King Parrot Cottages & Event Centre
OVERVIEW
King Parrot Cottages and Event Centre — a magical DIY wedding venue in the Otways
Hidden deep within the lush Otway Ranges, just 25 minutes from Lorne and the Great Ocean Road, King Parrot Cottages and Event Centre offers a secluded, nature-filled setting perfect for couples wanting a relaxed, rustic, and deeply personal wedding. With breathtaking valley views, forest backdrops, and an atmosphere that feels grounding and calm, this 195-acre property provides an unforgettable canvas for creating a wedding that is entirely your own.
Whether you’re dreaming of a laidback celebration surrounded by family and friends or a more elegant gathering filled with thoughtful details, King Parrot is a place where you can slow down, breathe deeply, and truly connect with the people you love.
Ceremony and reception spaces
King Parrot offers several beautiful natural ceremony locations, each with its own charm and sense of magic:
The Enchanted Garden — a hidden forest glade filled with dappled light and birdsong, perfect for intimate and whimsical ceremonies.
The lawn by the Lodge and Hall — overlooking the sweeping Pennyroyal Valley and rolling hills, with the ever-changing landscape creating a stunning backdrop.
The creekside forest — an immersive and tranquil setting surrounded by towering gums and flowing water, ideal for couples seeking a romantic, a small, intimate, nature-based ceremony.
Afterwards, celebrate in the warm and inviting Lodge and Hall, a rustic space with timber accents and the flexibility to style it your way. The hall comfortably hosts up to 80 guests and is a true DIY dream — a blank canvas ready for long-table dinners, floral styling, or relaxed cocktail-style gatherings.
Across the property, you’ll find endless photo locations: forest trails, mossy nooks, fern gullies, valley lookouts, and secret corners that shift beautifully with every season.
A wedding weekend with space to slow down
Many couples choose King Parrot for the gift of time — the ability to turn their wedding into a full weekend away with loved ones. Instead of rushing through preparations, you can settle in, unwind, and enjoy the serenity of the Otways at a gentle pace.
The property includes:
Six self-contained cottages accommodating up to 34 guests
A peaceful bush campground for an additional 18 guests
A dog-friendly environment so your beloved pets can join the celebration
Exclusive access to 195 acres of private bushland
Friendly farm animals including highland cows, miniature donkeys, horses and native wildlife
It’s a place where guests wander between cottages, share slow mornings on the deck with coffee, explore walking tracks, and reconnect with nature and each other.
Midweek micro-weddings
For couples seeking something intimate, simple, and heartfelt, King Parrot offers midweek micro-wedding packages, ideal for:
Elopements
Vow renewals
Small gatherings of 10–30 guests
Couples wanting a relaxed and more affordable option
Micro-weddings include access to ceremony spaces, accommodation in the Lodge and optional accommodation packages. Held Monday to Thursday, these celebrations offer the same beauty and magic of a full wedding, with a gentler pace and deeper sense of connection.
Micro-wedding package also includes an award wining celebrant and photographer.
An award-winning Otways wedding venue
King Parrot is proud to be a multi-award-winning venue, recognised for excellence in both weddings and accommodation. Recent achievements include:
• 2025 Victorian Tourism Awards – Bronze Winner, Self-Contained Accommodation
• 2025 Wedding Industry Awards – Geelong & Surf Coast Winner, Wedding Venue DIY
• 2024 Wedding Industry Awards – Geelong & Surf Coast Winner, Wedding Venue DIY
• 2024 Wedding Industry Awards – Geelong & Surf Coast Highly Commended, Boutique Wedding Accommodation
These awards reflect the genuine care, personalised support, and consistently high-quality experience that couples and guests enjoy throughout their time at King Parrot.
Why couples love King Parrot Cottages and Event Centre
✔ Exclusive hire — complete privacy for you and your loved ones
✔ Endless natural beauty — valley views, forests, and creekside settings for ceremonies and photos
✔ DIY freedom — create a wedding that’s uniquely yours
✔ On-site accommodation — perfect for multi-day celebrations
✔ Warm, personalised support — Nicole and Ryan genuinely care about every couple
✔ Dog-friendly — your four-legged family is welcome
✔ Micro-wedding options — intimate and affordable without compromising magic
✔ A destination feel close to home — just 30 minutes from Lorne and one hour from Geelong
About
We are a family of four — Nicole, Ryan, and our boys, Taj and Zac — who feel most at home in the bush. In 2021 we became the custodians of King Parrot Cottages and Event Centre, a place that immediately felt alive with possibility, connection, and community. Ryan and I share a deep love for bringing people together in nature. Hosting weddings here in the Otways is one of the great joys of our life. There is something truly special about witnessing couples celebrate surrounded by ancient trees,
Mrs Nicole Dodson
Owner
Venue Features
Indoor / Outdoor Ceremony
Min - / Max 120 Reception guests
Min - / Max 120 Ceremony Guests
Time restrictions: 11:00 PM
3rd Party Catering
6.00 hours Event time included
Music must end by 11:00 PM
Videos
FAQ
Absolutely! We'd love to have your furry friend be a part of your special day! We're all about being dog-friendly. However, because we cherish the wildlife that calls King Parrot home, we kindly request that your dog be kept on a lead during the festivities. Let's make sure everyone, human and animal alike, has a wonderful time celebrating with you!
We've got you covered, rain or shine! You can still have your dream wedding with our wet weather option. Picture this: exchanging vows in our beautiful hall with the bi-fold doors wide open, allowing you and your guests to soak in the breathtaking valley view while staying cozy and dry. It's a perfect blend of nature and comfort, ensuring your special day is as magical as you imagined, no matter the weather!
Food trucks are a fantastic option, and they're gaining popularity for a reason. We've seen that wedding couples and their guests truly appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and delicious offerings that food trucks bring to the table. So, if you're thinking about having food trucks at your wedding, we're all for it! Let's make sure your big day is filled with fantastic food and plenty of fun memories.
Yes, at King Parrot Cottages and Event Centre, we offer a plethora of picturesque photo opportunities right on site. From breathtaking valley views to captivating bush landscapes, enchanting rainforest settings adorned with giant ferns, and mesmerizing sunset backdrops, our venue provides the perfect backdrop for capturing timeless memories. Additionally, guests can delight in exploring our property or simply bask in the serene ambiance of your wedding celebration while you seize those unforgettable moments. Whether you're amidst the lush greenery or sharing a moment with our farm animals, every frame tells a story of love and beauty.
King Parrot Cottages and Event Centre has obtained all the necessary permits endorsed by the council to host events. You can have complete peace of mind knowing that your wedding plans won't encounter any disruptions or cancellations due to permit issues. We're committed to ensuring that your special day unfolds seamlessly, with all the legalities taken care of in advance.
Reviews
Review Summary
February 2025
December 2024
King Parrot Cottages & Event Centre
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was an absolute pleasure to be part of your special day and to help bring your wedding vision to life. We’re so glad you and your guests loved the venue and that the cottages and hall made for a memorable celebration. Ryan will be especially happy to hear how much his help was appreciated on the day! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness, and we’d love to welcome you back to King Parrot anytime. Thank you again for your recommendation! Kindest regards, Nicole & Ryan
March 2023
King Parrot Cottages & Event Centre
It was such a pleasure to host your stunning wedding Gabrielle and Connor! We are so happy that you had an amazing wedding and weekend with your beautiful families. Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review it is really appreciated. Wishing you both a lifetime of love, happiness, health and laughter. PS. Our farm animals love weddings too - they love the extra attention! :)
November 2025
King Parrot Cottages & Event Centre
Thank you so much for your beautiful review Jess! We are so glad you us easy to communicate with, you made that very easy :) King Parrot is such a magical place to celebrate love and we’re delighted that the location felt special for your day. Thank you for mentioning the rain plan support. A wet weather plan is essential for Victorian weddings! Wishing you both a lifetime of love, joy and good health. Thank you again for choosing to celebrate here with us.
November 2025
King Parrot Cottages & Event Centre
Thank you so much Alicia and Jason for your beautiful words. It was such a joy to host your wedding and to get to know you both through the planning process. We loved seeing your vision come to life across the property, it was a truly special day and we’re grateful we could play a small part in it. Thank you again for choosing King Parrot to celebrate such an important moment in your lives. We wish you both a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and many more magical days ahead.
Expert Advice
As a wedding professional, King Parrot Cottages & Event Centre offers expert advice to help couples plan their perfect day. Ask a question or read their expert advice.
Get Expert AdviceShould the bride stay there the night before?
King Parrot Cottages & Event Centre
Yes—we highly recommend that the bride (and the bridal party) stay the night before the wedding.
There are several reasons why this makes the day run more smoothly and feel more relaxed:
• A peaceful start to the day – Waking up onsite means there’s no rushing, no long drives, and no chance of getting stuck in traffic. You can enjoy a slow, calm morning in the beautiful surroundings, easing into your special day with intention and presence.
• Seamless access for hair and makeup teams – Your stylists can come to you, without needing to coordinate timing and travel between multiple locations.
• Time to connect – Staying the night before allows space for connection with your bridal party or close family. Whether it’s sharing dinner, going over the timeline, or just enjoying a quiet moment together—it all adds to the magic.
• More time for setup – If you're planning a DIY or partially DIY wedding, arriving the night before gives you time to check in with suppliers, style the space, and tie up any final details.
• Better sleep – You’ll have a comfortable bed, fresh air, and the reassurance of being in the right place. No need to pack up and rush around on the morning of the wedding—everything you need is already with you
Is it a risk having a slightly outdoor wedding in August? Is it too cold?
My partner and I have finally decided on a venue and we are both in love with it - however it has an open area where the reception dinner is - it has a roof but has open walls. The venue supply mushroom heaters but i'm getting concerned that it will be too cold for guests. Does anyone have any experience in this? Thank you!
King Parrot Cottages & Event Centre
King Parrot is located on the fringes of the Otway Ranges. Traditionally August is winter in the Southern Hemisphere therefore you would expect a cool day.Guests at King Parrot hire a marquee at this time of year with heaters lining the edges.
Will venues generally allow you to take pictures before the ceremony?
I want to do a photo shoot before my wedding in our set-up reception venue, is that too much to ask? Or is that a common thing...?
King Parrot Cottages & Event Centre
We are very happy for photos to be taken throughout your stay at King Parrot Cottages. There are many photo opportunities from large hillside field expanse to a forested bush setting surrounded by tall timber and around a meandering creek on the forest floor amongst tree ferns and rainforest.
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King Parrot Cottages & Event Centre
Wow, thank you so much for your beautiful words! It truly means the world to us that you and your guests loved your wedding weekend at King Parrot. We feel so lucky to be able to share this special place with wonderful couples like you, and we’re so happy that you felt cared for and supported throughout the whole experience. It was an absolute pleasure to be part of your wedding, and we’d love to welcome you back for a relaxing getaway anytime! Wishing you both a lifetime of love, laughter, and happiness. Warmest regards, Nicole & Ryan