With destination weddings enjoying a period of popularity, many couples will be feeling a little grounded in their wedding planning with the current restrictions on travel. If you’ve always dreamt of an Italian wedding, there is a uniquely Yarra Valley way for you to have your wedding closer to home and still hit the high note of a ‘giorno del matrimonio’ too. Right here, and soon.
The Yarra Valley has a long history of Italian life – it’s been in our DNA for over a century, and there’s an abundance of venues and suppliers that take pride in their cultural heritage. It’s more than just location, location, location. These local destinations are infused with the glorious heart of Italian life, close to home, and a celebration of culture that will bring just the right ‘bella Italia’ to your day, your way.
You don’t have to be Italian to appreciate the best of an Italian way of life and you can style your wedding day from subtle acknowledgement to full embrace.
Have your ‘primo bacio’ as a married couple in the immersive space at The Chapel at Stones of the Yarra Valley – the feel is simple, pure and calm, with thought given to every perspective.
Whitewashed walls and timber, treelined driveways and breathtaking 360 views will only enhance your beauty! Or explore The Capella at Zonzo Estate, which is also exquisitely appointed for your ceremony.
While you can create a touch of Italy anywhere, there are several venues in
the Yarra Valley that have already done it for you. Massaros in Kangaroo Ground, Stones of the Yarra Valley and Meletos are full of authentic charm, and luxurious in detail. Antiquities and uniquely restored and/or imported furniture and fittings provide heart-stopping beauty and a considered sense of place that speaktoadesignaestheticand‘collectable’eyethathasbeenrefinedthrough yearsofstylingandhunting.
Stay over in a Tuscan styled villa (and not an airfare in sight). The Farmhouse Loggia at Meletos is stunning and truly a homage to the finer details of Italian design. The boutique hotel rooms are furnished with luxurious textiles, leather and vintage timber ‘curated’ to create the ambiance and joy of an Italian sojourn – design lives here as an artform. Perfect accommodation for a wedding and/or honeymoon, with worldly views across the vines and perfect photo opportunities.
The formal gardens at Alowyn Gardens will have you wistful with their beauty in an “I’m not crying, you’re crying!” kind of way. Although ‘French’ in influence, the gardens, with their structured box hedges and gravel pathways, have all the features of a European sensibility and are stunning photo locations.
Add a little more flavour with Bocce on the lawn at Punt Road Winery (or hire a set up for your venue)and bring in some of the best gelati from Bam Bam Italian or Yarra Valley Chocolaterie.
Fabulous photography
In search of a cobbled laneway, stucco sundrenched wall, retro vespa, salumeria, flower cart or a striped awning for an Italian-infused backdrop for photos? Locals know and Rick Liston Photography has his shutter poised and ready to show you some secret settings with full Italian charm – not to mention the thousands of vines planted in perfect rows that nod directly to a Tuscan landscape. You’ll even find an Olive Grove at Massaros.
Top 10 Yarra Valley Wedding venues/Restaurants serving Italian cuisine
Long table lunches, grazing locally grown seasonal produce, fine dining and wood fired pizza – it’s all here and delicious so you can ‘mangiare’ just the way you want to.
1. Fondata 1872
2. Stones of the Yarra Valley and The Stables
3. De Bortoli ‘Locale’
4. Zonzo Estate
5. Meletos
6. Soumah Estate
7. Massaros
8. DiVino Restaurant
9. Chateau Yering
10. Rochford Wines – 400 Gradi and Isabella’s
Italian Wines – love the local vino
Take the Italian theme all the way and choose Italian varietal wines grown in the Yarra Valley, such as:
• Arneis, Brachetto, Fiano/Fiano E Greco, Lagrein, Marzemino, Montepulciano, Moscato, Nebbiolo/Nebbiolo Rose, Nascetta, Pinot Grigio, Prosecco, Sangiovese, Savarro and Teroldego.
Wineries with Italian varietals include:
Innocent Bystander, Graceburn Wines, Soumah Estate, Giammarino Wines, De Bortoli, Rochford Wines, Graceburn Wines, Greenstone Winery and Sedona Estate.
Don’t forget your ‘before and afters’ the aperitivo and digestivo. Whilst not necessarily made in the Yarra Valley, a full appreciation can certainly be developed here with these Italian classics. And there’s always Four Pillars Gin because Negroni!
