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Love At First Sight: Boat O’Craigo
They say when you know, you KNOW, and the moment Caity Clarkson first laid eyes on Boat O’Craigo, she was so inspired that she immediately decided to become the venue’s Weddings, Events & Marketing Manager. What she saw was a stunning location with the signs of a prime wedding venue. Think contemporary design matched with breathtaking views- a place where modern meets romance and where happily ever afters can officially begin.
Hidden among the sprawling vineyards and hills of Victoria, Boat O’Craigo is a picturesque 25-acre estate, north of Healesville in the Yarra Valley that captures the imagination and opens the doors for a truly special celebration of love.
“…from the moment I saw the venue, I knew it had the potential to become something extraordinary.” Caity says. “As far as location goes, it’s one of the most uniquely positioned venues in the Yarra Valley, right on the edge of the Black Spur. Every space is elevated, with views over vineyards, forest and mountain ranges.”
A picturesque setting in the heart of the Yarra Valley. Photo from Caity Clarkson
Apart from the spectacular Yarra Valley views, Boat O’Craigo also boasts a luxurious contemporary design that pays homage to the rustic location, favoring elements that keep things intimate and homely while allowing natural light to flow.
“Architecturally, it’s breathtaking – expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows spanning the length of the building, with a striking stone fireplace in the centre, adding warmth and character.” Catie says.
Boat O’Craig offers a variety of spaces to suit every part of a wedding celebration, from the ceremony to the reception and beyond. Couples can start with a ceremony at The Pavillion, an open-air space with the same incredible vineyard and mountain views that define the estate. Its dramatic roofline lifts toward the sky, giving you an outdoor setting with built-in shelter, ideal for Melbourne’s unpredictable weather.
Then, couples and their guests can enjoy a relaxed canapé hour at The Deck and Cellar Door, the perfect place to mingle with a laid-back vibe while taking in sweeping views across the vineyards and surrounding ranges.
Finally, we can bring the celebration indoors for the reception at The Glasshouse, with its floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views, and bifold doors opening directly onto The Deck, seamlessly blending indoor comfort with outdoor vibes.
Dance the night away in style behind the floor-to-ceiling windows of The Glasshouse. Photo from Caity Clarkson
Couples even receive complimentary access to the lower level of the 25-acre estate for first-look photos. With a private creek, vineyards, a dam and a rustic shed, it offers a variety of backdrops. Sometimes, nature even cooperates to provide some stunning photo opportunities, as Caity recounts, “Just as one of our gorgeous couples headed outside for their professional portraits, one thin, singular, low-lying cloud dipped down in front of Mount Riddell, creating the most beautiful and moody backdrop. It was stunning!”
All that considered, it’s not hard to see why Caity was so convinced the first time she laid eyes on the Boat O’Craigo. “Across every space, every moment feels tied to the landscape, creating a wedding experience that’s immersive and uniquely Boat O’Craigo.”
Say your “I do”s at one of Melbourne’s most scenic locations. Photo from Caity Clarkson
With a wealth of suitable locations for weddings in Melbourne, you can count on the team at Easy Weddings to hook you up with the best venues and suppliers. And if an unforgettable vineyard wedding in the Yarra Valley sounds like a great idea, be sure to get in touch with the Boat O’Craigo team and have a visit to fall in love with the place yourself.
Boat O’Craigo
Located in the renowned Yarra Valley region of Victoria, Boat O’Craigo is a family-owned boutique winery, known for producing some of Australia’s finest hand-crafted wines. From ceremony to reception, our estate offers breathtaking views across vineyards and mountains — the perfect backdrop for your special day.
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