7 reasons to have a regional wedding in NSW

By Maree Mikhaiel /

Wed 8th May 2024 Wedding Venues

regional wedding in NSW

Expansive landscapes, rural charm, and warm small-town hospitality are just a few of the reasons why an increasing number of couples in New South Wales are choosing regional weddings over traditional city ceremonies. The appeal of natural scenery, the cosiness of secluded venues, and the genuine farm-to-table cuisine make hosting a regional wedding in NSW irresistible.

If you’re newly engaged and contemplating a regional wedding, or just yearning to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, a countryside venue might be the ideal choice for you and your partner. We share 7 reasons why below: 

1. (Fresh) food for thought

Known for their field-to-table dining experiences, regional wedding venues capitalise on the wealth of locally sourced produce at their doorstep. Rustic yet sophisticated menus, such as those at Estate Tuscany, use seasonal Hunter Valley produce, starting with pan-seared scallops and moving onto honey-glazed duck leg and roasted beetroot or braised beef short ribs with vegetables. Delicious!

With consumers becoming more aware of the origins of their food, regional wedding venues are highlighting their dedication to supporting local farmers and artisans, providing an authentic and sustainable dining experience.

Estate Tuscany by Adam Cavanagh
Estate Tuscany by Adam Cavanagh

estate tuscany wedding

2. Capture timeless memories and unforgettable moments

If walking through a lookout point with your partner at golden hour against a backdrop of natural beauty appeals to you, a regional wedding could be ideal.On the one property, a regional wedding venue can easily provide countless opportunities to help curate a diverse and beautiful wedding album. 

Take The Lookout Echo Point as a prime example. Perfectly placed at the edge of the Blue Mountains, there’s an opportunity for scenic photos just a short stroll away with your choice of Katoomba Falls or The Three Sisters. What’s more, couples can capture special moments without missing quality time with their guests. Staying on-site at a regional wedding reduces travel, ensuring maximum enjoyment of your carefully planned day.

Lookout Echo Point

3. Spectacular, often unadulterated location

Location is a significant advantage of regional wedding venues, which offer a level of privacy and seclusion rarely found in city settings. Many of these venues host only one wedding per day, giving couples a more exclusive and personalised experience.

A major draw of regional venues is their seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. Venues like Terrara House, a magnificent historic mansion nestled amid 17 acres of manicured gardens, maze-like hedges, and lush greenery, offer a secluded and exquisite setting for unforgettable celebrations. Whether it’s a garden ceremony or a starlit reception, you’ll be captivated by the estate’s serene atmosphere and stunning landscape from the moment you arrive.

Terrara House weddings

4. Extending the celebration

Regional weddings provide the perfect opportunity to transform your special day into a weekend getaway. Venues like Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley offer 105 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, inviting guests to extend their stay and explore the surrounding region beyond the main event.

Opting for a regional wedding venue in New South Wales allows you to spread the celebrations over multiple days, from welcome drinks the night before to a farewell breakfast the next morning. This arrangement provides ample time for guests to socialise, reconnect, and enjoy each other’s company, creating a truly memorable celebration.

What’s more, the fresh air and starry nights offer a wonderful setting for both indoor and outdoor receptions, where guests can savour live music and dance the night away without worrying about noise restrictions.

Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley

5. Plenty of ceremony and reception spaces to choose

Why settle for just one when you can choose from a variety of ceremony and reception locations? Regional wedding venues like Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort provide 9 diverse spaces in which to host your ceremony and reception. The natural beauty of these locations often minimises the need for extravagant decorations, as the landscape itself becomes a focal point. Additionally, multiple ceremony options ensure that you’re prepared for inclement weather.

Oaks Cypress Lakes Wedding Venue

6. Pet-friendly. Enough said.

We believe that every wedding should include all loved ones, from our four-legged fur babies to two-legged feather friends. If you’re planning a wedding that incorporates children, pets (or even live music), regional wedding venues provide an ideal setting. Their spacious outdoor areas make them perfect for kid- and pet-friendly celebrations. A venue like Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral allows pets to participate in the ceremony.

Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral - dog friendly

7. Ample parking available… for FREE

Parking may not be the first thing you think about when choosing a venue, but convenient parking at regional wedding locations can really make your guests’ experience smoother. Away from the city’s traffic and expensive metered spots, these venues usually have ample free parking for any type of vehicle—cars, buses, limousines, you name it! 

For instance, Voco Kirkton Park boasts 80 free parking spaces on its property, alongside several electric charging points. It’s just one of the ways that a regional wedding in NSW ensures every guest enjoys the celebration stress-free. 

Voco Kirkton Wedding

Voco Kirkton Wedding

Find your perfect regional wedding venue in NSW

Let us assist you in finding the perfect regional wedding venue. New South Wales is experiencing a revival of stunning country venues, from heritage-listed homesteads to boutique country estates and wineries that are transforming the wedding landscape. Couples now have an impressive selection of regional wedding venues to choose from.

Thanks to our extensive network, we’d love to help you discover your ideal venue. Connect with our Expert Venue Specialists, who will create a curated list just for you. Simply share your budget, guest count, and preferred dates, and we’ll handle the rest.

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