When I first started wedding photography, I went online to check out all the venues in the Bendigo area. And to be honest, what I found was, well… underwhelming. I couldn’t find a single post or site that provided a thorough overview on each location, including detailed information such as outstanding features, packages and a selection of images.

And I thought ‘Wow, how hard must it be for a couple getting married in Bendigo to find their perfect venue, if it is so hard to research and the few posts that are available don’t do any of these beautiful venues justice?’. I saw this as an opportunity to help both my clients and local vendors, and I decided to create my very own venue guide for the Bendigo area, showcasing a selection of venues for every vision, personality and budget.

In this post, I will present every venue with a short overview and contact details. I personally visited and photographed each one of them, and the information presented is accompanied by images taken by me. If you are keen to read into this topic further, below each venue I will link their respective blog post with more images for a ‘walk-through’ feel and you can also download the full guide to the Best Bendigo Wedding Venues with detailed pricing information and more images here (guide is currently getting updated).

My guide is a work in progress, so if you are a vendor and would like to be featured, simply email me here. Alright, let’s dive into it!

1. MacKenzie Quarters

MacKenzie Quarters is a historic building located in the Arts Precinct of Bendigo. It was lovingly restored into a contemporary space for celebrations of all kinds and is a true all-rounder, offering not only a stunning venue for weddings, but also historic accommodation and a lounge bar, Ms Batterhams, in the basement of MacKenzie Hall. MacKenzie Quarters is my number one recommendation for couples that are seeking a CBD wedding venue in a central, unique location. A quick overview of the features this wedding venue provides:

• indoor and outdoor spaces
• licensed for up to 175 patrons
• accommodation onsite
• ceremony and reception packages available upon enquiry

Guests also have the option to stay in the neighbouring Residence, a historic boutique accommodation for groups of 10-12. Built in 1877, 12 MacKenzie Street is a two-storey brick gothic revival style family home and will make your stay in Bendigo even more special. Guests are personally greeted on arrival by the experienced Property Manager who has extensive knowledge about the area and can help you with all questions and needs.

Keen to see more images of MacKenzie Quarters? Check out my dedicated blog post with all images here.

Contact:

Location: 10 & 12 MacKenzie Street, Bendigo 3550

Email: connect@mackenziequarters.com

Website: https://www.mackenziequarters.com

Phone: (03) 5444 2497

2. Ravenswood Homestead

Set just outside of Bendigo on a picturesque 37 acres, the Ravenswood Homestead is a sought after, historic wedding and event destination featuring boutique accommodation and a pool to unwind after a big wedding day. The Homestead is hands down one of the best Bendigo wedding venues. It’s one of my favourite locations to shoot at, the historic buildings tie in amazingly well with the fields and gardens surrounding the Homestead. Not to forget, the Stables are a truly remarkable setting to hold your wedding reception. Enjoy the fresh country air, with everything you need in one place:

• indoor and outdoor spaces
• licensed for up to 150 patrons
• accommodation onsite
• ceremony and reception packages available upon enquiry

The Homestead has its own in house chef with excellent pedigree and an incredible palette. They pride themselves on their food and flavours, use of local fresh produce, wines, beers and soft drinks. The venue also offers boutique accommodation for up to 35 guests on the premises. A variety of unique rooms and cottages invites guests to reminisce about past centuries, providing a luxury country feel and attention to detail.

Keen to see more photos of the Ravenswood Homestead? Check out my dedicated blog post with all images here.

Contact:

Location: 4912 Calder Highway, Ravenswood VIC 3453

Email: enquire@thegroundsravenswood.com.au

Website: https://thegroundsravenswood.com.au

Phone: (03) 5435 3284

3. Harcourt Valley Vineyard

Surrounded by gumtrees and vineyards, Harcourt Valley Winery is the perfect location for your wedding with a rustic, country charm. It is located just 30 minutes from Bendigo and 70 minutes north of Melbourne. The first wedding on the property was held in 2012, when the owner’s youngest son was married. Since then, they have established a well-known reputation for hosting weddings and events at Harcourt Valley. I would describe the vineyard as a “feel good”-venue, their amazing coordinator Marie really goes above and beyond for couples and vendors alike and I always love taking photos here. One of my favourite sunset spots is on the hill between the olive trees, overlooking the land. Outdoor receptions are also especially beautiful, set under the festoon lights. Harcourt Valley features:

• indoor and outdoor spaces
• licensed for up to 250 patrons
• ceremony and reception packages available upon enquiry

A fully functioning winery available for weddings and private functions, the idyllic setting certainly invites to stay a little longer. Whilst accommodation is not available on the premises, the winery has some excellent recommendations to discover on their website. They boast an excellence in their quality of wines, being the most awarded winery in Bendigo.

Contact:

Location: 3339 Harmony Way, Harcourt VIC 3453

Email: harcourtvalleyevents@gmail.com

Website: https://www.harcourtvalley.com.au

Phone: 0431 996 515 | Marie Bourne – Event Coordinator

4. Chateau Dore

Chateau Dore Winery & Receptions is a historic winery, wedding reception, conference and live music venue in Central Victoria. Built in 1866, Chateau Dore has acres of established gardens and lawns. Something truly unique about Chateau Dore is their wine cellar, which couples can use for some amazing portraits and a few quiet moments to themselves. From the lush green of the vines to the dry grass in the surrounding farmland, it caters for every taste:

• indoor and outdoor spaces
• licensed for up to 210 patrons
• ceremony and reception packages available upon enquiry

Contact:

Location: 303 Mandurang Road, Mandurang VIC 3551

Email: enquiries@chateaudore.com.au

Website: https://chateaudore.com.au

Phone: (03) 5439 5278

5. Waratah Weddings

Waratah Weddings is located on the outskirts of Bendigo. Beautiful gardens and red brick buildings make this historic wedding venue stand out. Whether you crave a ceremony in nature or inside the one-of-a-kind chapel, with indoor and outdoor options, Waratah allows you to plan your perfect day and makes for some stunning wedding photos. Followed by celebrations in their stunning Reception Hall, you and your guests will be able to spend the whole day in one place. Across the road, you can find Red Waratah Accommodation – a great way for you and your guests to spend the night nearby. Waratah Weddings features:

• indoor and outdoor spaces
• accommodation nearby
• ceremony and reception packages available upon enquiry

Contact:

Location: 14 Waratah Rd, Huntly VIC 3551

Email: waratahweddings@gmail.com

Website: https://www.waratahweddings.com.au/

Phone: 0488 661 139

6. Camp David Farm

Located a little further, about one hour from Bendigo, I simply had to include Camp David Farm in the best Bendigo wedding venues because it is one of my very favourite wedding venues for it’s diversity and number of amazing outdoor and indoor spaces that will make your wedding photos absolutely incredible. Set across five acres in the Macedon Ranges with a dreamy view of the mountain range, Camp David Farm features beautifully manicured hedge gardens, a pool, a romantic greenhouse, rustic barn and cozy cottage that will tempt you to stay forever:

• indoor and outdoor spaces
• accommodation onsite
• ceremony and reception packages available upon enquiry

Keen to see more images of Camp David Farm? Check out Jasmin + Dan’s autumn elopement shoot here.

Contact:

Location: 1283 Kyneton-Springhill Rd, Spring Hill VIC 3444

Email: campdavidfarm@gmail.com

Website: https://www.campdavidfarm.com.au/

Phone: 0417 038 817 | Lori or 0417 052 226 | Carolyn

7. Sandy Creek Park

An outdoors only venue featuring lakes and gardens, Sandy Creek is one for the nature lovers and offers plenty of space for your festivities. It is an ideal location for couples looking for a laid back, casual celebration surrounded by nature, right in the middle of Victoria. It features:

• outdoor only spaces
• ceremony and reception packages available upon enquiry

Sandy Creek Park weddings is owned by Peter and Julie Brown. In 2014 their son Mitchell had his wedding ceremony in the Gardens and in 2015 their daughter Pieta had both her ceremony and reception on the property, which sparked the idea that their beautiful home should be shared with others. Ceremonies can take place on the jetty overlooking the lake while your guests watch on from the lawns or there is also a newly completed garden on the other side of the property, which would make for another beautiful setting.

Contact:

Location: 421 Huntly-Fosterville Road, Huntly VIC 3551

Email: sandycreekparkweddings@gmail.com

Socials: https://www.facebook.com/SandyCreekWeddings/

Phone: 0427 739 414

8. Pratty’s Patch

Pratty’s Patch Bar and Fine casual dining is a rustic venue located in Maiden Gully with lots of history and a homely atmosphere for the laid back souls. The historic stone cottage is owned and operated by the McMillan family, Steve and Simone, and Gary and Angela.

Located only 10 minutes from the Bendigo CBD, the cottage is available for wedding ceremony and reception bookings, with a variety of menu options to choose from, ranging from traditional wedding dishes to cocktail functions. It features:

• indoor and outdoor spaces
• licensed for up to 80 patrons
• ceremony and reception packages available upon enquiry

Contact:

Location: 35 Monsants Road, Maiden Gully VIC 3551

Email: info@prattyspatch.com.au

Website: https://www.prattyspatch.com.au

Phone: (03) 5449 6341

You’ve got your venue sorted. How about a wedding photographer?

Hey, I’m Caro, a hopeless romantic, dog mum and nature lover, and the person behind the lens of all the images you’ve just looked at. I hope you found this blog post about the best Bendigo wedding venues helpful! If there are any questions you have whilst planning your wedding, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I have photographed over 100 weddings for couples just like you, so I am always here to help! You can check out more of my work here or get in contact to have me photograph your wedding or elopement here.

Don’t leave just yet!

I get it, wedding planning can get pretty overwhelming. Which is why I’ve created a blog post full of tips and tricks on how to plan your wedding timeline! Give it a read here.