Western District Wedding Venues [Updated 2024]
The Western District of Victoria, which stretches from Ballarat in the east to the South Australian border to the west, is blessed with some amazing wedding venues. They are however not always easy to find. I’ve been fortunate to work at most of the major venues over the past ten years, so I’ve got a bit of local knowledge when it comes to finding the ideal spot.
To help you plan your perfect wedding I’ve put together a list of some of my favourite venues (in strict alphabetical order) along with some photos and links to blog posts shot at each of them.
For people looking for wedding venues in Warrnambool I have a dedicated guide, or if you are looking for more options along the coast, check out my guide to Great Ocean Road Wedding Venues, please get in touch if you’d like a bit of guidance there.
I’ll be updating this list whenever I find new venues and if you know of somewhere amazing that I’ve missed please let me know so I can add them. If you have any questions about any of the Western District wedding venues listed, or don’t quite see the perfect one get in touch, I’m sure I’ll be able to help!
Table of Contents
- Bannockburn Bushland Reserve
- Blauvelt Park
- The Bootmaker’s Cottage
- Chatsworth House
- Colac Golf Club
- Coragulac House
- The Grampians National Park (Halls Gap)
- Keayang Maar Winery
- King Parrot Cottages
- Longmeadow Estate
- Mt Sturgeon Homestead
- Narmbool
- Otways Redwood Plantation
- Port Campbell Surf Lifesaving Club
- Sokil Arts Eco Retreat
- Your Backyard
BannockBurn Bushland Reserve
While less than a hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Bannockburn Bushland Reserve feels like it is deep into the Western District.
Featuring several acres of native bushland this secluded spot will make you feel like you are in your own little world.
I was keeping this one a little bit secret, but for a small ceremony it really is perfect!
Blauvelt Park
Blauvelt Park in Terang is a wonderful venue steeped in history. A former Presbyterian manse it has been lovingly converted into a stunning venue with several acres of manicured grounds.
One huge highlight is the hedge maze which forms the centerpiece of the gardens and provides a lovely spot to disappear to when it’s time for some portraits.
The Bootmaker’s Cottage
The Bootmaker’s Cottage (formerly the Birregurra Tea House) is a perfectly self contained venue located on the main street of Birregurra.
With a lovingly restored cottage at the front of the property and a private courtyard with a classic brick floor, complete with a stage and bar at the rear it’s perfect for people who would like to keep traveling to a minimum. The cottage even has a lovely lawn and gardens which are perfect for any family portraits or even if you just want to step away from your guests for a moment alone.
Get in touch with the Dufflebird team and see if this might be the perfect fit for you.
Chatsworth House
Chatsworth House is truly versatile venue located about halfway between Hamilton and Mortlake.
In addition to the wonderful formal gardens the property also has some lovely trees and the rolling countryside is truly beautiful.
As an added bonus the property has ample on site accommodation and several converted stable buildings which serve as ideal reception venues.
Colac Golf Club
Colac’s golf club is a wonderful place to hold a wedding, boasting picturesque fairways, cute dams and a charming clubhouse in which to hold your reception with a minimum of travel required.
Coragulac House
Located just north of Colac, Coragulac House is a splendid homestead with some truly rustic charm. It also has a wonderful brick built stable building which can serve as both an undercover ceremony venue or a nice spot for your reception.
The Grampians
As we adapt to the post COVID-19 world, elopements and micro weddings are becoming increasingly popular. One upside of keeping things really small is being able to access more adventurous locations for your ceremony.
One of the most stunning spots for a wedding in the Western District is the Grampians national park surrounding Halls Gap. Offering stunning views and tranquil wooded areas, it might be just the spot for your big (little) day.
Keayang Maar Vineyard
A new venue in the region, Keayang Maar Vineyard might be the perfect spot for your special day.
Tucked away in Dixie near Camperdown, this winery is a true hidden gem. With stunning views of the Keayang Maar volcanic crater and extensive vineyards to explore, all while enjoying the amazing wines on offer.
The experienced family team will help you immerse yourself in nature’s splendor and create memories that last a lifetime.
Contact the folk at Keayang Maar and start planning your event today!
King Parrot Cottages
Nestled away in the Otways King Parrot Cottages is a collection of cabins surrounded by a mixture of open paddocks and rainforest with some of the most stunning views in the region.
The property has a range of spots for a ceremony, either in front of the main building overlooking the valley or tucked away in the lush vegetation which covers much of the area.
The main hall has ample space for most receptions and with plenty of accommodation on site your guests can all spend the weekend with you if they don’t fancy heading home after your celebrations.
Check out https://kingparrot.com.au for more information
Mt Sturgeon Homestead
Just outside Dunkeld, Mt Sturgeon Homestead is an amazing venue with both a classic period homestead and breathtaking scenery. Overlooked by the Grampians it is definitely somewhere to consider if you want to capture that country style.
In addition to the homestead itself Mt Sturgeon Homestead has a converted woolshed that serves as a perfect reception venue so everything can happen all in one place.
Longmeadow Estate
For those wanting to head to the far west of the state, Longmeadow Estate might be the perfect spot.
Located about halfway between Warrnambool and Mt Gambier, this country property has more than enough manicured lawn space for even the biggest of marquees. With easy access to the beach and a really lovely, tree lined drive you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to perfect photo opportunities.
Inside the property has the perfect blend of modern amenities and country charm. In particular the main lounge is possibly one of my favourite ‘getting ready’ spaces anywhere.
Narmbool
Part of the Sovereign Hill estate just outside Ballarat, Narmbool is a fine example of the classic western district homestead with an amazing formal garden which can provide a superb location for a ceremony. The homestead is also surrounded by seemingly endless rolling pastures (around 20,000 hectares) which get some amazing evening light, perfect for portraits.
Reception needs are taken care of with a purpose built dining room, with seating for over a hundred guests.
Otways Redwood Plantation
One of the most magical places in Victoria, the redwood plantation in the heart of the Otways is a truly special place to have a wedding. Surrounded by trees which tower over everything it feels like it’s own enchanted kingdom.
Very very highly recommended.
Port Campbell Surf Lifesaving Club
While it might be more suited as a reception venue after outdoor ceremonies (I’ve shot a few inside when the weather has turned) the Port Campbell Surf Lifesaving Club is a wonderful space nestled away in a secluded cove overlooking the sea.
If a beach wedding with ocean views are on your list, this is definitely a venue to consider.
Sokil Arts Eco Retreat
Nestled in amongst the forest of the Great Otway National Park, Sokil provides a secluded retreat that is perfect for weddings (or really any gathering) that want to get away from everything.
With on site accommodation and catering facilities it’s ideal for creating a campground feel for your big day.
Your Backyard
One thing the Western District has is a lot of awesome properties. If you are lucky enough to have the use of one there really is nothing better than making use of one for your wedding. There are plenty of local companies who can arrange marquee hire for your reception and most local caterers are comfortable working without a fully fitted kitchen.
An added bonus of having your wedding in your own back garden is you won’t have too far to travel at the end of the night when you are all danced out.
Get In Touch
I’d love to hear more about your plans!
Recent Western District Events
- Warrnambool Botanic Gardens Wedding – Jessica and DanielA truly stunning wedding at Warrnambool Botanic gardens and some of Warrnambool’s finest spots!
- Otways Redwoods WeddingAnother stunning wedding held in the Otways Redwood plantation.
- Keayang Maar Engagement Party – Indi and DanA relaxed and intimate engagement party at one of the western district’s best vineyards.
- Otways Winter Wedding – Penny and OliverAn outstanding country wedding in the Otways forest.
- Warrnambool Racecourse Wedding – Jess and BlakeJess and Blake’s stunning country wedding featuring Quamby homestead and Warrnambool Racecourse.
- Bootmakers cottage Wedding – Rhiannon and RyanRhiannon and Ryan’s fun wedding at the Bootmaker’s Cottage in Birregurra.
- Coragulac House Wedding – Catie and KadeCatie and Kade’s amazing wedding at Coragulac House just outside Colac.
- Port Campbell Wedding – Chelsea and MattThe beach at Port Campbell was the perfect location for this Great Ocean Road Wedding.
- Colac Country Wedding – Maddiy and JoshThis amazing wedding brought the very best country vibes to some of the most stunning spots in the Otways.