One of the best bits about spring weddings is peony season and this week on Behind the Door, I’m visiting a very special space, famous for their peonies, Spring Hill Peony Farm.

Husband and wife team Nicky and Mac created Spring Hill Peony Farm in 2001. “We bought the farm in 2000 and it was previously used for cattle grazing” says Nicky, “from 2001 to 2003 we planted (by hand) over 10,000 peony plants.” The plants reached maturity from around 2007 – 2009 and then Nicky and Mac started supplying the commercial cut flower market with beautiful fresh blooms.

Spring Hill Peony Farm is located in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges and is 680m above sea level. “We usually receive a sprinkling of snow each year and have lots of frost, which is the secret to growing great peonies” says Nicky. “They must be in soil that is below zero for more than 4 months of the year.”

One of the first things visitors are excited to see is of course the peony paddock. During peony season (mid November to mid December), the paddock is a mass of giant pink and white blooms which guests can pick themselves as well as enjoy food, drinks and a coffee cart. I love the idea of a romantic date at the peony farm and I have heard it’s also a popular destination for marriage proposals! Nicky tells me couples should keep an eye on their Instagram and Facebook pages for when peony season tickets go on sale.

For weddings, Spring Hill Peony Farm has several spaces that can be utilised for different sized events. A charming timber building, weathered by over one hundred years, steeped in history; the traditional church is the perfect place for a ceremony. The beautifully designed pavilion is tucked among ancient gum trees on the private two acre property and can seat 35 for dinner or up to 80 guests for cocktail weddings. There is also the possibility of a marquee on the grounds for larger seated events.

I love that Spring Hill Peony Farm is also an eco venue. Nicky and Mac have used as many sustainable practices as possible in the renovation and the every day use of the site. “The property has full stand alone solar power production, rainwater harvesting, waste water treatment on site, recycled waste, compost and a herb garden” says Nicky, “The Pavilion is architecturally designed with passive solar energy gain, full insulation and cross ventilated cooling for summer.”

Whether it’s a spring wedding full of peonies or simply enjoying the gardens during the other months of the year, Spring Hill Peony Farm is certainly one of the most romantic wedding destinations in Australia!

Ms Zebra Says: Ahhh the peony! My favourite! What a beautiful place, thanks for sharing!

About Amelia Waddell of Moonstruck Bride: I’m a proud bridal store owner with a love of exploring creative spaces. Whether it’s an office, event space, workshop or retail store I love seeing how other wedding businesses create their own special magic. When I’m not fitting brides I love immersing myself in everything wedding, in the name of “research” of course.