Weddings

Frequently Asked Questions

Congratulations on your upcoming Wedding! Thank you for taking the time to visit our website. We hope that our FAQ’s might answer some more of your questions.

Wedding Ceremony

What time should our ceremony start?

We usually suggest a 4.00pm ceremony start time and recommend putting 3.30pm on your invitations. This helps ensure guests have arrived and we are ready to start your ceremony on time. YVE staff are onsite to assist with coordinating your wedding ceremony.

What’s included in the ceremony set-up?

  • Open Air Chapel
  • 60 white padded chairs set by YVE staff
  • White wrought iron signing table with two chairs
  • Power source available

Indoor ceremony (weather permitted)

  • 60 white padded chairs set by YVE staff
  • White wrought iron signing table with two chairs
  • Portable white chapel windows can be provided
  • Power source available

What happens if it rains?

We have an indoor ceremony option available if the weather is wet. In the week of the wedding, we will discuss plans for the ceremony location with you. A decision can be made on the day of the wedding.

Can we bring our own decorations?

Yes, you’re welcome to personalise your ceremony or reception spaces. We offer early access if you’d like to style the venue yourself. Our team doesn’t transfer décor between spaces.

When can we access the venue to set up our wedding?

Bump-in access from 10:00am on the wedding day (or the day prior, subject to availability and confirmation).

Can we use confetti?

We are a sustainable venue committed to looking after the environment. We only allow fresh or dried petals or leaves to be used as confetti during the ceremony. Paper, rice and biodegradable confetti are not allowed. Fake or plastic petals are not permitted and will result in a $250 clean-up fee deducted from your bond.

Are candles allowed?

We allow candles as long as they’re in proper containers for safety. Battery-operated candles are also a great alternative.

Can our dog attend the ceremony?

Yes. Dogs are welcome at the ceremony only, but they cannot stay onsite. There are two boarding kennels nearby on Melba Highway, All 4 Paws and Claws Pet Resort and A Dog’s Domain and Cats Too. All 4 Paws and Claws also offers a pet pick-up and delivery service.

Reception room capacity

150guests seated or 180 guests cocktail style

Included for reception 

• All fairy lights are included and will be turned on for your wedding

• Setting of tables set with crockery, cutlery and glassware

• Table numbers

• Use of our vases, gold pots and glass jars available for hire and flowers are left up to the couple to arrange

• White napkins

What you need to arrange

• Place cards

• Seating chart

• Wishing well

• Centrepieces / table decorations – please ensure that your centrepieces are placed, so YVE staff can serve platters in the middle of the table. We suggest small vases or greenery along the table.

We can place your decorations, please request a quote.

• Tables are wood rustic theme look – if you would prefer white tablecloths, please request a quote.

Neon Sign

Hire of our neon sign for pallet wall only – ‘Crazy in Love’ – $100.00

Can we bring candals

We allow candles as long as they’re in proper containers for safety. Battery-operated candles are also a great alternative.

Access to set for your wedding

Provided there are no events the day prior to your wedding we allow you to come and set place cards and any DIY decorations strictly between the hours of 2:30pm-5:00pm. This will be confirmed two weeks out from the wedding. We can place your decorations, please request a quote.

Cake / cake cutting

We set your wedding cake on our wine barrel, and we provide a cake knife. There is no fee for cake cutting services. If you are having a dessert buffet, we will cut and serve.

Sparklers

Please note, we do not allow sparklers inside the reception room. Sparklers can be used for your farewell outside, except when there is a total fire ban.

Supplier meals

All photographers, video operators and band members will be supplied with a main meal, charged at $45.00 per person. The main meal is served to the suppliers at the end of the guest’s main meal service, unless otherwise agreed prior. Suppliers will not be served alcohol unless the wedding couple has approved and accepts the charges.

Is accommodation available on-site?

Yes. Your guests can stay together on the property, with 48 ensuite guest rooms and two three-bedroom cottages. The guest rooms are arranged across three accommodation wings, each with a shared lounge and kitchenette. Optional glamping is also available for weddings and can provide additional onsite accommodation for larger groups.

Check-in is from 2.00pm and check-out is by 10.00am.

Is there a minimum accommodation booking?

No, we have no minimum numbers.

What accommodation is available for the couple?

One cottage is available to book for your wedding night and one cottage is available to book the night prior to your wedding.

What facilities are available in the accommodation?

Each accommodation block has kitchen and BBQ facilities. The cottages have kitchen facilities suitable for your catering needs.

How do guests book their accommodation?

Guests can book via our wedding portal, which will be supplied by the Bride and Groom before the wedding. Alternatively, they are welcome to contact YVE reception and we can help book your accommodation for you.

How much does accommodation cost?

Room rate: $219 per night. Some rooms can sleep up to three guests.

Is glamping available for wedding guests?  

Yes. Optional glamping is available for weddings, providing an additional way for guests to stay onsite. Glamping can be added alongside the estate’s guest rooms and cottages.

Is breakfast included?

Breakfast is not included at Yarra Valley Estate unless a minimum of 40 guests wish to dine together. Please request a quote.

Can we book a post-wedding recovery breakfast?

Yes. A recovery breakfast is available for your wedding group and must be booked in advance as a whole group booking. Individual guest bookings are not available. Recovery breakfast is an optional extra and is not included in accommodation pricing.

What are the food and drink options?

We offer plated meals, shared feasts, wood-fired pizzas, canapés and more. Drinks are served through one of our beverage packages. We don’t offer bar tabs. You can add spirits to any of our drinks packages or ask guests to pay for spirits on consumption.

Do you offer children’s meals?

Yes. Children’s meals are available, with a child-friendly main course and dessert.

Will we have a wedding planning meeting?

Prior to the planning meeting, we will email you our wedding requirements form, floor plan and other documents that you will need to complete and bring to the meeting so we can start to finalise your wedding day. At your planning meeting, we will go over the order of your wedding and all requirements. At the end of the meeting, you will sign off on those requirements. Any further changes will incur additional charges. 

We would love to be able to share your photos on social media (in particular Instagram) and with your permission we would love to receive some photos from your wedding. Of course, we will tag all your suppliers!

Feedback is very important to us, and we would love for you to leave a review on Facebook, Google, Easy Weddings or Trip Advisor after your wedding, or even a testimonial for our website as this is very useful for future YVE couples.

How does Yarra Valley Estate support sustainability?

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Yarra Valley Estate. As an award-winning eco-conscious venue, we have been recognised with the UNAA World Environment Day Award and the Victorian Premier’s Sustainability Award for our commitment to environmental responsibility.

Edible Forest & Kitchen Garden – Fresh produce is grown onsite using permaculture principles.

E-Water Cleaning System – Our system significantly reduces chemical use for cleaning and sanitising.

Energy & Waste Reduction – Ongoing initiatives minimise energy use, reduce waste and improve efficiency.

Tree Planting & Conservation – Protecting and regenerating 120 acres of native bushland.

Water Conservation – Sustainable water-use practices help reduce our impact.

Supporting Communities – Profits help fund environmental and social projects locally and globally.

By choosing Yarra Valley Estate, your wedding supports sustainability efforts and contributes to positive change.

Do you offer dog-friendly weddings?

Yes! We welcome dog-friendly weddings, so your four-legged friend can be part of your special day – ceremony only.

Are children welcome?

We welcome children to Yarra Valley Estate, although they must always be supervised. We recommend hiring a babysitter for a large group of children attending your wedding.

Is parking available?

We have plenty of free parking available onsite, including accessible parking.

Is there accessible access?

We have accessible parking, some accommodation rooms are wheelchair accessible, and we have a golf cart that can be used to ferry guests from the chapel to pre-dinner drinks and the reception room.

Do you provide easels?

We can supply two wooden easels for use at the ceremony for a welcome sign and at the reception for a seating chart.

Do you provide a sound system?

We provide a microphone for speeches and the MC. Our sound system is suitable for background music only, so the DJ or band must supply their own equipment.

Where can we take sunset photos?

The airstrip is a great spot for sunset photos on the property, with the sun setting to the west over the Melba Highway side.

What happens to our decorations after the wedding?

At the end of the wedding night, YVE staff pack down table decorations, flowers, lost property and any items you supplied. These items will be left for collection the following day and must be collected by 10.00am.

What time does the bar close?

The bar closes strictly at 10.30pm and your beverage package concludes. Additional time is charged in 15-minute increments at $250 plus alcohol consumed.

Is there a noise curfew?

The noise curfew is 1am. We need to respect the ones that need their beauty sleep.

Wedding Timeline

  • 12:00 pm Supplier access to venue for bump in / set up
  • 2:00 pm Guests check in to accommodation
  • 3:30 pm Guests arrive
  • 4:00 pm Ceremony begins!
  • 4:30 pm Ceremony concludes – You’re married! YAY!
  • 4:35 pm Group/family photos/Bridal photos
  • 5:00 pm Bar open in PDR; 5.5 hour drinks package commences
  • 5:15 pm Canape service commences (30 minutes)
  • 5:55 pm Pre drinks and canapes concludes / Guests to move upstairs
  • 6:00 pm Guests seated
  • 6:15 pm Bridal party announced by MC
  • 6:20 pm Cut cake
  • 6:30 pm Entree served
  • 7:30 pm Mains served
  • 8:15 pm Speeches
  • 8:35 pm Bridal dance
  • 9:15 pm Dessert buffet served / tea & coffee
  • 10:30 pm Bar closes
  • 10:45 pm Couples official departure
  • 11:00 pm Reception concludes /guests depart / after party begins!