Central Vic is home to some of the most unique wedding venues in Victoria. I am also lucky enough to call it my home. One of these venues is just 15 minutes down the road from me! Since moving to Central Vic I have made it my mission to track down the most distinctive venues in the area. Now there’s a lot… but here I am going to feature just 7. Hopefully this list helps you decipher which may be the best fit for you.
BUTTERLAND
An absolute gem in Country Vics crown. Built in 1904 in the Victorian gold rush township of Newstead, 15 minutes from Castlemaine and half an hour from Daylesford. The Butter Factory started out life as a successful diary until 1975. In the early 80’s it became a candle factory and manufacturing continued on the site until 2009. Furniture maker Greg Hatton and florist Katie Marx took possession of the site in January 2010. Since then major works have been undertaken to restore the building to its original condition and give it new life making the property a unique & multi-purpose venue. As of 2013, the building has been heritage listed.
Whether its post industrial interior with original tiles, streaming with natural light. Or the picturesque surrounding grounds with matching veggie patch that draws you to Butterland. It’s the ultimate choice for quirky, down to earth weddings that also value style and charm.
https://www.butterland.com.au/
THE CONVENT DAYLESFORD
We can’t talk about unique wedding venues in Central Vic without mentioning The Convent, Daylesford’s most iconic building. Nestled on the crest of Wombat Hill, over-looking Daylesford, this 19th century old building was a convent and boarding school for almost 90 years. Now, under one magnificently restored roof you will discover a rich and beautiful tapestry of experiences, one of which being the gallery which has been described as the most beautiful in Australia. The Convent can hold up to 120 guests and has an abundance of choices for your ceremony. Whether it be the old chapel, the atrium, or within its stunning grounds. The convent would be a spectacular choice if you value buildings steeped with history and have a love for art and culture.
https://conventgallery.com.au/
LITTLE CHURCH SPRING HILL
Just one hours drive from Melbourne’s CBD, you can be in this quiet tranquil hamlet in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria. The cutest church you may have ever seen, The Little Church is an original white timber weatherboard church built on the site in Spring Hill in 1890. Surrounded by ancient gum trees and overlooking the surrounding farm land and distant hills, the venue is secluded and peaceful.
The property has a fully sustainable reception pavilion, covered outdoor room with everything needed to hold an event after the ceremony and can hold up to 80 guests. If you are after a quaint country blank canvas that you can make your own, The Little Church is a dream… They even have their own peony farm down the road if you need some inspo for florals.
BOOMTOWN WINE
Cool Castlemaine venue Boomtown Wine is perfect for wine lovers and foodies alike… Boomtown is driven by a collective philosophy of making small batch, honest wines, sourcing fruit from great Central Victorian sites. Its an industrial venue which again leaves things open for you to inject your personal style and would make an incredible backdrop to any relaxed, contemporary affair. You could even opt to have a short and sweet ceremony across the road in the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens before hopping over for a rustic feast and epic party.
https://www.boomtownwine.com.au/#boomtownwine
THE ESTATE TRENTHAM
Been considering an elopement or micro wedding? The Estate Trentham is a boutique accommodation designed by Lydna Gardener. If you are obsessed with interior design, this could be your top pick. The property has its own light and airy barn as well as the established garden as ceremony choices. Barn hire is in conjunction with two nights accommodation, so you know you’ll be getting some beautiful images while you get ready the morning of. Inspired by Scandanavian interiors, fresh white walls, dark floors and airy rooms, complemented by natural wood furniture, a mix of old and new curated collections from European flea markets, to local country finds. Suited for up to 60 people seated or stand up cocktail event.
https://www.lyndagardener.com/stay/the-estate-trentham
RAVENSWOOD HOMESTEAD
Need some extra space?
Set on a picturesque 37 acres, Ravenswood Homestead operates as boutique accommodation for up to 40 guests, plus a sought after wedding and event destination accommodating up to 150 guests. Dating back to 1867, the historic stables at the homestead were originally used by the stable hands working the large number of horses used on the property. With its vintage fittings, raw timber beams and century old hand made bricks, The Stables at Ravenswood Homestead is one of central Victorias most unique heritage venues. The grounds give me Downton Abbey, English homestead all the way. Picture water fountains, wisteria, and resident highland cows.
http://thegroundsravenswood.com.au/
PROVIDENCE GULLY
Situated in Sandon, 15 minutes from Castlemaine and 25 minutes from Daylesford is Providence Gully. Nestled in a quiet copse of native gums, Providence Gully Venue is a carefully cultivated oasis. The owners have reinvigorated the settler’s cottage, rustic barn and surrounding orchards with a careful eye to bring warmth and charm to this country property. They also have a maximum capacity of 70-80 people for a dinner wedding and a maximum capacity of 70-80 people for a cocktail wedding. My favourite has got to be the olive grove that you can be married right in-between! You can also read countless reviews on how helpful and supportive the owners Clare and Trevor are.
http://providencegully.com.au/
The great thing about country wedding venues is the town they’re based in will also usually have an array of cute and quirky accommodations to stay in. Why not make a long weekend out of it? Recovery day down the pub?
Other fantastic local wedding venues include:
https://www.theatreroyalcastlemaine.com.au/
https://www.redhillhotel.com.au/
https://dairyflatfarmdaylesford.com.au/
https://www.euroabutterfactory.com.au
If you’d like to see more of The Convent Daylesford you can head over to my blog post of Jill and Josh’s wedding here: https://jentighephoto.com/2022/05/05/daylesford-wedding-jill-josh/
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