Camping weddings and wedstivals are where it’s at right now, and it’s not hard to see why. They’re a great way to get all your loved ones in the same spot for a weekend-long shindig, without asking anyone to shell out on expensive hotels.

Australian camping grounds also tend offer incredible backdrops, abundant space and no curfews. Depending on the facilities, the setup can require a little more effort than an established venue, but on the upside you’ll have all your mates on site to help out!

If anyone knows about unexpected spots to throw your big day (or big weekend), it’s the team at WedShed. They’re sharing their favourite camping-friendly wedding venues.

Camp Sunnystones / Bacchus Marsh, VIC

Camp Sunnystones (how good is the name?) is owned by two former school teachers who love the outdoors and want to share their 50 acres of land and bush with people. How sweet.

There’s a large stone homestead on the building that can accommodate 90 guests, with plenty of space for campers beyond that. The reception area is a large, grassed flat flanked by the Long Forest Nature Conservation Reserve – all it needs is a marquee or tipi and you’re set.

Forest-flanked Bacchus Marsh camping ground, Camp Sunnystones. Images by Dan O’Day.

Brucknell Park Scout Camp / Brucknell, VIC

Brucknell Park Scout Camp has an outdoor chapel with log seats, surrounded by the bush. There’s a large hall for your reception and a near-endless amount of camping space. Choose between clearings in the bush for a feeling of solitude or a large open field closer to the amenities block. Campfires are permitted between May – November too, it’s worth noting.

The outdoor chapel at Brucknell Park Scout Camp. Image by Ginger & Mint Photography.

Howqua Valley Views / High Country, VIC

500 acres, river frontage, Old Western-style buildings and a brand-spanking new wedding barn, Howqua Valley Views has it all. Plus the name rings true – there are some stunning views from this beautiful farm. This is definitely one to check out.

Howqua Valley Views – a High Country wedding venue with spectacular views.

Camp Obadiah / Port Macquarie, NSW

A 75-acre rural getaway, Camp Obadiah has plenty of facilities like a seven-acre lake, canoes, tennis court, a gym, BBQs, a camp kitchen and dining area, campfire sites and plenty of bush walking tracks.

With a little bit of DIY and styling, it’s easy create a relaxed outdoor celebration space on this picturesque property.

Picturesque Camp Obadiah in Port Macquarie. Image by James Day.

Gooloo Creek Wildflower Farm / Milton, NSW

Set within a grevillea and waratah plantation, Gooloo Creek is perfectly set up for rustic wedding camping with ample shade from gorgeous tall eucalypts. Plus the grassy area to party on is actually a former cricket field, so there’s your fun fact that the gents will appreciate.

Maleny Retreat / Sunshine Coast, QLD

We’re not often speechless but there wasn’t much more to say other than holy sh*t when we first saw the Glasshouse Mountains from this incredible venue. The views are gob-smacking.

An awesome blank-canvas venue, Maleny Retreat has a permanent ‘tent village’ set up, or you can BYO tent as well.

Tent Village at Maleny Retreat. Images by The Simple Things Studio.

Sandridge Estate / Boat Harbour, TAS

Nestled in the north-west of Tassie is Sandridge Estate, one of the newest venues on the scene. It’s an ex-machinery shed that’s had a styling makeover, with a fireplace, bar, stage and bathrooms built into it. To top it off, the venue is tucked away on the edge of a national park, just 10 minutes to the stunning white sand of Boat Harbour. Worth travelling for.

Machinery shed at Sandridge Estate, Tasmania. Image by Adam Gibson.

St Josephs Guesthouse / North-West Sydney, NSW

Want to camp outside the oldest Catholic Church on the mainland? You can.

St Josephs Guesthouse is a historic self-catering homestay just 90 minutes from Sydney with plenty of grassy spots to pitch a tent. The venue is hired out for a minimum of four days per weddings, which means it’s perfect for those DIY couples keen to set up, enjoy their celebration and then pack-down over the following days while relaxing with friends and family.

The Barn at Adams Peak / Hunter Region, NSW

The Barn at Adams Peak is a blank-canvas space with rolling country grounds. Couples can get married on ‘The Green’ – a purpose built ceremony spot with views out to the Brokenback Ranges, vineyards and rural landscapes, and then take their party to ‘The Barn’, with a covered deck that’s attached.

Stunning dining setup at The Barn at Adams Peak. Image by Ben Howland.

Willow Farm Berry / Berry, NSW

The name is pretty and this farm lives up to it. Set on 160 acres, Willow Farm Berry has lots of assets like dripping willow trees, a bubbling creek, ever-present white geese, a country garden and a collection of gorgeous old farm buildings. Not to mention rolling paddocks filled with sheep and cattle and amazing country-house accommodation. But if you’re set on camping, these guys will consider it. Definitely one to shortlist.

Nanga Bush Camp / Dwellingup, WA

Situated on the banks of the Murray River and nestled among the jarrah trees is this incredible bush camp. There are enough beds in the jarrah-pole bunkhouses to sleep up to 300 people, so leave the tents at home but pack a sleeping bag and get ready to party in the big wooden barn-style clubhouse.

Wedding at Nanga Bush Camp featured on Nouba here. Images by CJ Williams.

WedShed is an online platform that brings together a collection of unique Australian venues to hire for weddings. For more venue inspiration, see their other fab roundups or head to wedshed.com.au