OVERVIEW
St Joseph's Guest House is an amazing do-it-yourself luxury wedding venue nestled in the heart of the MacDonald Valley, NSW. Dating back to the 1800s, this award-winning space boasts a three-level sandstone church, a naturally formed outdoor amphitheatre, stunning valley and river views, onsite accommodation, and multiple charming settings for your ceremony and reception.
Located only 90 minutes from Sydney CBD, St Joseph's Guest House is perfect for your ceremony and reception at the one location. Every inch of this unique, boutique wedding venue tells rich stories of true Australian history and boasts a deep connection to those who came before. Convict-built from local sandstone nearly 200 years ago, the ambient atmosphere and awe-inspiring architecture is undeniable.
If you’re looking for a blank canvas to paint with your individual style, décor, and catering, this renovated 160-year-old Catholic Church offers exclusive dry hire. Hosting day-time weddings only, you’ll be granted creative control. Whether you need some inspiration or already have in mind precisely what you’re after, St Joseph's Guest House provides a great list of recommended suppliers, perfect for creating the intimate wedding of your dreams.
The perks, however, don’t stop there. Striking, character-filled onsite accommodation is also available for you and your guests — boasting intricate detailing, comfortable king-sized beds, and an undeniably gorgeous natural setting, perfect for kicking back after an exciting day of festivities.
“St Joseph's Guest House is a beautiful, unique and historic venue. Steve, the owner, is super friendly and easy-going — nothing was too hard for him. The venue allowed us to construct the wedding as we envisioned and bring in our own caterers. Loved it!” — Flavia D.
"The most magical place for a dreamy wedding!!!
We had our wedding here and I cannot express how over the moon we are with the Guesthouse, the pub, and all the work Steve and Tilly did for us on the day.
It's the perfect place if you're looking for a natural and relaxed wedding setting, doubling as a little getaway. You almost needn't do much to the spaces when it comes to decorating, because they are so gorgeous and special already.
The Guesthouse is just magnificent - Steve has done an exceptional job in restoring it to keep the historic feel, whilst making it modern enough to feel luxurious and comfortable. The kitchen is fully equiped and there are so many thoughtful touches throughout the many spaces.
Our reception was held at the Settlers Arms and the food was absolutely divine, with plenty to go around and catering for everyone - all our guests were (and are still) raving about how delicious the spread was!
All I can say is, it was the most perfect, wonderful day, in the most special place - thank you, Steve, Tilly and the team for making it the best day of our lives!!!" - Sofie Teh.
What you’ll love about your wedding at St Joseph's Guest House NSW:
What St Joseph's Guest House NSW weddings are like:
What’s the maximum capacity for weddings at St Joseph's Guest House NSW?
St Joseph's Guest House is perfect for intimate wedding celebrations of up to 100 guests.
What fees are required to secure my wedding day?
You can secure your wedding day at St Joseph’s Guest House by emailing your requested dates, book a viewing and pay your holding deposit.
Are there any nearby venues to continue the festivities?
Most couples continue their celebrations at the Settlers Arms Inn — a beautiful 1836 historic pub just down the road from the church at St Albans. They can do an amazing pork belly roast banquet style of dinner with all the vegetables and trimmings to suit everyone’s dietary requirement.
The pub is licensed until midnight. You can enjoy a live band and take over the historic pub’s rear section for your own private use. Most couples run a bar tab where the Settlers Arms Inn have a range of offerings from fine wines, champagne or top shelf spirits. Ask at the Arms (02) 4568 2111 for a full list prior to your wedding.
“This venue is one in a million. The location is stunning, and the historic church provides such a unique backdrop. Having the freedom to choose our own suppliers and decorate any way we like made our wedding personalised and cost-effective. Highly recommended.” — Arizona A.
About
St Joseph’s Guest House is the passion of Steve Kavanagh, your host, who saw the potential of the ruined remains of a Catholic Church built in the 1800’s.
Mr Steve Kavanagh
Business Owner
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Location
Service Area Sydney & Surroundings Areas, Hawkesbury, Central Coast, Newcastle/Hunter Valley
FAQ
St Joseph's is an amazing do it yourself Wedding venue we provide the five beautifully appointed ensuite bedrooms the amazing building and the beautiful surrounds. Most couples take the venue for three 'four or five nights and yes you can bring your own alcohol. Caterer's photographers celebrant whoever you want to use to make your amazing Wedding truly spectacular.
At St Joseph's We are licensed to have up to 100 guests.
If you look on our supplies page, there is heaps of accommodation including the Settlers Arms Inn the Courthouse and other Airbnb that are listed on our supplies page.
We do have two mini bus drivers who operate throughout the valley and can take all your guests from their accommodation to the church for the ceremony and reception and then take them back home again. They are on our supplies page.
St Joseph's Cathedral welcomes well-behaved dogs etc. At the church if you can please just pick up after them that would be great.
At St Josephs we do provide two recycling bins and two rubbish bins that normally will do your average Wedding if for some reason you have a massive amount of rubbish we can pre organise/discuss removal.
St Josephs is about 90 minutes from the CBD the best way to travel from Sydney is out via The old Northern Road. Come down into Wisemans Ferry crossover the Webbs Creek Ferry which is a lovely experience onto St Albans Road and the Church is just along the road about a seven minute drive number 1029 St Albans Road.
if coming from the Central Coast or Newcastle best come along the M1 freeway turn off at Pete Ridge towards Mangrove Mt follow your way to Spencer Gunderman Wiseman Ferry St Albans.
To lock your wedding in at St Joseph's we just require a $500 bond. We don't ask for any more money until you come and have your amazing experience at St Joseph's. Balance is to be paid a couple of weeks before your big day. Our advertised price of $7500, for up to a five nights stay is all inclusive. There are no additional costs.
Most couples come out to the church to have an inspection there they will meet Veronica who is our manager. She always sits down with each couple for about half an hour to 40 minutes just explaining how the Church operates going through our different supplies. Of course you're welcome to use your own but Veronica is very helpful that organising things for you, only a phone call away.
Just click the link from Easy Weddings to our website fill out the information form and Veronica will be straight onto you to organise a time to come and have a look.
April 2024
January 2018
St Joseph's Guest House
Hello Hannah We are so happy that you and your guests loved St Joseph's as much as we do!
April 2017
St Joseph's Guest House
Thank you Flavia for your kind words, at St Joseph's we want to ensure all couples have the best wedding and celebrations!
July 2024
St Joseph's Guest House
Thank you for your review Tristan and here at St Joseph's we are so glad to hear your celebrations went well. We are always happy to assist in making your day and stay memorable!
July 2024
St Joseph's Guest House
Hello Bella - we are very happy to hear that your guests all had a day to remember. St Joseph's is all about making those treasured memories that last forever!
Expert Advice
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St Joseph's Guest House
St Joseph's Guest House
Thank you Jessica, we at St Joseph's are so happy for you that you found us too! St Joseph's is a unique venue offering couples absolute flexibility on how to plan the perfect wedding! We wish you all the best in your married life!