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At Lonely Hunter, we only photograph a limited number of weddings each year and do book out quite far in advance.
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So he or she finally popped the big question, congratulations! Now the fun part of planning your special day can begin. With so much to organise it can often feel a little overwhelming. In our opinion, the best place to start and the first thing you should be trying to lock down is your favourite wedding venue. Because once those dates are gone, there is no getting them back. If you’re reading this article, then there is a likely chance that you have both decided that you would like to explore the idea of a rural wedding. In order to help get you started, Lonely Hunter has decided to list our favourite top 11 southern highlands wedding venues. There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to the venues listed below. They are all jaw-droppingly beautiful!
Milton Park Country House Milton Park Country House is quite an extraordinary venue. It is situated in a private hilltop woodland, a mere 10 mins drive from the town of Bowral. Built at the turn of the 20th century, it has a rich history and charm that will rival other venues. Milton Park Country House is not only a wedding venue but also a full functioning 5-star hotel and spa which only offers the best in accommodation. For your guests who have driven long distances or who would prefer to stay on-site and not have to worry about getting transport home at the end of the night, this is one big drawcard!
When it comes to the grounds, Milton Park Country House has some pretty spectacular gardens and towering hedges which are yours to utilise in your wedding photography. Not only are the gardens impressive but it boasts some stunning views across lower lying paddocks for those couples which are after some sunset photos. Milton Park Country House also has a variety of reception room to choose from depending on the size of your wedding. The venue can cater to most weddings as it can comfortably accommodate up to 180 guests.
Website: Milton Park Country House
To see more images from this Milton Park Wedding, click here.
Melross farm is one of the many Southern highlands wedding venues listed in this article. It sits on 270 acres in the beautiful Kangaroo Valley. The fact that this venue is a working horse and cattle farm just adds to the beauty and character of this place. From the moment you step out of the car and breath in that fresh country air, you will feel at ease. With accommodation on site, you have the ability to make your wedding a weekend affair. You will also be spoilt for choice here with four wonderful ceremony locations to choose from.
When it comes to your wedding photography, there is plenty of areas on the farm to explore. This includes open paddocks, tree-lined roads, creeks and panoramic views from the top of the hill. If you’re lucky, you may get one of those magical sunsets. The reception barn is quite large and can comfortably seat up to 170 people while still leaving enough room for a dance floor and bar.
Website: Melross Farm and Willow’s Estate
To see more images from this Melross Farm Wedding, click here.
Bendooley Estate is situated on a pristine two hundred acre property just two hours drive from Sydney. This is one of the most sought-after venues within the southern highlands. It’s easy to see why when you take a look at some of the pictures that come out of this estate. Within the grounds, there is a range of locations to hold your ceremony – the private gardens, the vineyard or at their lake pavilion. If you’re looking for a church, there are some in Berrima or the nearby town of Bowral. Following on from the ceremony, Bendooley has a range of function rooms – the book barn with its cathedral ceilings, the stables or the marquee where you can entertain your guests and dance into the night. For these reasons, Bendooley Estate is very deserving of being included in our list of top Southern Highlands wedding venues.
Website: Bendooley Estate
To see more images from this Bendooley Estate Wedding, click here.
Nestled within luscious orchards, rolling pastures and old English gardens is another one of our favourite special Southern Highlands wedding venues – Montrose House. This venue exudes that elegant country charm which you hope to find in this area. Hold your ceremony outdoors under the heritage trees and your reception within the English hall which is filled with old world elegance. It can hold up to 140 people and features chandeliers, gilded mirrors, a wood burning fireplace and vintage bar. For a wedding that you won’t forget, this venue is definitely one to check out.
Website: Montrose House
Perched high above the valley and nestled amongst the trees, you will find Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat. This venue features a gorgeous natural rock amphitheatre which is ready to play host to your ceremony. Once you have made it official, head up to the viewing platform, have a drink and watch the sun go down as it boasts stunning views over the entire valley. With its own reception hall and on-site accommodation, this venue has it all. Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat is one of our favourite Southern Highlands wedding venues.
Website: Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat
Jaspers Berry likes to refer to its establishment as an enchanted hideaway and that’s the vibe it tends to emit. Located a mere hour and a half’s drive from Sydney, you will find this quintessential fairytale wedding venue. With secret garden rooms and old historical buildings, Jaspers Berry has taken inspiration from its surroundings and added in a little contemporary flair. For these reasons, Jaspers Berry made our list of top Southern Highlands wedding venues. This is one venue that should be a ‘must see’.
Website: Jasper’s Berry
With quintessential rural ambience and breathtaking views, Mali Brae Farm will no doubt impress your guests. This 90-acre property also features two fully self-contained cottages for all your pre-wedding preparations. The renovated hay shed oozes rustic charm and seats up to 100 guests. Mali Brae farm is definietly one of those Southern Highlands wedding venues which is filled with plenty of character.
Website: Mali Brae Farm
When it was first built, Somerly House was originally intended to be a retreat for its owners. Although as the years have passed, it slowly transformed into the wedding venue that it is today. When you arrive at this property, you will be guided up a tree-lined driveway towards the home which has a timeless and elegant charm. Here it sits surrounded by established gardens and rolling lawns. At Somerley’s your ceremony can be held under the canopy of their very own private forest or on the circular lawn which is laid out in front of the home.
With a rich history of hosting elegant balls and parties, the ‘Garden Room’ will be all yours for the night. It features chandeliers, a roaring fire, exotic foliage and french gilt mirrors which will help to create a wedding you won’t forget. All these wonderful features make Somerley House one of the many special Southern Highlands wedding venues.
Website: Somerly House
Out of all the Southern Highlands wedding venues we have mentioned, Willow Farm is one wedding venue we can’t skip. Surrounded by lush grass and farmland, this venue is the definition of your quintessential country wedding venue. Willow Farm has an array of options to ensure you and your guests enjoy an unforgettable day. Hold your ceremony by the creek and enjoy canapes in their country garden. Enjoy games on the lawn or get the firepit cranking and sit back and watch has the farm takes on those golden tones during sunset. Use their rustic shed which overlooks the dam for your reception or bring your own marquee, it’s entirely up to you. See out your night by dancing under the stars as the sound of your band rings out from the shed. Willow Farm is a wonderful venue and has the ability to host weddings up to 135 guests.
Website: Willow Farm
As the name suggests, Wildwood finds its home in 100 acres of pristine Australian Bush. Positioned on a sandstone bluff which overlooks the entire valley this venue has views that will rival most. With the highest standard of all-inclusive service, Wildwood will impress. Their co-ordinator will help to make sure that every element on your wedding day is executed to perfection. Wildwood has a very unique ceremony location and can seat up to 90 guests. Here they will bring the elegance and make your bush wedding like no other. If you would like some more information, check out this Southern Highlands wedding venues website.
Website: Wildwood