The Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, is a beautiful place for ceremony. A workaday life can drown out the breaths of nature—but the forces of life are palpable all around in the Mountains*.
(Image: Rehearsing with guests in Hazelbrook in the Korowal School grounds)
There is no end to the range of settings and beautiful venues to suit every taste and every budget—from quiet nooks to spectacular lookouts, from quirky guest houses to palatial art deco and art nouveau retreats.
As well as the iconic sites, there are many hidden gems in the landscape and in the towns. My blog will take a close look at some of these venues. Try not to become lost as I point to just a few examples of beautiful Blue Mountains ceremony locations. This place is wonderful!
- The grand and elegant fusion art deco Hydro Majestic Hotel, perched on clifftop with breathtaking views overlooking Megalong Valley, is a one stop shop for a splendid ceremony, reception, and honeymoon. You may have recognised the view here.
- In the heart of Katoomba is the beloved Carrington Hotel, with its exquisite Art Nouveau grand dining rooms, cocktail bars and lounges, library, billiard rooms, little ballroom and lovely accommodation.
- Jenolan Caves offers a unique and spectacular setting for ceremony, as well as reception and accommodation services.
The National Trust’s historic houses a can provide beautiful (often surprisingly affordable) venues for ceremony. A couple of my favourites in the mountains include—
- Australian Artist Norman Lindsay’s home is now a gallery and museum at Faulconbridge (think The Magic Pudding and Sirens)
- The smaller, and hauntingly beautiful Woodford Academy is the oldest standing building complex in the Mountains
There are 27 villages in the Blue Mountains, most connected by the western Sydney train-line. You may even be fortunate to connect with one of the (all too occasional) heritage train schedules, for a particularly interesting event! The Blue Mountains regional business directory online is not an exhaustive list of services and experiences, but a good start in your search for eg accommodation, florist, photographer.
If you are considering a ceremony outdoors, you may select a site that is operated by either the National Parks and Wildlife Service or by the Blue Mountains City Council. You may need to apply to one of these entities for permission so check it out early in your planning. They are bery helpful. Fess will probably apply.
Here is the link to the webpage which includes the Blue Mountains Weddings – BM City Council Guide. The relevant GUIDE can be found via a link in the right-hand column towards the bottom of the page. It has useful information as well as things to consider when planning to share the habitat!
*The Blue Mountains was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2000.