Olives have been a superfood for centuries. Consume enough and you'll probably outlive everyone (well maybe not, but you'll feel better!). But what's that got to do with weddings you ask? Not much (but stay with us).
While we appreciate the very legitimate health benefits that olives and olive oil provide (#extravirgin), we are far more impressed by the olive groves themselves, which are undeniably beautiful and now feature regularly at weddings.
In recent years, as more couples have stepped away from traditional wedding venues, we've seen a rise of European-style celebrations taking place on unique properties around Australia - many of which feature their own stunning olive groves.
An evergreen tree from the Mediterranean, olive trees boast distinct slender trunks and silver green leaves. They're lovely to look at (especially side-by-side) but until leading stylists and publications like Country Style Magazine put them on the map, nobody took much notice.
Now, they're a key feature at many European-style weddings across Australia, providing a beautiful backdrop for ceremony, receptions and wedding photos. And for anyone sentimental, these gut-loving fruit trees symbolise peace and friendship.
It's a trend we want to see more of, and so we've put together a list of a few of our favourite Australian wedding venues with olives groves, which are worth a look at even if you aren't getting married (or don't like olives).
Location: Orange, NSW
Capacity: 175 (seated) 250 (standing)
Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 2
Wedshed loves: The restaurant and bar. It's new(ish) and has taken this venue to a whole new level.
The olive grove at Rowlee Wines in Orange is just one way this exceptional venue references its Croatian roots. The vineyards, scented fruit trees and well-kept gardens all play a role in creating a distinct European vibe that centres around good fine and wine.
There are three unique reception spaces with the Rowlee Wines new restaurant being their most recent addition (the other two being The Stables and The Marquee). It boasts beautiful views, a large deck and menus inspired by local produce.
Ceremonies are usually held outside, surrounded by 100-year-old trees and followed by canapés on the croquet lawn. There's also an on-site studio that makes for an ideal getting ready location.
Location: Berry, NSW
Capacity: On enquiry
Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 12 at Linnaeus Farm and 68 across the collection
Wedshed loves: The focus on providing luxury, sustainable accommodation options and unforgettable experiences in equal measure.
Linnaeus Collection is a unique accommodation concept on the NSW south coast that offers "homes appointed like hotels". There are seven available options in total, each with its own key features but something they all share is a sense of seclusion, tranquility and respect for Mother Nature.
Linnaeus Farm is the main attraction here. Located on 3.5 hectares of lush, manicured grounds it features five bedrooms, a pool, edible gardens, infrared sauna and clubhouse, kids tree house, meditation hut and more.
It's this exclusive, private setting which draws most couples here, especially as the property only hosts elopements and intimate gatherings (it's not a wedding venue per-se, sorry!). But for anyone who wants to explore beyond this property's juvenile olive groves and edible gardens, the beautiful and charming town of Berry is only five minutes away.
Location: Margaret River, WA
Capacity: 120
Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 34
Wedshed loves: The venue itself is beautiful and being right near town makes this place an excellent choice for a weekend long celebration.
Only two minutes out from Margaret River's centre you'll find this gem - a boutique Australian wedding venue (with an olive grove!). Nestled on three hectares of beautiful bush and farmland, the grounds at Chambre Estate are a huge part of its appeal - think paddocks, walking and bike trails, a dam and beautiful lawns shaded by striking Redgum and Marri trees.
For a completely immersive outdoor experience, consider a long table dinner amongst the olive grove and dance the night away under the stars. Or enjoy an intimate wedding in the lodge by the fire which seats up to 50 people. Either way, it's BYO here.
Later, guests can go back to their luxurious on-site accommodation or enjoy a soak in one of three wood fired hot tubs set amongst a stunning bush backdrop. There's also a custom built sauna and additional glamping options for extra guests.
Location: South Gippsland, VIC
Capacity: 180 (seated) 250 (standing)
Accommodation: No
Wedshed loves: The venue's focus on seasonal and locally grown food. And the olive grove itself.
The Grove isn't just a pretty face property. As its name suggests, this venue doesn't just host beautiful weddings but produces award-winning olive oil as well. Spanning 60 acres and featuring a regenerated eucalyptus forest and restaurant, this VIC wedding venue brings spectacular food, produce and scenery under one roof. And it's only 90 minutes from Melbourne.
The menus are seasonal and produce often comes directly from The Grove's own garden and the property's many dams, sculptures and resident animals make for a relaxed and enchanting atmosphere, and provide a great backdrop for photos as well.
The reception space is a bright and airy atrium with long banquet tables and an adjoining private lounge which overlooks the olive grove and valley, out to the Bass Hinterland. It's not a bad place to spend an afternoon enjoying good food and fine wine with friends and family.
Location: Mudgee, NSW
Capacity: 250
Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 4
Wedshed loves: The flexibility and stunning photo locations.
This place is legit; in the fact they actually grow and produce extra virgin olive oil (2nd best in the world at the 2014 New York Olive Oil Competition). But you don't have to travel to this family owned and operated company on the outskirts of Mudgee in Rylstone to enjoy the fruits of their labour (you can just order it online).
Alternatively, a wedding here is best enjoyed first-hand. It's the only way to truly appreciate all that this European-style wedding venue in Mudgee has to offer including a Tuscan-inspired homestead (sleeps four) and multiple ceremony and reception locations suitable for up to 250 guests.
Outside of Rylstone Olive Press' stunning olive grove, which provides a beautiful backdrop for ceremonies, receptions and photos, it is essentially a blank canvas space where couples can plan their dream day alongside the venue's dedicated wedding team.
It's BYO, pet-friendly and well-equipped in terms of facilities (bathrooms, furniture, WiFi, wheelchair access etc.) making it perfect for elopements, large weddings and everything in between.
Location: Margaret River, WA
Capacity: 140 (seated) 300 (standing)
Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 140
Wedshed loves: The ability to accommodate 140 guests. It means you can let the good times roll all weekend.
Located in the heart of Margaret River, Eight Willows Retreat is a picturesque, 75-acre wedding venue known for its serene natural beauty and comprehensive wedding packages designed to make every part of the wedding process enjoyable.
The venue offers a dedicated wedding manager, on the day coordination and on-site accommodation available for up to 140 guests across 27 chalets and a refurbished four bedroom house. Despite its capacity to host large weddings however, Eight Willows Retreat also provides micro wedding packages and elopement packages.
While it isn’t a BYO venue, the on-site catering options are highly praised for their quality and variety and the purpose built, all-weather reception space is well appointed with an indoor fire place, bar, large commercial kitchen and stunning lakeside views. It's this effortless blend of modern amenities with the charm of the Australian bush that makes Eight Willows an attractive all-in-one destination for couples.
Location: The Murray, VIC
Capacity: 120 (seated) 150 (standing)
Accommodation: Yes - sleeps 30
Wedshed loves: That getting married here is just so damn easy. It has everything you need, nothing you don't all in one stunning location.
Perfectly positioned between a vineyard, an olive grove, and the beautiful Ovens River, Squires Winery is a winning find for any couples looking for a unique and all-inclusive wedding venue in Victoria.
This tractor shed turned cellar door and restaurant belongs on 100 private acres and boasts a romantic and intimate atmosphere. The catering is rumoured to be as high quality as their wines (although couples can BYO alcohol) and there are multiple packages to suit all kinds of celebrations including micro wedding packages, elopement packages and welcome dinner and recover brunch options.
This VIC winery also provides on-site accommodation for 30 guests with additional accommodation available nearby making it an ideal venue for anyone wanting to celebrate across an entire weekend.
CREDITS: Featured image Rylstone Olive Press Ona Janzen // Rowlee Wines Ona Janzen // Linnaeus Collection Elisa Romeo // Chambre Estate Place of Love // Rylstone Olive Press Ona Janzen // The Grove own image, Liam Mitchell // Squires Winery Nicole Butler, The Rennies.
