There’s something about Phillip Island that makes it feel like the perfect spot for a wedding. Maybe it’s the coastal skies, the peaceful rhythm of the tides, or how everything slows a little once you cross the bridge. For couples planning a wedding in Victoria, this island offers a mix of beauty, ease, and character that’s hard to beat, especially when you want the feel of a destination wedding without the hassle of long-haul travel. 

For our Alfresco Issue, we asked Arnika Martin from Visit Phillip Island to share her local know-how on planning a celebration here, from venues to timing to turning your wedding into a whole weekend away.

Why get married on Phillip Island?

Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Phillip Island offers a rare mix of coastal beauty, relaxed countryside charm, and thoughtful wedding venues – without the logistics of a far-flung destination. For couples looking for a spot that feels like a getaway but is still easy to reach, this little island holds a lot of promise.

Whether you’re planning a celebration with 150 guests or a low-key elopement on the beach, Phillip Island pairs natural beauty with good hospitality and a relaxed pace that helps everyone – guests included – feel like they’re on holiday.

The appeal of a Phillip Island wedding starts with its landscape: ocean views, wide skies, vineyards, farmland, and heritage buildings. But what makes it really work is how accessible it is. Couples can bring together guests from Melbourne and beyond, while still giving them a weekend-long experience – one that includes great food, wildlife, wine, and that lovely sense of time slowing down.

It’s a destination wedding that doesn’t require passports or long-haul flights, and your guests can relax, explore, and celebrate without needing to rush home the same day.

Venues to celebrate

From waterfront views to rustic barns and vineyard backdrops, Phillip Island offers a range of venues that each bring something different to the table.

By the coast

Saltwater Phillip Island delivers incredible ocean outlooks and a modern venue design that puts the view front and centre. Clean, contemporary architecture lets the coastal setting shine – ideal for couples who want elegance without losing the laid-back vibe.

Saltwater Phillip Island captured by Immerse Photography

Silverwater Resort offers flexible event spaces with water views, on-site accommodation, and the ease of an experienced events team. Whether you’re planning something intimate or larger in scale, they’re well set up to host every part of the celebration.

Churchill Island brings heritage charm and coastal scenery together in one venue. With historic buildings, manicured gardens, and sweeping views, it’s a setting full of atmosphere – perfect for couples who love the idea of something a little different.

Churchill Island captured by Claire Davie

Rustic & rural

The Shearing Shed is one of Phillip Island’s most popular venues, and for good reason. Originally built in the 1950s and still owned by the same family, the property blends authentic rural character with wedding-ready warmth. Exposed beams, weathered timber, and wide open spaces make it perfect for a relaxed, elegant celebration.

The Shearing Shed captured by Dual Pixel Weddings

Phillip Island Winery brings a relaxed, wine-country feel to the island. Their Atrium space features floor-to-ceiling glass and rustic beams, and the 14-acre lawn means you’ve got plenty of room to design the day your way. The added bonus? Your menu can feature local wines and produce from the region.

Phillip Island Winery captured by Immerse Photography

For something small

If you’re planning to elope or keep it simple, the island’s hidden beaches, quiet farmland and garden settings are well-suited to intimate ceremonies. Services like Elope to Phillip Island can help you find just the right corner for a moment that feels truly personal.

When to get married on Phillip Island

Each season brings its own kind of beauty to the island. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Sunny days and beach-perfect weather, but book early – it’s peak tourist season.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): Mild days, golden light, and a slower pace – ideal for photos and fewer crowds.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Cosy indoor receptions and moody ocean backdrops – a great option for something romantic and different.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Blooming landscapes and fresh colours – perfect for garden weddings.

Where your guests can stay

Phillip Island makes it easy to plan multi-day celebrations. There’s accommodation to suit every guest – from luxury beachfront homes and boutique stays to family resorts and group-friendly holiday parks. Many venues have strong relationships with local providers, which makes organising blocks and transfers easier.

Make it a wedding weekend

Part of what makes a Phillip Island wedding feel so memorable is how much there is to do – before and after the ceremony.

Think:

  • Welcome drinks at a beachside café or winery
  • Recovery brunches with ocean views
  • A pre-wedding group trip to see the famous penguin parade
  • Lazy beach afternoons before the big day

There’s no pressure to rush. And for many couples, that’s a big part of the appeal.

The Shearing Shed captured by Immerse Photography

Why go local

Local vendors know the rhythms of the island. They know how to work with the weather, how to find the best light, and how to deliver events that feel polished but personal.

From photographers and florists to caterers and coordinators, working with local suppliers often means:

  • Seasonal produce that makes your menu sing
  • Fewer travel logistics and smoother setup
  • A team that knows your venue inside and out

And if you are still looking for a celebrant, Phillip Island local Pam Lewis has hosted hundreds of ceremonies in some of the island’s most beautiful locations. Find out more here.

Phillip Island is where coastal beauty, warm hospitality, and a relaxed pace come together to create something special. Whether you’re planning a big celebration or something small and personal, it is a destination that makes the whole experience feel like a holiday.

We wrote this post in collaboration with Arnika Martin of Phillip Island Tourism. For more information about planning your Phillip Island wedding, visit www.visitphillipisland.com or contact the Tourism Phillip Island events team.