If you’re looking to get married, then venturing out to hunter valley is definitely the way to go. Hunter valley, right in the heart of NSW, is Australia’s most renowned wine region. It’s a great destination for wine lovers and for anybody looking for a row frantic day.
Speaking of romantic days, hunter valley makes for a great place to have a stunning wedding. Today, we’re going to tell you what the best wedding venues in the hunter are.
The stunning backdrop of the local vineyards and the Brokenback Mountain ranges, combined with high class cellar doors, beautiful wineries, and knowledgeable vineyard staff, make hunter valley an excellent place to get married.
The Ten Best Wedding Venues in Hunter Valley are:
- Leogate Estate
- Audrey Wilkinson
- Bimbadgen
- Peterson House
- Ironbark Hill Vineyard
- Wandin Valley Estate
- Margan Wines & Restaurant
- Ben Ean
- Tamburlaine Organic Wines
- Briar Ridge
Let’s move on and start reviewing each of the top 10 best wedding venues in hunter valley.
Ten Best Hunter Valley Wedding Venues
Hunter valley truly is an excellent place to have a wedding, and the reason for this is because there are so many beautiful wineries and then use, with the first on our list, Leogate Estate, being one of the most popular of all. The reception spaces in Hunter Valley are diverse, offering picturesque gardens, rustic barns, and elegant ballrooms to enhance the wedding experience.
1. Leogate Estate
Address: 1693 Broke Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320, Australia
Website: Leogate Estate Winery
Phone: +61 2 4998 7499
Email: sales@leogate.com.au
For further inquiries, you can also visit their Contact Us page on their website.
Leogate Estate is one of the most popular wedding destinations of all as far as hunter valley is concerned, with one reason being that it is located right at the heart of the broken back range, offering a very picturesque setting with rolling hills. About 160 kilometers from Sydney, or about a two-hour drive.
What sets this venue apart from others is that it features two separate venues within the estate to have weddings in, including the Crystal Rooms that features crystal chandeliers and high ceilings for a great deal of elegance, as well as the Barrel Room, which is characterized by its aged oak barrels, adding a certain rustic charm to your wedding.
Thanks to the picturesque setting it also makes for a great photo opportunity for any wedding. There’s nothing like being able to exchange vows against the backdrop of majestic mountains and rolling vineyards.
Don’t forget that Leogate Estate also features gourmet cuisine with in-house chefs that use local produce that is seasonal in nature to create some of the best meals in the world. These are curated specifically to pair perfectly with the fine wines offered at this location. Speaking of fine wines, the Shiraz from Leogate Estate has won several awards. Of course, the best way to get to Leogate is via private helicopter tour.
2. Audrey Wilkinson
Address: 750 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia
Website: Audrey Wilkinson
Phone: +61 2 4998 1866
Email: cellardoor@audreywilkinson.com.au
For further inquiries, you can also visit their Contact Us page on their website.
The next best wedding venue on the list, Audrey Wilkinson, is located roughly 160 kilometers outside of Sydney. It’s often called the jewel of Hunter Valley, as it provides attendees with a mix of luxury and a picturesque setting.
This winery is located in close proximity to the one we discussed above, and this one is located right at the top of a hilltop. This makes it an ideal location for weddings because it offers a panoramic view of the surrounding valley.
Something that makes Audrey Wilkinson such an attractive location is that it features a rustic and charming cellar door that is ideal for small receptions and wedding venues. The scenic beauty of the vineyards and landscapes also makes it perfect for wedding photos.
If you’re looking for a lot of character and vintage wine barrels, this is the place to be. What you might also appreciate for your wedding is the fact that this location offers a wide variety of exclusive wine tastings that can be a part of your wedding celebration.
Something else that you might appreciate about having a wedding at Audrey Wilkinson is the fact that it also features a wine museum. This offers a glimpse into the rich history of winemaking in the hunter valley region.
3. Bimbadgen Estate
Address: 790 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia
Website: Bimbadgen Winery
Phone: +61 2 4998 4600
Email: office@bimbadgen.com.au
For further inquiries, you can also visit their Contact Us page on their website.
Bimbadgen Estate is yet another premier location as far as weddings in hunter valley are concerned. In the local aboriginal language, Bimbagden translates to” “place of good view”, which is certainly true as far as this venue is concerned. It’s located just over 170 kilometres outside of Sydney, making it a perfect day trip.
Although this estate offers a variety of venues to have weddings in, it’s stunning amphitheater is among one of the most popular. It’s set right in the vineyards, it’s outdoors, and it makes for a perfect daytime wedding.
Whether you prefer an indoor and outdoor ceremony, Bimbadgen provides flexible spaces with stunning views to enhance your wedding experience. Once the ceremony is over, You can have your reception at Esca Bimbagden, perhaps one of the most awarded and respected restaurants in the area.
It features floor to ceiling windows that allow for a fantastic view of the surrounding landscape including the vineyards.
This location also features some on site accommodation, which is ideal because the wedding party and guests can stay close to the celebrations. One of the most interesting facts about this wedding venue is that it has received various awards for its Semillon and Shiraz, with its dedication to sustainability and eco friendliness being one of its biggest attractions. If you want to get there in style, a Bimbadgen Estate private helicopter tour is the way to go!
4. Peterson House
Address: 2457 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia
Website: Peterson House
Phone: +61 2 4998 7881
Email: bubbles@petersonhouse.com.au
For further inquiries, you can also visit their Contact Us page on their website.
Next on the list of the best wedding venues in Australia we have Peterson House, which is also located just about two hours outside of Sydney. This is a very unique location, often called the House of sparkling, which as you can tell, is because it specialises in sparkling wines. On a related note, as a part of your wedding celebration, you can have a wine tasting experience focused on sparkling wines, although there are other options available as well.
In terms of being an ideal wedding venue, there are actually two separate spaces you can have your ceremony in. For a smaller and more traditional wedding ceremony, the Peterson House Chapel is the go to option, complete with rustic wooden pews and stained glass windows. For a larger ceremony, the Marquee Is the better building, as it offers a grand Marquis among the vineyards.
For fine-dining, don’t forget the on-site restaurant, Cuvee, which features gourmet cuisine designed specifically to pair perfectly with the sparkling wines available at this location. If you want get to Peterson House in style, a Peterson House helicopter tour is recommended.
5. Ironbark Hill Vineyard
Address: 694 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia
Website: Ironbark Hill – Peter Drayton Wines
Phone: +61 2 6574 7085
Email: peterl@pdwines.com.au
For further inquiries, you can also visit their Contact Us page on their website.
Ironbark Hill Vineyard a very small boutique winery that is located around 2 hours outside of Sydney, along the M1. It’s surrounded by Australian bushland and rolling vineyards. It’s small size makes it ideal for very intimate weddings. The fact that it’s such a peaceful setting makes it an attractive option for many.
Speaking of weddings, Ironbark Hill features a chapel and a pavilion. The Chapel features floor to ceiling windows to allow for great illumination, whereas the pavilion is ideal for receptions, as it is a large and spacious area.
For small wedding parties, the luxurious villas located on the properties offer some of the most modern amenities possible, allowing guests and the wedding party to stay close to the area. Additionally, the bridal suite provides a beautiful and comfortable setting for brides and their parties to prepare for the wedding day, as well as a romantic space for the wedding night.
What also adds to the appeal of this location is that it often hosts many live music events, making it quite the lively location. Ironbark Hill is renowned for its selection of Chardonnay, Verdelho, and Shiraz.
6. Wandin Valley Estate
Address: 12 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale NSW 2325, Australia
Website: Wandin Valley Estate
Phone: +61 2 4930 9888
Email: info@wandin.com.au
For further inquiries, you can also visit their Contact Us page on their website.
Located right in the heart of Hunter Valley, Wandin Valley Estate is another perfect location for a wedding ceremony and reception venue. Interesting to note about this location is that it is inspired by the French countryside, and it features three separate locations that wedding ceremonies can be held in.
First, there is the barn, which is an elegant and rustic venue that is ideal for wedding receptions. This is a space that is complete with large windows, stone walls, and wooden beams, allowing for a perfect mix of indoor charm and a view of the outdoors.
For those who like a more traditional approach to weddings, there is also a small and quaint Chapel right in the middle of the vineyards. It has an elegant yet very simple design that is ideal for intimate weddings. Of course, ceremonies can also be held outdoors right in the middle of the vineyards.
Chardonnay and Shiraz are the two most popular types of wine found at this location. For the wedding party there is also a very large and luxurious villa available, complete with an outdoor entertainment area and a private pool.
7. Margan Wines & Restaurant
Address: 1238 Milbrodale Rd, Broke NSW 2330, Australia
Website: Margan Wines & Restaurant
Phone: +61 2 6579 1372
For further inquiries, you can also visit their Contact Us page on their website.
If you’re looking for a mix of contemporary style and rustic elegance, then the Margan Wines and Restaurant venue it’s definitely worth looking into for weddings. One of the defining features here is that it focuses on locally sourced produce and sustainability, both for its wine making efforts and its fine dining.
They offer various wedding packages, including elopement packages, small wedding packages, and exclusive use packages, detailing what each includes, such as venue hire, catering, accommodation, and event coordination.
Speaking of fine dining, something that this restaurant is renowned for is its farm to table philosophy. This means that the kitchen is supplied by a one-acre garden, olive groves, and an orchard. This helps ensure that your wedding celebration features meals that are unique, delicious, and sustainable. Don’t forget that all of your meals will be paired with the award-winning wines of this winery.
If you’re looking for a beautiful wedding location, the Barrel Room is the place to be. This room features wall that are lined with oak barrels, which creates a very warm and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for smaller and intimate weddings. However, it also features a large iron chandelier as well as high ceilings to add a bit of elegance to the occasion.
However, if you’d rather have your ceremony outdoors, there is also an excellent garden area. This is a garden that is meticulously maintained, with lush greenery and seasonal flowers, providing for the perfect backdrop for any wedding. There’s even a private courtyard available for pre reception cocktails and intimate ceremonies.
Going back to our previous point of being sustainable, this is one of the only wineries in the hunter valley region that is certified organic and sustainable. The Shiraz and Semillon wines available at Margan Wines Have won several awards, with the winery itself having been named in the top 10 of the “Hall of Fame” for Australian wineries.
8. Ben Ean
Address: 119 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia
Website: Ben Ean
Phone: +61 2 4993 3700
For further inquiries, you can also visit their Contact Us page on their website.
Ben Ean is one of the oldest vineyards in hunter valley, dating all the way back to 1870. This history and heritage is one of the reasons why it’s such a popular wedding location in hunter valley. It still uses some of the most traditional wine making techniques in the world. Interesting is that Ben Ean comes from the Gaelic language, where it means “mountain of peace”, a truly accurate description, as it is a serene location ideal for weddings.
What also stands out about this wedding location is that it provides guests with the opportunity to create a personalised wine experience. Ben Ean Features one of the most extensive wine lists in all of hunter valley. For your wedding day, the Heritage Barn is the place to be, as it features exposed brick walls and rustic wooden beams, allowing for a very intimate and warm wedding. What’s also ideal is that the space can be customised for any wedding theme.
However, the location also features expansive grounds that are ideal for outdoor ceremonies. There are many historic buildings and lush lawns that allow for the perfect backdrop, especially as far as photography is concerned. The picturesque courtyard is also ideal for small gatherings and pre dinner drinks.
9. Tamburlaine Organic Wines
Address: 358 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia
Website: Tamburlaine Organic Wines
Phone: +61 2 4998 4222
Email: info@tamburlaine.com.au
For further inquiries, you can also visit their Contact Us page on their website.
As you might be able to tell, this is one of the largest producers of organic wines in all of Australia, and if you're looking for an eco friendly wedding venue, this is it. One of the defining features of this winery is that it focuses on organic farming and sustainability. On that note, it features a wide selection of organic wines that are crafted without any synthetic chemicals or anything else of the sort. Even its packaging is eco-friendly.
A very interesting fact about Tamburlaine Organic Wines is that it's named after the famous play by Christopher Marlowe.
In terms of having a wedding ceremony, the lodge is the best place to be, as it has a neutral color palette that makes it ideal for customizing for any wedding theme. It also features very high ceilings and large windows that provide a great view of the outside world. There is also a large terrace that overlooks the vineyards, allowing for one of the best backdrops possible.
It is also possible to have outdoor ceremonies at Tamburlaine Organic Wines, among the gardens that are filled with seasonal flowers and native plants, creating the perfect natural atmosphere for an eco-conscious wedding. Don't forget that there's also a nearby lake that adds another element of beauty for wedding photography purposes.
10. Briar Ridge
Address: 593 Mount View Rd, Mount View NSW 2325, Australia
Website: Briar Ridge Vineyard
Phone: +61 2 4990 3670
Email: cellardoor@briarridge.com.au
For further inquiries, you can also visit their Contact Us page on their website
The Briar Ridge Vineyard is often regarded as somewhat of a hidden gem. It provides guests with a very intimate and charming setting. If you're looking for a low-key wedding venue that is very personal, tranquil, and serene, then this is the place to be.
Although it may only have been established in 1972, it has quickly become one of the most respected boutique wineries in the hunter valley region. Thanks to its focus on quality instead of quantity, it has won various awards, specifically for its Shiraz and Semillon.
The Terrace Lawn makes for a perfect location for outdoor wedding ceremonies, as it's surrounded by lush greenery and overlooks the vineyards, creating both a romantic and picturesque setting. You can even set up an elegant marquee for receptions.
If you're looking for a more intimate wedding reception, the Briar Ridge cellar door is also worth looking at. It’s a small and cozy space that features warm and rustic wooden accents. It's also ideal for having some drinks after the ceremony. Gwyn Olsen, recognized as one of Australia’s best young wine makers, supply you with some of the best boutique wines in the industry.
How to Choose a Wedding Venue in Hunter Valley
When you're choosing a wedding venue in hunter valley, there are a number of things that you need to look out for. Choosing a hunter valley wedding venue involves considering your guest list, budget, vision, and more. Here are some of the most important things you need to consider.
Style of Venue
The first thing you should consider is what kind of wedding you want to have, whether something grand and illustrious or more intimate and rustic. There are tons of hunter valley wedding venues that offer both of those, and much more.
Spaces
When choosing a wedding venue in hunter valley, you also want to look for one that features both reception and ceremony spaces. For instance, Wandin Valley Estate has great indoor reception spaces and outdoor ceremony areas.
Location
Although all of these wedding venues are located in hunter valley, make sure that they are accessible to your wedding guests. Keep in mind that most of these locations are going to be about two hours from Sydney along the M1 by car.
Catering and Food
Of course, you don't want to have a wedding ceremony without some good food, which is why you always want to take a closer look at the dining options offered at the wedding venue in question. For example, Margan Wines & Restaurant Makes for the perfect option if you're looking for great food paired with even better wine.
Why Do Hunter Valley Wineries Make Great Wedding Venues?
Something else you might be wondering is why hunter valley makes for such a great wedding location. Well, first and foremost, the mountain ranges, lush gardens, and rolling vineyards certainly make for picturesque backdrops for any wedding ceremony. It’s just a naturally beautiful place. These scenic settings also provide stunning opportunities for wedding photos, capturing the essence of your special day.
Don’t forget that hunter valley is of course renowned for its wines, as it is a premier wine making location in Australia. If you’re looking for a wedding venue with award-winning wines, Bimbadgen and Leogate Estate are certainly two top contenders. On that note, many hunter valley wedding venues also offer excellent dining options, and it’s always paired well with the vineyards wines.
Something else to consider when it comes to the wedding venues in hunter valley is that they are very versatile. There are modern pavilions, traditional chapels, elegant barrel rooms, and rustic barns alike, along with many styles of cellar doors. The fact of the matter is that you should be able to create the wedding of your dreams in hunter valley.
How to Get to Hunter Valley
If you're wondering how to get to hunter valley, this is easily done by car. It's about a two-hour drive from Sydney along the M1. However, if you're looking for a more luxurious experience, taking a private helicopter flight is another option. If you'd like to arrive to the Hunter Valley in style, book a private helicopter transfer to your wedding venue!
