By the beach
Ocean views, surf clubs and sand for portraits.
Crowne Plaza Terrigal PacificTerrigal Surf Life Saving ClubWamberal FunctionsAvoca BeachAvoca Beach Hotel & ResortBells at KillcarePullman Magenta Shores ResortBeachcomber HotelGracelands
Area guide · Central Coast
Central Coast weddings, the complete guide
Venues · Seasons · Light · Getting there · Real weddings
Check your wedding date200+ five-star reviews12+ years' experience
The Central Coast packs beaches, lakes, rainforest and farm valleys into an hour north of Sydney. We shoot weddings all over it, from beach clubs in Terrigal to gardens in Somersby and barns in the Yarramalong Valley. Here is where the venues are, which suit which kind of day and when the light is best.
19Central Coast venues we know
1 hrfrom Sydney by car
1 hrfrom Newcastle
5pm–8pmsunset, June to December
4 areas, one coast
Surf clubs, headlands and the Bouddi coast
Terrigal, Avoca and the beaches
From Killcare and Avoca up to Terrigal, Wamberal and Forresters Beach, the southern beaches are the Coast's postcard side: surf clubs and beachfront hotels, boutique venues a few minutes from the sand, and headlands like The Skillion for portraits.
Crowne Plaza Terrigal PacificTerrigal Surf Life Saving ClubWamberal FunctionsAvoca BeachAvoca Beach Hotel & ResortBells at KillcareGracelandsBellbird Garden Estate
Gardens, rainforest and country estates
Somersby, Matcham and Peats Ridge
Just behind Gosford and Erina, the hinterland rises into gardens, orchards and bush. Somersby and Matcham have garden estates, barns and chapels, and Peats Ridge and Glenworth Valley add big bushland properties with lakes and sandstone. It is a short drive from the M1, so it works well for Sydney guests.
Kantara HouseLinton GardensThe Stables of SomersbySomersby Gardens EstateThe Ridge EstateThe SpringsGlenworth Valley
Farmhouses, paddocks and creeks
The Yarramalong Valley and Ourimbah
West of Wyong, the Yarramalong Valley and Wyong Creek feel like the country: farms, homesteads, creeks and green hills, with venues that sleep the wedding party on site. Ourimbah adds a garden estate tucked into the rainforest.
Fernbank FarmBebeah FarmYarramalong Valley FarmstayWyong Creek HallBidja Estate
Tuggerah Lake, Toukley and Magenta
The lakes and the north
North of The Entrance, the Coast is all lakes and long beaches. Venues here look over the water at Toukley and Magenta, and the Pioneer Dairy wetlands at Tuggerah offer something wilder.
Pullman Magenta Shores ResortBeachcomber HotelCentral Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy
Choose by style
Gardens & estates
Heritage gardens, chapels and old fig trees.
Linton GardensSomersby Gardens EstateKantara HouseBidja EstateBellbird Garden Estate
Barns & farms
Paddocks, barns and farmhouses you can style your own way.
The Stables of SomersbyThe Ridge EstateBebeah FarmFernbank FarmYarramalong Valley FarmstayWyong Creek Hall
Bush & wild places
Sandstone, creeks and wetlands for adventurous couples.
Glenworth ValleyThe SpringsCentral Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy
Stay the weekend
Rooms or cottages on site for you and your guests.
Bells at KillcareGlenworth ValleyFernbank FarmPullman Magenta Shores ResortAvoca Beach Hotel & ResortBeachcomber HotelCrowne Plaza Terrigal PacificSomersby Gardens Estate
When to marry
March to May
Autumn
Warm water, settled weather and mild evenings. The most popular time for coastal weddings. Daylight saving ends in early April, so sunset comes an hour earlier.
Sunset about 7.15pm in early March, 5pm by late May
June to August
Winter
Crisp, clear days with soft light, and quieter venues with better availability. The hinterland gets cool, so choose a venue with a warm indoor space.
Sunset about 5pm
September to November
Spring
Gardens in full bloom (Somersby's gardens are at their best) and longer evenings once daylight saving starts. Keep a sheltered spot for windy days on the coast.
Sunset about 5.45pm in September, 7.40pm by late November
December to February
Summer
Holiday season on the Coast, with busy beaches and roads, warm nights and the odd afternoon storm. Book early and plan shade for the ceremony.
Sunset about 8pm
Light and timing
Start your ceremony about three hours before sunset, which gives you time for the ceremony, family photos and canapés, then 20 minutes with us for portraits in the best light.
On the ocean beaches the sun sets behind the land, so we look for the soft glow on the water. In the hinterland and valleys, hills drop the sun a little earlier, so we check each venue's horizon when we plan your timeline.
Getting there and getting around
By car: the Coast is about an hour north of Sydney on the M1, and about an hour south of Newcastle. Allow extra time on Friday afternoons and holiday weekends.
By train: Gosford, Wyong and Tuggerah stations are on the line between Sydney and Newcastle, then a taxi or shuttle.
On the day: hinterland and valley venues are spread out, so a shuttle for guests keeps everyone safe and on time.
Beaches and public spaces
Central Coast Council takes bookings for ceremonies on its beaches, reserves and lookouts, with a simple booking for small groups under 80. Ask your venue or the council what you need before planning a beach ceremony.
Where your guests stay
Terrigal and Avoca have hotels and holiday rentals close to the beach, and many hinterland and valley venues sleep the wedding party on site. Holiday rentals book out early in summer, so send details with your save-the-dates.
If it rains
Ask every venue where the wet-weather ceremony goes. Chapels, barns, glasshouse-style rooms and covered verandahs all photograph beautifully, and rainforest and gardens look even greener in soft, overcast light.
Central Coast wedding films
Real Central Coast weddings
Madi & Corey
Tamara & Sam
Nicole & Francisco
Kayla & JamesCentral Coast venues
23 venue guides, A–Z
Venues we know 19 we have photographed and filmed
Avoca BeachAvoca Beach · Central CoastAvoca Beach Hotel & ResortAvoca Beach · Central CoastBeachcomber HotelToukley · Central CoastBebeah FarmYarramalong Valley · Central Coast1 love storyBellbird Garden EstateScenic Highway, Terrigal · Central CoastBells at KillcareKillcare · Central CoastBidja EstateOurimbah · Central CoastCentral Coast Wetlands – Pioneer DairyTuggerah · Central CoastFernbank FarmWyong Creek · Central CoastGlenworth ValleyGlenworth Valley · Central Coast1 love storyGracelandsForresters Beach · Central CoastKantara HouseCentral Coast3 love storiesLinton GardensSomersby · Central CoastPullman Magenta Shores ResortMagenta · Central CoastThe Ridge EstatePeats Ridge · Central CoastSomersby Gardens EstateSomersby · Central CoastThe SpringsPeats Ridge · Central CoastThe Stables of SomersbySomersby · Central CoastWyong Creek HallWyong Creek · Central Coast
More Central Coast venues researched guides, not yet shot by us
Central Coast wedding FAQs
Do you photograph weddings on the Central Coast?
Yes. We photograph and film weddings right across the Coast, from Killcare and Terrigal to Somersby, Glenworth Valley and the Yarramalong Valley. See the venues we know above.
How far is the Central Coast from Sydney?
About an hour's drive up the M1 to Gosford, and a little more to the northern beaches and valleys.
Can we get married on the beach?
Yes. Book through Central Coast Council (a simple booking for under 80 guests), then hold your reception at a venue nearby.
Which Central Coast venues have accommodation?
Bells at Killcare, Glenworth Valley, Fernbank Farm, Magenta Shores, Avoca Beach Hotel and Crowne Plaza Terrigal all have rooms or cottages on site. Confirm numbers with each venue.
How much does a Central Coast wedding photographer cost?
Our wedding photography starts at $1,999, and photo + film collections start at $4,999. See our Central Coast wedding photography page for packages.
What time should our ceremony start?
About three hours before sunset: around 2pm in winter and 4.30 to 5pm in summer.
Venue details checked October 2026. Always confirm with the venue.
Kind words
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