Wollongong is a coastal city in New South Wales, about 80 kilometres south of Sydney. Wollongong is an Aboriginal word that means “sound of the sea.” It was founded in 1816, and the town’s main industries were grazing, lumbering, and dairy farming. Wollongong was once a hub of major industries, such as steel production in Port Kembla, attracted by the nearby rich Bulli coal deposits. Steel production and coal mining both declined in the late twentieth century.
If you’re planning a country coastal wedding, check out our list of the best wedding venues in Wollongong.
Choosing the ideal wedding venue can be a difficult task.
You want a venue that will look after you and all of your guests while still maintaining the charm and personality of a small venue. You want it to have everything you could possibly want, but not to be so large that you are treated as just another wedding.
It should be a carefree day of fun and indulgence that is still all about you and your unique love story.
Furthermore, it must be within your financial constraints!
As previously stated, it can be a difficult decision to make.
To assist you, if you are getting married in the Wollongong area, we have narrowed down our list of favourite venues that meet and exceed all of the above standards.
When you want only the best, look through this list of wedding venues in Wollongong – you’ll be sure to find the perfect place for you.
Here is our editor’s pick list of the Top Wedding Venues in Wollongong!
Ruby’s Mount Kembla
When it comes to bold flavours, fun celebrations, and intimate get-togethers, Ruby’s is the place to be. This is the ideal venue for a couple who values quality and service but wishes to tell their love story in a unique setting.
Many places claim to be unique, but your wedding will be truly one-of-a-kind, with staff paying close attention to detail to ensure your special day is exactly as you imagined (and even better!).
City Beach Event Center
Say “I do” with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean at Wollongong’s only premier beachfront wedding venue. The food, service, and events teams here are passionate about making your celebration personal and unforgettable, so it’s much more than just the perfect backdrop.
You will receive individual attention here if you have a wedding of any size, from intimate to extravagant. Check out their stress-free wedding packages.
Panorama House is a house with a panoramic view
With a name like Panorama House, you’re bound to expect some spectacular views – and you won’t be disappointed. If this venue’s features stopped there, you’d be happy. It’s embraced by a floor-to-ceiling view of crystal blue waters.
But the benefits don’t stop there. The decorations and interior design are exquisite, and will be set up to create the wedding day you have always imagined. You’ll be glad you chose Panorama House because it’s backed up by delectable food and beverages.
Wollongong Northbeach Novotel
The Novotel is one of the region’s most prestigious wedding venues, and it’s easy to see why when you visit. This venue, with a stunning ocean view and a view of the famous crystalline beach, is backed by the quality and excellence you’d expect from a global hotel chain.
Despite this, the service and attention are personal enough to make you feel as if your wedding is the only one that matters – which, of course, it is. This award-winning venue has something for every couple with a variety of dining and beverage packages.
Kiama’s Sebel Harbourside
Looking for sweeping ocean views on your wedding day? Look no further than this elegant harbourside venue on Wollongong’s South Coast. The hotel provides a variety of deluxe accommodations for your wedding guests and wedding night.
Your photographer will capture enviable photos with its pristine beaches, beautiful natural environment, and ocean scape views. You can host intimate, romantic dinners for up to 150 people.
The Kiama Pavilion
The Pavilion is a picturesque coastal location overlooking centuries-old pine trees and a beautiful surf beach, with a variety of spaces for your ceremony and reception. Every event is unique here, and your wedding should be no exception.
Your guests will have plenty to look at while waiting for your grand entrance, thanks to the wrap-around balcony and waterfront views on most sides. A beautiful vacation destination that your family and friends will never want to leave.
Cellar Door at Crooked River Wines
At this lovely vineyard location, exchange your vows against the backdrop of gorgeous rolling hills. Vineyards have a classic romance that makes them an excellent choice for a wedding, and Crooked River is no exception!
The extra few minutes of driving south of Wollongong are well worth it! This award-winning wedding venue, located in Gerringong on New South Wales’ beautiful South Coast, has on-site accommodations for your guests and is ideal for intimate or medium-sized crowds, hosting parties of up to 150 guests.
Wollongong Sage Hotel
The Sage Hotel offers the classical elegance of a hotel wedding right in the heart of Wollongong, making it ideal for the affluent couple. With on-site lodging, guests can easily walk to their rooms, which are only a few steps away from the reception area. This location is ideal for couples who have out-of-town guests staying for a few days because it has an onsite outdoor pool and a gym.
The hotel has an impressive 13 event spaces to choose from, all of which cater to different styles and needs. Large windows let in natural light, and terraces and grand ballrooms can accommodate intimate weddings or dinners for up to 280 people!
Restaurant Lagoon
This beachside location has a tranquil, forestry vibe, with its main buildings nestled among fairy tale trees, providing a variety of photo opportunities.
Aside from its enviable beachfront location, the lagoon seafood restaurant is a great option due to its award-winning cuisine. Foodie couples will enjoy their delectable creations made from only the freshest caught seafood, as well as many other options!
This venue can cater to intimate parties or parties up to 200 for a dinner and 250 for a cocktail setting, with an impressive 5 different room set ups to choose from. They also provide a variety of options to accommodate a wide range of budgets, including special winter deals.
Sublime Point Cafe & Function Center
This venue is a cafe and a function centre located in Sublime Point, perched atop a mountain above the northern suburbs of the Illawarra, has earned its name and is ideal for couples looking for truly breathtaking shots on their wedding day. The café has a laid-back atmosphere but is still an impressive venue for formal events. Thrill your guests with truly sublime views and a stunning view of the valley and beaches from the dining area’s floor to ceiling windows.
Tumbling Waters
Tumbling Waters is a one-of-a-kind waterfront venue where mountains meet the sea and romantic wedding days are created. The classy and elegant surroundings are an ideal backdrop for simple and refined celebrations.
Beautiful gardens for your ceremony and photos, delicious food served by friendly staff, and a dedicated wedding coordinator who will anticipate your every need – it’s all here. In addition, the accommodations are excellent!
Altitude 1148
The staff at altitude 1148 is attentive and committed to making your special day as memorable as you are. The venue provides an airy, whimsical atmosphere with chair covers and tea lights, hinting at magic in the air.
They have an impressive selection of culinary options to suit a wide range of tastes, and can even host your wedding on-site if you wish. Different packages can accommodate different guest counts and dining arrangements, with a maximum of 140 guests for dinner and 200 for a cocktail setting. This lovely space can be found on the Princes Highway at Bulli Tops, 45 minutes south of Sydney.
Port Kembla Golf Club
At this amazing golf Club, you can host a stunning, classy affair with options for a beautiful outdoor ceremony. Your dedicated event coordinator will be there to assist you in designing the event to your exact specifications and ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
This venue, located 15 minutes south of Wollongong, provides on-site accommodations as well as pristine gardens for stunning photos. A variety of setups are available, including dining and a dance floor, with seating for up to 200 guests for a cocktail-style event.