The Great Ocean Road
Starting in Geelong and running all the way along the coast to Warrnambool, The Great Ocean Road is littered with amazing venues to host your wedding. Whether it is an intimate elopement or a more lavish production there really is a spot for everyone.
To help narrow down the potential options I’ve put together this list of some of my favourite spots along The Great Ocean road (in the very strictest alphabetical order). I’ve also added links to some of the magical events that have taken place in them so you can see how your day might play out.
I’m always on the lookout for new venues though so if there’s somewhere I’ve missed feel free to let me know and if you have any questions about any of the Great Ocean Road wedding venues listed, or don’t quite see the perfect one get in touch, I’m sure I’ll be able to help.
For those people thinking of having their wedding somewhere a little bit more in-land, also check out my guide to Western District Wedding Venues!
Apollo Bay Wedding Company
The Apollo Bay Wedding Company is a brand new venue and planning company based in Apollo bay, sadly we’ve not had the chance to work together, but I’m kind of excited to get the chance!
The Elliot – Apollo Bay
The Elliot is a new venue approximately five minutes out of Apollo Bay which features just about everything you could need to host a wonderful wedding
(Update 2021 – It would appear the Elliot is not taking bookings at this time, I’m hopeful this will change as the COVID situation rectifies itself).
Forrest Redwood Plantation
The Redwood plantation near Forrest is truly magical place and one that I strongly recommend everyone visit when they are in the area.
Loch Ard Gorge
Loch Ard Gorge located between the Twelve Apostles and Port Campbell is a secluded cove dominated by stunning cliffs that provide a sheltered a private location ideal for both ceremonies and portraits.
Be warned there are quite a few steep steps to get down into the cove so if you have elderly guests be sure to take this into account.
Lorne Hotel
The Lorne Hotel is a superb venue right by the beach at Lorne,
Port Campbell Surf Club
Port Campbell’s Surf Lifesaving club is a superb venue for both weddings and receptions.
Rusty Gate – Geelong
With stunning views over the bay out towards Phillip Island, Rusty Gate is a wonderful venue for people thinking about holding their ceremony in Geelong. In addition to the manicured lawns of the main house there are extensive gardens and a wonderful olive grove that is an absolute must for portraits.
The Twelve Apostles
While it is not really feasible to have your ceremony at the Twelve Apostles themselves there are several spots which overlook the remaining rocks which make for some amazing portrait backdrops.
If you plan on holding either your ceremony or reception at Port Campbell, it’s an easy trip to include them in your day. If you’re looking to have the main events elsewhere it might require a bit more planning.
As a local I have a few top secret lookouts which provide excellent views without the difficulty of dealing with the massive throngs of tourists that pack out the main viewing locations for the vast majority of the summer.
Wye River General Store
Wye River on the Great Ocean Road is a wonderful coastal town, surrounded on three sides by lush forests providing the perfect backdrop for a wedding. The beach is also one of the most picturesque in Victoria with a combination of both rocks and sandy patches it has something for everyone.
The Wye River General Store provides a rustic, yet modern space with full commercial kitchen and an excellent bar. Very highly recommended!
Recent Great Ocean Road Events
- Otways Elopement – Bec and TedA micro wedding in the Otways, featuring portraits at Castle Cove, the Otways Redwoods and Colac’s Botanic Gardens.
- The Elliot, Apollo Bay – Joel & GemmaSitting high on the cliffs outside Apollo Bay The Elliot was a stunning venue for this amazing wedding.
- Twelve Apostles Portrait Session – Zac and CaseyHaving the Twelve Apostles on my doorstep is one of the many perks of living where I do (just outside a small village called…
- Sokil Arts Eco Retreat Wedding – Nina and JoshNina and Josh’s magical Sokil Arts Eco Retreat Wedding.
- Lorne Wedding – Charlotte and DanaLorne is a wonderful spot for a wedding and Charlotte and Dana chose a perfect summer’s day to have their wedding there. The ceremony…
- Loch Ard Gorge Portraits – Charlotte and DanaPortraits at the beach near the Great Ocean Road.
- Great Ocean Road Wedding – Amanda and AndreAn intimate wedding taking in the sights of the Great Ocean Road ending up at Port Campbell for the reception.