One of the most significant shifts we’ve seen in recent years is a rise in elopements and micro weddings. Not necessarily because couples are looking to spend less (although this can be a valid reason), but more-so because they want to put their budget toward higher quality elements that they personally love and value, rather than a larger guest count. Say, some very nice wine or a top photographer.
It's a wedding trend that we fully support and in light of this, we've gathered the best elopement and micro wedding venues in NSW. These venues have made the option for couples to organise something more intimate, easy.
Note: Almost all of these wedding venues in NSW cater to larger style celebrations, so keep reading if you've got a big guest list.
What is an elopement?
Traditionally, elopements were associated with spontaneous and secretive marriages, often conducted without the knowledge or presence of family and friends. Today, the concept has evolved. Modern elopements focus on intimacy and simplicity, involving just the couple or a very small group of loved ones. The emphasis is on the couple's connection and the significance of their commitment, rather than on the fanfare of a large event.
Elopements can take place in a variety of stunning locations and in fact it's the flexibility and freedom to choose a meaningful location that's one of the major draws of an elopement.
What is a micro wedding?
A micro wedding is essentially a small-scale version of a traditional wedding, typically involving up to 10-50 guests. It includes all the elements of a larger wedding - such as a ceremony, reception, and sometimes even a small wedding party - but on a much more intimate scale. Micro weddings allow couples to celebrate their love with their nearest and dearest, creating a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.
Micro weddings in Australia can be held in various unique venues, including the ones listed below. The reduced guest list allows couples to spend more quality time with each attendee, making the celebration more meaningful and memorable.
Why Consider an Elopement or Micro Wedding?
- Intimacy and personalisation: elopements and micro weddings allow for a more intimate celebration, where couples can focus on each other and the significance of their union. With fewer guests, couples can personalise every detail, from the ceremony script to the dinner menu, ensuring the day reflects their unique love story.
- Reduced stress: planning a large wedding can be overwhelming and stressful. Elopements and micro weddings typically involve less logistics and coordination, resulting in a more relaxed planning process and a smoother, more enjoyable wedding day.
- Cost-effective: it's simple maths, a smaller guest list means less outgoings (and more flexibility when selecting venues and vendors). By reducing the guest list, couples can allocate their budget to other priorities, such as an unforgettable honeymoon, or simply save the money for something in the future.
- Unique venue options: with a smaller group, couples have the flexibility to choose from a wider range of unique venues that may not accommodate larger parties. From intimate wine cellars to secluded beachfronts, the possibilities are endless and can make the celebration truly special.
- Eco-friendly: elopements and micro weddings tend to have a smaller environmental footprint compared to large weddings. With fewer guests, there's less waste and a reduced need for extensive resources, making it a more sustainable choice.
- Quality time with guests: one of the biggest advantages of a micro wedding is the opportunity to spend quality time with each guest. Instead of rushing through greetings and small talk, couples can engage in meaningful conversations and create lasting memories with their closest friends and family.
- Flexibility and freedom: elopements and micro weddings offer a level of flexibility that traditional weddings often lack. Couples can choose any date, time, and place that holds significance to them, without worrying about the availability and logistics of hosting a large group.
Location: Kangaroo Valley, NSW
Capacity: 25
Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 20 (16 adults + 4 kids)
Wedshed loves: The covered pool cabana with vintage tiki bar. If we happen to go missing, don't come looking for us.
For couples looking to host an elopement or micro-wedding with a sense of style, elegance and intimacy take note. The Casa ticks all these boxes, inviting its guests to come and enjoy five-star facilities, cosy Mediterranean-inspired interiors and eight-acres of park-like grounds.
This BYO wedding venue is just five minutes from Kangaroo Valley town centre and with a plunge pool, cabana bar, tennis court and open plan living spaces entertaining here is incredibly easy.
There's plenty of beautiful photo locations too (the Mediterranean farmhouse itself being just one of them) and the outdoor fire pit is a nice touch, particularly in the cooler months.
Location: Berry, NSW
Capacity: On enquiry
Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 12 on-site and up to 64 across the property collection.
Wedshed loves: The ability to live like a celebrity in a place that feels like home. The Views. And the pool ain't bad, either.
It's hard to imagine yourself here because Linnaeus Farm isn't comparable to anywhere else. Spread across 3.5 immaculately kept hectares, the idea of Linneaus Farm was to create a luxurious physical environment that hero-d the regions natural beauty - and that's exactly what they've done here.
Located near the charming town of Berry on the NSW south coast, the farm is the main player in a collection of eight nearby properties (including Far Meadow Cottage) and with a restaurant, resort-style pool, floating lake house, organic, edible gardens and more available, creating a memorable day at this small wedding venue is almost too easy.
Linnaeus Farm is exclusively available for elopements and intimate celebrations and stays only.
Location: Kangaroo Valley, NSW
Capacity: 40
Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 12.
Wedshed loves: The location, how it looks and the fact that all the heavy-lifting is done in-house. Bliss!
Perfectly suited for elopements or small weddings of up to 40 people, Saddle Ridge is a private sanctuary with all the bells and whistles. For example, there's a heated outdoor pool with sun lounges, towels and a dedicated powder room, and a chef and commercial kitchen for all your catering needs. There's also two outdoor fire pits and comfortable designer interiors.
It's delightful year round (there's a covered gazebo for outdoor dining) and being only two hours from Sydney is an added bonus. As is the fact that while there's plenty of flexibility (BYO food and alcohol and multiple spaces to celebrate), all of the annoying logistics are already taken care of (tables, chairs, glassware, linen etc.).
There's a dedicated wedding team to ensure the experience is seamless from start to finish and there's high chance you'll encounter wombats, echidnas and kangaroos at dawn and dusk during your stay. Cute!
Location: Berry, NSW
Capacity: Available upon request
Accommodation: Yes - 12 onsite and up to 64 across the property collection
Wedshed loves: That it's like having a wedding at home... but away from home (and probably, heaps nicer).
It's impossible to feel anything but happy here. This charming six-bedroom, four-bathroom cottage is a dream for anyone who loves wide open spaces, relaxing long weekends, good food and chickens (there's a coop).
The cottage is only a few kilometres from Linnaeus Farm and also features a commercial space which will operate as a restaurant four days per week and will be available for couples wanting to host a micro wedding or elopement.
Other features include an indoor fire place, Argentinian barbecue, pizza oven, edible gardens, swimming pool with sun lounges, luxury linen bedding and more.
Be the envy of everyone by eloping to or hosting a micro wedding at this unique Kangaroo Valley wedding venue. It's a bit ridiculous (in a good way) with everything from a 12m pool and hydrotherapy jacuzzi on the deck, to private bushwalking trails that wind their way to crystal-clear swimming holes.
And get this - it sleeps 10 guests across two interconnected pavilions and because its on 89 acres, the nearest neighbour is well outside earshot. It's paradise, but without feeling pretentious.
It's been purposefully designed to be a relaxing and wholesome space with luxury, laid-back vibes and quality service being key. There's a dedicated wedding team to mitigate any wedding stress and being just 10 minutes from the town centre is rather handy.
Location: Arcadia, NSW
Capacity: 110
Accommodation: Yes
Wedshed loves: The grounds - acres of European-style dreaminess.
If you love the idea of getting married in Europe but without the logistics (and added costs) Palladio is the place to turn your attention. While it looks and feels like an Italian country villa, this 33-acre property is located only 42km north-west of Sydney city.
There's a pool house (which doubles as one of many beautiful ceremony spots), lush European-style gardens and a striking main residence. But it isn't only about aesthetics at this intimate NSW wedding venue. Other perks include the ability to BYO catering and alcohol and to stay on-site (accommodation sleeps 10), and with only a limited number of weddings here each year, it feels like an extra special place to say 'I do'.
Location: Lennox Head, NSW
Capacity: 120
Accommodation: Yes
Wedshed loves: Location, food, accommodation - this place is the full trifecta.
If you want a waterfront wedding venue just outside of Byron Bay that has it all, say g'day to Shelter Lennox.
Location-wise it can't be beat (the ocean is literally across the road) and after a carefully considered revamp, the interiors and styling here are both trendy and timeless. Then there's the hatted restaurant, with menus inspired by local and seasonal ingredients and an equally impressive list of wine and cocktails (if you like the idea of an espresso martini tower, this is the place to do it).
The venue's in-house coordinator will make sure everything runs smoothly, and upstairs there's accommodation at Cupola - a calm, light-filled space that sleeps four (and has room service).
Location: Orange, NSW
Capacity: 180
Accommodation: Yes - 28 guests
Wedshed loves: Gun to our head, the gardens. It's a sight that can't just be bought (the trees here are really, really old).
A historic estate, Mayfield Vineyard is like a blend of French-meets-Australian countryside. The property features a beautiful original homestead, with three additional onsite cottages, rolling vineyards, a goose-filled dam and a custom-converted reception space 'The Grove' overlooking verdant countryside.
Elopements can happen anywhere across the property but our tips would be to host it in The School House - a charming slice of history (the school house was built in 1915 to educate farm workers' children). This structure now serves as Mayfield's tasting room and features beautiful French-style doors that open out to rolling vineyards. There's also an attached wooden deck overlooking a goose-filled dam which is perfect for cocktail hour drinks.
Location: Shoalhaven Heads, NSW
Capacity: 120
Accommodation: Yes - 68 guests
Wedshed loves: No lifting of fingers is required here - everything is done for you. And done well.
It's safe to say that Bangalay Luxury Villas knows how to show its guests an unforgettable time.
Nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of the South Coast, this micro wedding venue is all about providing a stylish and serene escape. There are 16 luxurious villas that provide a cozy and romantic setting for your special day (plus a four bedroom beach house next door for additional guests) and the on-site restaurant is guaranteed to deliver something exceptional.
If you plan to celebrate over an entire weekend, there's plenty to do here too with a concierge available to organise things like massages, yoga, horse riding, guided meditations and fishing charters.
Location: Palm Beach, NSW
Capacity: 22
Accommodation: Yes - two guests
Wedshed loves: Being able to celebrate on the water - quite literally. Pretty hard location to beat.
You know things could be worse when you're thinking of eloping to a place like Lilypad Palm Beach. This one-of-a-kind, floating villa is what bucket lists are made of.
Able to cater for up to 22 seated guests, enjoy a taste of how the rich and famous live by being wined and dined - quite literally - on the water. The amenities are five-star too and include an outdoor shower, infrared sauna, self-drive tender for exploring the area, watercrafts, WiFi, an indoor fire place and more.
Wedding ceremonies generally take place on the lower deck with canapés and cocktails are best enjoyed on the upper deck as the sun sets. The catering side is covered (there's a private chef on-board), but alcohol is BYO and you're welcome to organise your own live music.
Location: Orange, NSW
Capacity: 250
Accommodation: Yes - two guests
Wedshed loves: The new restaurant - it's taken this already epic property to another level.
Gourmet Traveller named Rowlee Wines as one of the best new restaurants in regional Australia, and who are we to argue? Their new multi-space dining offering is a welcome addition to the property, providing even more reasons to host an elopement or micro wedding here.
The space invites couples to come and experience everything Orange has to offer: exceptional wine, local produce and stunning views. It's the perfect all-weather option and guests can add to their visit with a bespoke cellar door experience or a night at the vineyard's private villa.
Beyond the new restaurant you'll find manicured gardens, an olive grove and two other unique reception spaces (The Stables and The Marquee), providing couples with plenty of ways to create a celebration that feels uniquely them.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Capacity: 118
Accommodation: No
Wedshed loves: That you can feel joyfully tipsy here before you've even had your first drink. Ambience here is high.
Few venues are more suited to small weddings than Bar Messenger. This inner-city hideout is cosy, cool and will dazzle any guest with its secret entranceway, moody interiors and extensive wine list.
It's central location in Sydney's CBD makes it easily accessible for most wedding guests and means there are plenty of accommodation options nearby. Plus, being a late-night venue means you can party for (almost) as long as you like.
Other perks include never having to worry about the weather (this space is also a great photo location) and the option to BYO catering.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Capacity: 350
Accommodation: No
Wedshed loves: The French influence (read: champagne) and the ability to have everything under the one roof.
Designed around the liberation of Paris is 1944, this Sydney wedding venue is full of personality and charm. Its focus in on providing an all-inclusive wedding experience by bringing together delicious food and beverages, exceptional service and an intoxicating amount of French flair under the one roof.
There are a number of function spaces available, but the most suitable options for elopements or micro weddings include The Officers Mess (a completely private function space with a versatile layout) or The Conservatory (a semi-private area on the main floor).
It's central CBD location makes it easy to organise transport and accommodation, or if you're keen to throw a wedding after-party there are plenty of great late-night venues nearby.
Location: Berry, NSW
Capacity: 135
Accommodation: Yes
Wedshed loves: The fairytale features - roaming geese, a jetty overlooking the dam, the country gardens, the rowboat.
It would have been selfish for the owners Keri and Pete of Willow Farm not to turn their 160-acre into a south coast wedding venue. While they still raise grass fed beef and sheep and grow their own veggies, their storybook farm also operates as a picturesque wedding location.
It's perfectly situated near the charming town of Berry and Seven Mile Beach and on-site you'll find a beautiful, sprawling farmhouse (sleeps 10), a light-filled barn and rolling green hills.
It's ultimately a DIY venue (food, alcohol, marquee etc. is BYO) but with inclusions such as furniture, WiFi and a party shed complete with its own bar and festoon lights, the effort required to make this place wedding fit is very minimal.
Location: Chatsbury, NSW
Capacity: 180
Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 24
Wedshed loves: The pool bar. If we ever go missing, this is where you'll find us.
No one can argue that Rhyanna Park is impressive. This grand, two-storey sandstone homestead is an architectural masterpiece, featuring six bedrooms, five bathrooms, 38ft ballroom ceilings and marble and polishes timber floors.
Outside there's a 22 metre lap pool, a tennis court, immaculate gardens, croquet lawn, kids playhouse, snooker room and more. It's a lot to take in and that's kind of its charm - everything here has some level of 'wow' factor.
Wedding-wise, it's easy. You can BYO catering and alcohol (and pets!) and unless you want to have a marquee wedding, everything else is more or less sorted. And if you want to host a memorable recovery party, this place is perfect - there's a pizza oven, smoker, barbecue grill, and a pool bar with tap beers, an ice machine and the ability to serve drinks over the counter to both the pool area and croquet lawn.
Location: Byron Bay, NSW
Capacity: 150
Accommodation: Yes - 16 guests
Wedshed loves: The chance to live in luxury for an entire weekend. And that it's BYO.
You may recognise this place as the MAFS 2024 Couples Retreat but if reality tv isn't your jam, here's what you need to know about this stunning Byron Bay wedding venue.
Hinterland House is part of a working macadamia plantation and whether you're planning a casual elopement or something more extravagant, it's designed to be a stand alone destination, with everything available on-site.
It features accommodation for 16 guests across The Manor House and two additional cottages, a wrap-around porch, 20-acres of manicured grounds, multiple fire places, a 14 metre outdoor pool and more. Spa treatments, yoga and a meal delivery service can be arranged and all alcohol is BYO.
Location: Edith, NSW
Capacity: 150
Accommodation: Yes - 20 guests
Wedshed loves: That every corner of this property is pretty and well thought-out. Think country luxe at its absolute finest.
Our love affair with Waldara goes way back but it remains one of our most loved wedding venues - and for good reason. While the property itself has always been impressive, the team's dedication to making every celebration here a stand out is hard to put a price on.
In response to a growing demand, they now offer a very reasonable micro wedding package that allows couples daytime access to the entire property which includes multiple ceremony locations, their striking reception barn and 800 acres of natural beauty (plus SO many added extras).
The two homesteads are available as well, and can sleep up to 20 guests. They're very luxurious and include things like an outdoor spa, wood fire place and tennis court, making this a perfect venue if you want to celebrate across an entire weekend. It's BYO, too!
