There is something so beautiful and magical about a rustic-styled wedding. Whether that’s a wooden barn to say your vows in or clusters of flower bouquets with an abundance of organic shapes and textures. Rustic-themed weddings have many elements of nature incorporated within them. When I think of a rustic wedding, I immediately think of the countryside. Add in some fairy lights, a little bit of lace and sometimes, even some friendly farm animals to snap a photo with, and you’ve got the core elements for a rustic wedding! I’ve had the privilege to work at many extraordinary wedding venues around Victoria and today, I’ve compiled a list of my 8-favourite rustic wedding venues! If you think a rustic-themed venue holds the key to your heart, then please do keep reading below.

1. Barn Events at Homestead Park

Picture this: rolling hills of Victorian countryside, a federation homestead and a spacious barn that exudes charm. If this is starting to sound like a perfect venue, it’s because it’s pretty darn close! Located just 50-minutes south-east of Melbourne, Homestead Park has an array of options for ceremonies, reception areas as well as picturesque locations for your couple photos. From the olive grove to the stables to the manicured gardens, Homestead Park has something special to offer for everyone. Beautiful sunsets can be captured at dusk, and the venue is even pet-friendly! This means that your furry friends, of all shapes and sizes (horses included!), can be in attendance on your big day.

2. Under the Moon Elopements

A hidden gem nestled on the outskirts of Baw Baw national park, Under the Moon Elopements is a glorious combination of mountain ranges, expansive bushland and cosy wooden cabins. Do you love this venue already? Because I know I’m sold! And not only is this location absolutely oozing with charm, but the team at Under the Moon can plan your wedding from start to finish. Completely bringing your vision to life! From food to furniture, down to the dinnerware and props, everything is covered within their wedding packages. If you’re after a close, intimate wedding (with a maximum of 80-guests) then I encourage you to look further into Under the Moon for your special day!

3. Rusty Gate Weddings

Rusty Gate Weddings, in my opinion, have the very best of both worlds! Not only is this incredible venue located within a functioning olive grove, but it also has stunning views of Port Phillip Bay. A perfect combination of picturesque gardens with an expansive water view! There are many options for your ceremony, from the formal lawn that can comfortably sit up to 150 guests or more private locations throughout the property for a more secluded feel, but still with those breathtaking views! Rusty Gate Weddings also cater for marquee receptions and offer beautiful packages to ensure your reception is a celebration to remember! Walking through the grounds at sunset will ensure your couple’s photos are a beautiful representation of your special day!

4. The Burrow

Nestled amidst open skies and ancient gum trees, The Burrow is only a short journey out of Daylesford and is located in the Wombat State Park. Boasting a very generous venue space that can seat up to 170 guests comfortably, The Barn has all the elements a rustic-dreamer could hope for! Exposed beams and cathedral-style ceilings as well as a stone fireplace to cozy up to in the cooler months. There is also a beautiful verandah that is the perfect spot for post-celebration drinks whilst you take in the surrounding views! From a courtyard surrounded by bushland to a grass clearing amidst the trees, there are so many options available for your ceremony and an abundance of picturesque locations for your photographs!

5. The Farm: Yarra Valley

Tucked away on over 100 acres, The Farm Yarra Valley is a picturesque venue that has a lot to offer! From its spacious timber verandah overlooking a classical fountain and gardens (which truly come alive at night with an abundance of fairy lights!) to the sprawling vineyard which can be a beautiful backdrop for your couple photos. And that’s not even the best part! Personally, my favourite aspect of this elegant venue is the incredible wooden barn that you can hold your ceremony in front of. Pebble paths, large oak trees and endless, rolling countryside are just a few elements of what make this venue perfect for any rustic wedding!

6. Dromana Estate

Amongst green hills and rows of idyllic vineyards, Dromana Estate is the self-proclaimed “heart of the Mornington Peninsula,” and they’re not wrong! With beautiful blooming gardens in the warmer months and a heritage-listed homestead dating way back to the early 1900s, Dromana Estate has many dreamy locations for your wedding and ensures to be a glorious backdrop for every photograph opportunity! How does a sun-soaked ceremony beside a 100-year-old elm tree sound? Pretty magical, right? Or if you’re after something indoors, perhaps The Stables has that rustic vibe you’re after with the exposed beams and heated floors! Dromana Estate boasts both country charm and effortless elegance with its incredible views and award-winning wine! It’s definitely not a venue that you want to sleep on!

7. Log Cabin Ranch

Situated close to the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley, Log Cabin Ranch ticks all the boxes for your dream rustic wedding! The property was originally established in 1978 as a children’s riding school, so you can imagine the charm that oozes from this venue! Whether you’re after an indoor ceremony or an outdoor setting to say your “I dos,” Log Cabin Ranch has several ceremony locations to explore. The Barn is ideal for an indoor seated reception or post-celebratory drinks or you could even set up games or a marquee out on the lawn! With over 10 acres to wander through, there is ample opportunity to find the perfect setting for your photographs. Log Cabin Ranch has on-site accommodation (up to 70 guests) with the unique ability to book out this venue for the entire weekend, so you can keep the celebration going with friends and family! How amazing is that?!

8. Emu Bottom Homestead

Situated in Sunbury, Emu Bottom is a stunning historic homestead which has the oldest existing farmhouse in Victoria. Built in 1836, it is truly a stunning venue that is surrounded by ancient gum trees and amazing Australian scenery. Imagine the idyllic song of nature as you walk down the aisle in the most beautiful place.

There are many beautiful venues within our beautiful state of Victoria, especially for those who are seeking some magical, rustic charm for their big day. I hope this list has proved helpful for you, and I encourage you to reach out to these venues if something catches your eye! As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or queries from a photographer’s perspective regarding any wedding venue, I’m more than happy to help!

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June 11, 2022

8 of My Favourite Rustic Wedding Venues

Rochelle Hansen

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  1. […] Definitely check them out if you haven’t already, or if you’re looking for additional options for rustic wedding venues, check out our blog post here! […]

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