Callala Beach Community Hall  is a bit of a secret, I really don't know why it's not used more often, as it offers a really affordable venue adjacent to a gorgeous beach spot and can easily be transformed from into something special.

Another great little traditional community hall near some fantastic beaches is the Cudmirrah Berrara Community Hall. The area also offers some very cool retro Australian beach shacks which would make for a great weekend away. 

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Berry School of Arts

Kangaroo Valley Upper River Hall.

This is another great find. I've performed a few weddings here and they have all been quite magical. It's in a fantastic location - a bit isolated with plenty of room for guests - and children - to run wild, well priced (bit of a bargain really) and sooo pretty. There are a few nice options along the river for the ceremony or the grounds are nice with the suspension bridge across the road making for a slightly rickety but sensational entrance .

Also at Kangaroo Valley is the Federation era Public Hall:

An exciting new addition, just perfect for lovers of the rural vintage vibe is The Burrows in Berry.I;m always being asked about stylish venues for smaller weddings and this looks perfect. The Burrows tea also offer sensational catering for larger events and have a wealth of experience with some of the most popular and respected wedding venues in the region.

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Terara is a tiny "blink and you'll miss it" village, missing it would be a shame as it is home to some of the most picturesque wedding venues in the Shoalhaven. 

Terara Riverside Gardens is situated on the banks of the beautiful Shoalhaven River. Ceremony options include the  riverbank with extensive views of Cambewarra Mountain Range, or in one of the many garden areas on the five acre venue. A grove of Maples at the front of the property provides a great entrance. I was driving past the property this week and had to stop and take a picture of the foliage - gorgeous!

Merribee is an 1850s architect restored coastal cottage with a selection of truly lovely landscaped ornamental gardens in a very pretty part of the world and a sense of bucolic bliss. You can also book the silo to sleep in! 

 If you're planning a rustic country wedding Driftwood is definitely worth checking out. A  80 year old property on the riverfront with a quirky curio-filled barn for the reception. Book well ahead though as it's a very popular location.

Bawley Bush Retreat Bawley is another great venue that combines country and chic. Set on 36 acres of iconic South Coast lakeside forestsurrounded by majestic trees, minutes from the best beaches ever. Throw in birds, a few kangaroos, goannas and wallabies. It's the perfect setting for a destination wedding.

Terrara House

If a fairytale wedding is something you have always dreamed of you really can't go past Terrara House. Very easy to imagine Cinderella pulling up that gorgeous drive - but hard to see her managing to tear herself away by 12!

Also at the absolute fairytale range of the wedding venue options is Jaspers. I recently performed my first wedding there and it was amazing, it really was like stepping into some dream world - fountains and statues and even a peacock - King Richard!

Riversdale at Bundanon Trust is another unique venue. It tends to appeal to art lovers and architect lovers, drawn by award winning architect Glenn Murcutt's design and the link to much loved artist and icon Arthur Boyd. - the dining area features one of his works. There's also the sensational view over the river and the natural grassy amphitheater

Silo's Estate on the outskirts of picturesque Berry has been the setting for so many memorable and beautiful wedding ceremonies for me. I love the setting, looking out over the vineyard and  the boutique winery and award winning restaurant combined with the beautiful grounds and b&b accommodation provide an ideal country wedding location.

 Cupitts Winery  recently made buzzfeed's list of 26 amazing places to get married in NSW and it's not hard to see why. It ffers lovely rural rolling hills  type views, has a very sophisticated European atmosphere, delicious seasonal food and award winning wine and of course that big wooden door which makes such a fantastic backdrop for the ceremony and photos. One thing I particularly like about Cupitts is the choices you have, it caters for small intimate weddings in the historic Cellar Door, then there's the a contemporary setting for a sit-down reception of up to 150 people.

 Mountain Ridge Wines has a few different options for ceremonies, all with beautiful rural outlooks. There's also a the big veranda which offers a great Plan B and a fantastic spot for guests to enjoy drinks, canapes and, of course, the view. 

Cambewarra Estate another pretty little winery tucked away in north Nowra.

Coolangatta Estate is another venue that offers a wide range of choices when it comes to setting and style. I particularly like the historic chapel, but there's also the grand old fig tree that is almost cathedral like in it's grandeur.

 Which brings us to Jervis Bay and it's abundance of beautiful beaches!

I probably perform more wedding ceremonies at Hyams Beach than any other location and it's not hard to see why. Hyams claims to have the whitest sand in the world and the backdrop over the bay is pretty breathtaking. It can get quite crowded in the holiday season but it's always possible to find a quiet stretch of sand for quiet elopement or 100 your closest friends. Council are currently reviewing their policy on Hyams weddings and not taking bookings for Hyams, however if you are having less than 50 guests you don't need to book.

Of course Hyams not the only beautiful beach in Jervis Bay and I would argue that there are even some more beautiful. I'd recommend that anyone considering a beach wedding take the time to explore some other of the gorgeous locations in the area including: 

Callala Beach Directly opposite Hyams, Callala Beach has the same white sand, blue blue sky and brilliant backdrop and offers a lot more seclusion. 

Joel and Chloe were married at Callala Beach:

 but then went to Culburra Beach for photo opportunities:

 Kiama Harbour Cabins While the Kiama Blowhole may not sound terribly romantic I've done a few weddings here and they've been pretty special The accommodation is very swish and there are a wide range of spectacular locations.