The Murray – Wedding Venues
Image: Immerse Photography
The Murray, Australia’s longest river, is dotted with breath taking wedding venues. This iconic Australian region is abundant with natural wonders and plenty of country charm, making it the perfect place for relaxation and romance.
Image: Tony Evans Photo
WHY YOU SHOULD GET MARRIED ON THE MURRAY
Many of the venues located along The Murray ‘have it all’, offering locations for both a ceremony and reception, with some even offering the convenience of accommodation. Wedding venues in The Murray River region are anywhere from a three to six hour drive north of Melbourne, which makes them the perfect places for a weekend wedding getaway. Treat yourselves and your nearest and dearest to a weekend of amazing local wines and food, or kick back a relax with wow-factor waterfront views.
Image: Sheree Dubois Photography
A MURRAY RIVER VENUE TO SUIT ANY THEME
The Murray has a venue to grant every bride and groom their weddings wishes; from wineries and riverside resorts, to gardens and historic buildings. Contrary to popular belief, these venues are not restricted to rustic country style. All kinds of wonderful wedding vibes can be executed in venues throughout this region; everything from a bohemian chic celebration to a Mexican fiesta!
Image: Georgie James Photography
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING AT WEDDING VENUES IN THE MURRAY
Although there aren’t many con’s when deciding to get married along The Murray, there are a few things to take into account before committing to a venue in this region.
Weather
Being situated in northern Victoria means the weather in this region can typically be a little warmer than areas such as Melbourne, particularly throughout Spring and Summer. As you would with any outdoor ceremony and reception, ensure you have a contingency plan in place, in case it’s a scorcher, or the heavens decide open.
Travel
Venues along the Murray River region are approximately a three to six hour drive from Melbourne, depending on where along river you plan to get married. If your guests are not local to the area, it’s likely they will drive and stay the night, so ensure that clear directions are provided so that everyone arrives safely and on time. You could also consider hiring a bus to transport everyone there.
Accommodation
Fortunately, many of The Murray’s wedding venues offer accommodation nearby, if not on site. You may need to speak to the venue’s staff in advance about how many guests you expect to be staying, to ensure there is ample accommodation available. If there is no accommodation on site, it’s always great to do a bit of research so you can provide your guests with recommendations on places to stay that are close to the wedding venue.
Booking Early
Like many other regions in Victoria, The Murray is a hotspot for wedding venues. Some venues have wait lists for bookings in 2020! Get in early to avoid missing out on your dream wedding venue.
Image: Bower Co Photography
THE CREAM OF THE CROP IN VENUES IN THE MURRAY
Here’s Ivory Tribe’s recommendations when it comes to the best wedding venues in the magical Murray.
Rustic elegance at its best.
From: Cost is dependant on what time of year you are wanting to get married and also if you are wanting the venue exclusively
Size of venue: Sit Down – 140, Cocktail – 300. (Larger groups can be accommodated for, however additional furniture and catering items need to be hired.)
Indoor or outdoor: Indoor and outdoor ceremony locations are available
Distance from Melbourne: 2hrs 30min
Located in the heart of Echuca, The Mill is the epitome of rustic elegance. This stunning historic building is adorned with stunning chandeliers and features exposed brick and copper details. From a styling perspective, little is needed to make this space spectacular. The Mills experienced event manager and staff will work with you to make sure every detail is taken care of, ensuring your day is fun and stress free.
Luxe waterfront wedding.
From: $140 to $190 per head for all-inclusive catering and beverage. No venue hire fee/minimum spend
Size of venue: Up to 250 guests
Indoor or outdoor: Indoor and outdoor ceremony locations are available
Distance from Melbourne: 2hrs 45min
Tindarra Resort is the ideal venue if you’re dreaming of a waterfront wedding. This luxurious resort offers absolute river frontage for your ceremony and reception. Exclusivity allows you to turn your wedding day, into your wedding weekend. The resorts onsite accommodation makes it the perfect getaway destination. Upon booking, couples receive the added service of their own Wedding Planner, to assist them throughout the planning process and ensure everything run smoothly on the day.
Rustic riverside glory.
From: The Packing Shed – $2200 venue hire. Packages start at $66 per head.
Size of venue: Sit down – 250 guests, Cocktail – 300
Indoor or outdoor: Indoor and outdoor ceremony locations are available
Distance from Melbourne: 3hrs 4min
Perritcoota Station is one of The Murray’s grandest wedding venues. Utilise the manicured lawns of the Pericoota homestead or a stunning riverside location with full Murray river frontage to say “I do”. The Packing Shed Restaurant, in all it’s rustic industrial glory, is situated right on the river’s edge and is ideal for large guest numbers.
Breathtaking waterfront brilliance.
TRENTHAM ESTATE – TRENTHAM CLIFFS
From: $1000 for venue hire. Total price dependent on meal packages, beverage package and marquee hire (if required).
Size of venue: Up to 190 guests.
Indoor or outdoor: Indoor and outdoor ceremony locations are available.
Distance from Melbourne: 5hrs 57min
If breathtaking waterfront view isn’t enough to make you fall in love with Trentham Estate, their award-winning wines and delicious menu will! Host your reception in the estate’s restaurant, or take advantage of their stunning riverside marquee. If you are one for making an entrance, you can even arrive and depart the venue by boat!
Quirky and cool.
From: $4500, plus cost per head
Size of venue: Up to 100 guests.
Indoor or outdoor: Outdoor, with undercover courtyard area available
Distance from Melbourne: 2hrs 48min
Image: Immerse Photography
For left of field lovers looking for something a little bit different for their wedding day, Cactus Country is as cool as wedding venues come. This quirky venue is ideal for picturesque ceremonies and receptions, set upon an impressive cactus garden. With a delicious Spanish inspired menu, this location would make for a fabulous and fancy fiesta.
Historical winery wow.
From: $10,000
Size of venue: Up to 260
Indoor or outdoor: Outdoor, with indoor area available in instances of inclement weather
Distance from Melbourne: 3hrs
Image: Stefani Driscoll Photography
There is so much to love about Buller Wines; boutique craft beers, award winning wines, the region’s best produce and friendly service that is second to none. Ripe at Buller Wines is ideal for receptions and boasts an uninterrupted view of the iconic 100 year old Calliope Vineyard. Photo opportunities are abundant at this historic winery with it’s vineyard views, manicured lawns, beautiful aged gums, barrel room and the gorgeous underground cellar.
Unforgettable wedding experience.
From: Dependent on time of year and day
Size of venue: Up to 350 guests
Indoor or outdoor: Indoor and outdoor ceremony locations are available
Distance from Melbourne: 3hrs 10min
Image: Sarah Godenzi Photography
All Saints Estate is what garden party dreams are made of. Fit for a King and Queen, this heritage listed castle offer numerous locations to tie the knot. It’s tree lined driveway, panoramic vineyard views and manicured gardens made it the perfect place for a romantic destination wedding. The Terrace, the estate’s one hat restaurant, will be sure to impress your guests with their mind-blowing menu and fine wines.
Old world charm.
ST LEONARDS VINEYARD – WAHGUNYAH
From: Dependent on time of year and day
Size of venue: Up to 150 guests
Indoor or outdoor: Indoor and outdoor ceremony locations are available
Distance from Melbourne: 3hrs 10min
Image: Georgie James Photography
St Leonards Vineyard oozes old world charm and romantic country ambience. Set on the banks of The Murray River, the estate is dotted with numerous locations to say “I do”, making it versatile enough to suit the style of any couple. St Leonards impressive wedding packages will make planning your special day a breeze, and the experience wedding and events team are there to ensure you get hitched without a hitch!
Blank canvas beauty.
MOUNT OPHIR ESTATE – RUTHERGLEN
From: Dependent on time of year and day
Size of venue: Up to 600 guests
Indoor or outdoor: Indoor and outdoor ceremony locations are available
Distance from Melbourne: 3hrs 8min
Image: Georgie James Photography
Mount Ophir, a sister to All Saints Estate and St Leonards Vineyard, is a magical wedding destination. This enchanting estate offers multiple indoor and outdoor ceremony locations, with picturesque, 360 degree views of The Murray Darling Basin and Snowy Mountains. Although historic, the estate is blank canvas for brides and grooms to bring their own style and personality to the venue. Mount Ophir’s experienced event staff are dedicated to bringing your fairy-tale wedding to life. Accommodation is also ample for your guests to enjoy a unique and luxurious stay.
Magical Murray setting.
From: $10,000 on Saturday’s during peak season only. No minimum on any other dates
Size of venue: 40 to 350 guests
Indoor or outdoor: Indoor
Distance from Melbourne: 2hrs 40min
Radcliffe’s fully enclosed Conservatory Garden is one of the region’s most unique and beautiful reception venues. The lush green canopy and twinkling fairy lights throughout the vines create a truly romantic ambience like no other. The Conservatory Garden contains a private bar, dance floor, private access for you and your guests plus air-conditioning and heating. Radcliff’s highly qualified staff will meet with you to tailor a reception package that suits your individual needs and style.
Stunning vistas and vineyard vibes.
From: $600 plus cost per head
Size of venue: Up to 250 guests
Indoor or outdoor: Indoor and outdoor ceremony locations are available
Distance from Melbourne: 5hrs 47min
As a family owned and operated venue, you know your day will be coordinated with love, care and attention to detail at Willow & Ivie. This standout wedding venue, located a few minutes’ drive out of Mildura, is set amidst six acres of manicured gardens. It offers multiple settings for the perfect ceremony and reception; The Chapel, The Gardens, as well as its two namesake indoor function areas, ‘Willow’ and ‘Ivie’. The stunning vista of surrounding vineyards and the timelessly styled features and amenities make Willow & Ivie a wow-factor wedding venue with the versatility to suit the style of any couple.
All-in-one natural beauty.
From: Prices based on 100 guests minimum, cost per head.
Size: 100 to 500 guests
Indoor or outdoor: Indoor and outdoor ceremony locations are available
Distance from Melbourne: 2hrs 45min
Image: Tamara Cadd Photography
Dungula Event Centre, conveniently located within Moama on Murray Resort, is a blank canvas for couples looking to make the venue their own. Floor to ceiling glass brings the beauty of the surrounding natural bush and lakeside setting indoors. The team and Dungula can cater to your every need, large or small, and are there to make your day personalised, stress free and a whole lot of fun! With onsite accommodation, Dungula needs to be on your shortlist if you’re looking for an ‘all in one’ wedding destination.
Image: Tony Evans Photo
Victoria is lucky to boast an abundance of wedding venues that will truly wow you and your guests. For the lowdown on all our favourites across the state, head here.
Interested in having your venue featured on Ivory Tribe’s favourite wedding venues in Victoria? Shoot an email to [email protected] and we will be in touch!
