Find your Perfect Wedding Venue. Wollongong & Illawarra’s Best & Secret Venues Revealed. Get Inspired.

Looking for the perfect wedding venue in Wollongong, Illawarra or Shoalhaven? Look no further! Here at What’s On In Wollongong, we have the local insiders’ guide to the best wedding venues in the Illawarra. Whether it’s large and traditional ceremony’s, intimate or elopement style, overlooking the ocean, micro weddings, or weddings on a budget, read on. We reveal some incredible wedding venues across the South Coast of NSW.

Finding the perfect wedding venue can be a daunting task. You want it to be memorable of course, but you also want it to fit your budget, accommodate your guest list, and reflect your unique style.

Good news! If you’re planning your wedding in Wollongong or Illawarra, we have a venue or outdoor space for every style of wedding.

Looking for the perfect wedding venue in Wollongong, Illawarra or Shoalhaven? Look no further! Here at What’s On In Wollongong, we have the local insiders’ guide to the best wedding venues in the Illawarra. Whether it’s large and traditional ceremony’s, intimate or elopement style, overlooking the ocean, micro weddings, or weddings on a budget, read on. We reveal some incredible wedding venues across the South Coast of NSW.

Finding the perfect wedding venue can be a daunting task. You want it to be memorable of course, but you also want it to fit your budget, accommodate your guest list, and reflect your unique style.

Good news! If you’re planning your wedding in Wollongong or Illawarra, we have a venue or outdoor space for every style of wedding.

City Beach Function Centre

1 Marine Drive Wollongong NSW 2500

Experience Wollongong’s only premier beachfront wedding venue – say ‘I do’ with exquisite views of the Pacific Ocean. So much more than just the perfect backdrop, the food, service, and events teams here are passionate about making your celebration personal and unforgettable.

What you’ll love:

  • Two stunning oceanfront spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows & private balconies
  • All-inclusive packages for weddings, formals, graduations & events
  • Dedicated wedding coordinators
  • Ceremony & pre-reception options, plus custom décor and styling
  • Gourmet catering and flawless service

Enquire now: 4228 3188 | weddings@citybeach.events or go here.

The Lagoon Restaurant

Stuart Park, Grand Pacific Drive, Wollongong NSW 2500

Create a beachside wedding that is personalised, intimate and reflects you as a couple. The Lagoon Restaurant is excited to announce their Midweek Micro Wedding Package. This small wedding package for up to 50 guests is for weddings between Monday – Thursday. Package includes 1 hour ceremony, private use of their Grace Room for 3 hours, 2-course Menu and a 3-Hour Beverage Package + more extras. Perfect, special and memorable. Learn more here.

BONUS: Book your 2025 wedding with The Lagoon by September 30, 2025, and receive $20 off per person on your chosen package!

Celebrate your big day with breathtaking views and make it a wedding to remember. Contact them today here. T&Cs apply.

The Imperial at Clifton

Photo c/o James Simpson Weddings

Just 500m from the famed Sea Cliff Bridge, this iconic venue is located in the township of Clifton on the tourist road known as the Grand Pacific Drive.

Perched on the clifftop above numerous neighbouring quaint coastal towns and beaches, the venue boasts wide-reaching views of the Pacific Ocean and the escarpment; making The Imperial at Clifton a destination in itself. Explore Draper & Co our bespoke event space clad with dark timber flooring, original brick walls and magnificent ocean views.

With numerous distinctive spaces spread along our three floors, The Imperial at Clifton can cater for celebrations up to 110. They have event spaces across 3 levels – learn more here.

Altitude 1148

Weddings with an incredible, breathtaking view at Altitude 1148

At Altitude 1148 your wedding day will be intimate and romantic, stunningly sophisticated and distinctively yours. They offer exclusivity* of their entire venue, which means there will be only one wedding being held at their venue at a time and our restaurant closes to the public, allowing their team to cater to your every need.

They offer an impressive selection of culinary choices for a variety of tastes and can host your wedding right on site if you desire. Different packages can accommodate a variety of guest counts and dining set ups, with a maximum of 140 guests for dinner or 200 for a cocktail setting.

You will be provided with professional service, delicious food, a premium venue and an experienced wedding coordinator to organise your wedding day and take care of you on the night.  Not to mention their amazing views which your guests will be raving about for years to come!

Click here to get in touch and make an enquiry with their venue.

The Icon, Wollongong

Your very own private wedding reception sanctuary in the heart of Wollongong – The Icon

Whatever celebration you have in mind, The Icon’s private Viper Room will be the perfect space for you and your guests with FREE Room Hire!

The Viper Room offers exclusive use for your next event for up to 40 people, with no minimum spend or time restrictions. The Viper Room offers your very own private sanctuary in the heart of the Wollongong CBD. Table service and canape style menu starting from as little as $25 per head.

Whole Venue Hire for Weddings & Larger Group Bookings – available for up to 180 capacity with exclusive use Friday or Sunday. No minimum spend with function packages available.

Their dedicated team will work with you, so your event is everything you want and more. For all wedding enquiries, email or phone Dimitri on enquiries@theicon.net.au or (02) 4244 3737. You can also learn more about The Icon Wollongong here.

The Fraternity Club

Weddings at The Fraternity Club, Fairy Meadow

The Fraternity Club understand the venue can make or break your special day. 

Experience the wedding of your dreams at The Fraternity Club, where magical moments are made unforgettable. The expansive ballroom, accommodating over 300 guests, sets the stage for your fairy tale celebration. With top-quality catering that delights even the most discerning palates, every bite is a symphony of flavors. From exquisite cuisine to impeccable service, you can craft your special day into a masterpiece of love and joy. Say ‘I do’ to perfection at The Fraternity ClubView our functions offerings now here 

Jervis Bay Wild Weddings

Jervis Bay Wild Weddings

With Port Venture, Jervis Bay Wild can accommodate 150 guests across multiple viewing levels. It is the perfect setting for memorable photo opportunities, a champagne in the sun, or canapes on the deck, offering a truly unique wedding experience.

After your private cruise, continue onto the reception at our very own Fishermens Wharf Huskisson situated right on the waters edge at Huskisson. Fishermens Wharf Huskisson is fully licensed and can accommodate 100 guests. It also has one of the best views in Huskisson with a beautiful outdoor space for sunset sippers!

For the perfect wedding package to suit your needs please call their office on (02) 4441 7002 or email cruise@jervisbaywild.com.au – or learn more here now.

The Shellharbour Club

At The Shellharbour Club they listen to your desires to ensure your wedding day is unique, inspiring and romantic. With six versatile event spaces and a diverse range of delicious menus to choose from, their highly professional events team will cater for groups of all sizes.

From an intimate space to a grand event, every wedding can be catered for at The Shellharbour Club. Contact their Events Team for more information regarding your event: functions@shelly.com.au or call 4296 7155.

Have your perfect, unique and memorable wedding day at The Shellharbour Club

Wollongong Botanic Garden

Wollongong Botanic Garden sets the stage for a wedding infused with nature and is the quintessential location for a couple who adores the great outdoors. No matter the season, let the stunning landscape of Wollongong Botanic Garden create the perfect setting for your wedding or commitment ceremony.

In the Spring, let the soft sounds of the creek accompany your ceremony, and in summer, surround yourself with the exquisite roses in our splendid formal English Rose Garden. In autumn, the vibrant foliage will set the stage for a wedding filled with colour, and in the winter, imagine a dramatic red desert backdrop for your wedding photography.

You’ll find the perfect setting for your outdoor ceremony – from intimate to grand gatherings, and everything in between. The Garden’s most popular spaces include the Rose Garden, the Australia Arid Collection, Temple Garden, Turpentine Lawn and Woodland Garden. Get in touch with their Weddings & Events team here.

Get married outdoors surrounded by beautiful gardens at Wollongong Botanic Garden

Figbird Cottage

Unique wedding & event venue in the stunning Shoalhaven – Figbird Cottage

Nestled in the idyllic rural hamlet of Terara on the NSW South Coast, Figbird Cottage is a very special place to love, laugh, celebrate and make treasured lifelong memories. From relaxed weddings to unforgettable milestone celebrations, let us bring your vision seamlessly to life in our bespoke European marquee, stunning gardens, premium facilities and sublime country vistas.

Figbird Cottage is one of the most affordable wedding venues in the Illawarra for exclusive use locations. This pretty garden spot offers all-inclusive day hire or weekend wedding packages with 2 night’s accommodation. There are two cottages onsite that sleep 8 people.

Choose your own caterers and use the styling items available onsite to create a very affordable wedding in one of the prettiest places on the South Coast. Click here to learn more.

HARS Aviation Museum

HARS is popular with couples who love a unique and fun venue!

A wedding venue with a difference! Whether your ceremony is set in the Boeing 747 or in one of the mind-blowing Hangars amongst the vintage aircraft, HARS Aviation Museum is sure to make your special day more memorable than most! HARS is unique as well as having the most outstanding opportunities, to create your point of difference from all the rest.

Let HARS Aviation Museum set up their Hangar 1 for your Wedding Breakfast. Their award-winning caterers will serve a four-course formal dinner or have a selection of finger food offered to you by their experienced wait staff. HARS are happy to help with any function you may have so please contact their front desk on 02 4257 4333!

Elopements & Intimate Weddings with Pony & Wolf

Luxe, boho-style intimate weddings by Pony & Wolf Pop-Up Picnics

Looking for styling for your intimate wedding – and a relaxed yet beautiful way to celebrate your special day with just a few friends or perhaps a larger group? Pony & Wolf can style and create the perfect vibe for you with their signature rustic luxe styling for any number up to 50.

You can choose from low bohemian style or high tables with chairs – or why not a mix of both?

Gorgeous parasols, garden settings with abundant rugs and cushions, table settings with vintage crystal glassware, pretty cutlery, florals, foliage and other pretty decor,

They have a collection of gorgeous shade parasols, garden setting, abundant rugs and cushions, table settings with vintage crystal glassware, pretty cutlery, silk faux florals, foliage and other pretty decor, different arbours and signing tables and chairs and vintage chairs available.

They also know of some gorgeous venues, photographers and celebrants along with other amazing vendors who can provide fresh florals, incredible giant tipis, extra furniture, camping, catering, cocktail caravans and more. Just get in touch to chat about your special day!

Bundanon

Scenic, secluded, weddings amongst the relaxing bush setting and the beautiful Shoalhaven River at Bundanon

Bundanon’s breath-taking views down the Shoalhaven River, contemporary architecture, bush landscape and new Art Museum provide the perfect setting to say ‘I do’.

Twenty minutes from Nowra, on the Shoalhaven River, and one hour from the Southern Highlands and Wollongong, Bundanon features accommodation for up to 96 people. Your guests will be able to stop, be present and fully enjoy the experience, without the need to travel. Hold your ceremony outdoors in the natural amphitheatre overlooking the river, before moving into the award-winning Boyd Education Centre forecourt and hall for your reception.

Flexible packages allow you to stay one or two nights and bring your own styling, catering, and your choice of vendors to create your vision. Learn more here.

The Wedding Hour Collective

Dreaming of a stunning wedding without the overwhelm & price tag? Say hello to The Wedding Hour Collective – your go-to team for beautiful, affordable micro weddings & elopements across Wollongong & the South Coast.

Founded by stylist Zoe Armstrong (Pony & Wolf Pop Up Luxury Picnics) and celebrant Lauren Kayle (Live Committed), they deliver high-style celebrations that are big on love, low on fuss.

From luxe micro weddings to “just-the-legals” pop-up I do’s, every detail is covered – venues, florals, photos, food, styling & support. Stunning coastal locations, secret gardens, & more. Create your unforgettable day – get in touch with Zoe & Lauren here.

Wollongong Town Hall and The Music Lounge

Merrigong Theatre Company is home to 2 venues right in the centre of the Wollongong CBD that are each available for hire for big and small weddings. Venues are the Wollongong Town Hall (WTH) and the smaller and more intimate space, The Music Lounge (popular for smaller more intimate weddings!)

Capacity across each venue is as follows: WTH – Main Auditorium (Up to 944 capacity); WTH – The Music Lounge (Up to 152 capacity). Click here to learn more and get in touch with their Events Team.

Old world glamour and sophistication at Wollongong Town Hall and The Music Lounge. Image c/o polkadotbride.com

Click here to read the 32 Illawarra Wedding Venues we have researched!

Wedding Day Catering

Dine In by Brooke Silk

Dine In — Founded by local, award-winning Chef Brooke Silk, is Wollongong’s premier Private Chef service, dedicated to bringing quality dining and find food directly to you anytime of the year – and is the perfect choice for a hassle-free, incredible feast for your special day. Perfect for any occasion — from weddings, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, milestone events, to private parties.

Servicing the Illawarra, South Coast, Highlands, and the Greater Sydney area. Servicing the Illawarra, South Coast, Highlands, and the Greater Sydney area. No matter where you are, enjoy exclusive dining experiences tailored for groups of 6 or more. Smaller wedding groups also welcome. Get in touch with Brooke and her team now here.

Wedding Day Photography – Wollongong & South Coast

Hayley Haynes – Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Hayley Haynes Wedding & Portrait Photography offers stunning, timeless photos that have earned her almost cult-like status in Wollongong, Illawarra and the South Coast when it comes to her wedding photography. Originally from the U.S, Hayley now calls the Illawarra her home and has built a legacy of capturing the special day of local couples. You can view Hayley’s incredible Wedding & Portrait portfolio here.

Wedding Dance Classes & Packages – Wollongong

Learn your perfect Wedding Dance with Miss Zoe’s School of Dance

The award-winning Miss Zoe’s of Dance team have worked with countless couples over the years – they know how to make you truly shine on your special day. Wedding Dance Classes are held at their Wollongong studio location – 90 Swan St, Wollongong.

Whether you’re looking for a classic first dance to some Ed Sheeran, a heartfelt father-daughter dance, or a hip hop flash mob for your wedding party, our teachers can customise a memorable and impressive dance routine to the music and dance style of your choice.

All our wedding packages are tailored to fit your needs based on your schedule, budget, dance ability, and expectations for your first dance. We take all factors into consideration including size of the floor, type of music, dress, shoes, props, and everything else in between.

Lessons are available at all our studio locations – Wollongong, Kiama, & Coledale (dependent on studio and staff availability). Cost: 3 lessons for $150 with no single class option. How many lessons you need will depend on what you’re after & how quickly you pick up the choreography.

To book your first dance wedding lessons or for all enquiries, contact Miss Zoe: misszoe@misszoesschoolofdance.com

Conclusion: When it comes time choosing your wedding venue in Wollongong or Illawarra, there are so many beautiful options available! Whatever option you decide upon, we hope that our guide has helped make your search easier so that all that’s left is celebrating your big day surrounded by family & friends! Happy planning! Click here for more Wedding Venue inspiration…

What’s On In Wollongong is your insider guide to events, places to go and best adventures Illawarra wide. We wish you all the best planning your beautiful day!

After more events and businesses near you? Never suffer FOMO again with our Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your in-box! Sign up HERE

You might also like: