Country Weddings In Australia

The Australian countryside is a beautiful and special part of what makes Australia so beautiful. There are a vast variety of different landscapes unique to each region of the country. From a rustic farm wedding on the scenic rim of South East Queensland, to a wedding in the beautiful wine region of Milawa in northern Victoria or a wedding on a private property near the coast in Jervis Bay NSW; there is simply so much you can do when having your own wedding in the country.

Bride and Groom in a paddock at sunset at a Country NSW Wedding Venue

A great place to start when planning your own wedding in the country is the location. Make a short list of everything you want out of your location and then expand on this with the pros and cons.

My Favourite Country Wedding Regions

In the following interactive map, I have marked the best regions in Australia for country-style weddings. These are the orange numbered markers.

As you scroll in, you will see individual wedding venues marked on the map in yellow.

New South Wales

Victoria

  • Country Victoria
  • Gippsland
  • Yarra Valley
  • Macedon Ranges
  • The Otways
  • Mornington Penninsula

Queensland

  • Country Queensland
  • Sunshine Coast
  • SE Queensland
  • Goldcoast Hinterland
  • Central Queensland
  • Far North Queensland

South Australia

  • Barossa Valley
  • Flinders Ranges
  • Adelaide Hills
  • Victor Harbour
  • Greater Adelaide
  • Country South Australia

Western Australia

  • Margaret River
  • Albany
  • Greater Perth
  • Country Western Australia

Tasmania

  • Launceston
  • Hobart
  • Country Tasmania

Northern Territory

  • Alice Springs
  • Uluru
  • Darwin

The Best Country Wedding Venues

  • Bendooley Estate (Berrima, NSW)
  • Montrose Berry Farm (Sutton Forest, NSW)
  • Centennial Vineyards (Bowral, NSW)
  • Mali Brae Farm (Southern Highlands, NSW
  • Milton Park (Bowral, NSW)
  • Seclusions Blue Mountains (Rydal, NSW)
  • Waldara Farm (Oberon, NSW)
  • Wallalong House (Hunter Valley, NSW)
  • Adam’s Peak Country Estate (Broke, NSW)
  • Wombat Hollow (Southern Highlands, NSW)
  • Worrowing (Jervis Bay, NSW)
  • Willow Farm (Berry, NSW)
  • Melross (Kangaroo Valley, NSW)
  • Worrendo Cottages (The Lost World Valley, QLD)
  • Brown Brothers (Milawa, VIC)
  • Goonoo Goonoo Station (Tamworth, NSW)
  • Kimo Estate (Gundagai, NSW)

Country Wedding Photos

Bride and Groom in Traralgon in Gippsland during the afternoon Bride and Groom in the moonlight at their Country Victoria wedding Bride and Groom under the Willow Tree at Willow Farm in Berry. A black and white photo at one of the nicest Berry Wedding Venues. Bride and Groom at sunset at the Kangaroo Valley Wedding Venue the Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat Sunset light on the Kangaroo Valley Wedding Venue named Bundaleer Bride and Groom at Bundaleer

Why I Recommend Planning Your Own Country Wedding

Many will say it’s purely a wedding trend to have a rustic wedding in the country but there is a lot more too it than that. There is a lot of freedom and enjoyment in celebrating your big day with your family and friends out in the countryside. In general you have a lot less restrictions in what you can and cant do (especially if you decide to get married on a private property). Meaning you can really create a wedding day (or even wedding festival) based around what is most important to you.

Tipi reception setup at Bundaleer

One of the best things about having a wedding in the country is the experience shared with everyone involved. You will find a lot of your guests and loved ones will make a weekend out of it, giving ample opportunity to spend some quality time with everyone. There is usually quite a big DIY component to the wedding and having been part of weddings as both a photographer and a guest it’s always fun to be involved in the special day.

Wedding Ceremony in the paddock at Bundaleer

Find wedding vendors that are as excited as you are for your wedding day. They will be a plethora of knowledge and help in the planning stage and the delivery of everything you want on the day. I would almost call it a best wedding practice for all weddings (regardless of style and location) but they can really take your special day to the next level.

Nonmetro Wedding Tips

  • Take your time finding the right wedding venue! You might find the perfect farm with the barn of your dreams that is in the middle of nowhere (and just not feasible).
  • Pick a time of year that suits the location! Often cusp seasons are best for conditions (not too hot not too cold)
  • It can often be cool during the evenings in the countryside. When planning your outfits make sure you have something warmer to wear over the top (especially for your bridesmaids and bridal party).
  • The best time of the day for wedding photography is as the sun starts to set. Therefore, no matter what time of the year you plan your wedding I will suggest we are out for photos during that light!
  • Choose a wedding location that can cater for all your guests! A lot will travel so there needs to be accommodation to fit them all either onsite or close to where you get married.
  • Make sure you give yourself and your wedding guests enough time to get accommodation organised when you are considering your wedding date for your Southern Highlands Wedding. This is especially important if you are planning a destination wedding here.
  • Consider a bus service to pickup and drop off your guests if the location is remote. It means they can enjoy the wedding and enjoy it responsibly!
  • If you are worried about bringing this altogether, consider a wedding planner. They can help you out in the lead up to the wedding day and even offer on the day wedding coordination. You can never have too much help.

Helpful Tips For Planning A Country Wedding

I always say that one of the best parts about planning a wedding is the experiences you get to have along the way. Make the most of your time when picking the location and planning the day. Here are some useful tips for planning your country style wedding.

  • Weather – Plan for all weather! Depending on what facilities are on-site, factor in what you need for your wedding ceremony and reception venue in all weather conditions. You may want to have a reception under the stars, but having a backup marquee will take away any stress if the weather turns poor. An example on a compromise for this is having your reception inside but your dance floor outside.
  • Facilities – Often if you are getting married on a property that doesn’t host regular weddings, you need to arrange facilities for your wedding guests and wedding vendors. Things like toilets, catering tents, refrigeration (for your wedding cake), power and rubbish disposal. Have a chat with your wedding vendors and others involved as they will be able to give advice on what they need to do their job best.
  • Styling – Often a blank canvas means that people feel obligated to go to town on the setup and styling. The location itself will create a beautiful atmosphere for your wedding day; so do not stress if you want to keep it simple. Have a chat with your partner about the vibe and feel you want to create for your guests and then how you can achieve that.
  • Extend the festivities – If you are having people travel, make an experience out of it. A pub dinner the night before the wedding and a brunch the day after. Make the most of your time with everyone that comes to celebrate.

Hi, I’m Jack Of Jack Chauvel Photography

As you can tell, I love a beautiful country wedding. If you are thinking of planning your own wedding outside of Sydney and Melbourne, I would love to be involved. Click this link to see more of my wedding photography portfolio.