Hunter Valley Wedding Venues: My Ultimate Guide

The Hunter Valley is a gorgeous region of New South Wales well known as ‘wine country’. The central area for wine, Pokolbin is a beautiful location with rolling hills, vineyards and the brokenback ranges which make the perfect backdrop. Many of the wineries in the region also cater to weddings (for both wedding ceremonies and wedding receptions). With it’s close proximity to Sydney (2.5 hours), Newcastle (1 hour) and the Central Coast (1.5 hours) it really is a wonderful spot to plan to say ‘I do’.

The dramatic and beautiful landscape means that almost everywhere you go you will find breathtaking views . This means that every Hunter Valley wedding venue is special in it’s own unique way. You will always find a plethora of photo opportunities with the perfect backdrop which make for gorgeous wedding photos and a dream wedding location for your big day for you and your guests.

As an experienced wedding photographer, you will find on this page all the essential information you will need to make an informed decision. You’ll also receive insights on wedding day logistics, nearby locations for photos, and wedding vendor recommendations.

My Favourite Hunter Valley Wedding Venues

  1. Adams Peak Country Estate
  2. Wallalong House
  3. Margan Restaurant & Winery
  4. Stonehurst Cedar Creek
  5. Hunters Quarter
  6. Tocal Homestead
  7. Albion Farm Gardens
  8. The Woodhouse Wollombi
  9. Circa 1876 Restaurant The Convent
  10. Ironbark Hill (Enzo Weddings)
  11. Bimbadgen Palmers Lane Weddings & Functions Venue
  12. The Barrel Room and Chapel @ Peppers Creek
  13. Wandin
  14. Hanging Tree Wines
  15. Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort
  16. Mulla Villa
  17. Redleaf, Wollombi
  18. Kirkton Park
  19. Lynwood
  20. Stanley Park
  21. Ben Ean Estate
  22. Buttai Barn
  23. Glenmore Country Estate
  24. Squires Vineyard
  25. Spicers Vineyard Estate
  26. Estate Tuscany
  27. Hunter Valley Gardens
  28. Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley
  29. Lovedale Wedding Chapel
  30. Tinonee Vineyard Estate

About the Hunter Valley of NSW

How do we get there from Sydney?

The easiest way to get to the Hunter Valley from Sydney is to drive. The alternative is to fly to Newcastle or catch the train to Newcastle and then drive from there.

What are the best wedding venues in this region?

Adam’s Peak, Circa 1876, Mindaribba, Tocal Homestead, Wallalong House, Redleaf Wollombi and Stonehurst Cedar Creek are some of my favourite wedding venues in the Hunter Valley. All of the venues in the region vary in what they offer couples (in terms of wedding packages and options). Some venues suit smaller weddings and others can cater for much larger weddings. I always favour venues that can also do everything onsite. It’s always best to enquire with them directly to get the most up to date information.

What type of weddings are common in the Hunter Valley?

The valley suits intimate and relaxed weddings that make the most of the surroundings and country feel of the Hunter. Many couples decide to elope in the region, or have more laid back celebration with family and friends. It is the perfect setting for a destination wedding.

Who do you recommend as supporting wedding vendors?

I’ve worked with many lovely wedding vendors from the region, and others (like me) who travel. I am more than happy to recommend celebrants, florists, stylists, wedding planners, caterers and videographers who service the area.

What accommodation options are in the area?

There are a number of hotel, motel, B&B and Air BNB options situated throughout the Hunter Valley. The area is quite large, so it is worth exploring all of the accommodation options closest to your chosen wedding venue.

Hunter Valley Wedding Photos

Why I Recommend The Hunter Valley Weddings

I used to visit the Hunter Valley because I love my wine, well before I started photographing weddings. I fell even more in love with the region once I started shooting weddings and getting booked to travel there to document them. I love that there is a large variety of wedding venues who cater for weddings of all types. There is an abundance of good food and wine and each venue really works with you to make it a very special day.

I have had the pleasure of photographing in the Hunter Valley many times and each wedding has been special and intimate in their own ways. There are also many beautiful locations for bridal photos throughout the valley. I even know some special spots which are very private and have a unique view of the landscape.

The proximity to Sydney is a big plus in my mind for having a Hunter Valley wedding. It’s close enough to be out of town but also easy for guests to travel to. This is especially important if you have guests travelling from interstate or overseas. The services that support the wedding industry are also fantastic, meaning you will never be short a supplier or wedding venue not offering everything you could ever want.

Hunter Valley Wedding Tips

  • Most wedding venues have excellent wedding ceremony and reception venue options for weddings of all sizes. There are some amazing locations like the Hunter Valley Gardens where you can have a beautiful wedding ceremony (opting to have your reception elsewhere). I feel this is important to note as you can definitely plan a mixed location wedding if two different locations offer exactly what you are wanting.
  • Whilst I have listed many wedding venue options in this page, they do book out in advance. If you are considering getting married at a specific time of year, it is wise to enquire for the availability before setting your wedding date.
  • The best time of the day for wedding photography is as the sun starts to set. They call it the golden hour and I always like to schedule some time on your wedding day to make the most of this light.
  • Whilst there are many accommodation options in the area, things book out fast. Make sure you give yourself and your wedding guests enough time to get accommodation organised when you are considering your wedding date. This is especially important if you are planning a destination wedding! Locations such as
  • Consider a bus service to pickup and drop off your guests. It means they can enjoy the wedding reception and enjoy it responsibly.
  • I have shot a few weddings in the Hunter Valley where the dance floor was outside under the stars and it created the best atmosphere to party the night away.

Things To See and Do In The Area

I always say that one of the best parts about wedding planning is the experiences you get to have along the way. Whilst planning your perfect wedding in the Hunter Valley you may want to enjoy some of the following activities.

  • Wine Tasting – Enough said really, you are in one of the premium wine regions in Australia so definitely plan some tastings of some epic Hunter Valley wine.
  • Fine Dining – There are some amazing award-winning restaurants in the Hunter Valley and can be a great way to celebrate in the region whilst planning your wedding.
  • Live Music – For the past few years Hope Estate has been hosting some big names in the music world. Perhaps catch one of your favourite bands live whilst checking out wedding venues.

Similar Wedding Locations You Might Also Want to Consider

Hunter Valley is simply a spectacular location to get married in, but there are many regions in New South Wales that you may want to consider when planning your wedding. For example, there are some incredible locations in the Blue Mountains as well as nearby, in Newcastle.

Hi, I’m Jack!

If you are thinking of having a wedding at any of the above venues then I would love to chat to find out more about you and how we can work together.

I travel all over Australia and around the world to document beautiful weddings and it would be my honour to be involved in your wedding day.