Photo: Wedding set up by The Beautiful Life at Ekhidna Winery
Move over, Europe! Australia is proving itself a worthy contender for couples dreaming of a fairytale wedding with a touch of European elegance. The recent surge in popularity of shows like “Bridgerton” has fuelled a 232% increase in Aussies searching for “European weddings” over the past five years. But who says you need to hop on a long-haul flight to achieve those romantic vibes?
A new study by Shiels Jewellers has uncovered the top wedding venues across the country that capture the essence of Europe, and South Australia has snagged a coveted spot in the top 5! Using data from the popular wedding planning platform Easy Weddings, Shiels looked at luxury, beach, rustic, and country wedding venues, analysing their average ratings and reviews to determine an overall “European-inspired” score.
And the winner is… Ekhidna Winery in McLaren Vale (pictured above)! With a score of 833, this stunning venue offers couples breathtaking views of the vineyard overlooking the Mt Lofty Ranges. Imagine saying “I do” with a backdrop reminiscent of the Italian countryside, all while enjoying the best of South Australian wine and hospitality.
Toby Bensimon, Managing Director at Shiels, commented on the findings, saying, “It’s interesting to see a strong country-wide interest for European-inspired wedding destinations, with the study showcasing the abundance of European-style venues that Australia has to offer for couples looking to emulate that European-style celebration without the need to spend extra abroad.” He added, “The findings unveil South Australia’s very own Ekhidna Winery among the top wedding venues in the country to encapsulate that European feel the most in fifth place. The popularity ranking was determined based on the venues’ average rating and review earning a score of 833.”
While Victoria’s Tatra Receptions took the crown as the most popular European-inspired venue overall, South Australia has plenty to be proud of. The study also revealed that South Australia boasts an estimated 25 in-demand venues with that sought-after European flair.
So, for couples seeking a wedding that’s both romantic and conveniently close to home, South Australia’s picturesque wineries and elegant estates offer the perfect solution. With its stunning landscapes and world-class venues, it’s no wonder South Australia is becoming a top choice for those seeking a European-inspired wedding without the European price tag.
Top 10 European-Inspired Wedding Venues
1 – Tatra Receptions
Tatra Receptions leads the pack as the most in-demand venue for a European-inspired wedding with a popularity score of 946.
Located in Melbourne’s Mount Dandenong, this venue is a renowned historic property evoking a true European aesthetic. It is a feast for the eyes of outdoor lovers, with a forest and garden area flourishing in greenery.
2 – Bramleigh Estate
In second place is Bramleigh Estate with a popularity score of 911. Situated in Warrandyte, Yarra Valley, this wedding venue offers couples a lavish outdoor ceremony.
The estate stretches from the Warrandyte bushlands to the river reserve, allowing newlyweds a chance to capture their precious moments within the natural beauty of the area – a winning backdrop that secured its high ranking.
3 – Leonda By The Yarra
Coming in third position is Leonda By The Yarra, acquiring a popularity score of 890.
The venue offers spouses-to-be two main function spaces for their ceremony or reception. Their ballroom presents an entrance to their grand foyer and welcomes guests into a luxurious open space overlooking the grand Yarra River view.
Their garden room on the other hand offers an equally elegant yet relaxed atmosphere for couples wanting a more intimate celebration.
4 – St Andrews Conservatory
St. Andrews Conservatory secures its spot in fourth place with a final score of 885.
For a more modern and bright motif, St. Andrews Conservatory becomes an ideal venue for couples looking to embrace all the natural lighting to lighten up their intimate ceremony – thanks to the venue’s open layout and skylights. While the space can transform into a more cosy ambience at night.
5= Marybrooke Manor
Acquiring a popularity score of 833, Marybrooke Manor claims its spot in joint fifth place.
Nestled in Sherbrooke, Victoria, Marybrooke Manor encompasses the majestic landscape of the surrounding forest adding to its charm. Its luxurious ballroom, decorated with a chandelier and classical decor gives the venue an elegant and regal feel, perfect for replicating that Bridgerton-inspired wedding – no surprise it ranks highly.
5= Ekhidna Winery
Also in fifth place is Ekhidna Winery with a score of 833.
Ekhidna Winery in South Australia’s McLaren Vale is another highly ranked venue perfect for wedding celebrations. Couples are in for a treat as they relish the spectacular view of the vineyard overlooking the Mt Lofty Ranges, a true remembrance of the Italian vistas right on Aussie soil.
7 – The Langham Sydney
The Langham Sydney claims the seventh spot for a European-inspired wedding celebration with a popularity score of 782.
As a 5-star luxury venue, the Langham Sydney is a perfect match for couples looking to encapsulate that modern yet simply extravagant Parisian-style wedding right at the heart of the city.
8 – Ballara Receptions
In eighth place is Ballara Receptions securing a score of 775. This Melbournian wedding spot emits a fairytale-like charm presenting spouses-to-be a choice of a chapel ceremony with stained glass window detailing and overlooking the enchanting views of the lake. And for those envisioning an outdoor wedding, the garden at Ballara unveils dreamy willow trees and lakeside views making for the perfect backdrop.
9 – Yarra Ranges Estate
The Yarra Ranges Estate sits in ninth place with a score of 760. Embraced by the luscious greenery of the Yarra Valley, Yarra Ranges Estates offers wedding celebrants and their guests that perfect balance of romantic and serene backdrop deserving of its spot within the top 10.
10 – Caversham House
Caversham House ranks as the tenth most in-demand venue for a European-inspired wedding with a score of 744.
A true castle-inspired wedding spot, the Caversham House presents a dramatic staircase and terraces amid its formal gardens, carefully decorated with hand-carved statues and sandstone balustrades that make for a romantic yet regal European-style backdrop.
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