Chateau Elan Wedding Experience
by Louise Manning
September 30th 2020
On Tuesday the 22nd of September we were formally invited to a “wedding experience” at one of the Hunter Valley’s most prestigious resorts and what an experience we had. On arrival, we gathered for welcome drinks in the Carriage House, where we met a lively bunch of other suppliers including wedding magazines, high end and exquisite wedding vendors mostly from Sydney.
Our first stop was the Rotunda – a beautiful setting for a perfect ceremony. Complete with a beautifully styled bridal photoshoot with dresses from Oleg Cassini, suits from M.J. Bale and red-carpet-ready hair & makeup from Jolie Hair Makeup Beauty. We were then ushered into the Founders room where Lachlan from Glandore Estate guided us through an unforgettable wine and chocolate pairing demonstration. Most in the room had never experienced a pairing quite like it before and we thoroughly enjoyed a detailed, entertaining and passionate session of the most enjoyable wines and chocolates from handmade Adora chocolates. The Founders Room was set to fit for royalty, with a vintage flair and soft pink, peach, champagne and burgundy florals designed by none other than Anna Wang. The cherry on top was a stunning wedding cake by the talented Bec from Bec’s Cakes.
After this session, we toured the luxurious accommodation including Bride’s Suites, Grooms Suites and guest rooms. Next stop – the Spa. Oh, how we were in awe of the welcoming comfort of this tour, perfect for weddings with an on-site hairdresser able to deliver all the on day beauty requirements.
After relaxing in the day spa, we tried on dazzling pieces from York Jewellers, including a diamond ring worth over $370,000! We tore ourselves away from the bling and were blown away by the breath-taking setup of the Barrington Room where the styling was next level. With a gorgeous overhead floral arrangement again by the remarkable and innovative Anna Wang, the banquet table was expertly styled with modern vintage elements. We were treated to a divine 4-course meal with matching wines starting with a spread of hors d’oeuvres followed by alternate drop entrées with a choice of Stuffed Portobello Mushroom or Duck a l’Orange. The mains were sure to please with either the Chicken Supreme A La Grande Mere or Eye Fillet with Pâté en Croûte, to complete the menu we were spoilt for choice with a dessert grazing table consisting of Croqembouche, mini pavlovas with Macerated Berries, Espresso Chocolate Mousse, Petit Fours, Tea & Coffee. Once we completed the unforgettable fine dining experience we all checked into our luxurious spa suites to discover a beautiful welcome gift of Glandore Estate Shiraz and personalised embroidered robes, after a reset and a relaxing couple of hours in our rooms we were welcomed back for a relaxed grazing dinner of charcuterie and treats. What an experience we had. Without a second of doubt, we’d highly recommend the stunningly flawless Chateau Elan for any type of event.
Read more about the venue below in the official press release from PDPR.
CHÂTEAU ÉLAN – AUSTRALIA’S BEST DESTINATION WEDDING VENUE
(Press Release written by PDPR)
Wine country vibe? Check. Breathtaking scenery? Check. Luxe setting, great food and indulgent services? Check, check and check. The Hunter Valley’s famed Château Élan is the perfect destination wedding venue you didn’t know you wanted.
A breezy two-hour drive from Sydney means it is perfectly accessible for your guests, who are going to be amazed by the fabulous Hunter Valley landscape showcasing your big day.
No matter if it’s a micro-wedding or a nuptial for hundreds of people, Château Élan’s incredible wedding team works closely with brides, grooms and organisers to ensure it is a day to remember. Chefs are at your disposal to discuss any culinary requirements, on-site salon and spa therapists are there to assist with all hair and make-up needs, and the wedding coordinators make it all a flawless process.
Be it floral arrangements, a wedding rehearsal, beverage packages or theming, all the details are considered, and each venue is unique. Ceremonies can be held in the Carriage House, on the Movie Lawn or at the Fairway Rotunda, while receptions can take place in the Barrington Room, The Founders Room or under lovely marquees outside.
Shaded by magnificent gum trees with the golf course beyond, the Carriage House is an exquisite sandstone building that offers a unique atmosphere, while the Movie Lawn, overlooking The Vintage green, is a picturesque location for a ceremony. The elegant Fairway Rotunda is a vision in white against the fairways and foliage.
Sitting beside the Clubhouse at the top of the golf course, The Barrington Room is a modern and elegant interior enjoying views over the manicured 18th green. With a contemporary, well-designed decor, the Founders Room is a larger room with a dance floor that offers views of The Vintage. Whether you have 100 or 500 guests on your special day, a marquee can be the perfect setting for your outdoor reception.
The award-winning Château Élan, one Australia’s finest resorts, not only offers six amazing wedding venues, but also luxury accommodation, a full-service spa and a premium golf club, all in the heart of world-famous food and wine region.
There is a range of sophisticated accommodation at the resort, including spacious suites with spa baths, and also wonderful villas with modern facilities. All rooms have balconies or terraces overlooking The Vintage fairways and views of the Hunter Valley.
If you want to indulge in luxury and relax with your newlywed or enjoy a last-minute hens/bucks party with your friends, Château Élan’s exquisite Spa holds 17 beautifully appointed treatment rooms that offer the latest massage and beauty procedures. With two outdoor Jacuzzis and a lounge to sit back, relax and take in the vista of the local mountains, it is the perfect destination to sip on a glass of champagne or indulge in some local cheeses.
A great place to bring family and friends closer together before a wedding, The Vintage is a golf club that caters for everyone yet does so without losing its true identity; being one of the country’s premier golf resorts, featuring an 18-hole course. Designed by Greg Norman, it has been ranked among the best in Australia.
At The Legends Bar and Grill, fine cuisine is served à la carte throughout the day and your guests can surround themselves with breathtaking views over a bottle of wine. The Wine Lounge offers an extensive, gourmet wine list, sourced from the leading vineyards of the Hunter region.
Take your destination wedding to a 5-star experience with the best The Hunter Valley has to offer at Château Élan.