10 Best Country Wedding Venues Near Melbourne

Finding the perfect country wedding venue for your special day can feel like a Herculean task, as there are so many destinations to choose from and without personally visiting every one it’s difficult to know when you’ve struck gold. Your first step should be to decide on the type of wedding that you want to have – will it be a large or intimate gathering? Are you after a pared-down shabby chic aesthetic or something with more of a stately country flare? Are you happy throwing some snags on the barbie for a picnic in the bush or will you require space for a fully-catered sit-down meal? Working out these details before you begin your search will help to narrow down your choices.

I’ve personally worked on countless country weddings, all of which were beautiful and special in their own ways; however, if pressed on my top ten country wedding venues close to Melbourne? Well, you’ll just have to read on to find out…

1. Butterland

If you’re looking for a quaint, homespun feel, Butterland (built in 1904) is an ideal place for a country wedding. There are tons of unique design aesthetics, including a red brick exterior, original, restored signs, and a post-industrial interior with high ceilings, hexagonal tiled walls, fireplaces, and huge windows – perfect for allowing in a soft natural light for stunning photographs. While the interior is sure to blow you away, the picturesque surrounding grounds are what makes Butterland such a special venue. Set among fragrant eucalyptus trees and a lush lawn area, your guests won’t know whether to stare at the scenery or the bride!

2. Butter Factory

Don’t let the word ‘factory’ throw you off – the Euroa Butter Factory is the perfect venue for a country wedding near Melbourne. The building itself is spacious enough to cater to both intimate and larger groups inside, or you can choose to take the celebration to the vast and verdant gardens outside. As an added bonus, the factory runs a boutique bed and breakfast with up to six rooms available to guests for overnight accomodation.

3. Churchill

Churchill is a spellbinding setting for a country wedding. Built in 1858, this beautiful country church with timber ceilings and stained-glass windows will give your wedding a truly classic feel. If you need a little extra help planning your big day, the team at Churchill are happy to assist you in putting together your dream wedding. With their expertise, you’ll be able to design a wedding that utilises the stunning two acres of natural grounds, as well as the luxurious interior of the church. The team are also available to help you design a perfect menu with seasonal flavors and floral arrangements – all locally sourced from Prunella.

4. Stones of the Yarra Valley

Want the ideal blend of nature and rusticity for your wedding? Stones of the Yarra Valley provides you with stunning views of oak trees and vineyards, along with the setting of a restored 1860s barn and chapel. The historic Stones Barn can accommodate up to 200 guests for an unforgettable event. For a smaller wedding, The Stables at Stones can hold between 40 and 60 guests. This venue even offers options for pre-wedding dinners or next-day celebrations at The Barn, The Stables, or The Warehouse at Meletos if you want to expand on your fête.

5. The Estate Trentham

For a wedding venue with pastoral charm, consider The Estate Trentham. The Barn is surrounded by a lovely orchard and harvest gardens and is suitable for a wedding of up to 60 people. It’s possible to do either a seated celebration or a stand-up cocktail event, so you can plan out which format best fits your needs. As a measure of the quality of this country venue – since opening in 2015, The Estate Trentham has been featured in publications such as Elle Decoration UK and Country Style Magazine Australia.

6. Sault, Daylesford

The Sault, Daylesford sits on a scenic 125 acres overlooking the Wombat State Forest. Its picturesque lake and fields of lavender will make a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos. There are a variety of packages to choose from, with accommodation for up to 110 guests. Another huge advantage to choosing Sault, Daylesford is the delicious regional and seasonal dishes available for your wedding menu.

7. Port Phillip Estate

For a touch of modernity, consider Port Phillip Estate. Its interesting stone architecture provides a unique setting for a romantic exchange of vows out on the deck, followed by an elegant sit-down celebration in the Dining Room. The more spacious Cellar Door is also available for cocktail receptions, where guests will be treated to spectacular food and wine in a classically elegant setting.

8. Convent Gallery Daylesford

Sitting on the crest of the Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens and overlooking Daylesford, the Convent offers a truly special setting for your wedding. There are a variety of choices for your ceremony: out on the beautiful six-acres of gardens, in the historic chapel (constructed in the 1860s), or in the glass conservatory. Function rooms include the St. Lawrence with seating for up to 60 guests or the St. Michaels with seating for up to 140. The Convent also offers a great after party option in their own ‘Altar Bar’, where guests can enjoy exotic cocktails and boutique wine while grooving until the early hours of the morning.

9. Tanglewood Estate

The Tanglewood Estate comprises of more than 50 gorgeous acres of bushland, grape vines, a country-style garden, and a heart-shaped dam complete with a timber deck and jetty (perfect for romantic sunset shots of the newlyweds). With a rustic barn, winery, studio and chapel, there are several locations where your special event could take place. Perhaps the most exceptional of which is the 110-year old chapel with seating for up to 90 people. Larger parties (of up to 130 people) can take over the newly-renovated winery for the ceremony and reception.

10. Emu Bottom Homestead

First built in 1836, this exclusive historic setting will leave guests feeling as if they’ve stepped back in time – while still retaining all the modern conveniences you need for the perfect wedding. The Emu Bottom Homestead can provide a traditional sit-down reception (with between 80-140 guests) where your guests can dine on fresh, regional, and seasonal Australian cuisine or a standing cocktail event (that can seat up to 250 guests). Outdoor celebrations are also available on The Homestead Lawns if you want to make the most out of a sunkissed afternoon.

There are plenty of great options for country wedding venues close to Melbourne – start your search with my top ten picks and begin planning the wedding of your dreams!