Kate & James

13 - 15 November 2026
Fingal Bay, NSW

We’re getting married in Fingal Bay, and we’d love for you to join us for as much of the weekend as you can!

We’ve been coming to Fingal Bay and Shoal Bay for years - Carol (Kate’s mum) has a holiday place in the area - and it’s become a very special place to us. So many of our happiest memories are here: beach walks, long lunches, swims and sunsets.

We hope you feel that same relaxed, joyful energy while you’re here with us. Join us for barefoot bowls on Friday, the ceremony and reception on Saturday, and a slow Sunday recovery by the water.

Come for all of it, or just the parts you can make.

We can’t wait!

Wedding itinerary

Friday, 13 November

Welcome Drinks & Barefoot Bowls | 5:00PM
Fingal Bay Sports Club
100 Rocky Point Rd, Fingal Bay NSW 2315

Kick off the weekend with drinks and lawn bowls. Children are welcome.

Dress Code: Casual dress - come as you are.

Saturday, 14 November

Ceremony | 2:45PM for 3:00PM
Barry Park
Marine Dr, Fingal Bay NSW 2315

An outdoor ceremony on the grass. Children are welcome.

Dress Code: Resort Formal. Floaty dresses and linen suits welcome, tie optional.

Reception | 5:00PM
Saltwater Restaurant
Level 1, 3 Marine Dr, Fingal Bay NSW 2315

Dinner, dancing and celebrating. An adults-only evening so everyone can let their hair down.

Sunday, 15 November

Casual recovery | 11:00AM
TBA

Where to stay

All three venues are within easy walking distance of each other in Fingal Bay, so we strongly recommend staying nearby for the weekend. It will make getting around much easier!

We’ll be staying in Airbnbs around Garuwa Street in Fingal Bay, which is a great area to look if you’re booking a house or apartment with a group. Seaside Holiday Resort is also close by, and guests can receive 10% off accommodation by becoming a member of Fingal Bay Sports Club. Fingal Bay Holiday Park is another good option.

Please reach out to Kate or James if we can help with any accommodation recommendations/ questions etc.

Things to do

Here are some of our favorite spots to eat, drink, and explore in Port Stephens.

  • We love:

    Longboat Café - A reliable local staple for breakky, coffee or lunch in Fingal Bay.

    Shoal Bay Country Club - Your one-stop shop for the weekend. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks - it's all here, and it's all good.

    Little Beach Boathouse - On of our favourite places for lunch: great food, generous portions and a beautiful setting. Head downstairs to the Below Deck for something relaxed drinks and nibbles with a view.

    Atmos - Great Greek food, and pretty fancy for Shoal Bay!

    Inner Light Tea Rooms - A hidden gem. Come for the scones and cake, stay for the views. Warning about the Karen service.

    The Little Nel - Our pick for a slow morning breakfast. Friendly, cosy and exactly what you need the morning after.

    Rick Stein at Port Stephens Bannisters - When you want to do something a bit special.

  • Shoal Bay Country Club - for drinks/pub/cocktails

    Fingal Bay Cellar Cafe - for drinks and bottle shop

    Cellarbrations at Shoal Bay - bottle shop

    Fingal Bay Sports Club - where we’re hosting welcome drinks; relaxed food and drink

  • Fingal Bay and Port Stephens is the kind of place that's best explored slowly. A few things we'd put at the top of your list:

    Walk Tomaree Head Summit - A short (but steep!) walk for the best view in the area.

    Walk to Fingal Bay Lighthouse - An easy, beautiful coastal walk out to the lighthouse at the tip of the headland.

    Whale or Dolphin Watching Tour

    Biruibi Beach Camel Ride - a surprsing favourite of James

    Sandboarding Port Stephens - a surprising favourite of James’!

Gifts

Registry to follow.

RSVP

Frequently Asked Questions

Are kids allowed at the reception?

The reception is an adult only event. We appreciate that this may create some difficultly. We are happy to arrange for babysitters (at our cost) at a nearby house(s) or venue. If you are interested in this, please text James only (0425 224 843) so we can have an idea of numbers and arrange for a sufficient space and ratio of babysitters etc.

Can I wear a Yankees cap over the weekend?

No. You can’t. You might then think that you can wear one to get a rise out of James on his wedding weekend. This would be a bad idea. Not that anyone ever listens to James – but there is a good chance that the wait staff will listen to the groom when he tells them not to serve alcohol to certain guests at the reception.

Will there be benefits if I wear a Red Sox cap over the weekend?

Yes. There will be. You’ll have the groom’s everlasting gratitude.