Wedding Venues in Shoalhaven City Council, Australia

Shoalhaven is renowned for its relaxed yet sophisticated wedding scene. It's a destination that feels like a getaway, yet is easily accessible from Sydney and Canberra.

• Legalities: To marry in Australia, you must lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) with your celebrant at least one month before your wedding date.
• Celebrants: The region has many experienced local celebrants who can personalise your ceremony.

The variety of wedding venues is a key attraction.

• Coastal: Think beachfront restaurants in Jervis Bay or surf club venues with panoramic ocean views.
• Country & Rustic: Explore historic homesteads, barns, and sprawling estates around Berry and Kangaroo Valley.
• Wineries: The Shoalhaven Coast wine region offers beautiful vineyards for a romantic, elegant setting.

Venue hire in Shoalhaven can vary significantly based on location, exclusivity, and season.

• Average Range: Couples can typically expect to budget between $150 to $250+ per head for a full-service wedding package including food and beverages.
• Dry Hire: Some venues offer 'dry hire' (venue only), with costs ranging from $5,000 to $20,000+, giving you flexibility with suppliers.

Here are a few ways to manage your budget:

• Off-Peak Season: Consider a wedding between May and August for potentially lower venue hire fees.
• Mid-Week Weddings: A weekday wedding (Monday-Thursday) is often more affordable than a weekend celebration.
• Package Deals: All-inclusive packages can often provide better value and simplify planning.

Shoalhaven enjoys a temperate climate, making it a wonderful wedding destination year-round.

• Spring (Sep-Nov): Warm days and blooming landscapes. Average temperatures range from 11-22°C. Ideal for garden and winery weddings.
• Summer (Dec-Feb): Perfect for beach weddings, with warm to hot weather (16-26°C). This is peak season, so book venues well in advance.

• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild weather and stunning autumn colours, especially in the hinterland. Temperatures range from 12-23°C. A very popular season for its comfortable climate.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and crisp (7-17°C). Ideal for cosy indoor weddings with open fireplaces. You may find better venue availability and pricing.

Shoalhaven is approximately a 2.5-hour drive south of Sydney and a similar distance from Canberra.

• Guest Travel: Most guests will travel by car. For weddings in more remote locations, consider organising a private bus or shuttle service from a central point like Nowra or Berry.
• Local Transport: Ride-sharing services can be limited in some areas, so pre-booking taxis is advisable for guests.

The region offers a wide range of accommodation options for your guests.

• Key Hubs: Areas like Berry, Kangaroo Valley, Huskisson, and Mollymook have plenty of hotels, motels, and holiday homes.
• Group Bookings: Many venues offer on-site accommodation or have partnerships with local providers. It's a good idea to suggest a few options to guests at different price points.