Choosing a wedding venue can be one of the hardest parts of planning a wedding. There are so many incredible venues across Margaret River and the South West, and they all offer something a little different.
I've photographed more than 400 weddings throughout the region, and over the years I've seen firsthand what makes a venue truly great - not just for photos, but for the overall experience.
The venues in this guide are some of my personal favourites. They're places that consistently deliver beautiful settings, great food and drinks, excellent service, and a fantastic experience for couples and their guests.
Hopefully this guide gives you a useful starting point as you search for the right wedding venue.
THE BEST WEDDING VENUES IN MARGARET RIVER
Meelup Farmhouse
A relaxed coastal farmhouse venue tucked just behind Meelup Beach. It’s one of those rare spots where the scenery, service and overall flow of the day all work really well together.
Suits couples who want: a relaxed coastal wedding with great food, strong service, and an easy, natural flow to the day.
What I love about this venue:
Beautiful shaded ceremony space (comfortable in summer and great light for photos)
Seamless transition from ceremony to drinks on the lawn
Loads of natural photo locations on the property, plus quick access to the coast for sunset shots
Consistently excellent food, cocktails, and a well-run, professional team
Great accommodation options nearby in Dunsborough, Eagle Bay and surrounds
What makes this venue so easy to photograph is how naturally the day flows for couples. There are plenty of beautiful photo spots around the property, with amazing natural light
The Tiller Farm
A 50-acre farm in Yallingup with open rolling fields out the front of the dining room and some of the best golden hour light in the region. It’s a purpose-built wedding venue with a modern barn-style building - if you’re a foodie make sure to check out The Tiller Farm.
Suits couples who want: a modern farm wedding with incredible food, a relaxed but polished atmosphere, and big open landscapes for sunset photos.
What I love about this venue:
The fields in front of the dining room are iconic - especially at golden hour for photos
The paddock-to-plate food is a real standout and perfect for couples who care about their dining experience
The modern barn-style reception space is large. It works well for 60 to up to 200 guests.
The service is consistently excellent - very professional while also friendly and relaxed
The Lawn ceremony space is my pick - great flow straight into drinks at the bar afterwards. It’s also a lot cooler than the Natural Amphitheatre which can get quite hot
Great shaded photo spots on the property for wedding party photos
The sunsets here are next level and it’s usually when I get my favourite photos of the couple
Rustico at Hay Shed Hill
Well known for its Mediterranean-style food and relaxed vineyard setting, Rustico sits on the Hay Shed Hill winery property and makes the most of its scenery and easy-going atmosphere.
Suits couples who want: a relaxed vineyard wedding with incredible food, a lively atmosphere, and a dance floor that can properly kick on.
What I love about this venue:
Ceremonies set in the vineyard, tucked into a small valley surrounded by vines and native trees
The lawn area in front of the restaurant is perfect for a relaxed cocktail hour
The reception space is a converted winery shed with a warm, rustic-industrial feel
The food is outstanding - generous banquet-style meals, great canapés, and fun add-ons like taco stations
Excellent cocktails and espresso martinis once the dance floor opens
Plenty of photo locations on-site - vineyards, gardens, some sweet golden light and the iconic white sheds
No strict noise restrictions, so the dance floor can pump!
Great to stay on-site for photos so couples can maximise time with guests
About 20 minutes from Margaret River and ~25 minutes from Dunsborough/Yallingup
Ilma Beach House at Bunker Bay
If you're dreaming of a beach wedding, Bunker Bay is hard to beat. We actually got married here ourselves, and it's still one of our favourite stretches of coastline in the South West.
Suits couples who want: a laid-back beach wedding with stunning coastal scenery, followed by a relaxed but stylish reception by the ocean.
What I love about this venue:
One of the most beautiful beaches in Western Australia, with white sand and crystal-clear water
The beach is often protected from the prevailing south-westerly sea breeze, the beach is usually glorious most afternoons from November to April
The ceremony spot to the left of the main beach access offers a bit more privacy and fewer curious onlookers
Plenty of time to celebrate on the beach after your ceremony before heading to your reception
Shelley Cove and the surrounding coastline provide beautiful options for photos nearby
Ilma Beach House is nestled in the dunes and works perfectly for a beach ceremony followed by an upmarket coastal reception
The deck at Ilma can also work as a wet weather backup ceremony location
The team behind Ilma Beach House also run Meelup Farmhouse, and they're one of the best operators in the region
One of the things I love most about weddings here is how relaxed they feel. Grab a few friends to stock some eskies for after the ceremony, spend an hour celebrating on the beach with your favourite people, then sneak away for sunset photos before the party kicks on at Ilma.
Old Broadwater Farm
A historic farm venue in Busselton with beautiful gardens, character-filled buildings, and plenty of flexibility for weddings throughout the year. It's one of the most established wedding venues in the region, and I love the variety of photo locations across the property.
Suits couples who want: a relaxed country wedding with on-site accommodation, plenty of character, and a great wet weather backup plan.
What I love about this venue:
Character everywhere you look - historic cottages, mature gardens, paddocks, wetlands and plenty of variety for photos
On-site accommodation makes the day feel easy, with couples able to get ready and walk straight to their ceremony
Three ceremony locations to choose from, including the Pavilion, a huge shaded Poplar Tree, and the Rose Garden
Loads of variety for photos - historic cottages, gardens, the old shed, open paddocks, and wetlands nearby
Flexible reception spaces, from the marquee to the courtyard and deck beneath the jacaranda tree
The outdoor bar gets the celebrations started immediately after the ceremony
One of my favourite venues for winter weddings thanks to the undercover Pavilion and large marquee
Friendly, experienced coordinators who keep everything running smoothly
Excellent catering from Supper Road, and the option to BYO your own drinks
Solitaire Homestead
A stunning 110-acre farm between Dunsborough and Yallingup, filled with thoughtful design touches and loads of personality. It's one of the most unique wedding venues in the region and feels like every corner of the property has been carefully considered.
Suits couples who want: a relaxed farm wedding with plenty of character, a great party atmosphere, and the flexibility to make the day their own.
What I love about this venue:
Beautifully designed spaces throughout the property, from the Spanish-style homestead to the unique styling around the Shed
Several ceremony locations to choose from, including the iconic green doors in the peppermint trees, a majestic marri tree in an open paddock, and a newer Mediterranean-style space close to the Shed, which works well for couples wanting everything within easy walking distance.
The lawn in front of the Shed is one of my favourite spots in the region for post-ceremony drinks and canapés
No noise restrictions, which always makes for a fun reception and an mad dance floor
Beautiful golden hour light, open paddocks, and plenty of photo opportunities with a distinctly South West farm feel
On-site accommodation for couples and their wedding party, making the day feel easy and relaxed
BYO drinks and flexible catering options, with a trusted list of recommended suppliers
Kelly, Tracy and the team are always friendly, professional and genuinely care about making the day run smoothly
Eagle Bay Brewery
Perched on a hill with views across the paddocks to the ocean in the distance, Eagle Bay Brewery has a relaxed, easy going feel that works really well for a South West wedding.
Close to Dunsborough and just up the road from Eagle Bay Beach, it’s a great option for couples who want a fun, laid-back celebration with big scenery.
Suits couples who want: a relaxed brewery wedding with great views, good food and drinks, and easy access to both bush and beach photo locations.
What I love about this venue:
The forest clearing ceremony spot is tucked off to the side and feels really natural and private
Some couples choose to do a beach ceremony at Eagle Bay, then come back here for drinks and the reception
Plenty of photo locations on site - shaded bush, open paddocks, and ocean glimpses in the distance
Quick access to Eagle Bay Beach for sunset coastal photos just a few minutes away
The restaurant space has a modern, open feel with sandstone walls, polished concrete floors, and large windows opening out to the incredible views
It’s one of those venues where the whole day feels relaxed without needing to overthink anything
Aravina Estate
Nestled in the rolling hills between Yallingup and Dunsborough, Aravina Estate is luxurious and romantic, with beautiful gardens and incredible vineyard views.
Suits couples who want: a garden-style vineyard wedding with a more sophisticated feel, great food and wine, and plenty of beautiful photo locations in one place.
What I love about this venue:
Purpose-built wedding pavilion overlooking the dam and vineyards, framed by trees
Beautiful gardens that are in full bloom in spring and early summer, with seasonal flowers through to autumn
Drinks on the rear deck after the ceremony, which keeps everything feeling social and relaxed
Multiple reception options including the chandelier-lit indoor space, outdoor restaurant area, or marquee on the lawn
Plenty of great photo spots around the pavilion, gardens and vineyards
On-site bridal suite available for getting ready, and also a handy private space for the wedding party throughout the afternoon and evening. Some couples also choose nearby accommodation for getting ready depending on the size of their group and what works best for the day
Close to Dunsborough and Yallingup, making it easy for guests to get to and from the venue
Private Properties and Backyard Parties
This isn’t for everyone, but weddings on private properties are always some of my favourites. There’s something really special about the personal connection that comes with getting married at home, on a family farm, or at a holiday house.
Maybe you’re near the beach and can have a coastal ceremony before heading back to the house for a relaxed (or slightly wild) celebration. Or if you’re on a farm or bush block, you can choose a scenic clearing, garden, open field or spectacular tree for your ceremony.
One of the best parts is the freedom - no rushing between locations, no strict timelines, and often no noise restrictions if you’ve got understanding neighbours.
You’ve also got full flexibility with how the space comes together. It can be a simple outdoor setup or a full marquee reception if the property allows it.
They can take more planning and effort, but there’s something pretty unique that comes with the personal connection.
Some of my favourite private property weddings:
Ready to take the next step?
You’ve probably got a shortlist by now - if you want a photographer who knows these venues well and can help you get the most out of them, I’d love to hear from you.