If you’re after a beautiful rustic venue with a strong sense of place, Lancemore Macedon Ranges will definitely capture your attention. Located in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges and just over an hour from Melbourne CBD, this venue was purpose built for private events. It also boasts luxurious guest rooms and has recently undergone a multi-million dollar refurbishment. The landscape if sits on is a hero in itself, with rolling hills, a vineyard, a dam and even mobs on kangaroos hopping on by. Today we chat to Charlotte Post, Lancemore Macedon Ranges’ wedding coordinator, about all their wedding options, their delicious menu, and what sets them apart from other regional wedding venues.

When you drive into Lancemore Macedon Ranges, what are the first three words that pop into your head?
Elegant, Picturesque, Charming.

Why is Lancemore Macedon Ranges the ideal destination for rustic, country weddings?
From the moment you pull into the long driveway flanked by gumtrees, you’ll be greeted by curious cows, a flock of sheep, and kangaroos skipping across a landscape that speaks for itself.  Our modern and newly refurbished interiors are seamlessly designed to complement the 274 acres of idyllic Australian countryside that surrounds, with sky high ceilings, exposed beams and floor to ceiling windows that create a chic, country feel.

How many weddings do you host a year?

20 to 25 weddings per year.

Images: Gabbie Hine Photography

What ceremony locations do you offer? Do you have an indoor option?
Lancemore Macedon Ranges’ expansive gardens, vineyard and acres of quintessential Australian landscape offer breathtaking ceremony locations.

Couples have the option of exchanging vows under the old elm tree overlooking the dam and vineyards beyond, or atop the hill at the famous Ned Kelly Lookout which offers 360-degree views of the rolling hills that surround. For couples who prefer a more intimate setting, our Croquet Lawn (or Secret Garden as it’s lovingly known) is surrounded by conifers to create a truly magical private garden space.

Indoor options with views out to the landscape beyond are certainly available in case of inclement weather.

What are your favourite places on the property for wedding photos?
The Lookout – the views of the region are truly incredible and really capture the magic between couples. There is also nothing like the romance of a picture amongst the vines.

Images: Kara Rosenlund

What’s your reception space like?
Our Dining Room is a light filled and open space, featuring floor to ceiling windows allowing for uninterrupted views of the vineyard and dam.  The ability to flow onto the expansive deck, with its sparkling infinity pool and fire pits that dot the hill beyond adds a truly romantic and intimate feel to the evening’s festivities.  Seating up to 200 guests with a dancefloor, the space looks incredible with very little styling, while remaining neutral should you wish to add your personal touch or theme to the room.

How can couples personalise the space?
It can be personalised from the smallest details such as menus and place cards, to glorious hanging floral arrangements.  We can liaise with you or your styling company to make your dream wedding come to life.

What’s been the most memorable wedding held there?
Memorable weddings at Lancemore Macedon Ranges have all included truly personal touches specific to the bride and groom. We have seen surprise arrivals via helicopter for the bridal party, ice cream carts serving the couple’s favourite flavours to long, languid post wedding recovery brunches the following day.

Images: Gabbie Hine Photography

How would you describe the menu?
It’s best described by our Executive Chef, who says, “My goal is to cook with the freshest, seasonal produce, sourcing from local and regional producers, helping to showcase what the Macedon Ranges has to offer. We will be offering rustic, full flavoured, comfort food with a balance of seasonal style and finesse.” In my opinion, it’s just delicious!

Do you source produce locally?
Yes, wherever possible.

What’s your favourite dish?
Our Shared Feast for sure – such an amazing combination of flavours and what better way to celebrate than by sharing with those you love.

Images: Kara Rosenlund

Does your team offer planning and styling services?
We can connect you with an array of accredited suppliers.

Do you work with specific suppliers and/or can couples use their own?
Couples can certainly work with their own suppliers and we work with them to ensure that everything is perfect on the day

What accommodation is offered to brides and grooms? Do they get a complimentary night free?
We offer our charming cottage complimentary to couples for the evening of their wedding.

Images: Kara Rosenlund

What other facilities do you have that can be enjoyed by couples and their guests?
We have numerous facilities on-site for the couple and guests to enjoy – an infinity pool, walking tracks, wine tastings, billiards, table tennis, trout fishing, tennis courts, volleyball and croquet.

What sets Lancemore Macedon Ranges apart from other regional wedding venues?
We only celebrate one wedding per day, so couples have their pick of ceremony location, photo locations and reception options. Couples also have the opportunity for to extend their wedding day into an entire weekend, hosting family and friends the night before or the day after, or both!

To ease your mind on one of the most important days of your life, Lancemore Macedon Ranges is backed by 33 years of hospitality experience.

What do you love most about your job?
Definitely helping put together such an important and memorable day. It is such a special thing, and nothing beats the smiles of the couple on their wedding day. Knowing that your beautiful property and the experience we offer are a part of creating those smiles – it’s so rewarding.

Images: Kara Rosenlund

Thank you Charlotte for sharing with us just how special Lancemore Macedon Ranges is! The hospitality you and your team provide your bridal couples in second to none. To find out more about this stunning venue, head on over to the Lancemore Macedon Ranges website, or check them out on the Polka Dot Directory.

Image in banner: Kara Rosenlund