There's a bit of rhetoric around weddings and how much they cost. And sure, they can be expensive but so is a baby bib if you choose to shop at Hermes (read: $430).
It's a little dramatic (and also a lie) to say that ALL weddings are outrageously expensive (and before you mention the words "wedding tax", read this). There are a bunch of stunning and affordable wedding venues in NSW out there, you just need to know where to look (and understand what you're looking for).
Cue: Wedshed. A small but mighty team who want to help engaged couples get married without compromising their finances. It is possible to have a beautiful wedding celebration without spending more than you (or whoever is offering to front the bill) can afford.
In this round-up of affordable wedding venues in NSW, we’ve included a mix of venues that are BYO and DIY meaning you can organise elements (alcohol, styling items, catering, furniture) that are within your own budget, as well as venues that are all-inclusive (little to no need to hire anything) which, when you break them down based on the inclusions, they are punching above their weight.
Things to consider when searching for affordable wedding venues in NSW.
Expand your search
Don't be too attached to a particular type of venue. If not overspending is a priority, be open to alternative options. The best thing about living in this century is that you can have a wedding almost anywhere - a cafe, warehouse, boat, park, pub, paddock, church, backyard. Think outside the box, you might be pleasantly surprised with what you find.
Be upfront about your budget
Honesty is always the best policy and rather than beating around the bush, it's better to be upfront about your budget. Share your ideas and ask how the venue might best be able to meet your needs. Most will be flexible where they can and happy to explain options that might suit your wedding budget.
Note: Common sense is required here - don't approach a venue that is way outside your budget and ask them if you can get everything half price.
DIY vs. Done For You: which is cheaper?
When searching for an affordable NSW wedding venue, one of the key things to look at is what's included in the venue hire fee. For example, most blank canvas wedding venues will require you to organise your own furniture, glassware, additional bathrooms, tipi or marquee, staff, catering etc. while the cost of an all-inclusive venue usually covers these things.
Using a cost comparison spreadsheet is a useful tool for tracking what additional costs you might be looking at on top of a venue's hire fee.
There's a reason our jaws hit the floor when we discovered Linneaus Collection - a collection of two immersive farms supported by a series of luxury residences: it's truly magnificent.
And the ability for couples to mix n' match different inclusions for their elopement (sorry, no large-scale celebrations here) means there's a way to enjoy this incredible property, even on a budget.
With multiple farm and house locations and an on-site restaurant (as well as the option to BYO), the real beauty here is its all-inclusive nature, meaning there's less to organise and more time to enjoy with loved ones.
A Cassanova of wedding venues, Waldara is an extremely seductive space and not just because of its good looks. Sure, the property itself is kind on the eyes (think 800 acres of rolling farmlands and manicured gardens), two stunning homesteads (sleeps 20) and a wedding barn, but what really sets this place apart is the service.
The helpful folks who run this place know that not one-size-fits-all, which is why they have flexible options and an extremely reasonable day wedding package. The perfect solution for couples wanting a more affordable wedding alternative.
You'll be forgiven for thinking you've been transported to France at this property. If you're partial to fresh country air and insanely good value, there's a high chance you'll be adding Mayfield Vineyard to your list of things you love.
This stunning winery - located just 10kms from Orange, NSW - features a 100-year-old homestead and cellar door, accommodation for 28 guests across six charming dwellings and the kind of natural beauty that inspires people to write poetry. And - the cherry on top - it's affordable.
Mayfield offers couples exclusive, three-day hire of the entire property, generous discounts on Mayfield wines, a whole host of inclusions and much more bang for your buck than most.
It doesn't get much better than BoxGrove, especially if you're looking for a wedding venue that affords you complete flexibility to create a day that's personal and memorable without costing a limb.
BoxGrove understands that not every is couple is working to the same budget and for this reason, they have multiple packages available with optional add-ons (including a generously priced in-house styling and floral services). Everything is included on-site (accommodation, furniture, cutlery, PA systems, festoon lights, alternative wet weather options and more), meaning couples save by not having to bring in multiple wedding vendors.
What's more, you can offset some of your costs as BoxGrove sleeps a whopping 62 guests.
As a not-for-profit organisation, Bayview Yacht Racing Association (or BYRA) isn't looking to make millions - just enough so they can keep the place operating. For this reason, BYRA is a more affordable NSW wedding venue for couples who don't mind rolling up their sleeves and taking on a bit of DIY.
The furniture, kitchen, bathrooms and stunning views are all included but everything else (alcohol, catering, styling and staff) are all in the hands of the couple (or their chosen wedding planner).
In terms of a waterfront location, this place can't be beat and with no hidden fees and enough space for 150 guests, it's definitely an attractive option for budget-conscious couples.
It's hard to find a bad word to say about Bombora - it's affordable, smack bang on Queenscliff Beach and run by the talented humans behind Days Like These Events.
It's also a wedding venue that encourages individuality - this blank canvas space is practically begging couples to put their own stamp on it. There are hardly any rules here (as long as it's legal) and the location is right up there. Catering is BYO and rooms can be hired exclusively or combined.
A good find for any couple who want a day that's affordable and feels uniquely theirs, without wanting to do too much heavy lifting.
With over 700 weddings under their belt, this 140-acre property knows a thing or two about celebrating love. Privately tucked away in the beautiful Wollombi Valley, Mystwood offers a unique ceremony and reception space alongside accommodation for 12 guests.
With everything on-site, including a rustic bar, DJ booth and marquee, there aren't many additional costs outside of alcohol (which is BYO).
The five well-equipped cottages each feature outdoor spas, wood fires and king sized beds (bliss!) and for everyone else, there are plenty of Airbnb style accommodation options nearby.
A quiet overachiever, Frida's Field is a regenerative farm, hatted restaurant and wedding venue in the beautiful Byron Bay Hinterland.
It's all-inclusive offering is (almost) too good to be true - especially if you're a soft target for seasonal, farm-to-table food and small-batch wines... or late night toasties. The menus here, designed by multi award-winning chef Alastair Waddell (formerly Executive Head Chef at Qualia on Hamilton Island) are ever-changing and inspired by the property's own organically grown produce.
The venue itself is equally impressive - a purpose-built timber reception barn that can comfortably seat 120 people, multiple ceremony sites and a cottage that sleeps two. And for every wedding held here, Frida's Field plant a tree on the farm which couples can return to visit over the years.
Even if you don't like to dance (sorry, can't relate), you'll want to celebrate at this historic establishment. Located in the Royal National park and only 45 minutes from Sydney CBD, the surrounds at Audley Dance Hall are breathtakingly beautiful and the all-inclusive packages are very reasonable.
The refurbished, heritage-listed dance hall is an inviting space, with a vast verandah overlooking to Hacking River and the food and drink offering here is the kind that gets talked about in the best way possible (the current owner's entire family has worked in the food industry for generations).
For accommodation, there's a two-bedroom cottage approximately five step-ball-changes away from the hall, as well as plenty of other cottages within the park or in the nearby town of Bundeena.
This affordable wedding venue in NSW is as fun as it sounds. The ultimate country escape (and only 70 minutes from Sydney), Ding Dang Doo Escape is a charming, blank canvas space that is best suited to couples who want to create a unique celebration - the kind you won't see anywhere else.
The stunning reception barn is simple enough to be styled to suit all kinds of tastes or there is plenty of space for a marquee or tipi. The three heritage cottages and glamping retreat are another talking point and means that a number of guests can stay comfortably on-site.
Being BYO everything, this venue allows you to bring in as much or as little as you like to suit your wedding budget, with the option to hire an experienced wedding coordinator to help with the planning.
Nestled in the heart of Sydney's bustling CBD, Kittyhawk offers a unique and vibrant setting for weddings with a touch of vintage charm. Inspired by the liberation of Paris in 1944, this venue transports guests to a bygone era with its retro decor and nostalgic ambiance.
With its multiple event spaces, couples have the flexibility to customise their wedding celebration to suit their style, preferences and (you guessed it) budget.
Is there anyone who doesn't love a secret bar? Didn't think so. Perhaps it's why Bar Messenger is such a popular Sydney wedding venue (or any event event, like a wedding book launch).
Hidden behind an impressive Greek painting, the entrance alone puts people in the mood for some frolicsome fun. Add in the cushioned booths, marble tables, some dim lighting and a very impressive (mostly Australian) wine list and you have yourself a guaranteed good time. Plus, with a rare license to operate until 2:00am, it's an ideal spot for post-wedding celebrations.
A bridal change room and BYO catering are available, and given this place generally hosts more intimate style celebrations, it reasons that weddings here are usually less expensive than their large-scale counterparts.
With its stunning surroundings and versatile event spaces, Corowa Whisky and Chocolate provides the ideal setting for an intimate yet memorable celebration without the hefty price tag.
Couples can exchange vows amidst the rustic beauty of the countryside, followed by a reception inside the heritage listed 1920's flour mill (which features a 14 metre long polished concrete bar which houses 200 whiskys from around the world) and take advantage of the venue's all-inclusive wedding packages.
Ever since Willow Farm arrived on the wedding scene, we've been in awe of its natural beauty - the beautifully furnished farmhouse, the 160-acres of rolling green farmland and the jetty overlooking the dam. Real movie-like stuff.
It helps that it's only a stone's throw from Berry (and The Famous Berry Donut Van) and that couples who wed here can have a wedding without too much effort (their package includes accommodation, access to props and furniture, bus transport to and from Berry, bar staff and much more) however couples can still BYO food, alcohol and their furry friends.
Vines Restaurant at Hollydene Estate is a Hunter Valley wedding venue offering even more than what meets the eye. Behind the venue's stunning rustic timbers, picturesque vineyards and horse studs and wrap-around alfresco area is a team of wedding professionals who work closely with each couple to help create a day that is nothing short of perfect.
There's always a wet weather plan in place and with a dedicated wedding planner (at no additional charge) this all-inclusive Hunter wedding venue is a rather sweet deal.
Don't let La Vigna Estate's good looks intimidate you. Yes, this Hunter Valley wedding venue is fancy but there are a few things that make it more affordable. Firstly, it can accommodate 38 guests across four houses - a cost which can be divided amongst those guests. Secondly, you have the flexibility to choose all your own wedding vendors (including caterers) meaning you can control how much you spend.
Lastly, you don't have to spend money on any additional outings - the whole appeal of this place is that you won't ever want to leave. The entire venue is hired exclusively and gives couples access to three pools, a stunning chapel, a dedicated wedding planner, endless rows of grapevines (and wine) plus more.
Photo credits (top to bottom): Somethings Wild, Pip Takes A Picture, Bryce Noone Photography, own image, Fiona and Bobby, Blaise Bell, Samuel White Photography, own image, Nina Claire Photography, With Heart, own image, Che Sara Photography, Tim Pascoe, Dan Cartwright Photography, own image.
