It’s peaceful, off-the-beaten-track, beautiful, and the wedding can last longer than just one day – that’s why! In Australia, roughly 326 people tie the knot every day, and most of these weddings take place in specially designed reception centres. But if you’re more of an outdoors girl, an inner-city hall probably won’t cut it.

Country wedding venues are becoming more and more popular, as people start to embrace a simpler, more eco-friendly way of life. It’s also not uncommon for people to want to escape the rat race, even if it’s just for a weekend.

And with views like this, who could blame them?

Here, we look at how you can take the simple concept of a country wedding and turn it into something truly spectacular, with very little effort.

Less is More

The biggest benefit of getting married in the country is that you can keep the whole affair as laid-back as you like, but your guests will still be in absolute awe. Why spend months fretting over the tables, centrepieces and backdrops you need to transform your reception hall when you can just stand in front of a lake and call it a day?

Dress How You Like

Tradition dictates that women wear extravagant white gowns and men where a neatly pressed suit and tie on their wedding day. But, when you’re in the bush, all rules are thrown out the window and you can do what you like – without all the pressure!

Standard advice for brides is to make each part of your wedding an extension of the other. Your clothing should be no exception. If you’re having a casual, laid-back affair, something simple yet ethereal will look best. If your groom-to-be isn’t a big lover of suits, he can also have the freedom to wear something simpler and more comfortable. Plain white, open colour shirts are a popular option that always looks good, and when you’re trudging around in the grass all day, comfortable footwear is preferable to polished black shoes or a pair of nine-inch heels. 

Focus on Natural Décor

The beauty of the countryside is that it’s beautiful all by itself. If you don’t want to go all out with your décor, you don’t have to. However, if you do want to spice things up a bit, try to focus on natural elements, like fresh greenery and big native florals. Hanging centrepieces and simple table vases are all you need when you have the advantage of being surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Keep Your Bonbonnieres on Theme

Couples hand out bonbonnieres so their guests can take home a keepsake from your wedding, so it makes sense that the gift you hand-out should be a representation of your special day and the love you feel for your partner, friends and family.

In recent years, plants and succulents have become popular choices, as the plant grows alongside the blossoming new marriage – that, and they’re affordable and look great!

Work With a Photographer Who Thrives in the Great Outdoors

Different photographers have different skill sets, and not all them can capture the essence of your relationship, all of the picture-perfect elements of your day, and the beauty of the natural scenery.

Before selecting your photographer, meet with them face-to-face to make sure they’re someone you can envision spending a significant amount of time with on your big day, and always check out their portfolio.

Here at Cave Hill Creek, we’ve worked with a lot of photographers over the years. So, if you need help narrowing down your search, don’t be scared to ask us about the pool of photographers we regularly work with who know the site well.

Make it a Glamping Wedding

Your wedding celebration doesn’t have to end when your last guest calls it a night. A glamping wedding in the countryside is a great way to extend the celebration overnight and well into the next morning. Cave Hill Creek has accommodations for both the newlyweds and your closest family and friends, so you can bunker down on your wedding night and then pick up the celebrations the next morning.

For a beautiful wedding that’s everything you’ve ever dreamt of, you can’t look past tying the knot in country Victoria. Regardless of the time of year, Cave Hill Creek offers an idyllic setting for couples from all walks of life. Get in touch with our wedding team to learn more today.

The post 6 Tips for Throwing the Perfect Country Wedding appeared first on Cave Hill Creek.

Cave Hill Creek is one of Victoria’s most popular destination wedding venues, but just how much do you know about the suppliers that help bring each one of our special events to life?

In our supplier spotlight series, we’re going to speak with some of our premier wedding suppliers, to learn more about where the magic comes from. First up is one of our wine suppliers, Michael Unwin Wines!

We caught up with Sarah from their Cellar Door, to learn more about the winery’s rich history and mouth-watering varieties.

Can you please tell us a little about the winery’s history?

“Michael Unwin Wines is located in Beaufort, which is about 40km west of Ballarat, nestled between the Pyrenees and the Grampians. Michael Unwin learned the art of winemaking around the world with some of the most influential and forward-thinking winemakers of our time.”

“When it came time to settle down and create his own wines back in 2004, Michael built his winery at Beaufort. He chose Beaufort for his vineyard because it’s the geographical centre of one of the best viticultural areas in Western Victoria.”

What type of wine do you specialise in?

“The winery is well known for its consistently high-calibre wines across a broad range of styles and prices.”

Can you tell us a little bit about your winemaking process?

“Michael Unwin is the winemaker, and all of his wines are processed and bottled on-site from locally-grown grapes that are sourced directly from our vineyards.”

Can you tell us a little bit about your food tasting services?

“Tasting platters are available on Sundays by booking ahead on 5349 2021.
The winery has a fully functional kitchen on-site to cater for functions, but unfortunately, we don’t have a restaurant.”

What makes your winery stand-out against the other wineries in the area?

“Michael Unwin Wines is a small family-owned business run by Michael and his wife Catherine. Tastings at the Cellar Door are held around standing wine barrels where you can soak up the atmosphere of a working winery. Visitors to the winery are welcome to view any of our day-to-day winemaking activities, including vintage, barrel topping, bottling, labelling and etc.”

Are there any attractions located near you that you would recommend to visitors?

“Beaufort is the first town on the Western Highway heading out of Melbourne and is a great stop to grab gourmet coffee and food. Local markets are held on the first Saturday of each month, and there are a variety of shops to browse in the main street that offer food made from locally-grown produce.”

This is just a sneak peak into the world of wine at Michael Unwin Wines. To learn more about this beautiful country winery, visit their Cellar Door or talk to Cave Hill Creek about the delicious wine choices you have when celebrating your country wedding at our beautiful lakeside venue.

The post Wedding Supplier Spotlight: Michael Unwin Wines appeared first on Cave Hill Creek.

If you’re planning on tying the knot while Victoria’s countryside is in full bloom, but before the weather gets too hot, these spring wedding tips will help ensure your wedding is everything you’ve ever dreamt of.

Seasonal Flowers and Favours

Spring is the time to take advantage of seasonal blooms, like sweet peas, lilacs, hyacinths, tulips and peonies. These beautiful blooms will also look perfect when combined with an abundance of in-season stems and greenery.

​Spring Wedding Fashion

Complement a spring garden setting with a floral-embellished dress. Nature-inspired elements can add colour and whimsy to any bridal gown, while an A-line dress with floral add-ons on the bodice and waistline will look positively charming.

Light and airy sheer fabrics are also all the rage right now for spring weddings. Think chiffon, charmeuse and organza.

​Delightful Decorations

A vintage or country-inspired theme complemented by bright blossoms will look beautiful when combined with your beautiful destination wedding venue in Victoria. Lush garlands, pastel stationery and a touch of lemon leaves and seeded eucalyptus will add a fresh look to long feasting tables or aisles.
​
Cake

When choosing a cake for a spring wedding, opt for a flavour that summons the taste of spring, with in-season berries and fresh fruits. For instance, instead of a traditional buttercream filling, why not get a little creative and select a fresh strawberry puree, or a blackberry filling in a light and fluffy lemon cake?

But, if you’re a true chocolate lover and simply can’t resist serving up a decadently rich dessert, you can’t go wrong with a rich chocolate cake filled with a chocolate cherry ganache.

That’s the cake flavour sorted, but what about its design? A popular choice among spring brides is covering their frosted or naked/semi-naked cake with fresh blooms that match your bouquet, however, modern brides are also opting for hand-painted cakes with big blooms, or frosted cakes with petite sugar peonies or daisies.

A Fresh Yet Mouth-Watering Menu

Your cake isn’t the only feature at your wedding that will be tantalising your tastebuds; your menu will be too!

No spring wedding, especially an outdoor one that’s set amidst freshly cut grass and seasonal flowers, is complete without some signature fruity drinks and memorable dishes.

Your menu can set a light, festive mood at your wedding, especially when you pair tasty canapés with fruity cocktails and slow cooked meat with crispy salads.

At Cave Hill Creek, you can pair char-grilled vegetable and feta tarts with marinated baby mushrooms and pan-fried pork fillet with a sticky orange brandy glaze. Then, finish off the perfect dining experience with a sweet vanilla panna cotta and fresh berries or a fresh seasonal fruit and cheese platter. You can view our full menu selection, here!

A Venue in the Country

Selecting a country wedding venue in Victoria can seem like a difficult task, however, if you want to celebrate your nuptials in a picturesque rural setting, with perfectly laid-out undercover seating that’s set amongst native bushland and a calming lake, you can’t look past the beauty of Cave Hill Creek.

With enough space to comfortably accommodate 140 guests for a seated meal or up to 250 at a cocktail-style reception, your guests will be in awe of the stunning mountain views and the lush garden surrounds.

Before you start planning your dream wedding, talk to Cave Hill Creek about our destination weddings Melbourne.

The post How to Plan Your Dream Spring Wedding in Victoria appeared first on Cave Hill Creek.

Luckily, our functions coordinator here at Cave Hill Creek, Virginie Woolidge, has put together a list of must-ask questions that will help you establish whether the destination wedding venue you’re looking at is everything you’ve always dreamt of.

Essential Questions to Ask Potential Wedding Venues
By asking these questions, you’ll learn more about the venue and their policies, which will help you make one of the biggest wedding decisions you’ll be faced with – is this the venue for me?

What is your policy on BYO?
What are the check-in and check-out times?
How flexible is your menu selection?
Is it in-house catering only?
How many people does the venue sleep?
What’s included in your destination weddings package?

Before you book your Victorian wedding venue, make sure you know what they can and can’t accommodate. For instance, if you’re having a destination wedding and need a venue with enough accommodation for your guests, make sure the venue has enough rooms for everyone.

You should also find out about menu options (your guests will always remember what they ate at your wedding), what’s included in their wedding packages, and of course, the all important, what options there are for alcohol!

Extra Questions That Will Ensure Your Wedding Weekend Goes of Without a Hitch
If you think you’ve found the perfect spot to tie the knot, the following questions will help give you a better idea of how the wedding will come together as a whole.

Do you have any recommendations for wedding vendors?
What’s plan B if the weather isn’t any good?
What are the best spots for our photos?
Is the venue available for exclusive use?
What will the wedding coordinator look after, and what will we need to arrange ourselves?

Your wedding coordinator will be a huge help to you during the planning process, and they work with some incredible vendors every single day. To make sure you have the finest wedding professionals supplying your flowers, decorations, entertainment, and of course, your photography, ask your wedding coordinator if they have any suggestions. They’ll be familiar with the vendors that travel to country weddings, and will also know from first-hand experience which ones are reliable, and which ones could be a little flakier.

Talking to venue staff will also help you learn where the best spots are for wedding photography, and how much freedom you and your guests will have on the day.

When it comes to choosing a beautiful wedding venue in country Victoria for your destination wedding, you can’t look past the picturesque landscape, mouth-watering food, and beautiful, rustic accommodation at Cave Hill Creek.

Contact our functions team for more information on our wedding packages.

The post Looking for Your Dream Country Wedding Venue in Victoria? Ask These Questions! appeared first on Cave Hill Creek.

While these are definite benefits, there’s a plethora of reasons having a destination/weekend wedding is the ultimate way to celebrate your union.

“Destination weddings are a fantastic way to make a wedding stress free,” says Virginie Woolidge, the functions coordinator at Cave Hill Creek.

“The stress of turning up to your venue on the day without knowing if the venue staff have put together your dream wedding can ruin the day. As a wedding planner, I can say that enabling the bride and groom to set up or see the final set up before the big day is a major plus.”

A destination wedding will also allow you to spend more time with your family and friends, especially if they’re coming from interstate or overseas, or you just don’t get to see them as much as you would like. At a destination wedding, you’ll be less rushed and have plenty of time to catch up with everyone before and during the wedding.

Destination Weddings at Cave Hill Creek​
According to Virginie, roughly 90 per cent of Cave Hill Creek’s weddings are destination weddings, with most couples and guests choosing to stay two or three nights.

Couples are able to arrive/check in a day before the wedding to familiarise themselves with the surroundings and make sure everything is perfect and set up the venue exactly how they pictured it. Couples generally set up with their close friends and family and end the day with a barbecue or a nice meal and get into that relaxed mode everyone hopes to be in on their wedding,” she says.

At Cave Hill Creek, one of the biggest perks of a destination wedding is the peaceful location, stunning surrounds, and wildlife as the venue is located at the foot of the Mount Cole Forest Ranges.

“My favourite noises are the laughing kookaburras, but we’re also home to 60 plus other native bird species, kangaroos, echidnas, and trout in the lake. Plus, keep an eye out for platypuses, as Cave Hill Creek is on of the best places to spot a platypus in the wild,” Virginie says.

However, one of the biggest perks of a destination wedding at the picturesque Cave Hill Creek is that it has everything under one roof. With accommodation for 140, it’s a great spot for guests with interstate families to reunite and celebrate the weekend in style. There’s even varying levels of accommodation available.

“The exclusivity of our Glamping Village is also very attractive to guests who want to make the most of the bush experience, or they can stay in our Lake View rooms if they prefer a bit more comfort and warmth in the colder months,” Virginie says.

We also offer a range of activities like archery, canoes, lawn games, low and high ropes, and abseiling for the guests who feel a bit more adventurous. Our flexibility and dedication enables guests to feel at home for the entire weekend.”

If you want to celebrate your nuptials in one of Victoria’s most beautiful, native bushland settings, talk to the functions team at Cave Hill Creek today!

The post Why You Should Consider a Destination Wedding appeared first on Cave Hill Creek.

From 10.00am-4.00pm, you’ll be free to wander our expansive grounds, exploring everything we have on offer. Entry is free, and we will have plenty of our award-winning cuisine available for purchase on the day.

While we’re busy cooking up a storm to take your tastebuds on an adventure of their own, why not savour the tastes of the Blue Pyrenees Estate and Michael Unwin Wines with a premium drop of their handcrafted varieties, or enjoy a beer from Three Troupers Brewery, all while taking in the native bush surrounds.

The low ropes course and bouldering wall will be open to adventurers of all ages, and the whole family can head out on the river on one of our canoes. Intrepid explorers can join one of our guided walks, where you’ll traipse through Cave Hill Creek’s bushland to explore some of our favourite walking trails.

For those with wedding bells in the air, you’ll have a chance to meet with some of the industry’s most highly-acclaimed stylists and suppliers, and you’ll have the opportunity to talk to one of our detail-oriented wedding planners. There’s nothing more memorable than a destination wedding weekend, and when you come and visit our expansive grounds and view our beautiful wedding displays, you’ll find yourself falling in love all over again!

Our Open Day Program
Our open day program will cater to every age group, and will ensure the whole family has a blast!

All Day Activities (10.00am-4.00pm)

Outdoor Activities – Canoeing, Low Ropes Course, and Bouldering Wall
Wedding Display – Meet planners, stylists, and our recommended suppliers
Summer Camp Display – Talk to our friendly staff and learn everything there is to know about our fun-filled Summer Camps
Wine and Dine – Savour the best the region has to offer with coffee, refreshing beverages and delicious food options available for purchase in the outdoor pavilion

Scheduled Activities

11.00am – Welcome to Country
11.30am-12.30pm – Put your skills to the test on our Giant’s Ladder
1.00pm-2.00pm – Guided Walk
2.00pm-3.00pm – Crate Stack

With limited places available on our activities and spots filling up fast, be sure to register your spot on our Eventbrite page.

For more information, or for directions on how to find our award-winning venue, contact the team at Cave Hill creek today.

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