Choosing a wedding venue can be one of the the hardest parts of the wedding planning process. With so many options to choose from, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed.
This is one of the reasons I’ve created this guide to some of my favourite wedding venues in Margaret River.
Although I’m a wedding photographer, I also like to help couples plan fun and relaxed weddings.
For me it’s about the whole experience - a beautiful ceremony location, amazing experience for your guests, epic food and drinks, great staff and service, and photo locations nearby.
Hopefully this is a useful starting point if you’re looking for your wedding venue.
THE BEST WEDDING VENUES IN MARGARET RIVER
Meelup Farmhouse
Stunning scenery. Clean, coastal farmhouse styling. Attentive and amazing service. Everything flows very well, and I like how friendly and professional the team at Meelup Farmhouse are.
Nestled in a valley just behind Meelup, you’re close to Dunsborough, Eagle Bay and Bunker Bay. The location is dreamy and there’s lots of accomodation nearby for your guests.
The ceremony location is fully shaded which keeps you and your guests comfortable. From a photographer’s perspective the ceremony area also faces the right way - the sun is behind you, and you get this awesome golden light for your ceremony photos.
Amazing service has always set Meelup Farmhouse apart. Drinks are served on the lawn after your ceremony - you can kick on with your guests and celebrate straight away.
There’s so many great photos spots on the property within walking distance. It makes it really easy to get fun candid photos with your wedding party, and we can also sneak down to the beach at sunset if you’d like some coastal photos too.
Of course the food is fantastic, with wedding receptions held on the deck and rear lawn. They also pump out the cocktails and run the bar extremely well. It’s a buzzing venue.
There is an epic team running Meelup Farmhouse and I love photographing weddings here.
The Tiller Farm
A short drive from Dunsborough and Yallingup, The fields in front of the dining room are iconic - the scenery and golden hour photos here are incredible.
A 50 acre farm in Yallingup, the quality of the paddock to plate food sets it apart from other venues - if you’re a bit of a foodie you should definitely check out The Tiller Farm.
The modern barn-style building is huge and it’s one of the larger venues in Margaret River, able to accomodate up to 200 people for indoor receptions.
It’s a purpose built wedding + events venue by George and Kayleigh Cooper. They’ve spent years in hospitality and have made their mark with their own venue.
The service is always immaculate from the friendly team at Tiller - they deliver an incredible dining experience with a bit of theatre and a casual no fuss attitude.
There’s two ceremony locations - the Lawn and a Natural Amphitheatre. The Lawn ceremony spot is my pick. It’s right next to the main building and it flows really well for your guests to hit the bar straight after your ceremony to get the party started.
Both ceremony areas are in direct sunlight, but the Lawn is definitely cooler on a hot day. There’s lush green grass, and the Amphitheatre is a drier paddock location and it can radiate heat on a hot day.
There’s awesome shaded photo spots for your wedding party a short walk away, and the sunsets are insane here!
Rustico at Hay Shed Hill
Well known for its Mediterranean style food and beautiful scenery, Rustico is great restaurant, sharing the property with Hay Shed Hill winery.
The owner Vanessa is super friendly and the staff are always great here - there’s lots of little things happening behind the scenes to make sure everything runs well. It’s something I always notice and it’s one of my favourite vineyard wedding venues.
Ceremonies are held in the vineyard, in a small valley surrounded by native trees and vines.
The lawn area in front of the restaurant for is perfect for cocktail hour, and receptions are held in the industrial style restaurant - a former winery shed, it’s decorated with indoor plants and Spanish tiles.
The food here is amazing - the canapés are incredible, and the banquet style dinners are insanely generous. They also have some cool options, like a taco bar, and they also pump out the Espresso Martinis and cocktails once the dance floor is open.
There’s lots of options for photos on the property - vineyards, rustic gardens, golden fields and the iconic white sheds. It’s always nice being able to stay on the property for photos - that way you can spend as much time as possible with your guests.
Another thing that sets Rustico apart from other venues, is that there’s no noise restrictions here. So your dance floor can go off!
Rustico at Hay Shed Hill is about 20min from Margaret River and 25min from Dunsborough and Yallingup.
Ilma Beach House at Bunker Bay
If you want a beach wedding, I love Bunker Bay. We actually got married here and it’s one of our favourite stretches of coast.
With a wide strip of white sand and perfect aqua blue water, it’s hard to imagine a more picturesque beach. Even better, the usual south-west sea breezes blow from the perfect direction - from November to April, the beach is usually glorious most afternoons.
Although it can get a bit hot in summer, or it might be a bit windy, I guess that’s always the risk with a beach wedding.
The best beach ceremony spot is to the left of the main beach path, that’ll give you a bit more privacy and a few less random onlookers.
Have some friends load up eskies ahead of time and stash them at the base of the the dunes - after your ceremony you can keep the tunes pumping and hang out on the beach and celebrate for an hour or so, enjoying drinks in the sun with all your gang. When it’s almost time for your guests to head to your wedding reception, we can sneak off for some photos nearby - either at the beach or nearby at Shelley Cove.
Nestled in the dunes, Ilma Beach House, has taken over from the long running Bunkers Beach House. If you want a toes-in-the-sand ceremony, followed by a reception at an upmarket coastal cafe - this venue ticks all the boxes.
You also have the option of a ceremony on the deck at Ilma (it can get squishy - but it’s a good wet weather backup option).
Ilma Beach House is owned by the same team as Meelup Farmhouse. I’m not affiliated with them at all. I just love their work and the way they run their venues.
Old Broadwater Farm
Old Broadwater Farm is a historic, rustic wedding venue in Busselton. I love the variety of photos in the gardens and with the buildings on the property.
It was one of the first farms in the Margaret River region, and the homestead was built in the 1800s. The original buildings have been converted into accomodation, and it’s great being able to getting ready on site, and walk from the main cottage to your ceremony.
There’s three different ceremony locations. The newly constructed Pavilion is the most popular, it is also a great backup option in case of wet weather. A huge Poplar Tree with shaded lawn is the main outdoor option. The third spot is the Rose Garden - there’s no shade here, so I’d avoid it in summer, but it can be beautiful in spring and autumn.
Receptions are usually held in the marquee, or outdoors in the courtyard the deck under the jacaranda tree. In the cooler months, there’s a huge fire pit outside too, creating another space for your guests to hang out during the evening.
Straight after your ceremony there’ll be an outdoor bar nearby - it gets that instant party started and you can celebrate with all your guests.
There’s so many photo locations on the property - historic cottages, the old shed, different spots in the gardens and I always like to sneak out to the open paddocks and wetlands at the back of the property just before sunset too.
If you’re planning a winter wedding, Old Broadwater Farm is my pick of the venues - having the Pavilion as a permanent undercover space, and the large marquee gives your guests plenty of room to stay dry and comfortable.
The experienced and friendly wedding coordinators mean weddings always run smoothly. Catering is by Supper Road, and is always on point. You can BYO your own beverages too.
Solitaire Homestead
Solitaire Homestead is a stunning 110 acre farm venue, halfway between Dunsborough and Yallingup.
It’s the kind of property I wish I’d designed myself, there’s quirky and well thought out design touches everywhere - from the Spanish style homestead, unique ceremony locations, the amazing lawn at the Shed for late afternoon drinks and the huge monastery doors on the sheds.
They’ve got several ceremony options - the green doors set in a clearing of peppermint trees is a favourite spot. There’s also a majestic marri tree in an open paddock. And a new ceremony space with Mediterranean style walls close to the reception area at the Shed.
The Shed itself is a blank canvas, ready for styling to your taste. Giant lanterns hang from the ceiling, and outside there’s furniture, styling and features collected from the owners’ travels - including a pair of massive antique monastery doors, giant wooden boat rudders and all sounds of epic rustic finds. A small Spanish-style gazebo with a fire pit is great little zone for yogurts to sneak off into during cooler months.
After your ceremony, the lawn in front of the Shed is pretty hard to beat - with sunlight filtering in through the trees, music pumping, an old boat full of beers and ice, and flowers in the gardens in bloom. I love Solitaire for relaxed garden style wedding receptions.
There’s also no noise restrictions, so your DJ can thump that bass. I’ve seen some loose dancefloors at Solitaire - so good!
There’s accommodation on site too. The larger Homestead usually works for the bridal party to get ready in, and the smaller Straw House nearby. On a separate property but a short walk away, the Batch House is an option too.
There’s lots of photo options at Solitaire which lean into the Australia farm / bush type vibe, and some rad backdrops too. The open fields and golden hour light here are amazing.
It’s a BYO venue so you can provide your own drinks and arrange catering. They have a comprehensive list of trusted vendors as well.
I’ve always experienced amazing, friendly and professional service from Kelly, Tracy and the whole team at Solitaire - they always go the extra mile to make sure weddings always run so well here.
Eagle Bay Brewery
Perched on a hill with views across the paddocks to the Ocean in the distance, Eagle Bay Brewery has a relaxed vibe, with polished service from a well run team.
Close to Dunsborough and just up the road from the white sands of Eagle Bay, it’s a great venue for couples who want a fun, relaxed wedding with stunning scenery.
There a couple of ceremony spots on site - the most popular is the forest clearing, tucked off to the side of the main buildings and carpark.
Some couples will opt for a beach ceremony at Eagle Bay, and then their guests can head to the Brewery for cocktail hour and pre-reception drinks.
There’s some killer spots for photos on property - shaded bush areas, rolling paddocks and with the ocean in the distance is magic. The beach is just a short drive away, and it’s always amazing to zip down to Eagle Bay towards sunset for some coastal photos.
The open plan restaurant transforms into a great event space, with the light coloured sandstone walls and polished concrete floors give it a modern feel, especially with the floor to ceiling windows open to the views.
Private Properties and Backyard Parties
This might not be an option for everyone. But weddings on private properties are always my favourite. You can’t beat the personal connection comes with getting married in your own backyard, a family farm or a holiday house.
Maybe you’re somewhere near the beach - you could have a coastal ceremony then wander back to the house for a mad party.
Or if you’re on a farm or a bush block - choose a scenic clearing, garden, an open field, a spectacular tree for your ceremony.
There’s no rush to move from different locations, no curfew, and if your neighbours are cool there’s no noise restrictions too.
You have a ton of freedom to transform the space - it could be a relaxed outdoor ceremony, or an elaborate marquee reception if you’ve got the space.
Although these DIY weddings can be a lot of work, there’s also something pretty unique that comes with all of the the personal touches and more intimate setting.
Here’s some of my favourite private property weddings:
Hollie + Lewis | Eagle Bay Wedding
Aravina Estate
Nestled in the rolling hills behind Yallingup and Dunsborough, Aravina Estate has a relaxed sophistication.
The cellar door and restaurant have been recently renovated, enhancing the upmarket vibes, while still retaining a friendly feel. The immaculate gardens and expansive views across the vineyards keep an emphasis on the natural beauty of the region.
Ceremonies are held on the custom built wedding pavilion, framed by trees and overlooking the dam and vineyards. The gardens are in full bloom in spring, with the flowers continuing right through until the changing of the seasons in autumn.
Drinks and celebrations with your guests are usually held on the rear deck. Larger wedding receptions are in the chandelier-lit event space, and smaller weddings have the option of a reception in the outdoor section of the restaurant. For something a little different, a marquee reception on the lawn, or a reception in the barrel room are also options.
There’s a bridal suite onsite if you’d like to get ready at Aravina. Personally I find the room a bit tricky to photograph, and if you have a lot of bridesmaids you’ll be spending quite a long time in the one room getting ready. If you are staying in a nice house nearby, that’s usually a better option for getting ready. The bridal suite is still a good little private chill out zone for the wedding party throughout the afternoon and evening.
For photos, there’s lush garden backdrops around the wedding pavilion and cellar door area, including the iconic hydrangea lined pathway. The vineyards overlooking the dam also provide plenty of photo options.
Located just a short drive from Dunsborough and Yallingup, Aravina Estate has a luxurious and romantic feel.
Ready to take the next step?
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I’m keen to hear more about your wedding plans and everything you’re excited about – let’s chat about your big day.