Karen and Damien | Beautiful Hawkesbury DIY wedding

Karen and Damien were one of my gorgeous couple that had to reschedule their big day due to the first wave of covid restrictions early last year. After much rescheduling of all their awesome vendors they managed to pull their day together on a November sunny spring day. It was simply a beautiful day filled with lots of love, laughter and happy tears from all their loved ones there. Watching their daughter run down the isle to her daddy would bring a tear to anyones eye.

Their celebrant, Kate Eloise, was fantastic and I loved how she had really taken the time to get to know Karen and Damien, she was able to joke around with them and it was like she was a friend rather than just their celebrant. Their ceremony was held at a local spot in a national park where they often go on walks and fishing with their family and then the reception was held back at their property. The catering was superb by Radish Events and all other touches were styled and created by Karen herself. Karen looked spectacular in her Stella York dress (who doesn’t love a dress with pockets!) and her hair and make up was done by the uber talented Wye Bridal Hair and Makeup.

Dream Wedding Venues within 3 hours of Sydney

Whats in a venue….

Are you recently engaged? starting the process of hunting for the perfect wedding venue can be super daunting. I am sure there are a million questions running through your head, big and fun? small and intimate? DIY? all done for you? ceremony and reception same place or different? Soooooo many things to consider but I have put together a little guide of some of my fav venues in NSW and just one of them might be your dream come true!

1. Athol Hall - Mosman, NSW

This gorgeous heritage venue boasts a premium spot on Sydney harbour with city and harbour views. It is private so no random passes by can watch one of the most magical moments of your life (pet hate of mine haha!) and it has a stunningly simple white and timber decor which will suit any styling you have in mind. There is a private beach which is perfect for photos and you can have the ceremony and reception all in the same place.

Photo Credit: Athol Hall Website

2. Audley Dance Hall - Royal National Park, Sydney, NSW

Set in the most beautiful bush/river location this handsome dance hall has been beautifully restored and lends its self to your style, whatever it may be. I love love love the fact you can have a beautiful long outdoor table under a gorgeous tree with stunning twinkly lights. Again another spot you can have ceremony and location together. I personally love having everything all at the same venue. I feel it takes a lot of the stress and rush out of the day and truely gives the bride and groom a chance to relax and enjoy their surroundings.

Photo Credit: Wedshed

3. Loxley on Bellbird Hill - Kurrajong, NSW

This little piece of paradise set in the hills overlooking Sydney allows not only the ceremony and reception in the same spot but there is also accommodation on site so the bride and groom can both get ready their as well (totally great for those who are always running late!). I have shot at this venue a number of time and it never disappoints, it is beautiful and well kept all year round and the grounds are just stunning for your photos.

4. Wallalong House - Hunter Valley, NSW

This stunning country venue has many different spots around the property for both the ceremony and photos including the 1830’s stables with cobbles stones, four 200 year old fig trees at the front of the house overlooking panoramic country views stretching for miles, the gardens and sandstone cellar. It also has an amazing marque set up and three different catering options for you to choose from. This one is definitely on my bucket list to shoot at!

Photo Credit: Wallalong House Website

5. Hazlehurst Gallery & Cafe - Gymea, NSW

This is a totally relaxed and fun vibe venue with great food and amazing styling. A perfect low key option for Sydney siders that just want to enjoy themselves and the company of their guests. They have this awesome mural wall out in the garden that regularly changes and beautiful gardens surrounding the gallery. I shot Aimie and Ricks wedding here a while ago now and it ended up being wet weather so the ceremony was moved inside and it was just stunning indoors!

6. Redleaf - Wollombi, NSW

This one is another top of my bucket list venues to shoot at! The venue and grounds are just jaw dropingly beautiful. Another all in one affair with accommodation through to reception means total relaxation and enjoyment for the bride and groom and their guests.

Photo Credit: Cavanagh Photography

7. Kantara House - Central Coast, NSW

Boasting one of the most beautiful wedding chapels (The Charlotte Chapel) you have ever seen this is a beautiful green and white oasis perfect for any wedding. The chapel is an amazing mix of open beams, stunning doors and windows and more light than most churches, this is a photographers dream church.

Photo Credit : wedshed.com.au

8. Warramba - Capertee Valley, NSW

Now this is probably the most beautiful accommodation I have ever stayed in. This is primarily a country property for accommodation but if you are after that country property feel this is the perfect play to DIY/Event plan away. Surrounded by the stunning escarpments of the Capertee Valley the sunset light is just incredible and you get to get friendly with the resident Highland Cattle who are too cute for words.

9. Merribee House - Nowra, NSW

Lavender fields and outdoor dinning, need I say more?! This is a spectacular venue with so many options for both ceremony and location. Less than 3 hours from Sydney and you are in what feels like a tuscan country paradise.

Photo Credit: Milton Gan Photography

10. Curraweena House, Kurrajong NSW

This is a gorgeous little retreat perfect for an intimate wedding or elopement. It is a stylish heritage weatherboard home nestled in amongst beautiful gardens with a newly renovated barn awaiting your styling for your perfect wedding. There are lots of catering options to suit any taste and great flexibility for this venue

Photo Credit: Curraweena House Website

So there is my top 10 list of amazing wedding venues! If these didn’t hit the mark for you feel free to drop me an email with what style of wedding you would like as I have a list a mile long I can recommend you too!

Good Luck with your search and I would love to photograph your day for you where ever you choose so please have a look at my pricing page for more info.