Southern Highlands Wedding Venue Guide
Your guide to wedding venues in the highlands
Why get married in the Southern Highlands?
There is a very good reason that the Southern Highlands are one of the most popular areas in New South Wales to get married. Endless amazing landscapes, beautiful heritage towns, wineries, estates – the list could go on forever. I think my favourite thing is that it’s more seasonal in the highlands than it is by the coast or in Sydney. Autumn at the wineries is pretty breathtaking, winter weddings around a fire or cosy indoors with local wines are pretty special, the summers have the long days and beautiful dusk hours for canapes and spring is lush and green.
There’s no shortage of beautiful places to be married and while they’re all unique, they all have this elegant, classy vibe running through them. Being nestled neatly between Canberra and Sydney means it’s convenient for your local guests, and those flying in from interstate or international can spend the weekend exploring the surrounds. Food and wine play a big part out in the highlands and you’ll have no problems finding new places to eat and drink during your stay.
Mali Brae Farm
COST – ON REQUEST | CAPACITY – 110 | ACCOMMODATION – 2
With six different ceremony sites that are all absolutely stunning and an original-but-restored barn reception area, Mali Brae is perfect for a slightly rustic but modern celebration. It seats over 100 guests and is surrounded by beautiful scenery in all directions.
Bendooley Estate Book Barn
COST – $20,000+ | CAPACITY – 180 | ACCOMMODATION – 20
There isn’t much I could say about Bendooley that you don’t already know. Chances are, you’ve already been to a wedding at the gorgeous Book Barn and enjoyed the incredible food, the amazing staff and delicious wines. The grounds are immaculate and the sunset is second to none through the dry grass fields in the warmer months.
The Bendooley Stables
bendooleyestate.com.au/the-stables
COST – $20,000+ | CAPACITY – 200 | ACCOMMODATION – 0
Nearby the Book Barn is Bendooley’s sister venue, The Stables. It has a modern, warehouse/industrial vibe finished with elegant wooden details and the glass wall not only offers stunning views but also bathes everyone in amazing light. The Stables should be very high on your list of potential venues.
Hopewood House
COST – $10,000 | CAPACITY – 150 | ACCOMMODATION – 6
Terrara House feels like an entirely different world with it’s heritage home in the middle of the manicured Italian-style gardens. The whole site, from the tree-lined driveway to the gorgeous surrounds, makes an amazing backdrop for elegant, classic weddings.
Growwild Flower Farm
COST – ON REQUEST | CAPACITY – 120 | ACCOMMODATION – 0
At Growwild you have the option of either a marquee or barn reception and you can enjoy canapes and drinks amongst the rows of beautiful flowers. It’s also amazing for a cozy winter wedding in the highlands.
Montrose House
COST – $5,000+ | CAPACITY – 130 | ACCOMMODATION – 4
I think my favourite thing about Montrose House are the wild ceremony locations and the outdoor bar, but honestly the entire venue is absolutely beautiful. And even better, it’s beautiful all year round.
Centennial Vineyards
centennialvineyardsrestaurant.com.au
COST – ON REQUEST | CAPACITY – 180-250 | ACCOMMODATION – 0
The Southern Highlands is known for these massive, expansive views of massive hills, forests, vineyards and valleys and few places in the highlands capture all of this like Centennial Vineyards. Not only do they have beautiful ceremony spaces onsite in the garden and courtyard but they have you covered – literally (sorry) – with wet weather options available.
The Pill Factory
COST – $5,000+ | CAPACITY – 36-40 | ACCOMMODATION – 36
I don’t think ‘small intimate wedding venues’ is what first pops into your mind when thinking of Southern Highland wedding venues but The Pill Factory, located in Bundanoon, is such an incredible building that’s perfect for beautiful small weddings. Everyone that attends will have a bedroom in the heritage building. I can picture an amazing winter cocktail party wedding with your nearest and dearest.
Southern Highlands Winery
southernhighlandswinery.com.au
COST – $10,000 | CAPACITY – 250 | ACCOMMODATION – 0
This is such a quintessential venue set amongst massive hills and rows upon rows of vines. It gets some of the most incredible sunsets and having canapes in the Tuscan courtyard into dusk is a pretty special time. For more weddings of under 100 people, they have The Barrel Room for your reception and for larger weddings, a marquee overlooking the hills and vines is your best bet.
Somerleys
COST – $10,000+ | CAPACITY – 200 | ACCOMMODATION – 6
Tucked away just outside of Suttons Forest and set on rustic, tree-laden grounds is Somerley House. My favourite thing about here is the forest ceremony location – but you also have the lush green lawn in front of the house if that’s more your style. And the Garden Room as a reception space is stunning – especially in winter with the big warm fire. Perfect for sitting around with some local red wines.
Hillview Heritage Estate
COST – ON REQUEST | CAPACITY – 200 | ACCOMMODATION – 16
With a name like Hillview, you’re likely to have high expectations of the views on offer and this place doesn’t let you down at all. Having your ceremony overlooking the valley and rivers below before heading into their marquee for dinner is beautiful. The views, in my opinion, are particularly incredible in summer and spring.
Extra Accommodation in the Southern Highlands
Part of the allure of a Southern Highlands wedding is the ability for guests to make a weekend of it if they choose. And while some venues offer accommodation, you might need a little more. Below are a few of the more boutique stays available.
Intimate Weddings in the Southern Highlands
For something smaller and free from the restraints of larger weddings, consider a tiny wedding on the Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands is known for its bigger weddings with many venues able to accommodate up to 200+ guests. But its also perfect for a micro wedding if you fancy something more intimate and personal. And to clear up a common misconception, having a tiny wedding doesn’t make it any less meaningful, nor does mean the day is over any quicker. Celebrating intentionally with just your nearest ones allows you to put more of your focus and budget into making the day perfect – just as Lylle and Nick did here.
To make the day happen, find a small accommodating venue like The Pill Factory or even simply a farm stay or AirBNB – in Australia we can have our ceremonies essentially anywhere we want, so anywhere that fits your purpose and aesthetic is perfect. From here you can either DIY the styling, or even better, hire someone like Paloma Events (https://palomaevents.co/) to come in and make the space perfect for celebrating. Private caterers are able to come in and prepare food and drinks for you and your select guests and all that’s left is to do is dress yourselves and work with me to layout the day in a way that’s stress-free and feels exactly how you want. Here’s a few venues I recommend checking out.