7 minute read
Tie the Knot
For your big day, the Swan Valley is a destination which has for many years welcomed brides and grooms.
By TORI WILSON
SOMETHING BORROWED A wedding at Sandalford Wines is a beautiful and memorable affair - with no detail left to chance at this gorgeous, heritage Swan Valley, recently restored venue.
WHEN IT COMES to planning your day to say, ‘I do’, the Swan Valley has just about all you could envision and more. With an abundance of rustic, intimate and grand venues to select from, world class wines, food fit for a Queen’s banquet and picturesque open spaces, the Swan Valley is the place to have your cake and eat it too.
Held twice yearly, the Swan Valley Twilight Wedding Expo showcases the breadth of inspiring options in the area. If you missed January’s event, attend the next one in July to paint a picture of how your potential venue will look in the ambient light of sunset and under the twinkle of the stars.
For now, read on for a taste of what the region has to offer.
Sandalford Wines
It’s hard to look past Sandalford Wines when imagining weddings in the Swan Valley.
Being one of Western Australia’s oldest, largest and most distinguished producers of premium wine, a sense of heritage and romance sweeps this location.
“We often retell our brides the charming story of Sandalford’s original owner, John Septimus Roe, and his wife Matilda who arrived as newlyweds from England in 1829,” says corporate tourism manager Jenny Hvalgaard.
“You just can’t re-create this kind of
heritage. Our couples tend to enhance the traditional setting of our estate when styling their weddings, so they meld into the timeline of the incredible history of Swan Valley,” she says.
Sandalford features three ceremony sites including The White House, the newest addition to the repertoire following the completion of Sandalford’s recent $3.5 million renovations.
“We’ve just added The White House to our lovely ceremony sites and, after our Wedding Showcase held earlier this year, it’s proven to be a winner because it’s got that great Hamptons vibe going on and it’s on a hill overlooking our lakes and vineyards,” says Jenny.
The range of reception spaces are equally as inviting.
“Traditionally, our Oak Room has been the benchmark for brides because they love the soft ceiling drapes, the tall, free standing candelabras and the walls made of stained oak and wine barrels,” says Jenny.
“It’s an impressive, atmospheric space which guests respond to really well, and aspects like the gold Tiffany chairs photograph beautifully.
“Now, we have The Estate Room which is rapidly becoming the quintessential Sandalford reception room.
“It’s a bespoke build and pillarless space, but it reflects all the heritage and grandeur of our 180-year-old estate,” she says.
The Oak Room can seat up to 120 guests, while The Estate Room can seat up to 350.
Another distinctive space for a striking reception is The Sandalera Room. Descend into the cellar space, seating up to 250 guests, where you can breathe in the aroma of authentic American Oak Barrels aging premium fortified, which line the room.
Or, for something more intimate, the Durack Room seats up to 80 guests and exudes tranquillity, with an enclosed boardwalk overlooking the vines on one side and French doors opening onto an outdoor balcony looking down to the river edge. Explore Sandalford at sandalford.com/
Belvoir Homestead
Built to the traditional Australian Federation design, Belvoir Homestead gives a sense of heritage and would fit nicely within an historical romance novel.
Choose from the Shaw or Loton Dining Rooms and inside you’ll find sweeping jarrah staircases, intricate chandeliers and full-length French windows that capture remarkable views. The Shaw Room looks out over a canopy of gum trees that descend towards the river, while the Loton Room looks out to a country garden for a splash of colour. Both seat 50 to 180 guests.
Outside, you’ll find two secluded outdoor wedding ceremony areas, as well as Belvoir’s historic rustic barn, which can host both charming ceremonies and receptions for couples seeking a rustic environment. The Barn will fit up to 250 guests. Read more about Belvoir Homestead at belvoir.net.au/homestead/weddings/
Caversham House
Caversham House is one of the Valley’s most iconic wedding venues, the kind that is fit for princes and princesses.
With large, lavish gardens speckled with waterfalls, gum trees, views of the Swan River and eye-catching, carved statues; Caversham offers multiple locations for a memorable ceremony.
There’s no shortage of luxurious reception spaces, either.
DREAMS COME TRUE Opposite, the Estate Room at Sandalford Wines makes for a stunning backdrop. This page, Caversham House has the wow factor with stunning gardens and several different reception options.
The Caversham House Reception Room is the boldest of the bunch, with a French flair and contemporary highlights. A modern bar, hanging crystal pendants, French provincial doors, lush lounges and climbing wisteria make this space a statement.
Choose the Garden House Reception for something especially intimate. Seating just 50 guests or 70 when standing, the Garden House is set on plush lawn and features large, white French doors that open completely to provide stunning views of the surrounding trees and manicured gardens. Discover more of Caversham House at cavershamhouse.com.au
IMAGE Ella Otranto Photography
Above, Bailey Brewing Co. Left, The Barn at Belvoir Homestead.
Bailey Brewing Co
Nestled within the picturesque native bushland of Henley Brook, Bailey Brewing Co is the Swan Valley’s backyard and potentially your dream wedding venue. This recent addition to the Valley offers couples the option of ceremony only, reception only or ceremony and reception packages in three spots - Arbour Bell, Tower and Marquee - framed by native bushland, exuding rustic simplicity. Visit baileybrewingco.com.au/ weddings-functions
Brookleigh Estate
Offering six unique locations, Brookleigh Estate is a French-inspired property that can be as charming and quaint as it can be impressive and indulgent.
A grandiose and architecturally striking venue, The Chateau exemplifies Brookleigh’s connection to French heritage with its grand limestone archway and white, arched windows. The detail of the interior makes a statement equally as impacting.
The Lakeside Gallery is a stunning fairytale location. Featuring a charming bridge and quaint wooden gazebo perched on the edge of a glistening lake, this would make a picturesque spot for a ceremony, with a terrace nearby for a long-table or cocktail-style reception.
With an equestrian training centre located on the property, The Stables fits naturally among the setting. This barn-style venue showcases rustic wooden doors that lead to an intimate, moody interior lined with red brick walls and hanging globes. With a romantic ambiance The Stables is an edgy space fit for a banquet.
Looking for a blank canvas to make a space entirely your own? The Lawn is the ultimate location for a dynamic dream wedding. With so much potential here to personalise your experience think glamorous pop-up tents, your favourite funky food vans, custom drinks thanks to BYO-licensing, and essentially whatever installation your heart desires. Explore Brookleigh Estate’s entire property at brookleigh.com.au
Barrett Lane
Nestled in the heart of the Swan Valley, Barrett Lane is a relaxed venue with an abundance of charm. This A-frame barn-style venue is lined with wooden balustrades and pillars that add to the rustic atmosphere and appeal. With foliage and delicate lighting detailing the venue, this location is incredibly romantic with an individual edge.
The venue can comfortably fit 130 guests for a cocktail function and 80 guests for a seated reception, while both the function hall and garden grounds are available for an intimate ceremony space. Find out more about Barrett Lane at barrettlane.com.au
IMAGE Fox and Wilding Photography
SAY I DO Brookleigh Estate, Caversham House and Sandalford Wines all offer beautiful wedding venues for your big day.
