Wineries have long been considered prime wedding real estate but guess what? Yeah, you prob got it: big days are trickling into other, equally delicious alcoholic establishments. Breweries, distilleries and cideries all have charm, often have impressive industrial spaces, and they tend to be run by passionate people who would just as quickly pull up a chair and share a drink with you as they would help you get married. Trust us, we’ve met a few of them.
We’ve put together a list of venues that aren’t just producing great beverages – they also happen to be completely, utterly beautiful. Think soaring roofs, heart-stopping views, history as long as the father-of-the-bride’s speech, family values. The kind of places that we would want to get married in. Enjoy.
Corowa Whisky and Chocolate, VIC
Originally a flour mill dating back to the 1920s, this impressive series of buildings now creates not just whisky but also chocolate (the giant chocolate freckles are famed). So it obviously should be right up there on your wish-list if you’re looking for a country VIC wedding venue. The reception space is incredible – think original wooden beams, corrugated iron, a 14 metre-long polished concrete bar and more than 200 single malt whiskys from around the world.
Shene Estate & Distillery, TAS
We doubt you’ve ever seen anything like this in Australia’s countryside (we sure hadn’t). This grand property has ties to old kings, governors and colonialists but now it’s under the loving wings of the Kernke family who share their passion and fascination for history and gin-distilling with welcome guests. The barn dates back to 1846 and you’d just be adding to the rich story of this gorgeous venue if you choose to wed there.
Joadja Historic Town & Distillery, NSW
Why hire a venue when you can hire a town? It’s actually a question for you to answer. Joadja is a heritage-listed place that sits pretty in a secluded valley in the Southern Highlands (just a 90 minute dash from Sydney). Once upon a time a mining town, it now welcomes weddings across its 1,000 acres of countryside. There’s a distillery onsite producing malt whisky and dry gin, a spring-fed creek, countless historic ruins, accommodation and glamping space.
It’s a property that’s only become readily available for hire this year so there aren’t too many quality snaps for us to share just yet but take our word for it – it’s very beautiful. These give you an idea but seeing it for yourself is probably the best bet.
Eagle Bay Brewing Co, WA
We’ve sat on that grassy lawn and gazed out to the Indian Ocean yonder (past the fields of rolling countryside, over the tops of the eucalypts). Yep, it’s a wedding-worthy view and the venue itself is also damn great. Think a chic, modern space surrounded by native beauty that brews delicious beer and serves up equally tasty food.
Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, TAS
A large rustic barn surrounded by green Tassie pastures, this space has all that rustic charm that you’d want from a boutique, fourth-generation cidery. Not to mention, it’s also a cafe and museum and can fit 200 people within it’s wooden walls. Get hitched inside or out, and enjoy the grassy lawn and savour the quality, local produce that their team serves up.
Howard Smith Wharves, QLD
This place is a treat: a brand spanking new development right in the heart of Brisbane overlooking the river. HSW will be home to an awesome brewery, abundant green spaces, multiple event areas, a boutique hotel and more. It’s basically a destination unto itself and an option for every kind of wedding.
Currently still under construction, we’re excited to see some of the spaces starting to open their doors now. Head on down and let us know what you think.
The Beerfarm, WA
Beer and farm: two great words on their own but put together? The concept speaks for itself. This is one of those venues that screams fun – think a big brewing hall with exposed wooden rafters, oodles of room to dance, pinball machines, lawn games, footy posts… we’d be keen to spend most weekends here, not just our wedding day. The farm overlooks 80 acres of lush, cow-laden countryside, so it’s a sight for sore eyes and a treat for a thirsty appetite at the same time.
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