The Kangaroo Valley in the Southern Highlands of NSW is a beautiful region famous for its breathtaking views and natural beauty.
It is also very popular for weekends away and weddings . The valley is full of cosy little get away spots, stunning scenery, working farms, driving roads and some wonderful wedding venues.
In the centre of the valley is the historic bridge and village of Kangaroo Valley. From here the roads through the valley wind around the different properties, up to the escarpment and into the national parks. As a central point it is always nice staying close to the village when looking for a base to explore from.
The Kangaroo Valley is beautiful all year around, but especially during autumn and spring when the seasons change. The numerous wedding venues within the valley provide a variety of options fitting for your special day. From intimate weddings, DIY weddings, farm weddings, bush weddings or even a wedding ceremony in a rock cathedral. The Kangaroo Valley and it’s venues have everything you need for your dream wedding.
Best Kangaroo Valley Wedding Venues
- Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat
- The Barn at Melross
- Wildwood at Kangaroo Valley
- Ooralba Estate
- Bundaleer
- Crystal Creek Meadows
- The Cedars
- Minimbah Farm Cottages
- Brogers End
- Kangaroo Valley Golf & Country Retreat
- Mali Brae Farm
- Weddings in the Wilde
Recommended Wedding Ceremony Venues
- Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, Kangaroo Valley
- Kangaroo Valley Anglican Church
About the Kangaroo Valley
Where is it?
The Kangaroo Valley is in Southern Highlands of NSW is a beautiful area in between Sydney and Canberra. Just outside of the valley you will find Fitzroy Falls, Nowra, Berry, Robertson and other towns situated in the Illawarra and South Coast.
What are the best wedding venues in this region?
Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat, The Barn at Melross, Wildwood and Ooralba Estate are among the best wedding venues for your big day in the Kangaroo Valley.
How much do weddings cost here?
It depends on your requirements. Depending on how much DIY, setup and styling that you wish to do yourself; you can expect to pay north of $150 per head.
What type of weddings are common in the Kangaroo Valley?
Country styled weddings are popular in the valley due to many of the venues being surrounded by nature and local farms. However venues such as the Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat, and Bundaleer are properties that provide a blank canvas for to create any type of wedding celebration you wish.
Who do you recommend as supporting wedding vendors?
I’ve worked with many lovely wedding vendors in the region. Click here to view my Kangaroo Valley wedding vendor recommendations.
How do we get there from Sydney?
Due to it’s location it is best to drive to the Kangaroo Valley. From Sydney, it is approximately a 2 hour drive and there are multiple ways to arrive there. You can drive down through Bowral and the Southern Highlands or you can drive along the coast through the Illawarra and Berry.
What accommodation options are in the area?
There are a number of hotel, motel, B&B and Air BNB options situated throughout the Kangaroo Valley. Due to it’s popularity it can be very busy during the popular months. Close by there are also accommodation options in Berry, Nowra, Fitzroy Falls, Burrawang and Robertson.
Kangaroo Valley Wedding Photos
Why I Recommend The Kangaroo Valley For Your Wedding (As A Wedding Photographer)
I love Australian natural beauty and to me this is a big draw card for the Kangaroo Valley. The Kangaroo Valley has this beautiful experience as you drive into the valley, taking in the breathtaking views as you wind your way along the road down from the escarpment. The best thing is that once you are in the valley, these beautiful views continue no matter where you are.
As a photographer I love the freedom you have with each of the wedding venues in the Kangaroo Valley. The blank canvas options they allow really give you the flexibility to tailor the wedding day you want. I enjoy this as a photographer because I find the timeline of these wedding days are very fluid, and allow me to capture some wonderful photos throughout.
A big part of my style is incorporating the location in my wedding photos. I have spoken about the beauty of the Kangaroo Valley, but each venue has it’s own unique take on the area. This is both a challenge and a joy to be able to capture across a wedding celebration. The key to me is making the most of the golden hour and the light towards the end of the day, a must when considering your wedding day timeline.
When I talk with my clients I always like to ask about what they want to get out of their wedding. The vast majority just want to create a wonderful experience for their family and friends. The laid back nature of the Kangaroo Valley really makes it the perfect spot for a fun and intimate wedding.
Wedding Vendors I Recommend In The Kangaroo Valley
Having photographed many weddings in the Kangaroo Valley over the years I have gotten to know some wonderful vendors who service the area. Everyone from florists, caterers, marquee hire, wedding hair, wedding makeup, wedding celebrants, DJ’s, stylists and event coordinators. Below are some vendors I am always happy to recommend.
- Makeup by Megan (Hair & Makeup) – https://www.makeupbymegan.com.au/
- Michelle Cato (Hair & Makeup) – http://www.michellecato.com.au/
- Nikita Lauren (Hair & Makeup) – https://www.nikitalauren.com/
- Emma Blake Floral – http://emmablakefloral.com.au/
- Lime Tree Bower – https://www.limetreebower.com/
- Nina De Bord Celebrant – http://ninadeborde.com/
- Jessie Cacchillo Celebrant – https://jessiecacchillo.com
- Tami Sussman Celebrant – https://www.aussiecelebrant.com
- Hoorah Events (Wedding Styling & Coordination) – http://www.hoorahevents.com.au/
- Caterina in Kangaroo Valley (Catering) – http://www.caterinainkangaroovalley.com.au/
- Rabbit & Co Caterers – https://rabbitandcocaterers.com.au/
- Chef & I Caterers – https://www.chefandicatering.com.au/
- XYDJ – https://www.xydj.com.au/
- We Play Records – http://www.weplayrecords.com.au/
- Matakata (Tipis & Events) – http://matakata.com.au/
- South Coast Party Hire (Marquees & Events) – https://www.scph.com.au/
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Kangaroo Valley Wedding
- The best time of the day for wedding photography is as the sun starts to set. Therefore, talk with your wedding planner and wedding photographer to discuss timings before you lock them in. This is especially important in the summer time when the sun sets so late on your wedding day.
- There are only a couple of church options for wedding ceremonies in the valley. If the church you are looking for is unavailable, look at other nearby towns like Berry, Robertson, Burrawang or Mossvale to see if the right church is available for your wedding ceremony.
- Consider a bus service to pickup and drop off your guests. It means they can enjoy the wedding reception and enjoy it responsibly.
- Have a look at all of the wedding venue options I have listed. If one of them feels like the right place, get in touch with the venue to ensure their wedding packages fit in with your wedding celebration.
- Don’t fear the cold when planning a wedding in the Kangaroo Valley! Most venues have beautiful fire pit options that provide a wonderful atmosphere for you and your wedding guests.
Things To See and Do Whilst Visiting The Kangaroo Valley
I always say that one of the best parts about wedding planning is the experiences you get to have along the way. Whilst planning your perfect wedding in the Kangaroo Valley you may want to consider some of these activities to enjoy.
- Wine – If you like your wine tasting, in true southern highlands style there is also a wonderful cellar door in Yarrawa Estate. The winery is tucked up near the top of the sandstone escarpment in the along the Upper Kangaroo Valley Rd and worth a visit.
- Cooking Classes – There is a wonderful cooking school based at Wildwood Estate (so this can double up as a site visit!). The cooking classes utilise a lot of local produce from farmers and producers in the region and a fun way to add to the cooking repertoire.
- Adventure – The valley is known for its wonderful canoe/kayaking and there are multiple options for an adventure along the river. You can do half day trips, self guided trips and every overnight/multi day camping trips on the river. A wonderful way to explore and spend time in the area.
- Farmers Market – The valley farmers market is on every 2nd Sunday of the month and a great way to see the local seasonal produce.
Similar Wedding Locations You Might Also Want to Consider
The Kangaroo Valley is definitely a fantastic region to get married in. However there are many regions in New South Wales between Canberra, Sydney, Wollongong (Illawarra) and the South Coast that you might want to consider.
Click here for the Southern Highlands Weddings page.
Hi, I’m Jack Of Jack Chauvel Photography
As you can tell, I’m a big fan of weddings in the Kangaroo Valley area. If you are thinking of hosting your wedding in the Kangaroo Valley I think we’ll be a pretty good fit for each other.
