Congratulation on choosing one of the most magical places in Victoria for your wedding. The Yarra Valley is renowned for its breathtaking mountain lines as well as the beautiful vineyard inside the estate. From lake, homesteads, vineyards and warehouses, there are so many options for you to choose to fit with your wedding style.
However, as there are so many unique wedding venues out there ranging differently from sizes, prices as well as styles. Finding the right venue can be an overwhelming task for many couples.
As a wedding photographer who shoots over 20 weddings in Yarra Valley each year, I think I’m the perfect person to discuss the differently features of each venue in this magical region.
In this article, I’ve handpicked 10 stunning Yarra Valley wedding venues that I’ve shot at. Alongside, I’ve attached their package pricing, capacity as well as a few unique highlights to help you finding the best wedding venue for your upcoming wedding in Yarra Valley.
- 1. Stones of the Yarra Valley
- 2. The Farm Yarra Valley
- 3. Coombe Yarra Valley
- 4. Immerse Of The Yarra Valley
- 5. Zonzo Estate
- 6. Balgownie Estate
- 7. Acacia Ridge
- 8. Riverstone Estate
- 9. Yering Station
- 10. Vue On Halcyon
- Bonus 1. Wandin Park Estate
- Bonus 2. The Little Vineyard
- Bonus 3. Rochford Wines
And for each wedding receptions, I will take you on a virtual tour to discover the best features of this venue as well as the potential photo opportunities.
Stones of the Yarra Valley
When it comes to the iconic wedding venue in Yarra Valley region, Stones is probably the first one pop out, for both the beauty of this place and the price.
The wedding preparation can be organized at either the rustic farmhouse at Meletos or The Day Room.
For Wedding Ceremonies, Stones offer you the choice to tie the knot either in the romantic, rough render the chapel or outside on the lush lawn in front of the vines and the iconic oak tree.
With the setup of The Stable and The Barn, you could find Stones of the Yarra Valley could really fit you well from small to large sized wedding.
From a wedding photographer’s perspective, Stones of the Yarra Valley is a simply beautiful place. The simple and elegant feeling it delivers is why most of wedding photographers love this place.
The Key Feature as a wedding venue
Highlights of Stones of the Yarra Valley
– large seating capacity
– multiple garden locations available for ceremony
– lots of venue inclusions
Preparation Options:
– The Day Room
– The Farmhouse at Meletos
Ceremony Options:
– Indoor: Chapel
– Outdoor: Lush Lawn In Front of Vines
Capacity:
– Min: 40 Guests
– Max: 200 Guests
Price:
– Venue Hire: $2200 For The Barn, $1650 For The Stable
– Menu and Beverage: Start From $230 Per Head
– Minimum spending: off season starts from $20000, peak season starts from $25000
PS: Please contact Stones of the Yarra Valley for the detailed package information.
Real Weddings at Stones of the Yarra Valley
The Farm Yarra Valley
If you would appreciate a simple rustic vibe on your wedding day, the Farm at the Yara Valley should be the perfect wedding reception for you. Nestled on 100 acres of pristine farmland, you will find the elegant farm house at the top of the hill that looks out to the rolling lawn, gardens and vineyard.
Wedding ceremony at the farm is relaxing: they offer two locations including the barn façade or on the hillside.
Saying I do in front of the famous old barn house remains a more popular option for couples. Not only the old barn house can provide some depth and contrast to your wedding ceremony photos, you will also be appreciating the shade it provides under the trees, especially in summer.
Don’t get me wrong, ceremony on the hillside is a great option as well. On the picturesque rolling hill, you will be appreciating the greeneries surrounding you, you could also enjoy the panoramic view of the valley.
During the night, you will be gathering with your guests in the main reception area. Two long feasting tables accommodated with abundant share platters. Creating a relaxed vide which is exactly the couples are going for.
Not to mention that the Farm also supports the local producers at Yarra Valley by offering guests local brewed beer and produce. Also, the Farm is one of the few wedding receptions in Yarra Valley that offers legit Vegan food to their guests.
In a wedding photographer’s point of view, the Farm is perfect wedding reception for an intimate and rustic wedding. Not only you will be accommodated with great food and beer, there are also endless opportunities for some wedding photography.
We can with some portraits by the lake, and then move over for some candid walking shots on the grassland.
The Key Feature as a wedding venue
Hights of The Farm of Yarra Valley:
– Beautiful on-site sceneries: lake, greens and buildings
– Supports Yarra Valley local producers
– Vegan-friendly
Ceremony Options:
– Outdoor: Barn façade, hillside
Reception option:
– Restaurant
Capacity:
– Min: NA
– Max: 110 seating or 200 standing
Price:
– site fee: $1500
– Menu and Beverage: starts from $160 per head, minimum spend high season: $15000, winter: $8000
Real Weddings at The Farm Yarra Valley
Coombe Yarra Valley
Set on seven acres of historic manicured gardens with amazing backdrops of the Yarra Valley, Coombe Cottage is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in that area.
The historic clock tower offers up to 150 seating for you and your guests.
Several garden locations at Coombe Cottage are available for you and your loved ones to tie the knot. The most popular ceremony location is the garden under the giant tree, many people believes the giant trees also symbolize the couple growing old together.
Indoor ceremony at the Melba gallery as well as Marquee can also be arranged depending on the weather conditions.
From a wedding photographer’s perspective, Coombe Cottage at Yarra Valley really provides lots of photo opportunities all in one location. We can do photos either at the famous cottage rooftop as well as the gardens, or simply have a walk on the grassland during the sunset hours.
The Key Feature as a wedding venue:
Highlights of the Coombe Yarra Valley:
– large seating capacity
– multiple garden locations available for ceremony
– lots of venue inclusions
Preparation Options:
– NA
Ceremony Options:
– Indoor: Melba Gallery
– Outdoor: Lawn garden In Front of the giant tree and more
Reception options:
– The Clock Tower restaurant
Capacity:
– Min: 40 Guests
– Max: 150 sitting or 200 standing
Price:
– Venue Hire: $2500 For The ceremony
– Menu and Beverage: Start From $225 Per Head
PS: Please contact Coombe Yarra Valley for detailed package information.
Real Weddings at Coombe Yarra Valley
Immerse Of The Yarra Valley
Nestled in the scenic Yarra Valley, Immerse is the wedding reception every couple dream about. breathtaking wedding venue, picture perfect scenic and boutique winery all rolled into one place.
Couples getting married at Immerse can choose their wedding ceremony to be held at either the vineyard chapel, the paddock or the garden chapel.
The vineyard chapel is simply a beautiful place, with soaring floor to the ceiling window, you feel like you are outside but in fact you are safely protected.
With the stunning view of Yarra valley, the paddock underneath the trees is a great place to tie the knot as its got the stunning view of Yarra valley.
However, the garden chapel is my person favorite: set directly in front of the lake, its got the most lovely water views, an absolute gorgeous place to say “I do”!
The evening reception will be held at the historic restaurant. With the celling window together with the stone wall, it really provides the guest with the rustic feel.
From a wedding photographer’s point of view, immerse at the Yarra Valley is the perfect wedding reception for you. With its stunning views and historic building, its got all locations wraped into one place for endless photography opportunities.
The Key Feature as a wedding venue
Highligth of Immerse Of The Yarra Valley:
– magnificent backdrop of the yarra valley
– lake and bridge in the venue provide extra photo opportunities
– accommodation available
Preparation Options:
– accommodation
Ceremony Options:
– Indoor: Melba Gallery
– Outdoor: Lawn garden In Front of the giant tree and more
Reception option:
– Restaurant at the venue
Capacity:
– Min: depends on the day and the season, starting from 60 guests
– Max: 150
Price:
– site fee: $2000
– Menu and Beverage: Start From ~$150 Per Head in low season to ~$180 per head in high season, minimal guests requirement applies.
Real Weddings at Immerse in the Yarra Valley
Zonzo Estate
As one of the wedding receptions situated within the stunning Yarra Valley, Zonzo is a magical place for you to get married. Surrounded by forty-five acres of vines and luscious lawns, Zonzo not only provides an picturesque backdrop for your sweet wedding photos, but also provides opportunities for the guests to discover and enjoy.
Zonzo is also one of the wedding venues that provide so much options for couples to choose where they want to hold their ceremony and reception.
For your wedding ceremony, you can choose between the architecturally designed chapel, the big barrel room as well as on the grass in front of the vines.
To be honest, if I were you it would have been a very hard choice of deciding which building to get married in as well. The chapel’s interior is simply above and beyong: with the natural color theme together with the ceiling window, you would appreciate the minimalism feel offered by the chapel.
The barrel room is also very popular: the big spacious ware house adds a rustic and industrial feel in to you wedding ceremony. And during the summer, it can certainly provide you and your guests some shade as well as cool air.
In the night, you and your guests will be gathered in the main restaurant. Sitting around the share tables, you will be appreciated the authentic Italian cuisine as well as the famous wood-fired pizza.
Your first dance will be arranged outside of the restaurant, under those festoon lights. A very cool idea is to have your guests forming a circle while holding sparklers during your first dance. Not only it adds a lot of romance but it provides a breathtaking background for your first dance photos.
In a wedding photographer’s point view, I think Zonzo is perfect for couples who is into those modern industrial style weddings. But don’t misunderstand me: Zonzo’s versatility in locations allow every style of wedding to be a perfect match with him.
The grassland, barrel room the festoon light as well as the sunset provide excellent opportunities for your wedding day photos.
The Key Feature as a wedding venue
Highlights of the Zonzo Estate:
– Heaps locations to your choice for ceremony and reception
– large venue with lots of photo opportunities
– Best Italian food and wood-fire pizza
Ceremony Options:
– Outdoor:
– indoor:
Reception option:
– main restaurant
– small restaurant
– barrel room
Capacity:
– Min:
– Max: 140
Price:
– site fee: $NA
– Menu and Beverage: starting from $160 per person, with a minimum spending starting from $17000
– winter package: minimum spending starts from $14000
Balgownie Estate
As a family-friendly hotel styled wedding reception with a unique inclusion of spa functionality, Balgownie Estate is one of the wedding receptions in Yarra Valley that you don’t want to miss. Located in the heart of the Yarra Valley, the idyllic landscape provides excellent photo opportunities for the couples.
Balgownie Estate offers several locations for love birds to say ‘I do’, including the deck and a lawn as well as in the all-weather marquee.
Having wedding ceremony on the deck is simply breath-taking, with the stunning backdrop of the Yarra valley, you are also surrounded by your guests amongst the vineyard. And after you are officially married, the guests can join together to toss some confetti on you!
The all-weather marquee is a safer option for rainy and windy days. Walking in to the marquee, you can immediately feel protected by the elements but still enjoying a expansive view of the Yarra valley.
During the night, you and your guests will be looked after in the Melba room. Just before you got officially introduced, you can chill out with your friends on the Melba balcony while enjoying some canapes.
The Melba room is flooded with natural light, while enjoying the great food and wines, you can also enjoy the picturesque view of their pinot noir vineyard and valley beyond.
In my own view, the Balgownie Estate is the perfect wedding reception if you are looking a all-inclusive venue.
It’s got so many on site options and functionalities for you to choose from, which ultimately saves you so much time and effort. From the accommodation to the day spa, form the ceremony to the reception, you will be looked after in one place.
For you wedding day photography, we can roaming in the venue, take photos at the vineyard, the cellar room as well as the grassland.
The Key Feature as a wedding venue
Highlights of the Balgownie Estate:
– Day spa on site before or after wedding
– On site accommodation
– Vantage point in Yarra Valley
Ceremony Options:
– Outdoor: Deck & a Lawn
– indoor: Marquee
Reception option:
– Melba Room, Rae’s restaurant for private dinning for up to 46 guests
Capacity:
– Min: 90
– Max: 120
Price:
– site fee: $1000
– Menu and Beverage: $160 per head cocktail, $170 per head traditional, $180 per head grazing
– winter package: $160 per head at no charge of venue hire fee
Real Weddings at Balgownie Estate
Acacia Ridge
Set back from the Melba highway in Yarra Glen, Acacia Ridge is one of the wedding venues that benefits from the far-reaching views over the vineyard to the high mountains beyond.
On the other hand, Acacia Ridge is also regarded one of the Yarra Valley receptions that has the best affordability and flexibility. It is very few of the venues that doesn’t charge the site fee.
If you are looking for a venue that is rustic yet elegant to match your wedding style, then look no more than Acacia Ridge.
There are several shelters set in the venue, including the historic Miner’s Hut, the old rustic barn as well as the famous marquee.
However, having the ceremony outdoor on the lawn remains the most popular locations for couples to say ‘I do’. Standing in front of the vineyard, you can enjoy the expansive view of the Yarra valley.
During the night, you will be enjoying the great Moscato straight from the venue while partying hard in the marquee. With its large open-air clear walls, the marquee allows you to be among the picturesque vineyard while being protected from the cold and wind.
In my opinion, Acacia Ridge remains the best option for a rustic style wedding. It is versatile in size also it has got the best affordability amongst other wedding receptions in the Yarra Valley.
It has also got lots of photo opportunities: after the ceremony, you can start your photography sessions at the vineyard, and then move over to the old barn as well as the miner’s hut.
The Key Feature as a wedding venue
Highlights of the Acacia Ridge:
– Bang for the buck, high affordability
– Marquee style wedding
– No site fee
Ceremony Options:
– Outdoor: lawn in front of vineyard
Reception option:
– Miner’s Hut
– Rustic Barn
– Marquee
Capacity:
– Min: 80
– Max: 200 seated or 280 cocktail style standing in marquee
Price:
– site fee: $0
– Menu and Beverage: $115
Real Weddings at Acacia Ridge Winery
Riverstone Estate
Riverstone Estate is one of the breathtaking wedding receptions in Yarra Valley that makes couples hard to say no after their first sight. Setting on top of the mountain, you will appreciate the view acres of vineyard with a panoramic view of Yarra Valley. It is hard to not fall in love with the view of Riverstone Estate!
Riverstone Estate aims to provide the couple with a relaxed style of wedding, imaging enjoying the spectacular sunset and dancing under the stars, or simply have a walk along the vineyard.
Ceremony at the Riverstone Estate is simply breathtaking: setting on the lawn garden, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Yarra Valley and the rolling hills.
In the night you will be sitting in the wooden styled restaurant with a balcony. The interior is beautiful: the white interior gives you an elegant feel, with a symmetrical design of the room as well as the big ceiling window.
In my opinion, Riverstone Estate is perfect for a small to medium, intimate wedding given its size. Also, you will appreciate the relaxing feel on the day while travelling from one photo location to another on a buggy cart, kindly supplied by the staff.
The Key Feature as a wedding venue
Highlights of the Riverstone Estate:
– panoramic view on top of the mountain
– lots of garden
– delicious food
Ceremony Options:
– Outdoor: Lawn garden
– indoor: restaurant
Reception option:
– Restaurant at the venue, grazing style or banquet at choice
Capacity:
– Min: 20
– Max: 80
Price:
– site fee: $1500
– Menu and Beverage: grazing table from $150 per head, banquet style from $180 per head. Minimum spend on Friday and Sunday: $11000, $15000 for Saturday
– winter package starting from $120 per person, with a minimum spending of $4000
Real Weddings at Riverstone Estate
Yering Station
As famous as their wines, Yering Station is one of the most sought-after wedding receptions in Yarra Valley. Set in the heart of the Yarra Valley, Yering Stations offer a perfect place for couples to say ‘I do’. Set amongst both modern and rustic architectures, as well as the breathtaking scenic, Yering Station provide their couples with endless photo opportunities.
For the ceremony, Yering Station offers a wide range of selections of either in front of the reflective pond, the garden or the historic barn for couple to tie the knot.
In my opinion, the lawn in front of the reflective pond is the perfect place to say ‘I do’: it’s got the beautiful pond as the backdrop, also there is more sufficient lighting comparing to the indoor venue.
If you hold your ceremony in the garden, those big trees can not only provide your guests some shade during the summer, also the greeneries can provide an excellent backdrop for the photos.
In the night you will be sitting in the spectacular stone and glass building. While enjoying the great food and wines, you can also look out to the expansive views of the Yarra Ranges.
In a photographer’s point of view: Yering Station is a perfect wedding venue set in the Yarra Ranges that you don’t want to miss. Combing both the historic barn chapel as well as the model luxurious architectures, there are endless photography opportunities for you on the day. It is also worth to mention they house one of the most beautiful barrel halls that I’ve ever seen, the large spacious room together with the wine barrels provides an excellent background for some flashlight photography.
The Key Feature as a wedding venue
Highlights of the Yering Station:
– versatile ceremony locations
– great wine and food
– unique barrel hall
Ceremony Options:
– Outdoor: reflective pond, garden
– indoor: historic barn
Reception option:
– modern restaurant
Capacity:
– Min: 60
– Max: 150
Price:
– site fee: $900
– Menu and Beverage: $220 per person
– winter package: 10% off
Vue On Halcyon
Famous for its delicious Estate wine and breathtaking vineyard, Vue on Halcyon is one of the best wedding receptions situated in Yarra Valley. With interrupted views of rolling hills and historic vineyards, Vue on Halcyon’s architecturally designed venue is simply on another level.
Begin your day with wedding ceremony amongst the vines on the lawn or in the elegant chapel.
The spacious and light-filled chapel is everyone’s favorite, you will enjoy the warm ambience and intimacy provided by the chapel. Sitting inside the chapel, it also means you are protected from the ring and the cold, especially during the winter, you will be appreciating the heating appliance functioning inside the chapel.
Moving on to the outside, on a bright breezy day, walking down the aisle and saying ‘I do’ on the lawn in front of the vineyard is every girl’s dream. With a stunning backdrop of the Yarra valley together with the estate vineyard, the outdoor ceremony at Vue on Halcyon is made perfect.
After you are officially married, you will be joining the guests and moving into cellar door to enjoy pre dinner drinks and canapes.
The wedding reception will take place within the elegant grand space of Vue, which are capable of holding up to 150 guests.
The Key Feature as a wedding venue
Highlights of Vue On Halcyon:
– Breathtaking setting
– Offers Chapel for ceremony
– Amazing friendly staffs
Ceremony Options:
– Outdoor: lawn
– indoor: chapel
Reception option:
– Vue
Capacity:
– Min: 90
– Max: 150
Price:
– site fee: $1750
– Menu and Beverage: peak season starts from $145 per head, min 100 guests. Off peak season: Saturday starts from $145 per head (normally $160)
Bonus 1, Wandin Park Estate
Wandin Park Estate is one of the Yarra Valley’s largest and most historical country estates for wedding reception. Located in the picturesque Yarra Valley, this stunning wedding reception offers you plenty choices of ceremony and reception locations, together with breathtaking views beyond the Valley.
Wandin Park Estate is also one of very unique wedding receptions that offers the couple so many flexibilities. You can choose your own catering company, drinks, entertainment as well as decorations on site. So if you are a creative-minded couple that want to hold a unique wedding, look no more than the Wandin Park.
Wedding ceremony at the Wandin Park is versatile: from location on the lawn to place below the woolshed. Sitting on the lawn remains one of the most popular ceremony options for the love birds. Facing towards the yarra valley, you will be enjoy stunning mountain view as well as the shade provided by the trees overhead.
For your night time partying, the Wandin Park offers several reception venues for you to choose from: the woolshed, the main mill and the searer’s quarters.
The famous rustic Woolshed is almost why every couple comes to the Wandin Park. It has got a courtyard directly outside that be used for pre-dinner drinks. One of the unique benefits of the Woolshed is it opens up to a large deck that can provide stunning views over the entirety of the property. This become part of the reason why so many couple choose to hold their ceremony below the shed as well.
The main hill is the ideal location if you are looking for a rustic marquee wedding, or a tipi wedding.
The newly renovated Shearer’s Quarters is a smaller venue but maintains the rustic charm and allure of the woolshed, but with much added intimacy.
The Wandin Park Estate is a all in one wedding venue, it offers so many different settings just in on venue which makes this place simply magical. They also provide endless opportunities for wedding photography on the day.
The Key Feature as a wedding venue
Highlights of Wandin Park Estate:
– Early 2 days prior access for decoration etc
– Lots of choices on locations
– Self-catering style
Ceremony Options:
– Outdoor: shearer’s quarters,
– indoor: woolshed, the main mill
Reception option:
– Outdoor: shearer’s quarters,
– indoor: woolshed, the main mill
Price:
– Woolshed: hire from $7000, max 200 people for banquet
– Main Hill with a tipi setup: hire from $3500, hire marquee from $4500
– Shearer’s quarters: hire from $3500, max 70 people for a sit-down reception
Real Weddings at Wandin Park Estate
Bonus 2, The Little Vineyard
Experience the Little Vineyard: a outdoor oasis wedding reception situated in the heart of the Yarra Valley. You will appreciate the simplicity and intimacy provided by the venue as well as the stunning backdrop with views of the rolling hills.
While ceremony at the Little Vineyard may be small in size, its certainly has got a stunning backdrop: an expansive view of the Yarra valley behind of the vineyard. Surrounded by this outdoor oasis, you will be enjoying the relaxing vibe while saying ‘I do’.
For the night time reception, you will be accommodated with great food and drinks by the famous catering team at the Little Vineyard called ‘going gourmet’.
I would always recommend the Little Vineyard to couples who want a simple rustic wedding. It has got great food, great photo locations, and what’s more, flexible wedding packages together with lots of options. It is also one of the few wedding receptions that offer photobooth as well as cocktails on tap, how nice!
The Key Feature as a wedding venue
Highlights of The Little Vineyard:
– intimate atmosphere
– Outdoor oasis styled ceremony with a stunning backdrop
– offers photobooth and cocktails on tap
Ceremony Options:
– Outdoor: in front of the vineyard
Reception option:
– Restaurant
Capacity:
– Min: 30
– Max: 160
Price:
– site fee: $1600
– Menu and Beverage: Cocktail starts from $150 pp, Alternate Drop starts from $170 pp, Feasting starts from $180 pp.
Bonus 3, Rochford Wines
Located in the heat of the Yarra Valley, Rochford Wines is one of the most sought-after wedding receptions. Like all venues set in the Yarra Valley, Rochford has got stunning views of the valley as well, but the fact that it’s so versatile on the guest’s capacity really makes it one of the most unique wedding receptions.
To tight the knot, you can choose your ceremony places undercover or outdoor on the lawn. The conservatory remains as the iconic place for ceremony at Rochford’s. Inside the modern marquee style glass house, you can enjoy the stunning views of the Yarra Valley and the winery while being protected by the heat or the rain.
Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of couples who appreciate the outdoor ceremonies and have their ceremony held on the lawn. With a smaller capacity, the lawn ceremony provides an excellent view of the lake together with the mountain.
In the night, you and your guests will be gathered at the Isabella’ restaurant. However, if you have an exceptional large group of guests, Rochford has got you covered. You can choose to have your reception at the mountain view terrace or the marquee, both of them can cater up to 500 guests.
In my opinion, Rochford Wine is the perfect wedding reception if you have got a large group of guests. Without the compensation of the nice views, it offers you so many choices on your wedding day.
The Key Feature as a wedding venue
Highlights of the Rochford Wines:
– Nice view
– Spacious venue
– Affordable packages
Ceremony Options:
– Outdoor: the lawn
– indoor: the conservatory
Reception option:
– Isabella’s restaurant (max 240 people)
– mountain view terrace (max 500 people)
– Marquee (max 500 people)
Price:
– site fee: $1400
– Menu and Beverage: High season starts from $170, low season starts from $150
– Minimum spend: Weekdays starts from $5000, Weekend start from $8000
– winter package: Starts from $150 per head.
Real Weddings at Rochford Wines Yarra Valley
So that’s all for the top 13 Yarra Valley venues, and I have to point out though: there are still many great venues out there in the Valley. As one of the most magic places for the wedding, Yarra Valley is getting more and more popularity. If you are planning your wedding at the Yarra Valley, please feel free to get to us for some professional tips on wedding photography.
