Imagine waking up to the call of birds, the air clear and pure as you breathe in the cold as you walk on crunchy frost. Or seeing the orchards in bloom ahead of another perfect Spring day. Well, that is the joy that Providence Gully holds for Clare and her family who own this very special property in the heart of the Goldfields in Central Victoria. Set on 40 acres bordered by bushland, with carefully tended orchards, vegetable gardens and olive grove, this charming property could be just right for your wedding, or special gathering.
Where is Providence Gully situated?
We are in the heart of the ‘Goldfields ‘ in Central Victoria – close towns are Newstead, Daylesford, Hepburn, Maldon and Castlemaine.
How did Providence Gully as a wedding venue come about?
After holding a few family functions and then our oldest daughter & her partner’s wedding on the property, the comment was made by quite a few friends and guests that this would be an ideal place to host other couples’ weddings where they would truly have the freedom to have the event of their choice – The Barn venue was born!
Image by Clare of Providence Gully
How would you describe Providence Gully?
Relaxed and informal, but to quote an iconic Australian Movie – “Feel the Serenity”.
What is your favourite area of the property?
Tough question. Bit like asking do you have a favourite child. Every season brings a shine to different areas. Spring is very showy with the fruit tress in blossom, Summer and the vegetable gardens are in full production, Autumn with the rich coloured foliage and relief from the heat of summer and then winter with naked trees with forgotton birds nests and crisp frosty mornings with kangaroos grazing.
Please describe the various options for wedding ceremonies and receptions you have available to brides and grooms…
Whilst the Barn is the focal area for the receptions here, there is no set area for a ceremony. I love the fact that couples can look around and decide for themselves which area suits/reflects their special place to exchange vows. There are so many things dictated to us these days, so I love to give couples the freedom to choose and am always amazed at the many different settings they choose.
Image by Shaun Guest Photography
How many guests does The Barn hold?
For a sit down function at Providence Gully 60-70 is ideal and 80 cocktail style. Although the property can handle far more if the weather is perfect , we have no control of this, so to make guest comfort and overall experience a priority, we limit to 80 guests. The Settlers cottage is not part of the venue hire but ideal for a photo opportunity.
Do you offer full or partial wedding planning and can couples bring in their own planner and vendors?
As we are not a mainstream type of venue we do not offer ‘packages’, instead we work with you and your chosen vendors ( caterers, florist, entertainment, hire company, etc) to achieve a day that is unique and personal . Of course if couples wish, all the leg work can be done for them – its all about choices. Having hosted many weddings here, I am a wealth of information concerning all things and love being hands on throughout the planning, preparation and on the day in the background making sure everything runs smoothly.
Image by Lisa Sorgini
Where can guests find accommodation?
Within our area there are many and varied accommodation options. From country camping to opulent hotels & BBs., everyone is catered for. My suggestion is to get onto the Visitor Info Web Sites of the above mentioned towns and this way you have the most up to date accommodation at your finger tips. But remember to book early as there are lots of festivals and celebration weekends in these towns.
What styles of wedding have been held at Providence Gully? What other celebrations could your property accommodate?
We offer an alternative to the very formal standard wedding venue . Country/vintage style weddings are very popular but we have had many different events from rockabilly, modern, hippy, celebrity & various European styles. I think STAs (second time arounds) would work well here in our very relaxed venue.
Do you have any favourite wedding ideas that have worked well at Providence Gully?
I guess we are always looking for something new and different to wow our guests and stand out from the norm. I feel a couple that is looking to ‘be different’, could consider a morning wedding . It opens up fresh inspiration and ideas and takes everyone out of their comfort zone. Everything from exchanging vows under blossoming apple trees, with birds singing a morning welcome, to a new take on the menu, drink and music. Whilst afternoon celebrations are convenient to most people, I think especially in our area with such beautiful fresh mornings, why not take the advantage.
Image by Shaun Guest Photography
Image by Shaun Guest Photography
What is the piece of advice you could give to bridal couples?
Enjoy & Surprise. After 30 years of marriage I still smile when I remember my wedding day and the fact that my groom/husband could organise a surprise for me with a truly memorable moment, that to this day has not been upstaged.
My recommendation for a mini moon or short break is……
Step outside your comfort zone together. Camp under the stars on a chilly winter’s night or spend a night in a swanky hotel – Live, Laugh and Love Together!
Image by Clare of Providence Gully
Thank you so much Clare for sharing the story of Providence Gully with us. To find out more about Providence Gully contact Clare via the website or give her a call on 0412 300 789.
Headshot image courtesy of Clare from Providence Gully You can also find Providence Gully in Ms Polka Dot’s Directory
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