On the Shoalhaven South Coast just a short 2.5hr drive from Sydney is the award winning wedding destination, that just so happens to have an open day in the coming weeks and I’m excited to be returning there to participate. But first I thought we should chat with property manager and the personal wedding planner to each couple planning their nuptials, Lee.
What was the inspiration for transforming Bewong River Retreat into an award winning wedding destination?
The venue already had most things in place, it just needed some tweaking to help it transform from a couples retreat to an award winning destination wedding venue. We are over the moon to have been awarded Brides Choice Boutique Wedding venue 2 years running. Our 160 acre property jhasa little something for everyone, waterfront or bush backdrop for your ceremony, function room for reception, fully self contained spa bungalows and glamping
You’ve made lots of additions to the property, such as the jetty for ceremonies, glamping tents etc can you tell some more about them.
Our waterfront jetty is the perfect place to say “I do”.The jetty is where most couples choose to marry, and my favourite place on the property, it’s so serene and relaxing down there, you can quite easily forget where you are.
Our packages include the spa bungalow accommodation, but we found that some couples were wanting more accommodation onsite, so we introduced the glamping tents to the property, these are very popular, decked out with Q/S beds and all the little things that make a tent a home.
In addition to having to providing a scenic property to marry and celebrate, what other services do you provide to couples getting married?
Our packages at Bewong include full set up (Ceremony and reception) styling and coordination including pack down. We want our couples to arrive and enjoy their weekend with family and friends, not spend the day before /morning of running around setting stuff up, which is appealing to couples who are travelling from Sydney/Wollongong/Canberra etc.
What is your advice to couples that are planning a destination wedding?
What is wonderful about a destination wedding is that the bride, groom, families and friends spend more than just the event time together. Everyone gathers on the property grounds, for the whole weekend, amongst food, drinks and catchup stories, making for beautiful memories to be treasured.
Do you have any tips for the morning jitters?
· Don’t stay up too late the night before your Wedding, try and get a good nights sleep.
· Don’t forget to eat, ( it’s a long day, so make sure there is food around to constantly snack on).
· Put on your fav spotify playlist , pop some champagne and just go with the flow. No matter what happens you’re getting married today!
Bewong River Retreat is available for other special occasions, what are some of the other events you have hosted at Bewong?
We have hosted Birthday parties, School formals, Team building days and a wake.
Wonderful and I imagine in the years to come, you may have other celebrations, such as Naming days for babies as they are becoming more popular or a romantic vow re-newal weekend away for couples looking for something uniquely romantic.
Can people stay on the property they aren’t there as event guests? Ie can couples return on their anniversary?
Yes, our online booking system (booking.com) will show you our availability, so if we don’t have a wedding or private function on then couples can come and stay.
You have you 2021 expo coming up soon on 21 February, I can’t wait, I will be there as a local celebrant to answer any questions about the legal administration and the ceremony itself, I'm excited that you have some wonderful catering services attending and i think I will skip breakfast so I can eat well for lunch! Will Bewong River Retreat be offering any Specials on the weekend of the expo?
Yes, there will be added bonuses for Couples who book as a result of the expo and Accommodation special offers. You will have to attend to find out what they are J
FREE ticket links are on our Facebook page, everyone attending must have a ticket due to Covid tracing rules/ regs.
Where can we find out more about you?
Bewong River Retreat
Ph 0400850018
Address - 2395 Princes Highway, BEWONG NSW 2540
Web address
Social media links