Plan an Unforgettable Wollombi Wedding
Plan an Unforgettable Wollombi Wedding
Wollombi is a small, historic village regarded by many as the gateway to the picturesque Hunter Valley wine region. Only a two-hour drive north of Sydney, the village is steeped in colonial and Aboriginal history, and is surrounded by the Yengo and Watagans National Parks. Whether you’re planning a church wedding, a garden wedding, or a ceremony in a vineyard, the peaceful area offers many locations for couples looking for a memorable Wollombi wedding setting.
Church weddings
St. John’s Anglican Church was designed by famous architect Edmund Thomas Blacket and was built around 1849. This historic church features intricately-crafted stained glass windows behind the altar and on either side of the nave. Antique brass lamps hang above the aisle, casting a gentle glow over the original cedar pews. The church is equipped with a 150-year-old pipe organ that is used regularly for weddings and Sunday worship.
The Church of Saint Michael is a small sandstone church built around 1840, which has been restored to showcase its original beauty. St Michael’s seats 80 guests, making it the ideal church for smaller weddings and intimate gatherings. This church has a traditional organ, and a sound system for more contemporary musical choices. St Michael’s welcomes all denominations and civil marriage ceremonies.
Civil ceremonies
If getting married in a church isn’t your style, you’re spoilt for fabulous location choices in and around Wollombi. Romantic vineyards, lush gardens, tranquil waterways, stunning bush backdrops and even the down-to-earth hospitality of a genuine country farm are just a few of the unique wedding settings the area has to offer. Many of the locations have reception venues close by, and with transportation around the valley easily found, getting your bridal party and guests to your reception won’t be a problem.
Local attractions
If the majority of your guests are city dwellers, your wedding celebration may be the perfect opportunity for them to extend their stay in the country and indulge in a little rest and relaxation.
It’s very easy to fill many contented hours while exploring the rich history of Wollombi. Well-preserved Aboriginal engravings and tribal markings can be viewed in caves and outcrops in the surrounding countryside. If your interest lies in historic architecture, the Wollombi Village Historical Walk will take you past many historically significant buildings, including the Endeavour Museum.
For the creative minded, the Cultural Centre in the heart of the village has regular art exhibitions, and an annual art show can be viewed at the Laguna School each September.
For nature lovers, the area has something for everyone. The National Parks offer a range of bush walks with varying degrees of difficulty and distance. Or simply enjoy watching the many species of birds and animals that are especially active in the area at dusk and dawn.
Of course, no trip to the region would be complete without exploring the Wollombi Valley Wine Trail. The majority of the vineyards are small, family owned operations; some have been producing wine since the 1850s. Often the grapes are hand picked and hand processed to produce the fine wines the valley is famous for.
With celebrants, caterers, photographers, florists and musicians available locally, and plenty of elegant guesthouses and quaint bed and breakfasts for your guests to enjoy, planning your Wollombi wedding will be a pleasure. You may even decide to stay for your honeymoon!