Planning an outdoor wedding and not sure where to start? Below, our experienced wedding planners share their favourite outdoor wedding venue ideas and tips that’ll help you get started planning your wedding right now.
Couples often ask the same questions about outdoor weddings: What kind of outdoor wedding structure can we use for our ceremony? How can we create a feeling of intimacy for an outdoor wedding? What outdoor venue hire options are available near me? All these questions and more are answered in the following outside wedding venue ideas, tips and tricks from our amazing wedding planners.
Outside wedding venue ideas you’ll love:
- Choose an outdoor venue with a structure that embraces the surroundings
- Designate a focal point for your ceremony
- Opt for a picturesque venue that’s all about the landscape
- Host in an iconic local venue you love and frequently visit, like a botanic garden
- Elevate your outdoor celebration with mobile food trucks and pop-up bars
Outdoor wedding venue idea no. 1: Choose an outdoor venue with a wedding structure that embraces the surroundings
Outdoor wedding structures include everything from marquees and floral arches to interesting open-air wedding venues like old architectural ruins and venues with balconies.
“The best outdoor wedding venues are the ones that feel like they’re part of the landscape,” says Darcy. At an outdoor wedding on Sydney Harbour, for example, you don’t want anything getting in the way of the waterfront views.
The Bower Estate’s Stunning Clear Marquee
Nestled amid the breathtaking surroundings of the Gold Coast hinterland, The Bower Estate offers a truly magical setting for outdoor weddings in Queensland. The sparkling clear marquee is perfect for hosting relaxed reception dinners, with plenty of room to accommodate up to 120 seated guests. As night falls in the hinterland, the marquee’s dazzling fairy-lit roof creates a magical ambience for you and your guests to enjoy.
Venue highlights:
- Stunning outdoor venue nestled on a 120-acre estate in the Gold Coast hinterland
- Beautiful custom-built clear marquee with twinkling fairy-lit roof
- Accommodation for ten guests in the charming Bower Cottage
- Endless photo opportunities and ceremony locations across the estate
The Woodhouse Wollombi’s Striking Timber-Clad Building
The Woodhouse Wollombi is a wonderfully unique wedding venue situated in Redwood Park, a sprawling 100-acre property in the picturesque Lower Hunter Valley. This all-in-one destination wedding venue boasts a number of stunning ceremony locations, on-site accommodation, and a striking architecturally designed timber Woodhouse for hosting relaxed yet elegant receptions.
Venue highlights:
- Sprawling 100-acre property in the beautiful Lower Hunter Valley
- Exclusive use of the property for weddings, ensuring total privacy and seclusion
- Architecturally designed timber Woodhouse with soaring cathedral ceilings
- Delicious paddock to plate menus by award-winning caterers Fennel & Co
- On-site accommodation for up to 16 people in the Barnstay
Twilight’s Naked Tipis and Open Air Marquees
Twilight Glamping & Event Hire offers a great selection of outside wedding venue options like naked tipis and open-air marquees. Both can be used as reception venues for a small wedding group, or as lounge areas if you have a larger venue that you’d like to make feel a little cosier.
Check out Twilight Glamping & Event Hire’s storefront for regional Victoria and Melbourne marquee hire. Bell tents, naked tipis, bamboo wedding marquees and sailcloth tents are all available for hire.
Pier One’s Harbourside Marquee
At Pier One Sydney Harbour Hotel, the built-in outdoor wedding structure is a permanent perspex marquee that sits just below Sydney Harbour Bridge. Not only does this structure allow guests an up-close view of the waterfront, but it also provides a wet weather option for outdoor ceremonies. Also nearby is an uncovered private pier that’s often used as an outside wedding ceremony site.
Venue highlights:
- Unbeatable waterfront views and views of Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Outdoor ceremony space on a private pier
- Open-air marquee on the waterfront is perfect for receptions with an alfresco feel
- Luxury hotel rooms for all your wedding guests
- Capacity in the marquee is up to 150 standing or 100 seated
Outside wedding venue idea no. 2: Designate a ceremony focal point
“Some outdoor venues can feel so large that you need to bring in a design element to make the place feel more intimate for a wedding,” says Abbey. “In this case, I’ll usually work with a designer or a hire company to create an outdoor wedding structure that mimics an open-air chapel or creates a focal point that makes it clear where the ceremony will take place. A floral arch or greenery wall can be a gorgeous way to designate a ceremony spot — even a variation of floral urns can help with this.”
“Another great way to create a more intimate atmosphere outdoors — without the added expense of something like a marquee — is to arrange the seating in a circular format so that the couple is in the centre of the circle,” Abbey says. This kind of setup works particularly well for outdoor venues that have panoramic views from all aspects of the wedding ceremony space.
Warrawong Estate’s Picturesque Outdoor Ceremony Setting
Boasting a wonderfully secluded 185-acre setting, Warrawong Estate offers exclusive venue hire for relaxed country weddings just 40 minutes from Melbourne. The versatility of Warrawong’s beautiful outdoor ceremony space means you can style it any way you wish, with chairs and a striking arbour or dreamy floral arrangements that match your overall vision.
Venue highlights:
- Charming historic Woolshed for relaxed wedding receptions
- Spectacular outdoor ceremony space overlooking the Werribee River
- Endless photo opportunities across the estate
- Freedom and flexibility to bring in your own caterers
Gabbinbar Homestead’s Charming Pavilion
Perched atop the Great Dividing Range, Gabbinbar Homestead is a spectacular historic wedding venue in Toowoomba, Queensland. Here, you’ll be able to choose from an array of beautiful ceremony spots, including the enchanting pavilion. Nestled within the gardens, this gorgeous undercover ceremony space features soaring ceilings, three elegant chandeliers, and panoramic views of the heritage homestead.
Venue highlights:
- Historic homestead for elegant garden weddings in Toowoomba
- Multiple ceremony locations to choose from, including the idyllic pavilion
- Stunningly light-filled conservatory for elegant wedding receptions
- Impeccable service and delicious wedding menus from the expert team
Outdoor wedding venue idea no. 3: Pick a venue that’s all about the landscape
“One of the main reasons couples go with an outdoor venue is that they love the landscape, so choosing a venue that has panoramic views is a priority,” explains Darcy.
Whether you’re envisioning a picture-perfect outdoor ceremony overlooking sweeping valley views or a sophisticated waterfront celebration set against shimmering turquoise waters, there are plenty of breathtaking outdoor wedding venues that make the most of Australia’s beautiful landscape.
Levantine Hill’s Yarra Valley Views
It’s hard to beat the incredible panoramic views of the Yarra Valley from Levantine Hill’s prime position overlooking the region’s many vineyards, hills and farms. Most couples who marry here choose to let the views be the primary backdrop to all of their wedding day events, from the outdoor ceremony perch through to the end of the evening under the stars.
Venue highlights:
- Best winery views of the Yarra Valley from your outdoor ceremony venue
- Modern architect-designed reception venue with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking landscape
- Award-winning food and wine experiences
- Helipad for a memorable wedding ceremony arrival
- Capacity up to 180 guests
Pethers Retreat’s Magical Rainforest Setting
Tucked away in a secluded pocket of subtropical rainforest in Queensland’s beautiful Mount Tamborine, Pethers Rainforest Retreat offers an outdoor wedding setting like no other. This boutique, all-inclusive venue boasts luxe treehouse accommodation, carefully curated wedding packages, endless photo opportunities, and a breathtaking outdoor ceremony spot surrounded by lush rainforest scenery.
Venue highlights:
- Stunningly secluded setting in a lush rainforest on Mount Tamborine
- Bespoke, all-inclusive wedding packages tailored to your vision and budget
- Ten luxury treehouses for relaxing overnight stays
- Exclusive venue hire ensuring total privacy for your wedding day
- Exceptional menus crafted by Pethers’ executive chef
Boathouse at The Spit’s Water Views
If a waterfront wedding is more your thing, let us introduce you to Zest Boathouse at the Spit in Sydney’s picturesque suburb of Mosman. Boasting uninterrupted bay views and stunningly light-filled interiors, this modern venue is a popular choice for elegant waterfront celebrations. Exchange vows on manicured lawns at the nearby Spit West Reserve, then continue to Zest Boathouse for an unforgettable reception.
Venue highlights:
- Beachfront location with panoramic views of the harbour
- All-weather outdoor and indoor wedding venue with incredible views of Mosman waterfront
- Outdoor wedding photo ops include the yacht-dotted harbour, nearby Spit West Reserve and Balmoral Beach
- Award-winning food and wine experiences for wedding guests
- Capacity up to 270 guests for seated dinners or 450 for cocktail-style weddings
Outside wedding venue idea no. 4: Elevate your outdoor wedding with food trucks and pop-up bars
“If a couple wants to keep the party outdoors so their guests can really enjoy the view, I usually try to get creative with the catering options outside,” says Darcy.
She turns to food and wine experiences like prosecco trucks or garden bars on wheels — even bringing in something surprising like an ice cream cart after dinner for a little extra detail that reflects the couple’s favourite comfort food.
Caravan & Tonic Mobile Bar
Vinnie is the adorable vintage caravan bar you’ve been searching for. Caravan & Tonic can set up a garden bar for your outdoor wedding just about anywhere in WA. The mobile bar can handle everything you need for the full bartending experience: beer, wine, cocktails, coffee, and cold-pressed juices. They’ll even bring along lawn games to keep your guests entertained if you’re hosting a lengthy cocktail hour.
Happy Camper Pizza
The lovely team at Happy Camper Pizza take great pride in serving up delicious, piping hot wood-fired pizzas at weddings across Victoria. With five vintage trucks to choose from and an extensive menu packed with mouthwatering options, you really can’t go wrong with having these guys at your outdoor wedding. Elevate your wedding pizza party with fresh salads, antipasto grazing platters, and handmade gelato.
The Good Food Catering Co
Having worked as head chef at some of Sydney and the Gold Coast’s most popular restaurants, Lawrence Jones of The Good Food Catering Co knows a thing or two about creating unforgettable dining experiences. For an incredible outdoor feast that your guests will be talking about long after the wedding is over, you can’t go past this exceptional Gold Coast catering company.
