It would be easy to think that all of the best reception venues are in the heart of our beautiful capital cities, but in truth, this is just not the case, as some very talented chefs, venue owners, event planners and hopeless romantics have set up shop in rural and regional Australia to set the most gorgeous backdrops, and this is where you will find some of the very best wedding reception spots.
From a sea change to a treechange, to a unique destination wedding, you won’t believe how incredible some of these venues are. Set on stunning grounds and in exquisite buildings, these venues have one thing in common; the relaxed rural vibe that makes you feel like you could kick back and celebrate forever.
With historic homesteads brought back to life, or modern contemporary event spaces that you won’t believe aren’t in the heart of the city, there is something for every bride and groom here. You don’t have to have a country wedding to have your wedding in the country.
Here with recommendations from Easy Weddings, these are 10 of the best Reception Venues in Regional Australia:
The Convent
Daylesford, Victoria
This venue is so loved, that wedding professionals choose to get married here. Majestic and mysterious, this revamped convent and chapel, which is also an art gallery, makes for a stunning all in one wedding venue.
There are six acres of manicured gardens, sprawling views over the countryside, and food and wine to die for. If your friends and family aren’t inspired by the art, architecture, and breathtaking scenery and views, they will be blown away by the incomparable quality of service.
Inglewood Inn
Inglewood, SA
This heritage listed inn in the Adelaide Hills has had a complete makeover and is now the place where wedding dreams come to life. Nestled in gorgeous natural surroundings the building may be centuries old, but the hospitality is brand new.
Priding themselves on their service and flexibility, you can host any style or theme of wedding in this expansive venue. Choose from a lawn ceremony with a pop-up bar for your guests to a formal sit-down dinner or casual cocktails and canapes. Here they want to create the ideal individual wedding day for you.
Cedar Creek Lodges
North Tambourine, Queensland
Set on over 300 acres of rainforest, this venue offers accommodation, ceremony, reception and everything you could possibly want for a full destination wedding for your guests. Although a Queensland wedding might make you think automatically of the beach, the seasonal beauty of this all-weather venue will rival even the most lovely coastal spot.
With lush green canopy dotted with vibrant tropical flora and birdlife, as well as a waterfall, timber walkway and a creekside bonfire, you simply cannot fault the ambience of this magical place.
Villa Botanica
Cannonvale, Queensland
This wedding reception venue in the Whitsundays is what dream weddings are made of. Perched on the edge of the sparkling Coral Sea, this glorious island resort is exclusively your for the day. You can make a grand entrance along a palm-lined mosaic tiled walkways, and say your vows in the hand-carved timber pavilion.
Dance the night away in the marble ballroom, before your guests leave by complimentary transport, and the bridal couple stays the night in their own romantic villa. When luxury is the only way to go, go to Villa Botanica.
Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley
Windsor, NSW
This wondrous spot offers the complete wedding venue in a relaxed countryside ambience, boasting the ability to cater for every conceivable aspect of such a special event. With luxurious guest accommodation amid hectares of landscaped lakeside gardens, an on-site chapel and indulgent day spa within the resort, no one will ever want to leave. They have a fine selection of imaginative and creative menus and an extensive drinks package, with options to suit every budget.
Villa Howden
Howden, Tasmania
Villa Howden is a luxury boutique hotel that is perfect for an intimate ceremony and reception. They offer indoor and outdoor options from a pavilion and deck function room with bay views and a Mediterranean-inspired courtyard to a sumptuous dining experience in the restaurant with tall arched windows and lawn and garden views.
A romantic and secluded setting overlooking the sparkling blue waters of North West Bay, with enough accommodation for all of your nearest and dearest.
Peppermint Bay Hotel
Woodbridge, Tasmania
This world-famous restaurant and event venue is located in the historic Tasmanian village of Woodbridge. Set on four acres of waterfront headland, with 270-degree water and mountain views across the channel, Huon River, and Bruny Island.
As picturesque as only Tasmania can be, the quality of dining and wining is simply exceptional as well; for a spectacular setting professional staff and the ability to adapt to your every requirement, this regional reception venue is a rare find indeed.
Wildman Wilderness Lodge
Mary River, Northern Territory
Many venues claim to be unique, but this one truly is. Teeming with wildlife, the Wildman Wilderness Lodge provides an unforgettable wedding day experience to rival all others. This place is a world far-removed from your own yet with all the modern comforts of first class accommodation and fine dining.
Experience an outback wedding or elopement adventure in premium comforts and untamed surrounds, finishing your day with a spectacular sunset over the wetlands and an open fire pit under the stars.
Donnelly River Village
Donnelly River, WA
This historic mill town in WA can be all yours for a very original wedding day. Serene, tranquil and charming, the little village provides a forest destination wedding that can cater to all of your families needs and desires.
From silver rays through the morning mist as the sun awakens on your special day to drinking and dining under the canopy of stars, this is natural and rustic celebration at its absolute best. The perfect place for a unique escape from the hustles and hassles of modern life.
Pullman Bunker Bay Resort
Naturaliste, WA
This is a five-star beachfront resort in WA’s renowned Margaret River wine region, which provides one complete venue for your wedding day. With acres of beautifully landscaped native gardens, a choice of beach or garden ceremonies, inspired picturesque photography, flawless receptions, and magical honeymoons. A regional wedding reception venue that is world class in quality, run by event planners who are perfectionists and experts in their craft.