A day at the beach – it’s the great Australian pastime. We have a close affinity to water and it’s no surprise that a waterfront wedding is top choice for many couples. If you’re planning a barefoot beach party or riverside soiree, then read on. Our friends at WedShed have rounded up their top waterfront wedding venues from across the country.

White Elephant Cafe / Gnarabup WA

With the sea and the sand at its doorstep, this casual venue is the epitome of Australia’s thriving beach culture. At White Elephant Cafe you’ll find ice-cold beers, freshly cooked local seafood and spectacular sunsets all year round. While it’s the perfect place for couples wanting a barefoot beach wedding, there’s also a fireplace to accommodate guests during winter.

Image credit: White Elephant Cafe

Beachside Dojo / Manly NSW

A relatively new space, Beachside Dojo has already made its mark on the wedding world. With killer views of Sydney’s iconic Manly beach and a refreshing Japanese-inspired menu, its crisp, white Hampton’s-style interiors are just the icing on the proverbial wedding cake.

Image credit: White Rabbit Projects

An Island Hideaway / Stradbroke Island QLD

Toying with the idea of a beautiful island wedding? The team at this exclusive venue on South Stradbroke Island can pull off an extraordinary wedding with their eyes closed. All you have to do is pick your ceremony spot (there are five to choose from) and remember to pack some sunscreen.

Image credit: An Island Hideaway

Beach Huts Middleton / Middleton SA

Step outside the world of traditional wedding venues and into a Beach Hut – they’re super cute and pretty darn practical with each most huts containing their own en-suite and kitchenette. (Check out this real wedding here.)

Image credit: Beck Rocchi

Barefoot at Broken Head / Byron Bay, NSW

This luxury, Balinese-inspired venue located just metres from the pristine waters of Broken Head Beach is no longer a masterpiece in the making but one of the most inviting beach houses in the Byron Bay region. Boasting five bedrooms, a 20-metre lap pool and sounds of the Pacific Ocean, Barefoot is the ultimate escape.

Image credit: Two People

Pilu at Akuna Bay / Akuna Bay, NSW

A fusion of fine Italian fare and luxury coastal living, the casually elegant Pilu at Akuna Bay can accommodate 180 sit-down guests. To top it all off there are also views of Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park.

Image credit: Linda Truong Photography

The Sugar Wharf / Port Douglas, QLD

An iconic structure once used to ship sugar around Australia, The Sugar Wharf is now one of the most loved local landmarks and an extremely popular wedding venue. Overlooking the Dickson Inlet, the whitewashed walls, high timber ceilings and surrounding palm trees create an idyllic setting that attracts people from all around Australia.

Image credit: Andrew Watson

The Boathouse Palm Beach / Palm Beach, NSW

Overlooking one of the most beautiful waterways in the world, The Boathouse Palm Beach is a charming venue decorated with rustic wares and an abundance of beautiful blooms. Their indoor-outdoor space is ideal for both ceremonies and receptions and their modern menu is all time.

Image credit: The Boathouse Palm Beach

The Boatbuilders Yard / Melbourne, VIC

Sitting smack bang on the edge of Melbourne’s South Wharf, The Boatbuilders Yard is a trendy, award-winning bar and café inspired by its cultural heritage (an original historic shed is its centrepiece).  An ideal space for creative couples looking for somewhere central and surrounded by water. It’s pet-friendly too.

The Shorehouse / Swanbourne WA

If the incredible food isn’t enough to warrant a wedding at The Shorehouse, perhaps those ocean views will do the trick. With the capacity to offer a customised experience for almost any number of guests, the only danger you’ll face here is getting your guests to leave.

Image credit: The Shorehouse

Bangor Wine and Oyster Shed / Dunalley TAS

Two of life’s greatest pleasures come together at the magical Bangor Wine and Oyster Shed, renowned for (wait for it) its wine and oysters. Located just a stone’s throw from places like Port Arthur and Waterfall Bay, did we mention that there’s also a fireplace, water views and Bangor beef pies?  What’s not to love?

Flinders Yacht Club / Flinders, VIC

Sitting pretty on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula just south of Melbourne, Flinders Yacht Club is a relatively small space with huge potential. The most beautiful blank canvas for any style shindig, here you can let your imagination run wild.

Image credit: Daniel Milligan Photography