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You May Kiss Weddings

Best NSW Venue, Just Maybe Bendooley Estate

  • Writer: Gary Reilly
    Gary Reilly
  • May 23
  • 3 min read

Hey there, fellow wedding enthusiasts!


This past weekend, I had the absolute pleasure of officiating my 100th wedding at the always breathtaking Bendooley Estate in Berrima, nestled in the heart of the Southern Highlands of New South Wales.


Upon arriving at Bendooley Estate, Much like the 99 times before I was greeted by the sight of lush vineyards, manicured gardens, and the charming Berkelouw Book Barn. The estate exudes a rustic elegance that's both inviting and awe-inspiring and whether you choose to have your wedding in the Booknarn or the wedding purpose built Stables you can expect the very best.





The Ceremony: Lakeside Serenity

My couple chose the Homestead for their ceremony—a serene spot with the tranquil lake as a backdrop and the quintessential rolling hills of the Highlands framing it all up, a huge bonus at Bendooley is being able to use the Homestead for the hour before the ceremony allowing the wedding party arrive early before the guest and watch the build up to the Ceremony from the privacy of the Homestead lounge. The gentle rustling of leaves and the soft chirping of birds set a peaceful tone as guests took their seats and our singers Jess and Matt from Oberon Lane set the tone. As the celebrant, Right on time I take my spot under the fig tree and the show begins. It really is a fairy-tale setting and no matter how many times I get to live the experience it, it never gets old.


Lakeside ceremony setup at Bendooley Estate with fig tree and Highlands view.



Exploring the Grounds

Post-ceremony, guests mingled in the private gardens, sipping on local wines and enjoying canapés by the lake and having some family photos with our photographer Gavin Cato. The estate offers numerous picturesque spots, from the vineyard rows to the ivy-covered homestead, the lake, the cow paddocks, the long grass, it is perfect for wedding photos all within walking distance. I took a moment to stroll through the gardens, soaking in the natural beauty and the joyous atmosphere and getting my regulation social media post.


Wedding guests enjoying canapés in the gardens by the lake.



Reception at the Book Barn

As evening approached, we moved into the Book Barn for the reception. This venue is a bibliophile's dream—walls lined with antique books, cathedral ceilings, and a grand stone fireplace that adds warmth and character . The couple had personalized the space with floral arrangements by The Flower Pursuit with ambient lighting and the first class DJ Set up and Photo booth by Savvy Entertainment, we are in fro a big night.

As usual dinner was a culinary delight, featuring seasonal produce and estate wines served on share platters to the table over a single one hour course. This allows plenty of time to both eat, then cover the formal parts of the evening allowing for plenty of mile and dance time to spare. The speeches were a perfect blend of humor and sentiment nd it was pretty clear they had used my Speech Guide, and as the night progressed, the dance floor came alive with energy and laughter whilst the fire pit served as a greta spot to catch up with old friends and family.


Book Barn reception setup with warm lighting and antique book walls.



Why Bendooley Estate Stands Out

Bendooley Estate isn't just a venue; it's an all encompassing wedding experience. Its combination of natural beauty, historical charm, and modern amenities makes it a top choice for couples seeking a unique wedding location. The staff are exceptional with no request being to much and a real couple first mentality make Bendooley Estate the choice of many experienced suppliers in the industry. Believe me when I say it that there are not many venues that treat the suppliers like they are equals and it is very much appreciated allowing them to do their best work.

Whether it's the romantic gardens, the lakeside pavilion, the rustic Book Barn or the grandeur of the Stables, each setting offers its own magic.





Final Thoughts

Being part many weddings at Bendooley Estate is truly special. The seamless blend of nature, architecture, and heartfelt celebration create memories that will last a lifetime. If you're considering a wedding in the Southern Highlands, Bendooley Estate should undoubtedly be on your list. I must declare my Bias as I am a preferred supplier ion Bendooley


Bride and groom walking hand-in-hand during golden hour at Bendooley Estate.

Until next time, keep celebrating love in all its beautiful forms!

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