The Best of the Best Wedding Venues for 2023

With over 10 years of Wedding Photography in the Hunter Valley, Gez Xavier Mansfield Photography gives his insights to which venues are his ‘pick of the bunch’ – and why Winter Weddings are fast becoming a 2023 bridal trend!

Enzo

Run by a team with over 25+ years of bridal experience and centrally located in the heart of the Hunter Valley, Enzo is a very popular wedding venue for all types of couples throughout all seasons of the year. A constant standout wedding venue known for their attention to detail, amazing tasting food and gorgeous surrounds for couples looking to impress their guests while at the same time can enjoy being in the moment.
The Chapel would be the most popular spot to get married in at this venue, but I’ve been lucky enough to also capture some smaller weddings out on the lawns in early Spring. If you’re also looking for on-site accomdation for your family and guests, this venue has it all from a brial estate home, to seperate cabins, and to their new addition, Enzo Cottage – just a stones throw from the venue.

This venue continues to delivery amazing results, ticking so many boxes that couples are looking for. Highly recommended.

Bimbadgen, Palmers Lane

Hands down, Bimbadgen Palmers Lane has some of the best open spaces for that dreamy sunset, wedding photo session. I’m speaking from experience. If you book this venue, expect to walk in fields of gold at the end of your day with as the sun kisses the top of the Broke Mountain range in the distance. Another up to date modern wedding venue that can utilise both it’s indoor and outdoor wedding facilities, allowing couples to relax when the weather isn’t on it’s best behaviour.
Multiple locations also in choosing where to get married is the hardest thing about Palmers Lane – but that’s a good thing! Choose from the Lakeside to the Back Paddock, the new undercover gazebo or their most popular site, the Top Morton Bay Fig Field.
If you love golden sunsets, festoon lit dinners and big, late night dance floor sessions… def check these guys out.
Oh, and their wine is pretty special too.

Wallalong House

Estate weddings, eat your heart out. Being a frequent visitor here over the years has allowed me to see this beauty in all different types of light – and I still can’t fault it. If you love the idea of a private, grand old home, epic views, lawn games, summer fun and that luxury open aired teepee feel… bingo! You’ve nailed it here. 
Wallalong House is a super chilled player in the Hunter Valley wedding scene.  Within 5 mins of pulling up, you’ll be surrounded by manicured lawns, fresh air and giant federation styled features that make amazing backdrops for wedding parties no matter what size. To top this off, their reception teepee is shear class, offering many different configurations as to how you want your wedding evening to play out. 
Don’t be fooled. This mighty tent has chalked up some of the raddest parties I’ve seen so far. Hot tip – if you’re looking to book here in winter, make sure you have a stoked bar and a knitted throw for Granny. Come to think of it, maybe that’s the key to a lit dancefloor?

Cabins in the Clouds

Just as their name suggust – this amazing venue needs to be lived to be experienced. Elopement couples – get ready to kick back with a bottle of bubbles while over looking the Vacy Valley from your very on spa bath at this stunning hidden gem, tucked far far up above the world below. A privately owned and run resort that puts their couples first in a very relaxed setting. And small, intimate elopements are their speciality. Cabins in the Clouds also has a highly respected team of wedding creatives ready to look after beautiful couples with onsite hair and make up, florals, celebrant, photographer and joint videography too name just a few. 
By taking the morning to get ready in seperate (or the same cabin…) come ceremony you’ll be overlooking the Valley below with you selected guests – the perfect start to your new adventure together!
The property also offers organic, natural bush settings too, with tons of wild to see while your photographer takes you both to some magical quiet spots to let your wedding all sink in. And if you’re adventure loving foodies… why not get picked up at their Heli pad for a site seeing trip over the Hunter Valley to your favourite restaurant. Hot tip – we suggest Bistro Molines.

Tocal Homstead 

Country styled weddings with acres of space to roam. Many couples (and their guests) pinch themselves when arriving through the gates to this epic wedding location. With the options of the Homestead Garden or the Barn for choice in placing your arbour, Tocal Homestead weddings really offer up many opportunities for amazing photos on the day. And to top it off, their reception barn creates a comfy, warm, dreamy space for guests to mingle and share memories. A standout of this venue is the exclusive access to the back paddocks and dams not visible from the Homestead. That perfect mix of old relic buildings and county light make this venue another super stand out wedding spot for 2023. Lastly, if you love horses – be sure to look out for their gorgeous, barrel-chested Clydesdales roaming the fields.

This is just a few venues I’m so lucky to work at here in the Hunter Valley, and if you manage to visit them you’ll see why. It’s always great to visit the venue at the time of the year you’re both looking to get married, giving you a great idea on how these venues best meet their couples. Bring on 2023