EVERYTHING FOR THE PERFECT WEDDING

Whether you’re imagining an intimate event tucked away from the maddening crowds or a large gala celebration. The Hunter Valley can confidently meet all of your expectations - no matter your tastes.

Just like a Hunter Valley Shiraz our venues and service providers get better with age and experience.  Discover what this “valley of romance” can offer you.

• Venue. Distinctive venues to hold your ceremony and reception — from rustic to chic,  simplistic to fancy — the ambience is uniquely ‘Hunter Valley’.
• Formal Attire. From couture to ready-made, even hire — we can help.
• Photographer/Videographer. A picture tells a thousand words so start your story together with one of our many award winning photographers or videographers.
• Celebrant/Ceremony. Universally unique — our celebrants craft ceremonies that are ideal just for you.  Also perfect for those choosing to elope!
• Hair/Beauty. From top to toe, in the Hunter Valley, it’s all about you — both inside and outside.
• Entertainment. Strings to saxophone, DJ to big band — it won’t take long for our local talent to get those toes tapping.
• Themeing. If you have a theme in mind for your wedding or reception — we have the décor and props — the limit is your imagination.
• Car Hire/Transport Options. In the Hunter Valley it’s all about the journey, not just the destination. That’s why there are so many transport options from which to choose — by land or by air.
• Accommodation. Your family & friends will be spoilt for choice when it comes to places to stay. A country homestead, a string of cabins or 5-star luxury — just a snippet of the many options available.
• Honeymoon. Start your life together by honeymooning in the Hunter Valley. Tuck yourself away in a secluded cottage; enjoy the opulence of five-star, chill out amongst the vineyards or get active with one of the many activities on offer.

SEASONS OF THE HUNTER VALLEY

Serene beauty, breathtaking views… there’s no setting more romantic to begin your married life than the spectacular Hunter Valley.

Whether it’s in autumn, winter, spring or summer the Hunter Valley is the ideal wedding destination all year round. Each season provides a truly unique and unforgettable experience:

• Autumn (March to May) as the summer rolls on and autumn days draw closer, many of the vine leaves turn a warm orange-red hue and start dropping off the vines. Autumn is the time to celebrate nature’s bounty and the year’s harvest. Truly a photographer’s delight.
• Winter (June to August) is a beautiful time of the year in the Hunter Valley, with clear blue skies and mild temperatures during the day with cozy fireplaces and romantic evenings. There is just something about a winter wedding that warms the heart and ignites the passion.
• Spring (September to November) sees the vines springing to life with delicate light green foliage along with the hills and pastures becoming lush and green. The region becomes transformed into a picturesque setting for a spectacular spring wedding.
• Summer (December to February) is Harvest time in the Hunter Valley and is the most vibrant and exciting time of year. Warm days see both grapes and guests alike cooled by intermittent thunderstorms and cool Ocean breezes.  Warm summer days provide a perfect backdrop for that special occasion with amazing star filled evenings.

THE WINE & FOOD MARRIAGE

With the Hunter Valley being the chosen location for the celebration of your marriage you are more than likely thinking “how do I match the wedding menu with the renowned and award winning Hunter Valley Wines”.

Well we are here to help. We have prepared some handy tips to make the decision with ease.

• Firstly, prepare yourself for a lot of swirling, sniffing and spitting as you are not going to simply base your decision on the tasting notes and recommendation of others.
• Speak to the cellar door staff at the winery in which you are wishing to purchase your wine. They will be more than happy to provide their expertise in helping you select the perfect wines to accompany your menu.
• It is all about the balance. Ask yourself “Can you taste the wine when you sip it?  Can you taste the food when you have a bite?” If yes, to both then this is great - you have got a perfectly match food and wine combination. However, if there is a dominate taste that remains then it possibly not the right match.
• Another easy way to match the wine with the food (without getting all technical), is to compare weights and bodies. This is where following  the trusted “red wine goes with red meat and white wine goes with white meat” rule comes into play.
• Considering the season that you are getting married in is important too, as it will influence your decision. For example, in late spring and summer you will possibly need more sparkling and white wines as it tends to be drunk like water when it hot.  It is also possibly a good idea to ensure that there is plenty of soft drink and water available too.
• Most importantly, remember that when it comes to the marriage of wine and food there are no rules - it is all personal preference.

If you are given the opportunity to select your own wines, enjoy the experience. At the end of the day, no matter what wine you serve at the wedding reception the vast majority of your guests will be happy with what they are offered.

HENS DAYS - HUNTER VALLEY STYLE

For many brides the idea of a hen's days conjures up visions of male strippers, whipped cream, screaming women, handcuffs and excessive drinks. For some, this is often the main reason why people put off having a hens day. However, with a little planning and imagination, it does not need to be such an embarrassing and tasteless affair.

These days, brides are breaking with tradition and turning the night into a wonderful experience to be shared with their closest friends and family.

Here are our top 5 reasons why the Hunter Valley is the perfect location for an indulgent and relaxing hen’s celebration.

• Full or Half day wine tasting tours. Experience the Hunter Valley in style, be guided around by some the most knowledge individuals in the area and sample the finest wines is the region. Whether it’s a group of 5 in a private chauffer driven car or 30 ladies in a mini coach everyone is guaranteed to have an enjoyable and memorable time.
• Rejuvenation. With so several destinations day spas in the Hunter Valley, brides and hens alike are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the perfect location for the ultimate pampering and holistic approach to the mind and body.
• Retail Therapy. Even though the Hunter Valley is a picturesque wine making region, there is no escaping a bit of retail therapy. Forget large crowds, forget store upon store, the Hunter Valley offers a small, quaint and boutique retail experience. With many treasures waiting to be discovered.
• Gourmet Farm-Gate Produce. Olives, olive oils, tapenades, jams, chocolate, cheese, coffee, beer and smokehouse goods all await… just waiting for you to sample them!
• Much more than a one night stand. The Hunter Valley offers a wide range of accommodation options as distinctive and as varied as the wines produced. From rustic, elegant cottages or pure indulgence of a luxury 5-star hotel or resort the Hunter Valley offers many options for brides and hen’s alike to rest after a big day.