Best Port Stepehens Wedding Venues
From a Wedding Photographer perspective
Planning a Port Stephens wedding? Choosing your venue is one of the most exciting steps in the journey, and it sets the whole atmosphere of your day. As photographers and filmmakers who have documented countless weddings across Port Stephens, we know just how much the setting shapes the mood — and the photos you’ll cherish forever.
With its sparkling coastline, relaxed resorts, and breathtaking ceremony spots, Port Stephens offers some of the most photogenic wedding backdrops in NSW. From barefoot vows at Shoal Bay Country Club to sunset portraits at Nelson Bay Golf Club, to the magical light at The Retreat or the historic charm of Tanilba House, every couple can find a venue that feels like “them.”
Top 10 Wedding Venues in Port Stephens We Love to Shoot
(in no particular order)
Below, we’ve highlighted some of our favourite Port Stephens wedding venues we’ve captured, along with honest insights into what makes each one so special from behind the lens. If you’d like to see full galleries from any venue, get in touch — we’d love to share our work and help you imagine your day. Here’s our list of the top 50 Port Stephens wedding venues we absolutely love to shoot (in no particular order).
Green Cathedral, Pacific Palms
For couples seeking a breathtaking outdoor ceremony, The Green Cathedral is simply unforgettable. Surrounded by towering palms and overlooking Wallis Lake, it’s a natural open-air chapel like no other. As photographers, we love how the filtered light through the trees creates an ethereal atmosphere, making every vow exchange feel magical and serene.
The Retreat
Nestled among the sand dunes and bushland near Anna Bay, The Retreat is a truly unique wedding escape. Couples love it for its privacy and natural beauty, while we adore it for the way the coastal light filters through the trees at golden hour. From barefoot beachside vows to relaxed receptions under the stars, it’s a venue that feels both adventurous and intimate.
Palms Pavilion
Set right by the water at Shoal Bay, Palms Pavilion blends coastal elegance with a relaxed, beachside atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light and frame sweeping ocean views, giving your wedding a bright, airy feel from ceremony through to reception. From a photographer’s perspective, we love how the soft seaside light shifts throughout the day — from crisp blues in the afternoon to dreamy pinks and golds at sunset — making every moment effortlessly romantic.
Contact Us See Full Galleries at Movaria Park
Saltwater Restaurant at Fingal Bay
Perched right on the dunes at Fingal Bay, Saltwater is a coastal dream for couples chasing those ocean views. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the rolling surf, and the golden light at sunset pours into the space like magic. From a photographer’s perspective, it’s a gift — wide open skies, soft sandy backdrops, and a reception that flows seamlessly from ceremony to celebration. If you’ve ever imagined a wedding where the soundtrack is waves crashing just metres away, Saltwater delivers it with style.
Whitesands at Shoal Bay Country Club
Few places capture the effortless romance of Port Stephens quite like Whitesands. Sitting right across from Shoal Bay’s crystal-clear water, this venue is all about relaxed luxury. Picture an afternoon ceremony on the foreshore followed by cocktails as the sun dips behind Tomaree Head. We love shooting here because every angle is photogenic — the turquoise bay, the whitewashed interiors, and the lively atmosphere that makes every wedding feel like a holiday. It’s coastal chic at its finest.
The Anchorage, Port Stephens
The Anchorage is where elegance meets the marina. Think Hamptons-inspired styling with yachts bobbing quietly in the background and golden-hour light dancing across the water. From intimate ceremonies on the lawn to grand receptions in their luxe function spaces, The Anchorage gives couples a setting that feels both sophisticated and relaxed. As photographers, we can’t get enough of the variety here — boardwalk strolls, candlelit dinners overlooking the harbour, and champagne toasts against pastel sunsets. It’s the kind of venue where every frame feels timeless.
Heaven Gardens
The Barrel Room at Pepper’s Creek is truly iconic in the Hunter Valley. With its sandstone walls, timber beams, and dramatic wine barrel details, the space has an old-world charm that makes every wedding feel intimate and full of character. We find that couples who choose this venue are drawn to its moody, romantic aesthetic — and as photographers, we can’t get enough of how the warm textures and glowing candlelight translate into timeless, atmospheric imagery. It’s one of those venues that adds instant depth and personality to a wedding day story.
Sunset & Vine, Wonganella Estate
Set high among the vineyards with panoramic views over Tilligerry Creek, Sunset & Vine is a feast for the eyes. Its name says it all — this is the kind of venue where sunsets spill across the vines, painting everything in rich golden tones. From a photography perspective, it’s heaven: rows of vines, sweeping horizons, and receptions that glow with candlelight as the day fades into night. It’s equal parts romantic and dramatic — exactly what makes weddings unforgettable.
Tanilba House
Historic, coastal, and endlessly charming, Tanilba House is one of Port Stephens’ true treasures. Built in the 1830s, this sandstone homestead carries a sense of history that adds depth to every moment. We love capturing couples here because the textures are incredible — weathered stone, sprawling fig trees, and gardens that feel alive with stories. Against the backdrop of the bay, it’s a venue that gives your wedding day both grandeur and intimacy.
Valhalla at Nelson Bay
Rustic charm meets coastal vibes at Valhalla. With sprawling lawns, a relaxed barn-style space, and proximity to the stunning coastline of Nelson Bay, this venue is tailor-made for couples who want laid-back elegance. We love shooting here because there’s room to play — golden paddocks at sunset, laughter under festoon lights, and wide open skies that make every frame cinematic. Valhalla feels like the perfect blend of country warmth and coastal cool.