10 minute read

Making Memories Swan Valley Weddings

from 2022 Swan Valley Magazine

by Vanguard Publishing Perth

from 2022 Swan Valley Magazine, page 68

All Aboard

MAKING MEMORIES

Say “I do” in the Swan Valley, where wedding day dreams come true. By TORI WILSON

THE SWAN VALLEY is an iconic location for a fairy tale wedding. With so many picturesque landscapes set among rolling vineyards, stunning venues, architectural heritage, and charming attention to detail; it’s the ideal place to make memories.

Take your time exploring each venue because there are plenty to choose from, with something to suit everyone’s style.

The Swan Valley’s winter and twilight wedding expos will assist in making the decision a little easier for you by showcasing what’s on offer in the Valley and Guildford, all on one date.

“The Swan Valley is an absolutely stunning region to marry your special someone,” says marketing manager Carly Odgers.

“With the romance of the vineyards at sunset or the Swan River, the backdrops in the region make for some sensational wedding photos and create incredible memories for the couple and their loved ones.

“Given it is only 25 minutes from the city, it is like having a destination wedding without the distance. Couples can also stay the night in any of the gorgeous accommodation options with room for their family and friends, or take the short journey home.”

Save the date for the next Swan Valley Wedding Open Day, set for Sunday, July 3, and look out for the Twilight Expo to be hosted next summer, January 19, 2023. swanvalleyweddingopenday.com.au

Riverbank Estate

A glimpse at the venues

RiverBank Estate

RiverBank Estate Winery is quintessentially Swan Valley. Say “I do” while overlooking panoramic views of its rolling vineyards and the Swan River when setting your wedding at this award-winning winery.

This charming location is the ideal backdrop for your fantasy day. With large, stained timber decking set against an artistically-designed wall made of stone and rock collected from across the state, it has that hint of heritage that could have you thinking perhaps you’re somewhere in a quaint French village.

Celebrate the day with a white linen, banquet-style feast before dancing under the stars.

RiverBank’s Chenin Blanc is a popular pick. With notes of nashi pear, preserved lemon, and white flowers, it pairs perfectly with the pork belly entrée, featuring fresh figs hand-picked from the estate. riverbankestate.com.au Nikola Estate

Jacaranda trees in full bloom set a stunning backdrop to Nikola Estate in November, while the Norfolk pine trees and beautifully landscaped gardens are breathtaking at any time of the year. Known for larger weddings, the estate’s new pavilion nestled within the vineyard is a spacious yet sheltered location to dance the night away and a fantastic vantage point for spectacular sunsets.

The estate is currently working on some special new options for those looking to tie the knot. A classic white chapel among the vineyards is underway, as well as a new restaurant for even finer food. Formerly Houghton Wines, Nikola Estate boasts the second oldest vines in Australia, so you can expect some fine wine from here, too. nikolaestate.com.au

Sittella

Perfectly picturesque, Sittella Winery can be found in the heart of the Swan Valley, with the Darling Range escarpment as a backdrop.

Exchange your vows under an elegant rotunda overlooking the dam before making your way to the restaurant for a glass of sparkling chenin and fine food.

The Mediterranean-style, earthrendered buildings capture the essence of modern Italy, where the sweeping view of the vineyards during golden hour is spectacular.

If you’re seeking a modest to medium guest list, Sittella is the ideal location. Seating up to 70 people inside and up to 150 in total when spilling out onto the timber decked verandah, its ambience is perfectly intimate. sittella.com.au The Olive Estate

Kick-off your shoes and make your wedding day just about you and your closest loved ones.

At The Olive Estate, you can keep things simple by combining your ceremony, reception, and accommodation in one charming location.

This beautiful, historic property is steeped in heritage, with the home of The Olive Tearooms once a simple cottage on the estate, dating back to 1927.

Suited to those with a bohemian spirit, think rural and barefoot with a natural wooden arbour set among the gum trees. theoliveestate.com

The Vines Resort

The Vines Resort is the complete package. Its experienced weddings team will make the process from ceremony to where you sleep seamless.

Sandalford Wines

Sandalford Wines’ Swan Valley estate is a staple when it comes to picking the location for your special day. Renowned as one of Western Australia’s oldest, largest, and most distinguished producers of premium wine, it knows how to pull off an impressive wedding.

Now open every Thursday evening by appointment for viewings of its multiple venues, its wedding showcase had more than 800 brides-to-be explore its exquisite options - giving you an idea of its acclaim.

Wedding coordinator Ella Fitzroy says smaller, more intimate weddings have become more popular with brides-to-be, although it still caters for large weddings of up to 400 guests in its iconic Estate Room.

“For intimate groups, our new Vintage Room is perfect,” Ella says.

“It’s located adjacent to our restaurant and cellar door and can be theme-set beautifully.”

Set inside, the Vintage Room is very chic, detailed with a contemporary chandelier dropping from the A-frame ceiling, sheer cream curtains and open views of the vineyard just a stone’s throw away. sandalford.com

SPOILT FOR

CHOICE Sittella (top), Sandalford’s Vintage Room (bottom) and Olive Estate (middle-right).

CHARMING The Olive Estate (left) Sandalford’s Estate Room (top right) and Nikola Estate (right) are exquisite spaces to celebrate the day.

With several spots to choose from to share your vows, the Garden Pavilion is the newest location and a popular choice.

Envision fresh white petals tossed in the air while surrounded by manicured lawns and gardens and views overlooking the landscaped golf course.

The reception rooms are varied in style to suit your tastes. From the intimate boardroom space extending out into the courtyard, to the extravagant Barrett Lennard room detailed with ceiling drapes or chandeliers.

Set in unspoiled bushland, from the Vines Resort at dusk you can watch the resident kangaroos bounce across the wide-open space. vines.com.au

Aintree Cottage

If you’re looking for something truly charming and with character, look no further than Aintree. This private, selfcontained cottage set among the gum trees dates to about 1910, so is brimming with heritage, making it a unique wedding destination.

While the cottage makes for a lovely sanctuary for the bridal party to relax (sleeps nine) and prepare for the big day, the venue itself allows for ample creative freedom when it comes to planning the ideal personalised wedding.

It’s DIY and BYO, with the opportunity for couples to select their own suppliers or choose an all-inclusive package. Regardless of your choice, being a small, family-run business, the Aintree team is hands-on when it comes to assisting couples with the big day.

The Stables and Rivergum Lawn are two unique spaces on-site where couples can choose to host both, or either, their ceremony and reception, while Kookaburra Hangout and Grapevine Pergola offer

alternative ceremony and reception spaces, respectively.

Being a rustic, red-brick barn-style space with a contemporary charm, The Stables is ideal for withstanding any weather conditions, and suits up to 80 for a sit-down wedding or 120 for a cocktail-style event. aintreecottage.com

Oakover Grounds

Lush green lawns, a lake surrounded by vines and a beautiful rustic charm is what you can expect from Oakover Grounds.

Exchange your vows on Oakover’s intimate island, the lakeside deck, or shaded paddock. Then make your way through its barn doors and celebrate the evening away in its industrial-style restaurant, with a feature wall of wine barrels. Alternatively, select the outside marquee for shelter with views overlooking the lawns and lake, or take it outside under the trees for the best vantage point to view the stars.

Functions manager Alison Faraone says the venue’s new Barrel Bar is another fun option, bringing the outside in.

“(Keep it) open in summer and closed in winter, overlooking the lake while the sun sets behind you,” she says.

“Mid this year we’ll be extending our deck space out over the lake so watch this space.” oakovergrounds.com.au

WEDDING BELLS Whether it’s something charming, rustic, or spectacular, the Valley knows weddings. Oakover Grounds (top), Aintree Cottage (bottom right) and Nikola Estate (bottom left).

Enquiries and bookings 0412 917 496 wagons@swanvalleywa.com

www.swanvalleywa.com

2931 West Swan Road, Caversham Ph: 0419 741 936 E: bookings@pastainthevalley.com.au www.pastainthevalley.com.au Online ordering available via our website

ENJOY YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY WITH US

Conveniently located 20km from Perth and Perth Hills, BIG4 Perth Midland Tourist Park is perched on the edge of the beautiful Swan Valley. Close to Chapel Farm & Sandalford Wines, and the famous Red Hill Auditorium. Our park is a popular choice for wedding guests, concert goers and holidaymakers exploring the region. Boasting a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, camp and caravan sites. Clean modern amenities with a recreation room loaded with free activities for the kids. We’ve got everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Contact our friendly staff today to secure your booking! Pet Friendly Sites I Pool/Spa I Kid Friendly Recreation Room I Peddle Karts for Hire

Phone: 1800 673 457

6 Toodyay Road, Middle Swan www.midlandtouristpark.com.au

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