6 Incredible Venues For Rustic Weddings On The Mornington Peninsula

Sometimes you want glitz and glamour, and sometimes you just want to get back to basics. Rustic weddings fall firmly under the latter. For those of you who want a wedding that’s down-to-earth, organic and intimate, you’ll need to find top-tier venues for rustic weddings on the Mornington Peninsula.

That means a location that should feel natural, intimate and homely with a solid option for customisation. Some venues may sway towards sophistication and others towards a back-to-basic bohemian vibe. Either way, the core components should remain the same to ensure you get as much out of your wedding day as possible.

Here is a list of 6 rustic wedding venues on the Mornington Peninsula that I believe fit those criteria the best, and should have a firm spot on your list for consideration.

1. Dromana Estate

We start this list with the epic Dromana Estate wedding venue. With space for up to 500 people for a cocktail ceremony, this is a location that can cater to even the biggest of guest lists. That’s not to mention the incredible views, a great number of packages available and world-class wine production.

In terms of how this venue looks and feels – which are both very important with rustic weddings – it’s one of the most perfect ‘blank canvas’ locations on the peninsula. And while its capacity is big, the intimacy is not lost. With exposed beams, concrete floors and the use of 46,500 fairy lights, those cosy evening moments are memories that will last a lifetime. It also makes this the perfect venue to customise uniquely to your taste with the help of a florist and stylist (more on that later on).

2. Tanglewood Estate

Who said rustic and sophisticated vibes can't go hand in hand? Tanglewood Estate wedding venue combines the best of both which makes it a highly sought-after location for many special weddings. 

Whether you fall in love with the 110-year-old church, the abundance of stripped-back wood or the giant light-gathering windows throughout, you’ll feel right at home in one of the most relaxed wedding venues on the Mornington Peninsula. Oh, and did I mention you can have your ceremony on the lakefront? Sublime!

Perhaps the most enticing thing about this venue is the incredibly secluded location. Not only will you feel like the only couple in the world on your wedding day, but with the addition of two accommodation options (one just 50 steps from the beach) you’ll whole experience will be like something out of a fairytale for the few days you’re here.

3. Barn & Co

With a beautiful garden, a canopy of trees and masses of natural wood throughout, Barn & Co wedding venue makes for an incredible backdrop to your fairytale rustic wedding. Hold the ceremony outside on the lawn, and say your vows as you watch the sun slip down between the trees during golden hour. As the temperature drops, retreat into the cosy warmth of the barn. 

Wooden walls, ceiling, tables and chairs, as well as several barrels stacked up at the end make for a truly unique and inviting atmosphere with Barn & Co weddings. Of course, no rustic wedding would be complete without a menu full of local and seasonal produce, and Barn & Co do this fantastically.

4. Butterfly Red Hill

Family-owned and set over 4 acres, Butterfly Red Hill is one of the most amazing small wedding venues on the Mornington Peninsula. And with packages starting from $8,000, it should appeal to anyone, no matter what their budget is.

In 2015 the space was given some much-needed TLC and lovingly restored by its owners Claire and Andrew Russo, making it an incredible backdrop for just about any wedding. Surrounded by fruit trees, olive gardens and corrugated iron peppered throughout the grounds, Butterfly Redhill is the epitome of rustic design.

Where this location really shines is its fully customisable packages, which make it one of Mornington Peninsula’s most exciting destinations. Weathered wood, quirky extras and beautiful forested areas make this place absolutely perfect for authentic and rustic celebrations. Does this make Butterfly Red Hill one of the best natural wedding venues on the Mornington Peninsula? I certainly think so!

5. Iluka Retreat

Fancy having your very own private oasis? Set within 36 acres of the jaw-droppingly beautiful hinterland, Iluka Retreat wedding venue truly lives up to its name, and all of this is just an 80-minute drive from Melbourne.

Whether you’re looking to have a lakeside bohemian-style wedding, a full-scale rustic glamping occasion or you’re looking for an intimate location where you can feel the worries of everyday life disappear, Iluka Retreat weddings are worth considering.

One of the biggest upsides to Iluka is the addition of on-site accommodation. That means you, your family and your closest friends can party the night away and not worry about anyone getting back home or sorting out taxis. Tents, yurts and even lodges will be at your disposal to make this a day you’ll never forget!

6. The Briars

Beautiful views over the rolling hills of Mornington Peninsula, corrugated iron walls, stripped-back natural wood and a fully customisable warehouse. Does it get more rustic than that? At The Briars, one of the most amazing rustic wedding venues on the Mornington Peninsula, you’ll get the chance to walk countless rugged trails, and the opportunity to explore pristine formal gardens. Both are fantastic ideas when it’s golden hour!

Ranked as one of our favourite garden wedding venues, this stunning historic homestead is the perfect place to hold big weddings of up to 200 guests in their marquee. It must be stressed that while they have the capacity for a lot of people, the intimacy of the venue still shines. If you’re looking for a place to be surrounded by the best nature Mornington Peninsula has to offer when you say your vows, this wedding venue needs to be a top consideration.

Wedding Vendors

No wedding would be complete without an arsenal of fantastic vendors! Not only will their expertise take your wedding to the next level, but they’ll often go out of their way to make sure your wedding goes as smoothly as possible.

As far as wedding vendors go, perhaps none are more important in making your perfect rustic wedding aesthetic a reality than florists and stylists. Whether it’s those little finishing touches that bring a place together or an entire venue takeover, they’ll be able to transform any space into something seasonal, organic and uniquely yours. 

1. Peninsula Wildflower

First up we’ve got Peninsula Wildflower. They promote sustainable flower farming, creating individual arrangements unique to couples, and the ‘desire to showcase the natural beauty of natives’. All of these are qualities that show just how much of an asset Peninsula Wildflower can be to your wedding and what they’ll do to help you achieve that rustic aesthetic you’ve been dreaming of.

Whether your wedding theme is leaning slightly more toward bohemian or sophistication, the team here will create arrangements that make your big day timeless and memorable. With a crew that believes in ‘green thumbs and dirty nails’, you know they’ve got your best interests at heart.

2. Millicent Green

Looking for a bespoke and personal floral arrangement for your wedding? Kate from Millicent Green might just be the person to help. Able to take your ideas and curate a professional arrangement for your venue, Millicent Green is a solid choice for anyone who wants boutique styling for a rustic wedding.

3. Poppy Culture

Poppy Culture prides itself on creating ‘artistic floral designs’ the folks at poppy culture make sure each and every event they style is unique to what the client desires. No cookie-cutter solutions in sight! With over 50 years of combined experience and having worked on over 750 events, you can be sure the aesthetic and feel of your big day are in good hands.

4. Stylist – Pop Up With Style

If you want to guarantee that everything goes as smoothly as it can on your wedding day, you should consider hiring a stylist like Pop Up With Style. Not only will they be able to help theme your entire day, but they can also act as wedding organisers and planners. From floor plans and seating charts to timelines, styling and even the dress, the people at Pop Up With Style truly go out of their way to make sure your day is nothing but the best!

Mornington Peninsula is filled with cosy and intimate wedding venues that are just waiting for your rustic wedding to happen. Those were 6 of the best, but if you’re looking to take your day to the next level, consider hiring some of the vendors we’ve listed that complement rustic weddings better than anything else. Still looking for a photographer or even just a helping hand to plan your big day? Get in touch now and let’s get the ball rolling!