You've decided you want a destination wedding with world-class wines and a romantic rural setting… hello Hunter Valley!
So, you're probably also looking for a one-of-a-kind wedding venue that will make your heart skip a beat.
Here are a few of the newest places where couples are exchanging vows and enjoying an unforgettable wedding experience.
(Image: Glenmore Country Estate)
Microwedding is the new bridal buzzword as more couples opt for a small-scale intimate celebration instead of a whopping wedding with hundreds of guests (and a whopping price tag). And The Woods has microweddings down pat.
It has that romantic ambience every bride is looking for with a stylish, contemporary country vibe.
The property had two luxe guesthouses, each with four ensuite bedrooms, and a new luxury couples' retreat called Blackwood was built in 2018. It was then owner Anne Marie Cameron realised the property was just right for hosting smaller weddings.
"We've deliberately designed our wedding packages for microweddings and elopements," Anne Marie explains. "Our microweddings are anywhere from two to 40 people and while we can host larger groups we enjoy the smaller more intimate weddings on site."
The three houses are set on 25 acres among manicured gardens and established Ironbark trees with lots of special spots for your ceremony and wedding snaps – beside the dam, in the fountain courtyard or under the gazebo.
And the new Blackwood, designed by renowned architect Shane Blue of Bourne Blue Architects, is a chic retreat where you can get ready for your big day and a lavish bridal suite for your wedding night with a plunge pool, wood-burning fireplace and king-sized bed.
If you have your heart set on a rustic themed barn wedding, take a squiz at Glenmore Country Estate.
The 140-acre estate on the edge of Jade Estate Vineyard can arrange a bespoke barn celebration for 30 to 90 guests. The timber barn oozes classic country charm with traditional red painted doors, timber beams and a corrugated iron roof, surrounded by manicured lawns. It's simply gorgeous.
And the getting ready space for your special day is pretty special too. We're talking a Heritage-listed homestead that dates back to the mid-1800s.
The beautiful four-bedroom Glenmore House is an elegant place to spend hours primping for your nuptials and offers oodles of photo ops too. And you can spend your first night as Mr and Mrs within its historic walls.
Planted in 1968, the Bimbadgen Palmers Lane vineyard has produced sought-after Semillon, Shiraz and Chardonnay for 50 years. That's good news for loved up couples who love good wine, but what's better news is the winery recently bought the adjoining property and opened a brand-new wedding venue overlooking the vines.
The location is as stunning as the wines with sweeping views of the mountain range and a rustic charm that's a real crowd-pleaser.
There are a variety of locations to say I do – high on the hill, down by the pontoon or between the vines, and you can hold your reception indoors under the high ceilings and exposed beams or set up long tables overlooking the property's vineyard and lake. There's also a firepit so newylweds can get cosy beside the flickering flames.
Foodies will be happy to hear that catering is by award-winning Esca Bimbadgen Restaurant with Bimbadgen wines to match for up to 130 guests.Guests can also stay on site in the three character filled cottages.
You've heard that phrase 'everything old is new again'. Well that suits Spicers Guesthouse to a tee. The Guesthouse originally opened in 1984 and reopened late last year to much fanfare after a $20 million, 18-month renovation by its new owners Spicers Retreats.
Nestled among gum trees and grapes vines, it's one of the coolest new destination wedding venues that captures the spirit of the Hunter Valley. Think relaxed elegance.
There's a range of garden settings for your ceremony on the lush lawns or under the white rafters of the Lovedale Pavilion – and you can also have exclusive use of the entire property if you wish. That could include pre-dinner drinks in the courtyard, your wedding reception dinner in Tallawanta Restaurant followed by dessert and dancing in the Lovedale Pavilion.
And out-of-the-box backdrops for your wedding photos are a given.
The Guesthouse can cater for up to 80 guests with the team at éRemo restaurant, led be acclaimed chef Cameron Matthews, creating your wedding feast. And with 49 rooms as well as a four-bedroom cottage guests can stay overnight.
Planning to get married in the Hunter Valley but not sure where to start? Check out upcoming Wedding Expo's here.
