Five Reasons to Consider Gracelands in Forresters Beach, NSW for Your Wedding Venue from the Perspective of a Photographer and Videographer


Full disclosure: this post is a little biased. Not only have we photographed and filmed numerous weddings at Gracelands, but Nicole and I also tied the knot here ourselves in 2022. Originally planned for 2021, our wedding was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, but the incredible team at Gracelands seamlessly helped us reschedule. That’s what truly stands out about Gracelands—it’s not just the stunning venue and delicious food, but their consistent dedication to ensuring every couple has an amazing day. Here are the top reasons why we love capturing weddings at Gracelands.



A weathered white sign displaying 'Gracelands' with minimalist house logo mounted on wall.
A wedding cake topper reading 'the Hoffmans' with eucalyptus sprigs and bokeh lights.
A glowing circular light fixture mounted on a white brick wall creates a warm, ambient atmosphere in an indoor space.
A delicate arrangement of fresh daisies in a clear glass vase sits on a wooden table with white candles.
White candles arranged on a rustic wooden barrel create a moody black and white composition.
A neon 'happily ever after' sign glows on a white wall with blurred greenery in the foreground.

1. Central Location


Many wedding venues are on the outskirts of the Central Coast, offering peace from busy areas, ample parking, and breathtaking views. Gracelands, however, is centrally located in the quiet suburb of Forresters Beach. It’s so discreet that passersby could easily miss witnessing a couple's lifelong commitment. This proximity was a major factor for us and several of our couples. Just a 5-minute drive from our home, we preferred minimising travel on our special day—a sentiment shared by many local couples.


TLDR: Perfect for Central Coast residents due to its proximity.



2. Ceremony - Intimate Garden and Backup Options


Gracelands' rear garden provides a charmingly intimate setting for ceremonies, shielding guests from sun and wind alike, be it summer or winter. It doubles as a serene spot for guests during cocktail hour while we capture moments with your bridal party. Should the weather turn, their indoor ceremony option offers an equally beautiful backdrop.


TLDR: Beautifully manicured garden plus indoor backup.

Two groomsmen in grey suits stand at the altar during an outdoor wedding ceremony.
A flower girl in a white dress carries a small basket while walking outdoors.
A flower girl in white attire tosses petals while walking on grass near a building entrance.
A wedding couple exits a modern venue with guests and staff visible in the background.
Wedding guests seated in chairs on a lawn during an outdoor ceremony.
A wedding ceremony takes place under a floral arch with a wooden chevron wall backdrop.
Wedding ceremony taking place outdoors under a white arch with greenery against a rustic wooden wall backdrop.
Wedding ceremony participants signing documents at an outdoor table surrounded by greenery.

3. Photoshoot Locations - Maximise Scenic Views


Gracelands is just a short drive from Wyrrabalong Lookout, boasting sweeping vistas of the southern Central Coast—a photographer’s dream, especially during clear sunsets. Even on rainy days, the lookout offers a moody coastal backdrop, ideal for intimate photoshoots. For those preferring beach settings, Forresters Beach and Spoon Bay are nearby. Moreover, Gracelands itself features multiple picturesque spots, including the garden, cosy indoor corners, unique coloured couches, and a nighttime facade. Not widely known is the onsite No.TwentyFiveStudio, a versatile white space studio perfect for distinctive photo shoots or as a backup in inclement weather. Note however that this photography studio needs to be separately booked to Gracelands, but can be done so in two hours blocks.


TLDR: Wyrrabalong Lookout, Forresters Beach, Spoon Bay, Gracelands, and No.TwentyFiveStudio offer diverse photoshoot options.


4. Venue Inclusions

Gracelands excels as an all-in-one venue offering both ceremony and reception spaces, superb food and beverages, exquisite styling, and attentive staff. When comparing costs across other venues, Gracelands consistently stood out for us. Their comprehensive packages often prove more economical than the dry hire options of other Central Coast venues.


TLDR: Comprehensive offerings for ceremony, reception, food, drinks, styling, and team support.



Couple embracing at their winter wedding, with bride wearing white fur wrap and holding blue and white bouquet.
Coastal wedding ceremony overlooking a dramatic ocean view with mountains in the distance.
Newlyweds share an intimate moment on a clifftop overlooking a dramatic coastal landscape.
Black and white wedding portrait of a couple on a hilltop with ocean views.
A romantic black and white wedding photo set against a coastal landscape with ocean views in the background.
Indoor wedding reception with warm lighting and couples dancing in an intimate venue setting.
Black and white photo of wedding couple at Gracelands venue with vintage architectural details.
Wedding couple poses beneath illuminated Gracelands sign with dramatic backlighting.

5. Minimise Travel - Enhance Guest Experience


Once your ceremony concludes, Gracelands seamlessly transitions to cocktail hour, ensuring a smooth flow for guests and vendors alike. By minimising travel time, you maximise the time spent celebrating. Our experience shows that staying put fosters a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, ideal for capturing genuine moments and enhancing overall content quality. Plus, within a ten-minute drive, we can whisk you away to two stunning locations for additional couple photos.


TLDR: Keep everyone together for a stress-free day.


Gracelands holds a special place in our hearts. Every return visit to photograph or film a wedding fills us with excitement. Feel free to reach out with any questions related to photography and videography at Gracelands, or contact Gracelands directly for wedding-related inquiries.



A collection of elegant cocktail glasses filled with light-colored beverages lined up at a wedding reception.
Someone speaking into a microphone during a wedding reception with bokeh lights in the background.
A joyful wedding celebration scene with guests gathered around an illuminated archway.
An elegant wooden serving board displays appetizers with fresh greens and bite-sized hors d'oeuvres.
Wedding signage and decorations with champagne bottle and gift basket against white brick wall.
A vintage-style Instax camera and sage green wedding sign displayed on wooden table with candlelight.
Catering plate featuring grilled meats and gourmet appetizers artfully arranged on white dinnerware.
Wedding reception dance floor filled with guests dancing under warm lighting.
An artistic wedding portrait framed within an arched doorway against a decorative wall.