A Hidden Gem Wedding Venue: Valentine Bowling Club

Apr 15

When planning your wedding, finding the perfect venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. You want a place that feels right — somewhere that reflects your personalities, offers a beautiful setting for your guests, and leaves room for unforgettable memories. If you're searching for a relaxed, lakeside venue with a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of heart, I can highly recommend Valentine Bowling Club.

Having photographed weddings there myself as Thierry Boudan Photography, I’ve seen firsthand how special this spot can be.

Why Valentine Bowling Club Is a Wonderful Wedding Venue

Tucked away in the lakeside suburb of Valentine, this charming local club may not be the first venue that comes to mind — but that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s a hidden gem, offering couples an easygoing, affordable, and flexible option without compromising on beautiful scenery or atmosphere.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

🌿 Beautiful Lakeside Setting

Just a short stroll from the shores of Lake Macquarie, Valentine Bowling Club is perfectly positioned for those dreamy, golden-hour lakefront wedding photos. The sunsets here are absolutely magical — I’ve captured countless couples bathed in the soft, warm light, with the water glimmering in the background. There are quiet spots along the foreshore for romantic couple portraits, and the nearby parks and tree-lined paths create a lovely variety for your photo gallery.

🏡 Warm, Relaxed Atmosphere

There’s something genuinely welcoming about this venue. As a photographer, I can tell you that atmosphere plays a huge part in how your wedding feels on the day — and Valentine Bowling Club always has this easy, laid-back vibe that puts everyone at ease. Guests are relaxed, couples feel comfortable, and the celebrations flow naturally. It’s one of those places where the stress melts away, and you can truly focus on what matters most: enjoying the day with your favourite people.

🎉 Versatile Function Spaces

The club has a function room that can be styled to suit your taste — whether you’re envisioning a rustic, boho, coastal, or classic celebration. I’ve seen couples transform the space with fairy lights, floral installations, timber tables, and even a dance floor under festoon lighting outdoors. It’s a blank canvas with the bonus of friendly, accommodating staff who are always happy to help bring your ideas to life.

🍽️ Great Catering & Drinks

With an in-house kitchen and bar, Valentine Bowling Club makes it easy to plan your reception. The catering options are diverse, and the food is always generous and crowd-pleasing. I’ve photographed everything from sit-down dinners to casual grazing tables and canapés, and it always adds to the relaxed, good-times vibe that the venue is known for.

🎳 Barefoot Bowls Fun

One unique feature that sets this venue apart? Barefoot bowls! If you’re looking for a fun icebreaker or something a little different for your guests, a friendly game of bowls during cocktail hour or post-ceremony is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. From a photography perspective, it’s a brilliant way to capture candid, joyful moments as your guests mingle, laugh, and enjoy the day.

My Experience Photographing Weddings at Valentine Bowling Club

As someone who’s photographed nearly 1,400 weddings across 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of working at just about every kind of venue you can imagine — from grand estates to backyard gatherings. Valentine Bowling Club has a charm all its own.

Some of my favourite things about photographing weddings here:

The lakeside light is absolutely gorgeous, especially in the hour before sunset.
The club’s laid-back, welcoming feel makes couples and guests incredibly comfortable, which really comes through in the photos.
The proximity to the water, green spaces, and rustic club grounds gives us a great variety of backdrops without having to travel far.
It’s a venue where you can really make the day your own — whether it’s barefoot bowls, lawn games, or an outdoor sunset ceremony.

I always love coming back to Valentine Bowling Club because it’s one of those rare places where everything feels easy, genuine, and joyful. And those are the best kinds of weddings to capture.

Final Thoughts

If you're dreaming of a wedding that's relaxed, fun, and beautifully simple — with stunning lakeside photo opportunities and a warm community vibe — Valentine Bowling Club is well worth considering.

Whether you're a local couple or just love the idea of a waterside wedding with a little local flavour, it offers a wonderful mix of affordability, flexibility, and heartfelt charm.

And if you're looking for a photographer who knows the venue, the light, and all the best photo spots, I’d love to chat. You can check out my real weddings gallery here or get in touch through my website.

Ready to Start Planning?

Check out the Valentine Bowling Club’s availability and chat with their friendly team — and if you’d like to chat photography, I’m always here to help with tips, ideas, and guidance to make your wedding day unforgettable.