Great Ocean Road Wedding Venues – [Updated 2024]
Starting in Geelong and running all the way along the coast to Warrnambool, The Great Ocean Road is littered with amazing venues to host your wedding. Whether it is an intimate elopement or a more lavish production there really is a spot for everyone.
To help narrow down the potential options I’ve put together this list of some of my favourite spots along The Great Ocean road (in the very strictest alphabetical order). I’ve also added links to some of the magical events that have taken place in them so you can see how your day might play out.
I’m always on the lookout for new venues though so if there’s somewhere I’ve missed feel free to let me know and if you have any questions about any of the Great Ocean Road wedding venues listed, or don’t quite see the perfect one get in touch, I’m sure I’ll be able to help.
For those people thinking of having their wedding somewhere a little bit more inland, also check out my guide to Western District Wedding Venues!
Forrest Redwood Plantation
The Redwood plantation near Forrest is truly magical place and one that I strongly recommend everyone visit when they are in the area.
While it used to be a little bit tricky to get in to the redwoods, the road has been re-surfaced in recent years and it is a lot more accessible now.
Loch Ard Gorge
Loch Ard Gorge located between the Twelve Apostles and Port Campbell is a secluded cove dominated by stunning cliffs that provide a sheltered a private location ideal for both ceremonies and portraits.
Be warned there are quite a few steep steps to get down into the cove so if you have elderly guests be sure to take this into account.
Lorne Hotel
The Lorne Hotel is a superb venue right by the beach at Lorne, a perfect spot for a reception after a ceremony along the coast.
Boasting a large function room with modern facilities and excellent views over the ocean it really is a superb spot.
Mantra Lorne
The Mantra Lorne is a really wonderful venue to host a wedding, providing everything you could need in a single package.
Ceremonies can be held either on the beach or the manicured lawns with the ballroom providing a really lovely space for your reception.
As an added bonus there is ample on site accommodation so if you have guests traveling from further afield there will be no issues with them needing to find their own places to stay.
The super experienced event team will be on hand throughout the process to make sure your dream day goes off without a hitch!
Port Campbell Surf Club
Port Campbell’s Surf Lifesaving club is a superb venue for both weddings and receptions.
The club’s function room has amazing views over the ocean and provides the perfect backdrop for any size of event.
While most couples choose to hold their ceremonies on the beach (pro tip – the estuary towards the suspension bridge is much more secluded and sheltered than the main beach) or lawns, the newly renovated deck provides ample undercover space in the event the weather doesn’t co-operate.
The Twelve Apostles are within easy reach too in case the stunning bay at Port Campbell isn’t enough scenery for your portraits.
Rusty Gate – Geelong
With stunning views over the bay out towards Phillip Island, Rusty Gate is a wonderful venue for people thinking about holding their ceremony in Geelong.
In addition to the manicured lawns of the main house there are extensive gardens and a wonderful olive grove that is an absolute must for portraits.
The Twelve Apostles
While it is not really feasible to have your ceremony at the Twelve Apostles themselves there are several spots which overlook the remaining rocks which make for some amazing portrait backdrops.
If you plan on holding either your ceremony or reception at Port Campbell, it’s an easy trip to include them in your day. If you’re looking to have the main events elsewhere it might require a bit more planning.
As a local I have a few top secret lookouts which provide excellent views without the difficulty of dealing with the massive throngs of tourists that pack out the main viewing locations for the vast majority of the summer.
Warrnambool
Right at the western end of the Great Ocean Road lies Warrnambool, which has an absolute boatload of awesome wedding venues.
So many in fact I created a separate guide to Warrnambool wedding venues.
Wye River General Store
Wye River on the Great Ocean Road is a wonderful coastal town, surrounded on three sides by lush forests providing the perfect backdrop for a wedding. The beach is also one of the most picturesque in Victoria with a combination of both rocks and sandy patches it has something for everyone.
The Wye River General Store provides a rustic, yet modern space with full commercial kitchen and an excellent bar. Very highly recommended!
Recent Great Ocean Road Events
- Otways Redwoods Wedding
Another stunning wedding held in the Otways Redwood plantation. - Port Campbell Wedding – Chelsea and Matt
The beach at Port Campbell was the perfect location for this Great Ocean Road Wedding. - An Otways Proposal – Despina and Dylan
A wonderful proposal amongst the Redwood trees in the Otways. - Otways Redwoods Wedding- Jenny and Steve
A magical wedding amongst the Redwood trees in the Otways National Park near the Great Ocean Road. - Otways Elopement – Bec and Ted
A micro wedding in the Otways, featuring portraits at Castle Cove, the Otways Redwoods and Colac’s Botanic Gardens. - The Elliot, Apollo Bay – Joel & Gemma
Sitting high on the cliffs outside Apollo Bay The Elliot was a stunning venue for this amazing wedding. - Twelve Apostles Portrait Session – Zac and Casey
Having the Twelve Apostles on my doorstep is one of the many perks of living where I do (just outside a small village called… Read more: Twelve Apostles Portrait Session – Zac and Casey - Sokil Arts Eco Retreat Wedding – Nina and Josh
Nina and Josh’s magical Sokil Arts Eco Retreat Wedding. - Lorne Wedding – Charlotte and Dana
Charlotte and Dana chose a perfect summer’s day to have their wedding in Lorne.