Scenic charm meets effortless celebration
When you’re planning your dream day, the first big decision (after saying yes, of course) is finding the right venue. And not just any venue – the one that feels like you. It should grab you the second you arrive. It should be visually stunning, absolutely you, and memorable in all the best ways. But here’s the twist – not only should your venue be breathtaking, it should also be nestled in a location that makes your guests want to pack their bags and make a weekend of it.
So, why do so many couples fall head over heels for Berry and the Shoalhaven region when planning a wedding? There is a reason (or many) that Berry has taken home GOLD in the 2024 NSW Top Tourism Awards (Small Town Category) for the 3rd year in a row and here is why it deserves a spot right at the top of your potential destination wedding list:
1. Location, Location, (Original) Location
Just two hours south of Sydney (and three from Canberra), Berry is easy to reach and even easier to fall in love with. Thanks to recent highway upgrades, it’s a smooth, scenic drive – think rolling green hills, dairy farms, and glimpses of the coast.
And if you’re wondering where Eleven Eighty fits in – we’re tucked just 10 minutes from Berry in Coolangatta. Yes, there’s more than one! Ours is actually the original Coolangatta (take that, Queensland). Fun fact: the name comes from the schooner Coolangatta, which was wrecked nearby in 1846, and in turn named after the mountain that watches over our patch of paradise.
2. It’s Ridiculously Beautiful
The Shoalhaven region is where countryside charm meets coastal magic. Rolling paddocks, vineyards, heritage buildings and dramatic ocean views – it’s a photographer’s playground. Whether you’re after sunset beach shots, moody mountain backdrops, or something entirely different, you’ll find it here.
Photo: Foxground by Andy Hutchinson
3. Your Guests Will Thank You
It’s not just about the wedding day – it’s about the whole experience. From boutique shopping in Berry (hello, homewares and artisan cheese) to beach days at Shoalhaven Heads and winery hopping along Bolong Road, your guests will have plenty to do.
Want a few recommendations?
- Shoalhaven Heads: Just 3 minutes from Eleven Eighty. Dog-friendly beaches, a touch of fine dining, and a chilled-out vibe.
- Gerroa: Just 10 minutes away, it’s the start of the iconic Seven Mile Beach.
- Gerringong: Add another 5 minutes and you’re swimming in rockpools or kayaking the lagoon.
- Feeling adventurous? Zip-lining, bushwalks and rock climbing await! And if you’re after a curated list of local gems, we’re always happy to share our insider secrets.
Photo: Berry’s Queen Street, courtesy of the Berry Chamber of Commerce and Tourism
4. Accommodation Galore
No matter your guests’ travel style – cosy, luxurious, or budget-conscious – Berry’s got options. At Eleven Eighty, we sleep 15 across the property (perfect for your inner circle), but nearby you’ll find:
- Chic local Airbnbs
- Caravan park cabins
- Boutique motels and heritage stays in Berry
- Winery stays
- Luxe villas in Shoalhaven Heads
Need help finding the perfect place to stay?
Chat to the Eleven Eighty team – we’re locals and happy to share our go-to accommodation picks for all styles and budgets.
Photo: The Berry View Motel
5. A Rolodex of South Coast Talent
The South Coast wedding scene is thriving – and the suppliers are just as dreamy as the scenery. From wildly creative florists to soulful celebrants, epic food trucks to brilliant photographers and musicians, the local talent pool is deep and delightful. Need help? We can recommend the best in the biz.
Photo: cake by Roseberry Cake Creations, image courtesy of KLD Photography
6. Make it a Wedding Weekend
Why limit the celebration to just one day? With so much to explore in and around Berry, it’s easy to turn your wedding into a weekend to remember. Kick things off with welcome drinks at one of our favourite local spots – The Berry Hotel or The Great Southern Hotel – perfect for relaxed catch-ups and getting your guests mingling. The morning after, keep the good vibes going with a recovery brunch at The Rutledge Bar & Eats, a local gem.
We’re big believers that the best weddings aren’t just about the day – they’re about the memories made around it. Let’s make your whole weekend magic.
Photo: The Rutledge Bar & Eats in Berry
Not Heard of Eleven Eighty?
We’re the new kid on the block (but with very old bones).
Eleven Eighty is a lovingly restored, heritage-listed property full of unexpected twists and creative spaces: a 160-year-old school hall, a train carriage turned bar, a rustic barn, an Argentinian BBQ courtyard, and so much more. It’s not your cookie-cutter venue. It’s a canvas for couples who want to do things differently.
Our venue is exclusive, eclectic and still flying under the radar. When couples visit, they book. It’s just one of those places.
Want to see for yourself? Click here to book a tour or visit our website.
Have we persuaded you that Berry is the ultimate South Coast wedding destination?
To find out more about up coming events and what is going on in Berry check out www.berry.org.au
