11 DIY Wedding Venues in the Southern Highlands & South Coast, NSW
TIME TO READ: 7 MINUTES
Planning a DIY wedding gives you the chance to personalise every aspect of your special day, ensuring that it truly reflects your unique story as a couple. From the décor to the catering, a DIY approach allows you to add meaningful touches that make your celebration one-of-a-kind. If you’re dreaming of a wedding set amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Southern Highlands or South Coast of New South Wales, you're in luck.
This region is home to a variety of stunning venues, each offering the perfect backdrop for a bespoke wedding with all the flexibility you need to bring your vision to life. Whether you're after rustic charm, coastal beauty, or elegant garden vibes, these venues provide the perfect canvas for your creativity.
Here’s a roundup of some of the top DIY-friendly wedding venues in the area:
1. Bendooley Estate, Berrima
Located in the Southern Highlands, Bendooley Estate is a beloved venue for weddings, but it also offers the opportunity to personalize your day with DIY elements. The estate provides a charming rustic setting with its vineyards, gardens, and historic book barn. You can design your décor, florals, and food setups to suit your vision.
Why it’s great for DIY:
Flexible space options (garden, barn, or indoor)
Lots of charm with vineyard and garden spaces
Opportunity to bring in your own vendors
2. The Merribee, Nowra
Set on seven acres of lush gardens, Merribee House is an idyllic venue on the South Coast. This heritage-listed property provides a romantic and rustic atmosphere, perfect for couples who want to handle their own wedding styling. The expansive gardens allow for both ceremony and reception setups and provide ample space for DIY décor, furniture, and lighting.
Why it’s great for DIY:
Stunning gardens that don’t need much extra decoration
Flexible with catering and vendor choices
Allows for outdoor and marquee weddings
3. Montrose House, Sutton Forest
Montrose Berry Farm offers a charming and intimate setting in the Southern Highlands. The farm features beautiful gardens, berry fields, and a rustic barn perfect for DIY weddings. Whether you want a countryside-inspired theme or a more elegant affair, this venue provides the perfect canvas for creative couples.
Why it’s great for DIY:
The picturesque berry farm backdrop
Blank canvas for couples to customize their day
Flexible catering and vendor options
4. Ravensthorpe Estate, Albion Park
This elegant Georgian Manor is located near Wollongong and offers a blend of classic and contemporary charm. Ravensthorpe provides a great mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, including manicured gardens and a ballroom. For couples who want to infuse their personal style into their wedding day, this venue offers plenty of flexibility.
Why it’s great for DIY:
A balance of elegance and personalization
Flexible with external vendors
Indoor and outdoor options for your wedding setup
5. Seacliff House, Gerringong
Located on the South Coast with sweeping ocean views and lush farmland, Seacliff House is a popular choice for couples wanting a coastal and countryside blend. With a contemporary reception space and large outdoor areas, you can get creative with your décor and layout.
Why it’s great for DIY:
Panoramic ocean views and farmland backdrop
Flexible outdoor space for marquee or outdoor setups
Modern, customizable reception venue
6. Willow Farm, Berry
This rustic yet elegant farm venue offers 160 acres of stunning countryside. Willow Farm is perfect for couples who want a relaxed, rural wedding with DIY possibilities. The venue includes a barn, yoga studio, and plenty of outdoor space, allowing you to style the day your way.
Why it’s great for DIY:
Beautiful farm setting with plenty of open space
Allows flexibility for DIY decor, food trucks, and more
Option to host a weekend-long celebration with accommodation on-site
7. The Robertson Hotel, Robertson
For couples seeking a blend of old-world charm and modern convenience, The Robertson Hotel offers a stunning heritage-listed venue. You can personalize the expansive grounds and indoor spaces to suit your style, from vintage to modern chic.
Why it’s great for DIY:
Historic charm with modern amenities
Large garden space for outdoor ceremonies and receptions
Customizable with your choice of décor and vendors
8. Terara Riverside Gardens, Terara
Set along the Shoalhaven River, Terara Riverside Gardens is a beautiful and versatile DIY wedding venue. It features manicured gardens, a riverside setting, and a rustic barn, offering plenty of options for both your ceremony and reception. You can bring in your own caterers, decorations, and entertainment for a fully personalized event.
Why it’s great for DIY:
Riverside location with lush gardens
Fully customizable with your choice of vendors and decorations
Ideal for outdoor ceremonies and rustic receptions
9. Milton Park Country House, Bowral
If you’re dreaming of an elegant and grand wedding with DIY touches, Milton Park Country House offers sophistication with flexibility. This historic venue offers stunning formal gardens, a grand ballroom, and charming courtyards, all of which can be personalized to your style.
Why it’s great for DIY:
Elegant, historic estate with a variety of spaces
Flexible with vendors and décor options
Beautiful gardens and luxurious reception spaces
10. Worrowing Estate, Jervis Bay
Worrowing Estate offers 250 acres of private farmland and bushland, providing an exclusive and peaceful location for your DIY wedding. The estate features a variety of spaces, including rustic sheds, bush clearings, and open fields, where you can create your perfect wedding atmosphere. It’s ideal for couples looking for a blend of rustic charm and coastal beauty.
Why it’s great for DIY:
Variety of rustic and natural settings to choose from
DIY-friendly with flexible vendor policies
Secluded location for a private, intimate wedding
11. Mali Brae Farm, Moss Vale
Tucked away in the scenic Southern Highlands, Mali Brae Farm offers a magical rustic setting with 90 acres of rolling hills, a lake, and lush greenery. It’s a dream venue for couples looking to infuse their wedding day with personal touches. Mali Brae Farm provides both indoor and outdoor ceremony locations, including a picturesque barn and garden areas. You have the flexibility to bring in your preferred vendors, making it a perfect choice for a DIY wedding.
Why it’s great for DIY:
Beautiful countryside views with multiple ceremony and reception options
Fully customizable with the freedom to choose your own vendors
Intimate atmosphere with a rustic barn and lush surroundings
Ideal for both large celebrations and smaller, more intimate weddings
With its stunning landscapes and charming barn, Mali Brae Farm is an ideal blank canvas to craft your perfect DIY wedding.
Tips for Planning a DIY Wedding in These Venues
Plan Early: DIY weddings require more planning and coordination, so start as early as possible to manage all the details.
Hire a Coordinator: Even if you’re doing a lot of the work yourself, having a day-of coordinator can ensure everything runs smoothly.
Check Venue Restrictions: Some venues may have restrictions on certain types of décor or vendors, so be sure to review their policies in detail.
Budget for Extras: DIY weddings can sometimes come with hidden costs, such as rental fees for furniture, lighting, and catering equipment, so plan your budget carefully.
The Southern Highlands and South Coast of NSW offer stunning venues for couples who want to bring their own creativity to their wedding day. Whether you’re after a rustic farm vibe or a romantic garden setting, these venues provide the perfect backdrop for your DIY celebration.
