Jacqua Celebrant conducting Paige and Aaron’s wedding ceremony in Kiama. Photo credit: Micaela Adams and Pete Balmer

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Wollongong WEDDINGS

As a Wollongong wedding celebrant, I can totally vouch for it! Wollongong has really stepped up over the years. It’s literally a breath of fresh air revealing many hidden gems. A really beautiful part of NSW, where the ocean meets the mountains with countless beaches dotted along the coastline. The scenery is idyllic and a prime wedding location. Where else do you see rolling lush green hills next to the bright blue ocean? It’s a mix of city and country meets surf culture.

Arriving from Sydney, you notice the differences straight away. Your shoulders relax once as you see the panoramic view of Wollongong as you drive down from the escarpment.

If you’re after beaches, space, serenity, affordability, good vibes and views, you’re in the right place. You’ll come across some damn lovely Wollongong wedding venues and nature settings scattered along the coastline - perfect for hosting a wedding - big or small. And the big bonus, Wollongong is just over an hour’s drive from the centre of Sydney.

You might see Wollongong as a steel city but those days are numbered. Thankfully, Wollongong has undergone a big rejuvenation. Residents are pretty proud of how it’s transformed.

It’s got the same uni city vibe, art & live music scene. Public infrastructure has had a revamp, with great cycling, paved walking and bushwalking tracks. It’s been looked after and there’s a growing array of fab cafes, bars and restaurants, lovely lawns and gardens, an endless list of uncrowded beaches, did I mention views and top notch wedding venues!

The Coal Coast in the northern part of the Illawarra has a dozen gems, all of which have amazing oceans views. Central Wollongong offers some great urban spaces as well as beach and garden style venues, everything from laidback to full fancy. South Illawarra and the border of the Shoalhaven, is really where its at! If you haven’t been to Kiama and Gerringong, I suggest you take a reccie down there ASAP.

Weather-wise, you’ll find it similar to Sydney though it tends to be at least one degree cooler. Wollongong and the Illawarra has so much going for it. I highly recommend you check it out! To help, here’s my list of Illawarra / Wollongong wedding venues and locations on my radar…