepers Quarters. There is a lawn area where you can have your ceremony with the lighthouse in the background. If you want to do photos inside the lighthouse, they do charge an additional fee, or you can just wander down the stairs to Norah Head Beach.
A marquee wedding option is available if you would like to have your wedding reception at Norah Head.
Address: 40 Bush Street, Norah Head
7. Yaramalong Valley Farm Stay
Yarramalong Valley Farm Stay is a gorgeous 50-acre property located one hour from Sydney in the Yarramalong Valley at Wyong Creek.
This property is perfect if you are looking for a rustic country wedding vibe. As it is a farm where you can stay and have a wedding. There is a beautiful timber house that sleeps up to fifteen people.
It is more of a blank canvas wedding venue. So it is in a beautiful location, and you can set it up how you like. DIY or get professionals in to help you. You can have your ceremony pretty much anywhere you like on the property. Then for the reception, you can have a marquee wedding or a wedding festival with food trucks, barbeques, etc.
Address: 798 Yarramalong Road, Wyong Creek
8. Glenworth Valley Weddings
Glenworth Valley is a family-run business on 3,000 acres that is a local tourist attraction. It has provided horse riding activities and other outdoor activities to the Central Coast for 40 years. And they also do weddings!
They have a function centre that can cater to 300 guests, and there are accommodation options on-site.
Glenworth Valley is most known for its horses and for its daily “Running of the Horses”. It is when two hundred horses are mustered out of their riding yards and run across a river. I would get married there just to get that photo!
Address: 69 Cooks Road, Glenworth Valley
9. Linton Gardens
Linton Gardens is a beautiful six-acre property located on the beautiful Central Coast at Somersby.
The weddings and functions centre is surrounded by heritage-listed Camilla Gardens, and there is also a historic church onsite which makes a great wet weather backup.
They have three rooms to choose from with lots of big windows and natural light and can accommodate up to 250 guests.
Address: 611 Wisemans Ferry Road, Somersby
10. The Stables of Somersby
The Stables of Somersby is a beautiful new boutique central coast wedding venue located less than an hour north of Sydney in the picturesque hinterland.
It is located on a private equestrian property, and the venue boasts a beautifully repurposed rustic barn as its centrepiece. Surrounding the barn is sprawling lawns, bushland, a spectacular dam and a boathouse with a jetty. The Stables of Somersby offer a multitude of stunning ceremony, reception and photo locations. Can accommodate up to 150 guests.
Address: 50 Lutana Road, Somersby
11. Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows
Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows is located on the pristine white sands of Caves Beach, about 90 minutes from Sydney.
It has impressive seaside wedding spaces overlooking the beach and the coastlines of the Pacific Ocean. It is perfect for couples wanting a coastal wedding ceremony and reception venue
Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows offers luxury Hamptons-style on-site accommodation. You have your choice of ceremony locations, and it can accommodate up to 200 guests.
Address: 27 Mawson Close, Caves Beach
12. Crown Plaza Terrigal
Crown Plaza Terrigal is located opposite Terrigal Beach, just 90 minutes north of Sydney. And it is the perfect location if you are after a beachside wedding with all the elegance and comfort of a luxury hotel.
The picturesque views from the ballroom and nothing short of spectacular. There are exceptional photo opportunities, elegant accommodation and five-star cuisine at Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific. They can accommodate up to 350 guests.
Address: Pine Tree Lane, Terrigal
13. Bidja Estate
Bidja Estate is located in Ourimbah, just 90 minutes from Sydney on the Central Coast. And when you book a wedding, you get exclusive use of it.
There is a residence, a barn, working sheds, paddocks, beautiful gardens and even a rainforest. It is a blank canvas venue, so you can easily create a wedding that suits your style and taste to create your perfect wedding.
Address: 130 Footts Road, Ourimbah
14. Kangy Gardens
Kangy Gardens is a family-owned Central Coast business nestled into 2.5 acres of award-winning gardens.
Enter the Sandstone Gallery through its large Asian wooden doors to the most unique function room on the Central Coast. In the beautiful Garden Marquee, stroll down crushed granite paths lined with camellias. If you go a little further, you will see the magical Jardin Chapel with its imposing ancient gates. While weaving through amazing garden rooms, listen to bellbirds, then relax in the day bed to gaze past the pond into dense tropical palms.
You get exclusive use of the venue, and they are a BYO venue to help keep your costs down.
Address: 49 Preston Rd, Kangy Angy
15. The Springs
Located on a beautiful rural landscape at Peats Ridge, 1 hour from Newcastle and 40 minutes from Wahroonga The Springs is the perfect venue for your wedding ceremony, portraits and wedding reception.
The Springs is a 125-acre bushland property located in the Central Coast tranquil hinterland. The Springs reception room is a luxurious industrial space that can accommodate up to 350 guests.
Address: 1080 Peats Ridge Road, Peats Ridge
16. Raffertys Resort
Raffertys Resort is located in the bush between the beach and the lake at the quiet location of Cams Wharf on the Central Coast.
It is built on 38 acres of pristine coastline on beautiful Lake Macquarie, only 30 minutes south of Newcastle. Raffertys Resort offers a variety of locations for your ceremony, from the Arboretum’s intimate bushland setting to the resort’s scenic waterfront.
Their function rooms can cater weddings of up to 150 guests.
Address: 1 Wild Duck Drive, Cams Wharf
17. Kantata House
Kantara House was built in the 1960s, epitomising elegance and refinement. It became run down and dilapidated over time until the Reid family bought the property in 2014. The property was lovingly restored over the course of two years, and the charming Charlotte Chapel was built.
Kantara House has on-site accommodation designed for the bride and her bridesmaids to spend the night before the wedding. The ceremony takes place either in Charlotte Chapel, or you can choose from some outdoor ceremony locations.
The reception takes place in the beautiful and grand Ashley Philip room and can accommodate up to 200 guests.
Address: 431 Avoca Drive, Green Point
18. Your own property?
Do you own or does someone in your family own a property on the Central Coast? If so, and it is big enough, you should definitely consider using it for your wedding.
I absolutely love shooting at private residences or family properties!!
The photos will have more meaning and be more personal to you. Plus, you will have photos at locations that no one else will ever have.
So if you have access to a property that is large enough to accommodate your wedding, have your wedding there!! You can hire a marquee or have dinner out under the stars. Do it all DIY, or get a planner to do the heavy lifting for you. Have a barbeque, hire a couple of food trucks or get some caterers. It will be amazing!
Tips for Choosing Your Central Coast Wedding Venue
As many couples will tell you, choosing the right wedding venue is probably the most important step in your wedding planning journey. It’s the backdrop against which your special day will unfold, and it sets the tone for the entire event.
The Central Coast is a popular destination for weddings, and it’s not hard to see why. This picturesque region of New South Wales offers stunning natural scenery, world-class beaches, and a wide range of venues to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a beachside ceremony or a rustic barn wedding, the Central Coast has it all.
But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide on the perfect venue for your big day. So let me give you a few tips to help guide you through the process of choosing a wedding venue on the Central Coast that fits your style, budget, and guest list. So let’s get started!
Central Coast Wedding Style
The first step in choosing the perfect wedding venue on the Central Coast is to determine your wedding style. Are you envisioning a traditional and formal wedding or a more relaxed and casual style? Do you want your wedding to have a specific theme, such as a rustic or beachy vibe?
Once you have a clear idea of your wedding style, you can start to look for venues that match your vision. The Central Coast has a variety of venues to choose from, ranging from elegant ballrooms to rustic barns to picturesque beachside locations.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a wedding venue is whether you want an indoor or outdoor wedding. The Central Coast’s beautiful weather and natural scenery make it a popular destination for outdoor weddings. However, it’s important to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. Many venues offer both indoor and outdoor options, so you can have the best of both worlds.
Overall, it’s important to choose a wedding style and indoor/outdoor preference that reflects your and your partner’s personalities and preferences. This will ensure that your wedding day feels authentic and true to who you are as a couple.
Guest List and Budget for your Central Coast Wedding
The second step in choosing the perfect wedding venue on the Central Coast is to consider your guest list and budget.
Firstly, you’ll need to determine the size of your guest list. This will give you a better idea of the type and size of venue you’ll need to accommodate everyone comfortably. It’s important to choose a venue that can comfortably fit your guests without feeling too cramped or too empty.
Secondly, you’ll need to consider your budget and the cost of different venues. The Central Coast has a range of venues to suit different budgets, from affordable beachside locations to high-end luxury resorts. It’s important to be realistic about your budget and choose a venue that you can comfortably afford without putting yourself into debt.
When considering the cost of different venues, it’s important to look beyond the venue hire fee. Some venues may include additional services, such as catering, decoration, and music, while others may require you to bring in your own vendors. These additional costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to factor them into your budget when comparing venues.
Ultimately, the key is to find a balance between your guest list and budget. You want to choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate your guests, while still being within your budget. By doing your research and being realistic about your budget, you’ll be able to find the perfect venue on the Central Coast for your special day.
Choosing Your Central Coast Wedding Photographers, Venue, and Theme
Evaluate all the information you have gathered, such as your budget, guest list, and preferred wedding style, and determine which venue is the best fit for you. Once you have made your decision, finalise the contract with the venue and confirm your wedding date.
Now that you’ve chosen your venue, it’s time to work with the venue’s staff to plan the details of your wedding. This can include selecting menu options, choosing decorations, and coordinating with any vendors that the venue works with. Be sure to communicate your vision clearly and work closely with the venue staff to ensure that everything is in place for your big day.
In conclusion, choosing the perfect wedding venue on the Central Coast requires careful research, planning, and evaluation. By considering your wedding style, guest list, and budget, scheduling site visits, and comparing and contrasting venues, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and choose a venue that meets all of your needs and expectations. With the right venue in place, you’ll be able to create the wedding of your dreams and celebrate your special day surrounded by friends, family, and beautiful scenery.
Here’s to a Day to Remember with the Idyllic Setting of the Central Coast
Selecting the best wedding photography and wedding venue are both essential elements of planning a successful wedding. The Central Coast is an idyllic location for a wedding, with a variety of venues that can accommodate any style or budget.
By taking the time to research and evaluate different venues, scheduling site visits, and comparing and contrasting the options, you’ll be able to find the perfect Central Coast wedding venue that matches your vision and needs.
With the right venue in place, you’ll be able to create unforgettable memories and cherish them for years to come.
Get in touch with me today to make your special day one to truly remember.
