Vanessa emailed us looking for a lovely little secret garden location around the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. So I put together a list of ten great locations that fit Vanessa’s brief (with a few closer to the South Coast too), having no luck on her barn hunt with a French provincial feel, Vanessa thought a secret little garden with a touch of French glamour may work!

Terrara House Estate

Terrara House Estate is located 20 minutes south of Berry and offers extensive locations throughout the private gardens for weddings- including under beautiful Moret0n Bay fig trees. Receptions can be held under the glittering chandeliers of the marquee which can seat up to 130 guests. Booking a wedding means you have exclusive use of the property (which includes a day spa and accommodation).

Summerlees Cottage

Overlooking the valley to Exeter, Summerlees Cottage offers seven hectares of beautiful gardens for your wedding. With a winding tree lined driveway, beautiful views and hidden passageways, the property also features accommodation and a historic Victorian ballroom sits upon the property for your reception.

Hopewood Country House

Built in 1884 and nestled in 11 acres of gardens, Hopewood Country House has many locations suitable for garden wedding ceremonies including the sunken garden or aviary lawn. The Pavilion has a number of rooms (including the ballroom and conservatory offer enough space for 130 guests.

Milton Park Country House

Able to accommodate up to 200 guests, Milton Park Country House is located in award winning gardens. With ceremony locations including the Tulip Tree Garden and a French style bath house, Milton Park offers a number of facilities in including a day spa and bar.

Peppers Craigeburn

Located in Bowral, Peppers Craigieburn was built in 1887 and has 72 guest rooms. Weddings can be held in the main gardens or outdoor terrace while guests will be more than comfortable in the various function spaces. A veranda and guest lounge overlooking rolling green hills compliment the atmosphere.

Burnham Grove

Located just minutes from Camden (not quite the Southern Highlands!). Burnham Grove features architecturally designed gardens (including one amongst lush green hedges) The marquee can fit between 160-600 people. Fountains and a citrus orchard also compliment the historic property.

Sylvan Glen Country House

Christie and Greg’s wedding by SugarLove Weddings

A little more Australian than French, but still with a beautiful county feel, Sylvan Glen can cater for 140 guests inside and can also add an additional marquee. Couples can choose to marry on the front lawn or in the orchard while on site accommodation can house 32 guests.

Fountaindale Grand Manor

Located in Robertson, Fountaindale Grand Manor can accommodate up to 280 guests cocktail style or 150 guests seated. The manor, set within beautiful gardens, features a ballroom, dining room and veranda and has 52 guests suites. The 3-4 storey manor is old English style with views to the ocean from the fourth floor.

Peppers Manor House

Peppers Manor House is located on an old grazing property in Sutton Forrest. Featuring 41 guest rooms, the house features a number of common rooms and immaculately groomed gardens. Receptions can be held in Kater’s Restaurant or a number of function rooms while an outdoor ceremony can be held in the lawns or the gazebo area.

Woodbyme Country House

Nestled near Berry, Woodbyne Country House provides gardens, rooms and accommodation for your wedding. Woodbyne features tree covered paths and different garden “rooms” for your ceremony.  A backdrop of the Great Dividing range completes the picture.

Polka Dot Brides- do you know of any other venues fitting Vanessa’s brief I may have missed? Please add them!

Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is such a picture perfect place for a weekend getaway wedding. Rolling green hills, beautiful vineyards and the ocean right next door. I thought I’d make a list of my top ten Mornington Peninsula wedding venues! (In no particular order!)

T’Gallant

Rolling vines, fig trees, decadent wines and an extensive Italian menu make T’Gallant an easy entrant to my list!

Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove

There’s something special about marrying in the vineyards. Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove is another winery wedding venue with the added feature of olive groves and a building featuring award winning architectural design.

Salix Restaurant at Willow Creek Vineyard

Amazing views (this is going to get repetitive) wines and food makes Salix Restaurant at Willow Creek Vineyard ideal for a wedding. The menu is filled with local product too!

Summerfields Country House

This Connecticut inspired farm house is filled with little details like a black and white chequered floor and lush gardens. Summerfields Country House also provides accommodation.

Glynt Manor

Inspired by the French country house, the recently restored Glynt Manor offers a spectacular honeymoon suite and space for your marquee style wedding or perhaps a more intimate celebration.

Max’s Restaurant at Red Hill Estate

Serving beautiful wine and food, Max’s Restaurant at Red Hill Estate offers a one stop shop for your wedding day. With 180 degree views overlooking Port Phillip Bay, it’s the perfect place to toast with a glass of their wine!

Vines Of Red Hill

This Mediterranean inspired vineyard offers a simple yet stylish venue surrounded by lavender filled gardens. Vines of Red Hill provides an intimate setting for your wedding.

Mantons Creek Vineyard

Described as a little piece of France. Mantons Creek Vineyard offers a rustic French function room and accommodation, set on 19 acres and all overlooking the vineyards!

Tucks Ridge

Tucks Ridge ’s rolling vineyards are overlooked by floor to ceiling windows in their bluestone restaurant.  Child friendly and serving great food and wine makes Tucks Ridge a lovely wedding venue.

I thought I’d leave number ten open to you dear readers- what is your favourite wedding venue on the Mornington Peninsula?

I’ve always loved the idea of a French inspired manor as the backdrop for a wedding. This is one I stumbled upon a while ago and have had saved ever since!

Located on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Glynt Manor was built in 1917 by Victoria’s first permanent white settlers and has since become a luxury boutique hotel which provides a beautiful backdrop for a wedding. The gardens are beautiful for a wedding ceremony- inspired by France and England, the gardens cover 2.5 acres of the beautiful Mount Martha region.

Lila and Demetri reopened the hotel in 2008 as Glynt Manor and have filled the stately mansion with beautiful antiques, providing a secret getaway with fine cuisine for their guests.

For intimate weddings, the grand dining room can seat 14 guests, but there is also room on the property for a marquee reception. Hosts Lila and Demetri can help you with every aspect to make your wedding celebration beautiful.

The accommodation (there are six rooms located in the manor) is luxurious and couples have the option to sneak of to the grand tower suite (featuring a glass roof and spa) after a night of celebrating with their guests.

Visit the Glynt Manor website for more.

Photos by Glynt Manor.

You ask and I will deliver! Today’s post is a round up of Queensland Barns. So far, I’ve done a Victorian and New South Wales list and now it’s Queensland’s turn! Queensland is a little more tricky with barns & woolsheds, so do share if you know of one I didn’t find!

Sirromet Winery

Sirromet Winery located in Mount Cotton in South East Queensland has many function spaces including the Sirromet Barrel Hall. The hall features brick arches, high ceilings and barrel walls. The hall can can seat 120 banquet style. View their website for more.

The Australian Muster Experience

For the ultimate Australian twist on a barn, The Australian Muster experience located in Miallo, Queensland is available for private functions.  The rustic shed is open plan with polished wood tables and can seat 300 banquet style. Visit their website for more information.

Kenilwood Historic Homestead

Located in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Kenilwood Historic Homestead offers a barn, dining hall, kitchen and plenty of accommodation. They can also provide a multitude of activities for guests including trail rides and canoeing. Visit their website for more.

Jondaryan Woolshed

Built in 1859, the Jondaryan Woolshed is the oldest operating woolshed in Queensland. The woolshed can accommodate up to 300 guests and basic accommodation is available in the Shearer’s Quarters Visit their website for more information.

The Shed at The Ettamogah Pub

Amidst the Ettamogah pub and carnival rides of Aussie World lies the The Shed. With a capacity of 600 guests (seated), the venue puts a fun twist on the shearing shed style of function.  Visit the website for further information.

Spurwood Springs

Providing a relaxed bush setting, the Spurwood Springs log cabin is available for functions. Added “bush” extras are included including a horse and sulky and the venue is BYO. Visit their website for more information.

Rudd’s Pub Barn

The famous Rudd’s Pub sits beside their barn which can cater for 100 guests. Located in Nobby near Toowoomba, the pub itself was built in 1893. Contact Rudd’s Pub on ruddspub@ozemail.com.au

The Shearing Shed

Located in the Rockhampton Historic Village, the Shearing Shed is close by to the historic chapel and offers room for function and events. The venue can fit 350 guests and features a fully equipped bar. The Shearing Shed is operated by Rockhampton Venues & Events or try the Rockhampton Council website.