Bowral, located in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, is a picturesque town that offers a unique and charming vibe, making it an ideal destination for weddings. With a range of gardens, museums, and entertainment options, Bowral has become a popular wedding destination in recent years. In this article, we will explore the top wedding venues in Bowral and provide detailed descriptions, reviews, and pricing comparisons to help you plan your perfect day.
Criteria for selecting the top wedding venues in Bowral
When selecting the top wedding venues in Bowral, we considered several factors. These included the venue’s capacity, amenities, unique features, and reviews from past clients. We also considered the venue’s location, accessibility, and pricing packages offered. With these factors in mind, we have compiled a list of the top Bowral wedding venues that cater to a variety of wedding styles and preferences.
Top wedding venues in Bowral
The top wedding venues in Bowral include:
Growwild Wildflower Farm
Growwild Wildflower Farm offers several wedding venues, including a marquee overlooking 25 picturesque acres, a garden shed for intimate ceremonies and receptions, and a courtyard that can accommodate interactive catering with outdoor fire pits or modern hanging spits. Secret Valley is an outdoor ceremony and reception venue at Growwild Wildflower Farm, offering a peaceful and private wedding spot surrounded by natural beauty.
Briars Conservatory
Briars Conservatory is a romantic wedding venue on 15 rural acres of tranquil gardens near Bowral, offering all-inclusive wedding packages that include ceremony, photos, reception, furniture, set up, pack down, and catering. The Conservatory is a light-filled reception venue set next to a picturesque wedding gazebo overlooking the property’s lake, and the venue has hotel accommodation for 130 guests and an atmospheric Inn with private dining rooms ideal for pre and post-wedding events.
Peppers Craigieburn
Peppers Craigieburn is an elegant wedding venue at an historic estate in the heart of Bowral, featuring heritage listed stables, secret rose gardens, a restaurant, bar, and function room. Renowned for its rich old world grandeur, Peppers Craigieburn is the perfect spot for a formal Southern Highlands wedding with a relaxed atmosphere. Wedding packages start at $180 per person for receptions and there are 72 guest rooms onsite that feature balconies with scenic outlooks.
Fitzroy Inn
Fitzroy Inn is a historic colonial guesthouse and wedding venue on 5 acres of manicured gardens in the foothills of Mt Gibraltar. Wedding reception venues include an elegant garden marquee which seats 100 guests or caters for cocktail functions of up to 120. There’s boutique accommodation for 30 guests onsite and venue hire includes exclusive use of the whole property. The Conservatory at Fitzroy Inn is an all-weather reception venue located inside Oaklands House – the property’s historic colonial guesthouse. Up to 100 seated guests fit comfortably in the light-filled space or cocktail functions cater for up to 150. The surrounding gardens offer a plethora of wedding photo opportunities and ceremony sites include a weir, under an oak tree, or in the orchard. Two indoor ceremony venues provide a choice of wet weather options and the ceremony is included with all wedding bookings.
The Stables at Bendooley Estate
The Stables at Bendooley Estate is the newest reception venue on the farm-like property. The elegant room seats up to 220 wedding guests or caters for cocktail weddings of up to 250 and wedding packages include all food & beverage and basic table settings. The Stables features massive cathedral style glass windows, a centrepiece iron fire place, elegant wrought iron chandeliers, and rich exposed beams. Weddings in The Stables often have a country glamour style theme. Self-contained country cottages are available to hire onsite. The Book Barn at Bendooley Estate is the original reception venue, famed as the headquarters of Berkelouw Books. The space features a roaring fireplace and adjoining courtyard surrounded by the property’s elegant gardens.
Mali Brae Farm
Mali Brae Farm is a family-owned boutique wedding venue on a private 90-acre farm near Bowral, offering two reception venues: The Barn and Augustine’s Room. The Barn features elegant chandeliers, polished floors, and a grand central fireplace, while Augustine’s Room is a luxe-rustic micro wedding venue with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and epic views of the farm and surrounding countryside.
Hopewood House
Hopewood House offers a tailored experience for each wedding, with a premier reception venue featuring an upstairs grand dining room and terrace lounge.
Fairground Follies
Fairground Follies is a unique and themed venue that can host both intimate and extravagant weddings, with movable fairground attractions making the venue flexible and unique. Discounts are available through the week.
Hillview Heritage
Hillview Heritage is a historic countryside venue with breathtaking views of valleys, rivers, and sunsets. It offers 8 cottages on site that can be used for wedding spaces, and professional staff can help determine the best space for the wedding depending on guest numbers. Prices are available upon contact.
Reviews and testimonials from past clients
The wedding venues in Bowral have received glowing reviews from past clients. One couple who hosted their wedding at Mali Brae Farm wrote, “The staff at Mali Brae Farm went above and beyond to make our wedding day unforgettable. The venue is stunning, and the attention to detail was impeccable.” Similarly, a couple who hosted their wedding at Peppers Craigieburn wrote, “Our wedding at Peppers Craigieburn was everything we dreamed of and more. The staff were incredibly helpful and accommodating, and the venue was simply stunning.”
Comparison of pricing and packages offered by each venue
Each wedding venue in Bowral has its own unique offerings when it comes to pricing and packages. Wedding packages at Peppers Craigieburn start at $180 per person for receptions, while packages at Bendooley Estate include all food and beverage and basic table settings. Mali Brae Farm offers all-inclusive wedding packages that include ceremony, photos, reception, furniture, set up, pack down, and catering. It’s important to research each venue’s pricing and packages to find the best fit for your budget and preferences.
Tips for booking and planning a Bowral wedding
When booking and planning a Bowral wedding, there are several tips to keep in mind:
- Start planning early to ensure you secure your preferred wedding venue and vendors.
- Consider the season and weather when selecting a wedding date.
- Research local vendors for catering, photography, and other services.
- Take advantage of the beautiful surroundings and consider incorporating local flowers, produce, and other elements into your wedding decor.
- Work closely with your wedding venue staff to ensure your vision is brought to life on your special day.
Conclusion and final thoughts on Bowral wedding venues
Bowral is a beautiful and charming town that offers a range of stunning wedding venues. From historic colonial guesthouses to wildflower farms, there is a venue to suit every couple’s unique style and preferences