Ever since Covid forced us to stay inside, we’ve been far more aware of how good it feels to be (celebrating) outside. Fresh air, sunshine, open skies, other humans and the kind of scenery that makes you *feel things* - escaping captivity is the ultimate aphrodisiac.
The physical and mental benefits of being in nature are of course nothing new but if we apply the same logic to weddings, having an outdoor wedding theoretically means everyone is going to be in a much better mood (read: high on vitamin D and ready to boogie).
And because Australia is essentially one big, beautiful backyard we are spoilt for choice when it comes to the number of wedding venues that are suitable (and even purposefully designed) for hosting outdoor weddings.
There are other reasons too (heaps, actually) so let’s discuss.
Choosing to celebrate your wedding outdoors offers a unique opportunity to create a day that feels as personal and memorable as your love story. The natural beauty of an outdoor setting provides an incredible backdrop that often needs minimal decoration, letting the landscape do the heavy lifting. Whether it’s exchanging vows beneath towering trees, beside a serene lake, or with sweeping mountain views behind you, outdoor wedding venues in Australia offer a variety of picturesque settings to suit every couple’s vision.
Personalisation is at the heart of an outdoor wedding. Whether you're hosting a small wedding or elopement or a larger celebration, open spaces allow you to design a layout that fits your event perfectly. Want to have your pet walk down the aisle? Set up lawn games for your guests? Create a relaxed cocktail-style reception under the stars? Outdoor wedding venues make it all possible. Unlike traditional indoor venues, outdoor spaces are often a blank canvas and this level of customisation ensures your wedding feels like a genuine reflection of your relationship and shared values.
For couples who want an unforgettable celebration without breaking the bank, outdoor weddings can be a cost-effective option. Many outdoor wedding venues allow you to BYO catering, alcohol, and decorations, giving you more flexibility with how you spend your budget. Plus, the natural beauty of the surroundings often reduces the need for elaborate décor, saving you even more without compromising on style or atmosphere.
Outdoor weddings tend to create a more relaxed and joyful atmosphere for everyone. The open-air environment encourages guests to mingle, play games and enjoy live music, creating the kind of laid-back, unforgettable experience that many couples (and their guests) dream about. Plus, there's something incredibly romantic about dancing the night away beneath a canopy of stars.
Outdoor venues also offer a lot more flexibility when it comes to incorporating cultural, religious, or personal traditions into your day. Whether it’s a special ceremony, a cultural dance, or simply an activity that holds meaning for you both, outdoor spaces can usually accommodate ideas that might not be possible in a more conventional venue.
While outdoor weddings offer many advantages, it’s important to plan for the practicalities too. Things like:
Weather can be unpredictable, so it’s smart to consider the time of year you're getting married and have a contingency plan like a marquee, tent or nearby indoor space ready just in case.
Think about guest comfort, too - shaded areas, heating lamps, umbrellas, or even cosy blankets depending on the season can go a long way.
Making sure your venue is easy to navigate for all guests, including those with mobility challenges, will help ensure everyone feels welcome and comfortable.
Check that your venue has a reliable power source and a generator that can support all your power requirements such as lighting, catering, entertainment etc.
For a more detailed breakdown of what to consider when planning an outdoor wedding, read this.
Location: Sunshine Coast, QLD // Capacity: 200 (seated) 250 (standing) // BYO: No // Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 12 // Wedshed loves: The reception barn and the good old fashioned country hospitality that owners Neil and Sally provide.
If a country QLD wedding with a coastal twist sounds like your perfect day, Yandina Station delivers. Located just 10 minutes from Coolum Beach and spanning 14 acres, this historic cattle station combines rustic charm with modern luxury. The venue’s open paddocks, weathered barns, and towering fig trees create a beautiful setting for outdoor ceremonies, while the barn-style reception space is full of warmth and character.
Yandina Station prides itself on exceptional hospitality, with a dedicated events team and in-house catering that showcases the best local produce. The venue can host up to 250 guests, and with luxury cottages on-site, you and your wedding party can enjoy a full weekend of celebrations.
Location: Orange, NSW // Capacity: 180 // BYO: Yes // Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 28 // Wedshed loves: The effortless Euro-wedding vibes, the history, the on-site accommodation, the wine... all the things.
If a vineyard wedding with a touch of old-world charm sounds like your thing, Mayfield Vineyard is a must-see. Located in Orange’s renowned wine region, this estate is all about rolling vineyards, elegant gardens, and a charming homestead that dates back to the 1800s.
Couples can exchange vows among the vines, in the rose garden, or under an ancient oak tree before moving to a marquee or the homestead for a relaxed yet elegant reception. With multiple cottages on-site, guests can stay and soak up the tranquil surroundings, making for a true destination wedding experience.
Location: Mudgee, NSW // Capacity: 50 // BYO: Yes // Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 20 // Wedshed loves: Do yoga, drink wine - this place knows how to manifest true harmony and joy.
Imagine exchanging vows under big skies, with rolling hills as your backdrop and no pressure to rush the day along. Zensi Retreat is a peaceful, 100-acre property just 10 minutes from Mudgee where time seems to bend and stretch in the most endearing way. Perfect for intimate and meaningful celebrations of up to 50 guests, Zensi doesn’t feel like a traditional “wedding venue” and that’s because it’s not.
Here, wellbeing is encouraged with a dedicated yoga studio, spa, sauna and all the amenities for a soulful celebration (think outdoor pool, fire pit, barbecue area and more). The property’s serene bushland and open paddocks are perfect for an outdoor ceremony, with the option to create different zones for dining, dancing or even a relaxed recovery brunch the next day. Think long tables under festoon lights, a live acoustic set by the fire pit, or a barefoot dance floor under the stars (see how we created our own micro-wedding styled shoot here). The venue is BYO and pet-friendly, which is ideal for couples who want flexibility and want to include their furry mates in the celebration.
Location: Kangaroo Valley, NSW // Capacity: 25 // BYO: Yes // Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 20 // Wedshed loves: Authentic Mediterranean vibes but in the heart of the Kangaroo Valley - this place brings the best of both worlds together under one good-looking roof.
Stylish, intimate, and effortlessly cool, The Casa is a boutique venue that feels like a luxury escape. Designed with a Mediterranean aesthetic, this property offers a stunning blend of rustic charm and contemporary elegance. The outdoor spaces, including a courtyard, plunge pool, cabana bar and lush gardens, set the scene for a beautiful ceremony, while the stylish interiors provide a unique reception space for couples who love design-forward details.
With on-site accommodation, a tennis court and the flexibility to personalise your wedding, The Casa is perfect for those who want a European-style wedding that feels like an extended, relaxed holiday with family and friends spent (mostly) outside.
Location: Bathurst, NSW // Capacity: 180 (seated) 250 (standing) // BYO: Yes // Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 62 // Wedshed loves: The unwavering dedication the team here has to making every wedding both easy and epic.
A venue that's impossible to fault, BoxGrove is the full package, especially for couples wanting an outdoor wedding with 'The Tiers' providing a dedicated space to celebrate under the stars (think manicured gardens, an outdoor dance floor and festoon lights). The indoor alternative is equally impressive (check out this real wedding and you'll see what we mean) and with sweeping rural views and complete flexibility, this 170-acre property is designed for couples who want to create a celebration that's truly their own.
BoxGrove is also pet-friendly, BYO, and offers on-site accommodation for 62 guests (including their latest luxury offering REST), making it perfect for a multi-day wedding experience. And exclusive access means there’s no rush - just plenty of time to take in all the perks this venue has to offer.
Location: Hunter Valley, NSW // Capacity: 250 // BYO: Yes // Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 12 // Wedshed loves: The ability to create a truly customised (indoor or outdoor) wedding in one very good-looking location.
The much anticipated McGuigan House in the Hunter Valley is the newest luxury estate to hit the wedding scene and it is heaven! A stunning, historic wine estate that sleeps 12 guests across two accommodation spaces, it’s been given a serious glow-up and now offers multiple celebration options depending on your guest list size and vibe. There are customisable spaces for marquee setups, outdoor dining, and dance floors as well as a conservatory bar and private courtyard that you can style however you like – Aperol spritz bar, espresso martini corner, late-night snack station... the floor is yours.
McGuigan House was made for couples who want to bring their wedding vision to life without feeling boxed in (take this couple for example, who created their own surprise disco cowboy themed after-party) and with a pool, tennis court, personalised concierge service and sweeping views it’s the perfect place to spend an entire weekend with loved ones.
Location: Central Coast, NSW // Capacity: 250 // BYO: Yes // Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 10 // Wedshed loves: The tranquility (so peaceful) and the chance to takeover the entire property feels like real freedom.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Hunter Valley wine region, Bebeah Farm is an elegant country escape that makes for an unforgettable outdoor wedding venue. The property’s expansive grounds provide multiple picturesque spots for a ceremony, from lush gardens to open paddocks framed by mountain views, while receptions can take place under the stars or in a marquee.
With accommodation, home cinema and infinity pool available on-site, couples and their guests can soak up the farm’s peaceful atmosphere over an entire weekend. Best of all, the venue is BYO, giving couples full control over their catering and beverage choices - ideal for those who want a personalised and affordable wedding celebration.
Location: Orange, NSW // Capacity: 175 (seated) 250 (standing) // BYO: Catering only // Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 2 // Wedshed loves: Getting to feel like you're in Europe (but without the airfare) and the stunning outdoor areas (perfect for photos and cocktail hour).
For wine enthusiasts seeking a romantic, European-style wedding Rowlee Wines in Orange, NSW packs a serious punch. Boasting an idyllic location, this boutique winery provides a picturesque backdrop with rolling vineyards and stunning countryside views (take this wedding as a case in point). The estate offers exclusive use of its grounds, including beautifully manicured gardens and three unique reception spaces (including a marquee pad perfect for al fresco style celebrations).
Accommodation is available on-site in a luxurious guesthouse, ensuring a comfortable stay for couples or wedding parties. Rowlee Wines prides itself on its award-winning wines and flexible wedding packages, allowing couples to tailor their day to their specific desires and budget.
Location: Kangaroo Valley, NSW // Capacity: 40 // BYO: Yes // Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 10 // Wedshed loves: The stunning scenery and being able to do everything in one postcard-worthy location.
Imagine exchanging vows amidst sweeping mountain views and lush green paddocks - this is Saddle Ridge. Surrounded by over 200 hectares of untouched bushland and nestled in the heart of Kangaroo Valley, this private 42-acre property provides an intimate and secluded atmosphere, perfect for elopements or small weddings of up to 40 guests.
The estate features a designer home with five spacious king bedrooms, accommodating up to 10 guests, as well as stylist interiors and a commercial kitchen. Outside is a heated pool with sun lounges and a dedicated powder room, two fire pits and stunning landscaped gardens. The outdoor pavilion serves as an all-weather ceremony and/or reception space, seamlessly blending the beauty of nature with the comfort of modern amenities. For an intimate and memorable outdoor wedding, this venue is hard to beat.
Location: South Coast, NSW // Capacity: 135 // BYO: Yes // Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 10 // Wedshed loves: The number of idyllic photo locations (they look like illustrations) and the stunning bridal salon for getting ready.
Willow Farm Berry is a 160-acre slice of pretty on the NSW South Coast - think lush, green farmland, geese, cows and a peaceful creek. Located just minutes from the charming town of Berry and the beautiful Seven Mile Beach, this DIY wedding venue is all about relaxed vibes, epic views and total flexibility.
Say your vows beneath a majestic fig tree, beside a glistening dam, or in front of a barn covered in ivy - the choice is yours. Then party the night away in the rustic entertainment shed, surrounded by paddocks and starry skies.
With on-site accommodation for up to ten guests inside a storybook 1920s farmhouse and no cookie-cutter rules, Willow Farm is the kind of place where unforgettable, magic-filled weddings unfold.
Location: Hunter, NSW // Capacity: 90 (seated) 110 (standing) // BYO: Catering only // Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 38 // Wedshed loves: That it feels like staying at your own private resort but with a cute sandstone chapel.
La Vigna Estate is where European romance meets Australian countryside. Set in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine region, this estate is home to a boutique vineyard, a gorgeous sandstone chapel and reception hall, and plenty of stunning outdoor spaces.
Picture a ceremony among the vines or beneath the towering trees, followed by a long-table feast under fairy lights. The estate’s elegant yet relaxed feel makes it ideal for couples looking for a timeless, romantic setting with plenty of outdoor photo opportunities. Plus, it’s BYO-friendly, so you can bring your favourite wines and design a wedding that truly reflects your tastes.
On-site there's also luxury accommodation for 38 guests across four different dwellings and a total of three private pools plus a hot tub. There's also plenty of outdoor seating and barbecue facilities making it perfect for spot for wedding recovery celebrations.
Location: South Coast, NSW // Capacity: 135 // BYO: Yes // Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 54 // Wedshed loves: That although it's a DIY wedding venue, the execution here is easy thanks to helpful staff, easy access and exclusive use of the property. Also, the heritage homestead!
Just 90 minutes from Sydney but worlds away in feel, Berry Hill is a breathtaking 75-acre property set on a bend of the Hawkesbury River, framed by ancient gums and dramatic sandstone escarpments. With two kilometres of private river frontage and expansive bushland, this secluded spot offers a truly unique and intimate backdrop for your wedding. The property is completely BYO and a blank canvas for creativity – from the hilltop marquee with panoramic views to the freedom to choose your own catering and styling, you're free to bring your vision to life.
With exclusive access for two days, you and your guests can relax and celebrate over a full weekend - think arrival drinks under the casuarinas, a riverside ceremony, and a relaxed recovery breakfast the next day.
Accommodation for up to 54 guests is available across the beautifully restored heritage homestead, three rustic-chic shed suites, and luxury glamping tents. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or something more intimate, Berry Hill invites you to create something truly personal.
Location: Margaret River, WA // Capacity: 130 // BYO: Yes // Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 16 // Wedshed loves: Luxury villas, immaculate grounds and just a hop, skip from world-class wineries, what's not to love?
If you're dreaming of a luxe outdoor wedding surrounded by the natural beauty of Western Australia's wine country, Losari Retreat is the kind of place that’ll make your heart skip a beat. Tucked into the lush forest just ten minutes from Margaret River town, this 66-acre property blends laid back vibes with refined elegance. Picture saying your vows beside a peaceful lake or beneath towering peppermint trees, followed by sunset drinks on the lawn and a reception under the stars.
Losari offers six beautifully appointed villas on-site, accommodating up to 12 guests - ideal for keeping your nearest and dearest close for the weekend. The estate is BYO-friendly and completely pet-friendly (yes, your dog can be your ring bearer). With exclusive access to the grounds, couples can work with their preferred vendors to create a day that’s genuinely personal, whether that means a barefoot ceremony by the lake or a long-table dinner beneath festoon lights. And being in the heart of Margaret River? You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to food, wine, and post-wedding adventures.
Location: Jervis Bay, NSW // Capacity: 140 // BYO: Yes // Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 41 // Wedshed loves: The location and flexibility - you can create any kind of celebration here and Jervis Bay makes for an epic weekend stay.
Just minutes from the renowned white sandy beaches and turquoise waters of Jervis Bay lies Worrowing Estate, a historic 250-acre private property offering a stunning coastal country backdrop for all kinds of celebrations (including, obviously, outdoor affairs).
The estate boasts multiple ceremony locations and the expansive grounds makes hosting an al fresco style reception easy. If having a wet weather plan is important, Worrowing also offers a versatile and newly converted shed venue space.
With on-site accommodation options ranging from a Georgian-style Homestead to charming cottages and eco studios, Worrowing can comfortably host up to 41 guests overnight making it perfect for destination weddings.
Location: Southern Highlands, NSW // Capacity: 120 // BYO: Yes // Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 12 // Wedshed loves: The views - absolutely ridiculous. The purpose built pavilion is equally impressive.
A stunning new addition to the Southern Highlands, Caoura Cliffs offers an intimate and exclusive setting for outdoor weddings. With jaw-dropping clifftop views over untouched bushland, this venue provides a dramatic yet peaceful backdrop for your big day. Couples can say "I do" with sweeping valley views as their backdrop before celebrating with a cocktail-style reception under the stars or a seated dinner in the pavilion (the sliding glass walls that open to multiple al fresco areas allow you to feel like you're still immersed in nature).
The property is BYO and is designed for multi-day stays with luxury accommodation available, making it perfect for an extended and personalised wedding weekend. If you want somewhere that feels like a true escape, this spectacular 1,100 acre Southern Highlands wedding venue is hard to beat.
PHOTO CREDITS: Yandina Station - Calli B Photography, Janneke Storm // Mayfield Vineyard Brenton Cox // Zensi Retreat Gui George // The Casa - own images // BoxGrove - Heart and Colour // McGuigan House - Alex Jack // Bebeah Farm - Days Like These Photography, Maryna Cherednikova // Rowlee Wines - Ripple Weddings // Saddle Ridge - Scott Surplice // Willow Farm - own image, Better Together Photo Co // La Vigna Estate - Rope and Pulley // Berry Hill - Clarity Photography // Losari Retreat - Place of Love, Rae Marie // Worrowing Jervis Bay - Alex Marks Photography // Caoura Cliffs - Zac Mrak, Alex Marks Photography
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