Rutherglen Wedding Celebrant
Winery wedding Venues in Rutherglen and Wahgunyah
There is something pretty special about getting married amongst the vines.
Rutherglen and neighbouring Wahgunyah have some wonderful wedding venues, and I've been lucky enough to stand beside couples as they've married at several of them.
All Saints Estate, Wahgunyah
The tree-lined driveway and historic castle make quite an entrance at All Saints Estate. It’s a striking place to bring everyone together for a wedding, and the sense of occasion begins well before anyone takes their seat.
I’ve conducted weddings at All Saints, and I know how much thought goes into a day here. The setting gives us a beautiful backdrop, but the ceremony is where your guests get to hear your story: how you came together, what you love about each other and the promises you want to make. Those are the moments that make an impressive place feel personal.
When your ceremony and reception are held at the estate, the day can flow naturally from one into the other. Your guests can enjoy a drink and catch up while you have photos taken, without anyone needing to travel between venues. It gives you more time to be present with each other and with the people who’ve come to celebrate with you.
All Saints has a grand first impression. My job is to make sure the ceremony at the heart of your day feels every bit as memorable.
St Leonards Vineyard, Wahgunyah
St Leonards offers a beautiful vineyard setting beside the Murray River, with a relaxed feel that suits couples who want the people they love close around them.
I’ve married couples here whose children were very much part of the ceremony. Their presence made the occasion feel all the more personal. Whether children walk down the aisle, help with the rings or simply stay close to Mum and Dad, there’s room to include them in a way that feels comfortable for the whole family.
That’s what I enjoy about writing a ceremony at St Leonards. The setting gives us somewhere lovely to gather, while the stories, people and small moments make the wedding yours.
With the reception at the same venue, your guests can move easily from the ceremony into the celebration. There’s time for photos, a drink and a proper catch-up, without breaking up the day with travel. It’s a wonderful way to keep everyone together and let a family celebration unfold at its own pace.
The Pavillion, Buller Winers rutherglen
The Pavilion at Buller Wines brings together two things Rutherglen does particularly well: a beautiful winery setting and a proper celebration around the table.
The estate has lawns, established vineyards and character-filled buildings, giving couples a choice of indoor and outdoor settings for their ceremony. Afterwards, guests can enjoy drinks and canapés on the lawn before moving into The Pavilion for the reception, with views across the Calliope Vineyard.
Having the whole wedding in one place gives the day a lovely sense of ease. There’s no need to send guests off to a second venue while you have photos taken; everyone can settle in and enjoy being together.
For me, the ceremony is the chance to give all of that a personal beginning. Whether you’d like something light and relaxed or a little more formal, we can create words that sound like you and set the tone for the celebration that follows
De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate
De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate is another local venue where I’ve had the pleasure of marrying couples. It’s a lovely choice if you want a winery wedding with the ceremony and celebration in one place.
I’ve seen how well it can work for both intimate weddings and larger gatherings. With a small group, we can make space for a ceremony that feels close and conversational. With more guests, we can still make sure the words feel personal and that everyone understands why this day matters to you.
As a local celebrant, I’m familiar with the rhythm of a winery wedding. I’ll work with you to shape a ceremony that fits the day you’ve planned, from the moment your guests gather to the point where they raise a glass with you afterwards.
Having everything at one venue also means you can stay in the moment. While you take photos or enjoy a few minutes together, your guests can settle into the celebration. Then you can rejoin them without losing precious time travelling from one place to another.
Coming to Rutherglen for your wedding weekend?
Plenty of couples getting married in Rutherglen aren't local.
That's part of the appeal.
Your wedding becomes more than a few hours on a Saturday. Guests can arrive, settle in, explore the wineries, have dinner together and turn your celebration into a weekend away.
If you're organising your Rutherglen wedding from Melbourne, interstate or overseas, we can handle much of your ceremony planning remotely.
I'll guide you through the legal paperwork, ceremony planning and vows so you know exactly what needs to happen and when.
You can save the trips to Rutherglen for far more enjoyable things.
Like wine tasting.
The little people, the grandparents and even the dog are welcome
Some of my favourite ceremony moments have come from involving the people couples love.
Your children might walk you down the aisle, carry the rings or stand beside you.
Your mums or grandmothers could be your legal witnesses.
A parent might present the rings.
And if there's a dog who is considered an important member of the family, I'm hardly going to tell them they didn't make the guest list.
There are plenty of ways to involve the people and pets you love without making the ceremony complicated.
I'll help you find something that suits your family and feels natural on the day.
What happens if the wedding timeline changes?
It happens.
Hair takes longer. Someone can't find something. Transport runs late. The photographer spots an opportunity for a photograph that can't wait.
That's one reason I only book one wedding ceremony per day.
Your ceremony isn't sitting between two other weddings in my diary.
I've allowed the day for you, which gives us some breathing room when wedding-day timing decides to become more of a suggestion than a plan.
Your celebrant and your wedding MC
If you'd prefer to have one person guiding both the ceremony and reception, I also work as a wedding MC.
By the time your wedding arrives, I'll already know you, your story and many of the important people involved in the day.
Once you're married, I can continue into the reception and work alongside your venue, photographer, entertainment and other wedding professionals to keep everything moving.
You get to enjoy the party.
What you can expect when you book me
I'll guide you through the legal requirements and help you create a ceremony that's relaxed, personal and easy to enjoy.
My full wedding ceremony service includes:
- legal marriage paperwork
- your personalised ceremony
- unlimited ceremony edits
- meetings, calls and planning support
- help and resources for writing your vows
- professional PA system and hands-free microphone
- signing table and two chairs if required
- ceremony rehearsal
- travel within Victoria
- submission of your marriage documents after your wedding
Most importantly, you'll know what is happening throughout the process.
I take care of the details so you don't have to become an expert in Australian marriage law just because you've decided to get married.
Frequently asked questions about Rutherglen weddings
Do you travel to Rutherglen and Wahgunyah?
Yes. I'm based in Wangaratta and regularly travel to Rutherglen, Wahgunyah and surrounding areas for weddings.
Have you conducted winery weddings in Rutherglen?
Yes. I've married couples at venues including All Saints Estate, St Leonards Vineyard and De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate.
Can we legally get married at a winery?
Yes. Your marriage ceremony can take place at a winery, wedding venue, private property or many other locations provided Australia's legal marriage requirements are met.
We live in Melbourne. Can we still book you?
Absolutely. Much of our ceremony planning can be completed remotely, making it easy to organise your Rutherglen wedding even if you don't live in North East Victoria.
Can our parents or grandparents be our witnesses?
Yes. Your two legal witnesses need to be aged 18 or over and able to understand what they are witnessing. Choosing parents, grandparents or other special people can be a lovely way to include them.
Can our children be part of the ceremony?
Absolutely. There are plenty of ways to involve children, and we can find a role that suits their age and personality.
Can you be our celebrant and MC?
Yes. I offer both marriage celebrant and wedding MC services.
How far ahead should we book our celebrant?
Once you've confirmed your wedding date and venue, it's worth checking celebrant availability. Popular dates can book well in advance.
Getting married in Rutherglen?
Whether you've chosen one of Rutherglen's beautiful wineries, an estate, a private property or somewhere a little unexpected, I'd love to hear what you're planning.
Tell me your date, where you're getting married and a little about the two of you.
Then we can start talking about the fun bit: your ceremony.
