We here at Dolce are super lucky to visit some of the most awesome places in WA every weekend, while getting to celebrate with our rad couples. We get to see scenic outdoor views, beautifully fit-out indoor venues, gorgeous churches, native flowers galore at pretty parks… The list goes on! Which is why we thought you might want to find out our faves.
Planning a wedding can be extremely daunting (trust me, I know) and picking a venue is one of the first things you have to do. Setting a date can only be done after you know their availability, so choosing your venue is the foundation of your wedding planning. And you have to do this (usually) so far in advance, and often at places you have never been to. Crazy, right?
And while trusting our main girl Google for every question from “what are Kim Kardashian’s children called” (Saint, Chicago and North – you’re welcome) to “where’s open for brekkie on Easter Monday in Perth” (you betcha I googled that one); she should not necessarily be your guru for wedding venues. Remember that a search engine ranking or a list of paid advertising venues, IS NOT your best bet in choosing the place that you will say I Do.
Now we are definitely not saying that WE should be your leading authority on which venue to choose (hey, we are just the musicians after all), but we do get to play in some pretty cool places and see you peeps tie the knot. And wow, isn’t that the best job? We get to play our music, with some of Perth’s best musicians, at stunning places for great people. Winning formula!
Today’s little episode is Swan Valley’s Best Venues. Swan Valley is like Perth’s Margaret River. Such an escape, but still able to drive home (let me level with you, probably order an Uber/taxi). There are probably way more venues that we haven’t got to (sorry guys), so there will be a highly likely pt. 2 to this post. Being spoiled for choice is a pretty good situation to be in, right Perth?
Caversham House
141 Caversham Avenue, Caversham
This one needs no introduction. This stunner of a venue has everything that you need! Lush grounds, delicious food, plus the friendly staff that work there. Plus the photos on those limestone steps always look AMAZING. Considering that you will be in contact with the staff for at least the better part of a year, you want to make sure that you are talking to some lovely people. And boy, they are!
Plus, they make our lives so easy by giving us exact cues as to when the bride has arrived, turning the fountain off during the ceremony so that we can definitely be heard, organising us umbrellas or a little marquee, putting out our chairs, the list goes on. Thanks guys! (This happy snap is of our string trio playing some post-ceremony tunes in the Hidden Gardens, Caversham House, for C & G)
Sandalford Winery
3210 W Swan Rd, Caversham WA
What an incredible place! There are so many different areas, with the Merlot Lawn that sets an air of grandeur as guests arrive, or the more private Verdelho lawn that works perfectly for late-afternoon ceremonies as guests move next door following the ceremony for cocktail hour. We are lucky enough to have performed in all the different rooms in the venue, and gosh we sound just lovely in all of them. The oak walls are begging to have our string instruments play in them and resonate so well for all of your guests to enjoy. And the wedding planners we have worked with at Sandalford are seriously superb.
Here is a pic of our string quartet performing on the Verdelho Lawn, Sandalford from one of Perth’s best wedding photographer’s, Keegan Wong. How lush does this setting look??
Sittella Winery
100 Barrett St, Herne Hill
I was pretty lucky that my parents used to have any celebration, birthday, family holiday, pet birthday, {insert any excuse) here. I still dream about the Sittella Strawberry Basket. Seriously, it is the best. Try it.
I digress! Let’s get back to weddings at Sittella. Can we just talk about that gazebo? It overlooks a lake, it sits in between some stunning roses, it’s grey & white (major photo points), plus we can fit in it (no umbrella needed, and we can sit far enough to one side that we won’t photobomb your wedding pics). Perfect! And the entrance of the bride as she walks down that hill is literally breathtaking. Major points. Thank you so much to Jason Tey for this stunning photo of our string quartet under that perfect gazebo.
Mandoon Estate
10 Harris Rd, Caversham
This is a new one to the Swan Valley scene as it only opened in 2014. And my gosh, is she a knockout. I mean, it has the most chilled out vibe (go have a Sunday sesh there, it’s fab), it’s so scenic (views are da bomb) and it’s super new and the wines are DELICIOUS. Plus the food is incredible thanks to Executive Chef Michael Hartnell and Executive Sous John Baxter. Plus since the end of last year, they have onsite accommodation at The Colony (check out the amazingly appointed rooms). Tick, tick, tick!
Check out this blog post on Easy Weddings about one of our couples Jasmin & Damir, who used our string trio for their wedding ceremony at Mandoon. We took a little pic from their wedding on our Instagram (follow us @dolceensembles) under these cutey-pie parasols.
Barrett Lane
LOT 2909 Lennard St, Herne Hill
This venue has been coming up more and more for us, and we are absolutely thrilled! So pretty, with so many gorgeous areas and BYO. Yes you read that right; BYO! This is almost unheard of in Perth, especially for a venue so fancy. The gardens are meticulously looked after, the grass area is perfect for a ceremony and the function room has such a really relaxing feel to it. Plus, did we mention there is a balcony with the most stunning vineyard views? Who doesn’t love a balcony?
Here’s a little pic of our violins at a string trio performance for Danie & Jack. We played lots of upbeat contemporary songs for guests at pre-dinner drinks.
Well, that is all for now! Let us know what you think, and PLEASE, send us any suggestions. We want to provide you all with a comprehensive list, so you can find your dream venue.
Kathryn xx