The Ultimate Kiama Wedding Itinerary
Kiama, on the South Coast, is all stunning beaches and bare-foot coffee runs. Surrounded by ocean and blessed with good weather, you are in one of the most scenic spots in all of New South Wales to get married. There is so much to celebrate here, so let us take you beyond the wedding day and help curate your ultimate three-day wedding weekend from welcome drinks to recovery parties.
Below is our helpful guide to get you started on your wedding planning journey. The Local Compass highly recommends calling venues in advance for bookings (especially caterers or venues hosting your pre-drinks or recovery). You don’t want to miss out!
Day 1 – Day Before the Wedding
Arrival – Brunch or Lunch
So you’ve arrived in Kiama and it’s not quite time to check into your accommodation. You will probably feel like a late breakfast or early lunch or perhaps brunch? For excellent food and coffee go straight to local favourite, the infamous Hungry Monkey. Another great option for excellent coffee and food is Penny Whistlers.
Or perhaps you have organised an Air BnB for the bridal party and are just looking for some hearty goodies to snack on when there? Head to Earnest Arthur and pick up pies, sausage rolls, wraps, baked treats and (of course) coffee.
Optional – Activity
Some brides and grooms love a pre-wedding activity, and luckily Kiama has some of the best beaches in New South Wales. Our favourites are Easts Beach, Seven Mile Beach, Kendalls Beach, and Werri Beach, but really, you could ask Google Maps to feed you your nearest swim spot and it will give you a winner.
Evening – Welcome Drinks
Welcome drinks are just that, a place where guests who may have travelled a fair way can get together and be treated with food and bubbles. If you’re looking for something small hosted at your accommodation, The Hungry Monkey offers excellent, hearty catering. If you desire something a little more low key with a home cooked feel, check out Otis catering. As for the perfect venue to host welcome drinks, nothing beats Diggies for a uniquely South Coast vibe. Or maybe you want to go out with just a handful of your nearest and dearest and want to sit down, then we suggest booking a table at Little Betty’s Bar.
For more inspiration see our Jervis Bay itinerary and Berry itinerary.
Day 2 – Wedding Day
Morning – Breakfast and Activities
For those active brides and grooms, you can start your day with a run (or stroll) along the Gerringong to Kiama Coastal walk, or a dip in the nearest beach. Our favourites in that area are Easts Beach, Seven Mile Beach, Kendalls Beach, Werri Beach and Point Beach, but really if you head to Google Maps and look at your nearest ocean swim you won’t be disappointed.
Then head back to your accommodation to start the beautifying process. Make sure you are appropriately well stocked on food to nibble on as you get your hair and makeup done (or as the guys prepare their suits). For this, you can pick up some goodies at Slow Dough Bakery or Earnest Arthur.
Midday / Evening – Wedding Time!
This one is all you, enjoy and have the day of your dreams!
Day 3 – Recovery
Midday – Recovery party
Many wedding venues in Kiama do host recoveries, however if yours doesn’t or you are looking for an alternate option (perhaps a bit more low key) may we suggest booking out a space at The Hill Bar and Kitchen overlooking Werri Beach for relaxed vibe. Other great options for a recovery spot would be Lulus at the Lodge, especially the champagne garden area, or Kiama Bowling & Rec'n if you just want to keep it nice and relaxed.
Evening – Post wedding wind down
Hosting a wedding is exhausting stuff, and the one and half hour trip back to Sydney can (understandably) seem all a bit much. If the bride and groom just wish for a night to themselves to decompress after what would be a massive few days, you’ve got some incredible options. Our favourites around Kiama are Bangalay Luxury Villas, Shutters by the Sea, The Sebel, and The Bellevue Boutique Hotel.
There is SO much more to The South Coast than meets the eye - or makes this list. If you’re after more inspiration check out our other guides for the best recommendations in the area guaranteed to make your wedding day feel that extra bit special.