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Top 12 Southern Highlands Wedding Venues

September 7, 2021

Wedding, wedding venues

Bride and groom share a kiss during their Highland wedding together with their dog; image overlaid with text that reads Top 12 Southern Highlands Wedding Venues

Top 12 Southern Highlands Wedding Venues

Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting events you will ever undertake, and one of the most important aspects of your special day is where you plan to host your wedding. The venue should be a location that fits your overall vision for your day! We have photographed weddings all over the world, and have been in some of the most gorgeous venues. That’s why we wanted to create a list of our top 12 Southern Highlands wedding venues to help you with your venue search.

#1 – Bendooley Estate

Bendooley Estate is simply stunning! This space can accommodate large celebrations and even smaller, more intimate ones. You can custom design your menus with their very own Executive Chef, which makes planning your perfect day even easier. This venue is set amongst beautiful gardens and vineyards; it even has a lake on the property – this pick for our favourite Southern Highlands wedding venues is one of a kind. It has two separate venues you can choose from on the property, so take a look:

The Stables

This venue option on the Bendooley Estate, called The Stables, has been custom-built for couples who are seeking distinctive rural glamour for their special day. The Stables overlooks rolling hills which are beautifully displayed through the wall of glass on one end of the barn. Inside you can cozy up by the huge iron fireplace, while the room is lit up by modern rustic chandeliers hanging from exposed beams that line the cathedral ceilings. It truly is the ideal setting for a country-style wedding.

Couple kissing as they walk back up the aisle at Bendooley Estate The Stables

Book Barn

This location is truly a literature lover’s dream, and not to mention one of the most sought-after Southern Highlands wedding venues! The Book Barn is a space that surrounds you with stories while writing your own. The walls are filled with books that reach up into cathedral ceilings that are filled with king-size chandeliers and exposed beams, creating a truly unique space for your wedding.

First dance with special effects sparklers and fog at Bendooley Estate Book Barn

#2 – Mali Brae Farm

This exquisite pick of our Southern Highlands wedding venues is truly picturesque. I still remember the phenomenal day spent here at Mali Brae for Courtney & Stewart’s wedding: we were spoilt for photo opportunities on this idyllic farm.

Bride and groom pose at a rustic small house by the lake during their wedding at Mail Brae Farm, taken by Translucent Photography

Mali Brae Farm is set on 90 acres, all set aside exclusively for you and your event. The venue is a gorgeously transformed hay shed that is simply covered in rustic elegance. The views are stunning, with acres of landscaped gardens to enjoy from inside the venue and out. This is not a venue to miss!

#3 – The Barn on Melross

If you are looking for a venue that will fit your bespoke wedding day vision, then The Barn on Melross Farm is one place you’ll want to see.

Guests flocking at the wedding venue at The Barn on Melross Farm

This luxury 5-star country event space is one of the Southern Highlands wedding venues where you and your guests have a choice of lovely country homes to enjoy: The Rye House & The Millet House. And, crucially, this location is even a “Pet-Friendly Venue” if you desire to bring your well-behaved furry friends!

#4 – Wildwood

If you have ever dreamt of getting married in the Australian rainforest, then look no further! Wildwood Kangaroo Valley wedding venue is set on 100 acres of pristine rainforest. And if that wasn’t enough natural beauty, the property nestles up against a fantastic sandstone escarpment.

Couple kissing with the background of the breathtaking rainforest at the Wildwood, photographed by Translucent Photography

This location has unique ceremony locations, a range of options for your reception, stunning photo opportunities, and even the freedom to choose your own theme, style, and food service to fulfill your vision for your special day. As they say at Wildwood, “Dare to be different and run away to get married!”

#5 – Growwild Wildflower Farm

The breathtaking Growwild Wildflower Farm is a stunning Southern Highlands wedding venue located in the charming suburb of Alpine, NSW. Known for its magnificent gardens that come alive in every season, particularly in the vibrant hues of autumn, this venue is truly magical for weddings of all sizes — from intimate micro-weddings and elopements to larger-scale celebrations.

Stunning gardens at Growwild Wildflower Farm

One of the standout features of Growwild is its flexibility and thoughtful design. Couples will adore the rustic barn as a charming wet weather option, while the bright and well-lit marquee provides an elegant space for receptions, ready to be styled to your taste. Adding to its charm is the option to choose your own catering and bar services, allowing you to personalize your day even further.

The owners are known for their warmth and friendliness, making the planning process a joy from start to finish. The venue’s stunning gardens provide incredible photo opportunities year-round, from lush greenery in spring and summer to the golden tones of autumn, making every wedding held here uniquely special. It’s no wonder that Growwild Wildflower Farm is a favorite venue for couples seeking an unforgettable Southern Highlands wedding.

#6 – Milton Park Country Estate

Nestled in the heart of Bowral, Milton Park Country Estate is one of the most elegant wedding venues in the Southern Highlands. This stunning European-style estate boasts breathtaking gardens, charming courtyards, and a historic mansion that exudes old-world romance.

Milton Park Country Estate Wedding Venue

Milton Park offers multiple ceremony locations, including the enchanting Tulip Lawn and the wisteria-draped garden paths, providing the perfect backdrop for your vows. For receptions, couples can choose between the grand Ballroom, ideal for larger celebrations, or the intimate Orangerie, both offering timeless elegance and impeccable service.

With luxurious on-site accommodation, world-class dining, and picturesque surroundings, Milton Park ensures an unforgettable wedding experience. Whether you envision a lavish affair or a romantic garden wedding, this estate delivers timeless beauty and sophistication.

#7 – The Robertson Hotel

The Robertson Hotel located in Robertson, New South Wales is a gorgeous, sprawling estate built in 1924 sits upon the highest part of the grounds overlooking the entire area. This beautiful hotel remains true to the ambiance of the ’20s with a new take bringing a modern and stylish twist. This hotel is a family-friendly property, so if your celebration list includes kids this venue is an excellent choice. The decor is rich and whispers of a gentler time of an era long past. From the red carpet, oversized wood fireplaces, strikingly high ceilings and ornate chandeliers that will take your breath away, vast manicured gardens, and a Gatsby-style bar, you will truly feel like royalty saying “I do” here. This is truly a local treasure!

#8 – The Secret Garden

If you are dreaming of an outdoor wedding surrounded by lush gardens, then The Secret Garden might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

Five acres of pristine gardens are a labor of love for horticulturist Kathy Finigan. She has designed the gardens to be vastly different from one end of the property to the other, which means as you capture your special day, no two photos will look the same! This garden venue is truly one of a kind when it comes to Southern Highlands wedding venues.

#9 – Montrose House

Nestled in the rolling hills of Sutton Forest, Montrose House is a premier wedding venue in the Southern Highlands. Established in 1861, this historic homestead is set on 33 acres of English-inspired gardens, meadows, orchards, and woodlands, offering a picturesque backdrop for your special day.

Montrose House Wedding Venue

Couples can exchange vows in one of the estate’s magnificent ceremony locations, followed by a unique garden party at the Greenhouse Bar. Receptions are held in the elegant Badgery Hall, featuring English bond brickwork, soaring ceilings, a crystal chandelier, and a heritage fireplace, accommodating up to 130 guests.

Montrose House provides exclusive use of the venue, ensuring privacy and intimacy for your event. The estate’s culinary team crafts exquisite dishes that celebrate the local produce of the Southern Highlands and South Coast, offering a sumptuous dining experience for you and your guests.

With its blend of historic charm, natural beauty, and exceptional service, Montrose House is an ideal choice for couples seeking a memorable wedding venue in the Southern Highlands.

#10 – Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat

Tucked away in the stunning natural beauty of the Southern Highlands, Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat is a truly unique wedding venue that offers an unforgettable experience for couples seeking a scenic and intimate celebration. Surrounded by lush bushland, dramatic rock escarpments, and breathtaking valley views, this venue provides a secluded and tranquil setting for your special day.

Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat Wedding Venue

One of the standout features of this venue is the awe-inspiring Rock Cathedral, a natural sandstone amphitheater that serves as a breathtaking ceremony location. Guests are immersed in nature as they witness the couple exchange vows in this truly magical setting.

Following the ceremony, guests can enjoy drinks and canapés on the deck overlooking the valley before moving into the Pavilion for a relaxed yet elegant reception. The venue allows for a fully customizable wedding experience, giving couples the freedom to create a day that reflects their style and vision.

With on-site accommodation for up to 68 guests, Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat is perfect for multi-day celebrations, allowing couples and their loved ones to immerse themselves in the beauty of this one-of-a-kind location. Whether you’re after a romantic, rustic wedding or a boho-chic affair, this venue provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable wedding in the Southern Highlands.

#11 – Centennial Vineyard

I had the incredible honor of shooting Bec & Dan’s wedding at this gorgeous location.

Couple moment during speeches at their reception at The Centennial Vineyard during their wedding, captured by Translucent Photography

Centennial Vineyard, located in historic Bowral, is a stunningly beautiful property, with acres of land lined with gorgeous vines and gardens. This venue can accommodate up to 180 of your closest friends and family, and its high ceilings lend to the grandeur of the rolling hills of vines that surround you as you dance the night away in one of our top Southern Highlands wedding venues.

#12 – The Gibraltar Hotel

The Gibraltar Hotel may be the last one we are telling you about but that certainly doesn’t make it the least! Beautiful willows, lakes, woods, and century-old trees fill the hundred-acre grounds that this fabulous venue occupies. The hotel has resort-style facilities, and yet mixes in the country charm of the Bowral area.

The Gibraltar Hotel has a dedicated wedding team that will assist you with planning your special day, and they can accommodate you on whatever your vision may be, whether it’s a lavish and large celebration or something more intimate and simple. A romantic lakeside ceremony that seamlessly flows into a cocktail reception amidst the gardens is only the beginning. Then, as the evening sets, you’ll dance the night away at your reception party overlooking Mount Gibraltar to finish out the evening. This truly is a magical place for a wedding venue!

Final Thoughts

These 12 Southern Highlands Wedding Venues are all exquisite! I hope you found this list helpful regarding venue options when planning your own special day. We love to share our knowledge of the industry with you – all the little tips and favourites we have gained throughout our years of photographing weddings. If you are looking for a photographer for your engagement and/or wedding, we would love to connect with you here!

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Translucent Photography is an Australian Wedding Photographer specialising in Candid & Authentic Wedding, Elopement & Family Photography. Based near Wollongong on the NSW South Coast, we often capture moments across the Southern Highlands, South Coast, Illawarra, Canberra & Blue Mountains regions.

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