Geelong – a wedding destination unveiled

 

It’s no secret to the locals of the area, that Geelong and its surrounding areas are undergoing something of an evolution.

Geelong has well and truly woken and shaken off the moniker ‘sleepy hollow’ and is demanding attention.

A growing area that combines a cosmopolitan city lifestyle, with some of the world’s best landscapes, eateries, accommodation and attractions – it’s no wonder the region is making its mark and gaining outside attention.

Newly engaged couples have also woken to the fact that Geelong is the perfect place to celebrate their love by hosting their wedding here. Geelong can be seen as the perfect destination for any kind of wedding celebration.

With this popularity, also comes a myriad of choice when it comes to the possible places to host your day, talented wedding suppliers and of course all those hidden secrets the city offers for your guests to see and do.

 

 

WHY YOU SHOULD GET MARRIED IN GEELONG

Gorgeous Geelong is easily accessible from Melbourne and offers beautiful landscape choices when it comes to celebrating your big day. Whether you’re on the hunt for a venue with seaside views, urban edge or historic undertones, Geelong really does offer it all.

At the same time, you’re on the doorstep of laid back coastal towns, incredible eateries and wineries and guests will have plenty to amuse themselves while they enjoy their Geelong getaway.

Geelong is simply idyllic when it comes to hosting a wedding and guests will love that they can enjoy a ‘destination’ wedding without having to travel too far.

 

Photo – Michael Renga

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING AT GEELONG AS A WEDDING DESTINATION

Geelong is a beautiful place for a wedding celebration, but before signing on the dotted line here are some extra factors you might want to consider before locking in your Geelong wedding venue.

 

Weather

Geelong, being just a stone’s throw away from Melbourne and it’s infamous ‘four seasons in one day’, is too prone to a range of weather conditions no matter the season.

Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities to embrace whatever Mother Nature has in mind throughout your stay.

In the warmer months, waterside locations are in abundance and offer sensational views as well as a sand between your toes experience. Outdoor spaces also offer the chance to see the true beauty of Geelong as you exchange vows in front of your nearest and dearest.

Don’t discount the cooler months however, as Geelong is equally stunning at this time of year and has incredible indoor locations that would set the mood for a magical evening ahead.

When it comes to hosting your wedding – venues and vendors across the area are well-versed in managing the hottest to the wettest conditions. Put your trust in them, and enjoy Geelong year round.

 

Travel

1 hour drive from Melbourne, guests can choose how they will travel to Geelong. Whether they drive themselves, or avail of the public transport options that will take them straight into the city, give clear directions so your guests know exactly where to go and minimise any further stress.

 

Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation, Geelong has it all. There are plenty of hotels in central locations, but if you’re looking to share accommodation with a larger group, then Airbnb might be the answer. For those on a budget, or looking for family-friendly options, there are also riverside campgrounds in wonderful locations that will do the trick.

 

 

THE CREAM OF THE CROP IN GEELONG WEDDING SUPPLIERS

VENUES

Geelong has such an eclectic mix of sublime wedding venue spaces that will suit just about any style and budget. If you’re on the hunt for something with an industrial feel then The Papermills in Fyansford or The Warehouse in central Geelong could be the answer. These blank canvases will allow you to add your own unique touch or are spectacular as they are. Provenance Wines is a beauty and it’s hard not to feel like you’ve been swept away to a suave European location when you walk through the doors. Want to be by the ocean? The Pier is set over the water and can host a huge number of guests to party the night away. Don’t forget about Austins & Co, a piece of private property paradise for you to create whatever kind of wedding you wish!

 

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Everyone needs their day captured to perfection right? Thankfully Geelong has an abundance of photographers that can capture all the magical moments as they unfold.

Jake Hogan, Tony Evans and Stefani Driscoll are some of our favourite local lens legends and they will create memories for you to treasure for many years to come.

 

FLORISTS

Fabulous florals will take your event to the next level and boy oh boy does Geelong have some of the best!  The wild blooms of She’s a Wildflower will leave you gasping with delight. If you’re after an installation sensation of petals and foliage then Moss Industry are worth a look. Of course Lustre Blooms is all about pretty petal power and they will bring this to your day and so much more.

 

CELEBRANTS

When it comes to celebrants to officiate your day, you are spoiled for choice with the incredible celebrants this region offers. Our pick of the mix are the Geelong Celebrant Collective who offer a range of the regions best for you to choose from, and will go above and beyond to ensure you have the ceremony of your dreams.

 

STYLING AND PLANNING

Where do we even begin? Some of Victoria’s best stylists and planners are Geelong based. Weddings of Desire is known for their elegant and classic touch, while Wanderlust Creative will bring creative flair to the day. If you need to have someone plan your day to perfection, then look no further than Aster & Rose.

 

CATERERS

Hosting your celebration on a private property or a venue that allows you choice when it comes to your cuisine? Foodies will rejoice in the array for caterers that design sumptuous menus and then bring them to life. The RK Group will always create a memorable and magical food experience. Daily Food Co are renowned for their fabulous fare, while Truffleduck have a long history of understanding that delicious food will take any event to the next level. Want your guests to graze? Then Platter Co create grazing and feasting tables that will leave your guests wowed.

 

BEAUTY

Of course a girl, guy and their wedding gang want to look their best and thankfully, Geelong has incredible talents that will leave you looking and feeling sensational. Hilary Holmes and her team spread their beauty magic wherever they go, and Blondie will have you wedding ready in fabulous style. Cassandra De Bruin is the guru in creating glamorous looks and her passion and talent is evident.

 

ENTERTAINMENT

Music makers are so important, after all you want your guests on the dancefloor all night long. Some of our favourites are darling duo Tom and Tayla, as well as solo sensations Cal Young and Luke Legs. Looking for that big band feel? Then Baker Boys always bring the beats.

 

There’s an endless array of Geelong talent, and if you’re searching for even more, Ivory Tribe has an entire directory of supreme wedding suppliers to suit every aspect of your celebration.

 

 

HIDDEN SECRETS

Geelong truly is a darling destination when it comes to a wedding celebrations, but it’s also dotted with some great places to visit, views to embrace and activities to immerse yourself in while you’re in the area. We offer up some of our favourite hidden secrets at the bustling regional centre.

 

RESTAURANTS

Wanting to treat yourself or your guests to an incredible meal, a pre-wedding celebration or just take a moment with your significant other before the chaos kicks in?

These restaurants are serving up fancy fare and are an absolute delight:

Igni is in the back blocks of Geelong and no two dining experiences are ever the same. Seating only 28 best get in quick at this heavenly hot spot by booking well in advance. Alma is a dining hotspot perfect for groups looking to share a fabulous feast of contemporary Australian and South American flavours. Fancy some French? Bistro St Jean is a lovely little French eatery where you can indulge. Tulip is also a light and bright space with amazing modern Australian dishes.

 

CASUAL EATS

Post wedding celebrations might call for a relaxed eat with quality produce, or just a quick stop to refuel.

These casual eats serve up fabulous food.

There’s no doubt that The Hot Chicken Project has the best fried chicken going around and will have you salivating as soon as you step through the door. Recently refurbished Sailors’ Rest offers up water views as well as a menu that will have something to please everybody. Mad for Mexican? El Santo is sure to hit the spot with it’s great food and fit out. However, if you’re feeling more like a pub meal then it’s hard to go past the Telegraph Hotel.

BARS/COCKTAILS

Weddings are a time of celebration, so you’ll probably be popping the bubbles and on the hunt for wine and cocktails in order to celebrate!

Recess Bar + Eats serves sexy sips and snacks in a luxe, yet comfortable and homely space. Of course if cocktails are your thing then The 18th Amendment Bar is the perfect place to settle in and enjoy their cocktail concoctions of prohibition elegance interlaced with modern innovation. Geelong Cellar Door is a truly local wine bar and you can drink in or take away. Though you won’t want to miss their cheese boards.

COFFEE SPOTS AND CAFES

Great cafes are certainly not reserved for the big smoke. Geelong suburbs are steeped in delicious coffee and brunch hot spots and the options for guests in town looking for that morning cup of Joe, are aplenty.

House Iberia, with its quality local produce and capability to take group bookings, is a great option, as too is the coffee mecca that is A Spot For Joe, in the Geelong CBD. For those coffee connoisseurs, head to Coffee Cartel, for boutique brews and handpicked teas.

WINERIES AND CELLAR DOORS

Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula have some incredible wineries and cellar doors that must be checked out.

Close to the city, Provenance Wines cellar door is the place to go to experience fine regional wine and delicious food, in a relaxed and authentic setting. If sweeping ocean views are your thing then head down to the Bellarine Peninsula and sample the wine of Jack Rabbit and Terindah Estate. However, if you’re after something a little stronger, The Whiskery is the cellar door for Bellarine Distillery and their gin is sublime!

 

THINGS TO DO

If your guests are travelling they may have some time to fill, and thankfully Geelong provides plenty of things to see and do.

Eastern Beach, the city’s waterfront, is the perfect place to meet friends or take a nice walk. You will find eateries along the way if you wish to put your feet up, or simply take an easy stroll and see the painted bollards, carousel, Cunningham Pier and any events that are often held.

The Geelong Library and Heritage Centre is a striking piece of architecture and is hard to miss. It’s just as impressive on the inside and definitely worth a look.

Little Malop Street has undergone a laneway evolution and is now known for incredible cuisine. Casual eats line the street from Japanese, Malaysian or Italian to donuts and fried chicken. Check out gigs that might also be happening in this street as well as the art installations.

If you’re into art then Boom Gallery is an eclectic art gallery with cafe in Geelong’s progressive Rutland Street, Newtown. Featuring prominent and emerging artists, spend hours immersing yourself in contemporary works and talent.

Take a tour like a local of Geelong’s best wineries with Geelong Winery Tours. No need to drive, they will bus you from place to place and take you to the best wineries Geelong and the Bellarine have to offer. Take a private tour or go in a small group.

Since Little Creatures landed in Geelong the locals have embraced this brewery with open arms. Go and explore their incredible spaces, sample a beer or two or take a brewery tour and go behind the scenes and learn everything there is to know about their beer and brewers.

There is so much to see and do, and if you’re stuck for ideas, Visit Geelong & The Bellarine will give you the lowdown.

 

SHOPPING

Whether you’re window shopping, looking for a last minute wedding gift or need an outfit, Geelong’s shopping scene offers an abundance of choice.

Cosmopolitan Pakington Street is filled with boutique fashion, homeware and gift stores. Whatever you need, you can most likely find it here. Dotted with cafes, restaurants and bars, you can put your feet up and relax too.

Geelong CBD offers larger retailers such as Myer and Target, as well as fashion stores that will see you dressed up in style.

 

We love Geelong and the opportunities it offers brides and grooms for a truly darling destination wedding. So if you intend to visit Geelong and see what it’s all about, be sure to keep in mind all our helpful hints and tips but also check out ‘Visit Geelong & The Bellarine’ tourism page for any further needs.