Garden Chapel at Dalywaters
Planning on getting hitched when the weather’s warm and the flowers are in bloom? You can’t beat a garden wedding if you’re going for a theme of new, happy beginnings!
The Garden Chapel at Dalywaters is the perfect spot for a nature-based wedding. Those who love the idea of being outdoors, surrounded by green, lush vegetation will appreciate the simple but elegant beauty that is Dalywaters.
Between October and May you can say your I-do’s in this gorgeous location. One of the best things about this particular venue is that it’s an absolutely private property. On your special day, it’s just you, your soon-to-be spouse, and your loved ones. Private and perfect!
Location & Vibe
Just five minutes away from Mornington Beach and 55kms from the CBD, Dalywaters is easily accessible. The Garden Chapel sits on 12 acres of lush, beautiful land, making you feel like you’re truly away from the hustle and bustle of the real world.
Featuring a stunning chapel surrounded by greenery and beautiful brightly coloured flowers, you’ll truly be out in nature. A wooden pier leads out onto a small lake, making for wonderful photos!
And there’s no need to worry about bad weather ruining your day. The chapel is covered and has open sides, providing protection from the sun, and clear blinds can be lowered if it rains. You’ll still get all the light and the splendid views, but nobody will be getting wet in their fancy outfit while waiting for the I-do’s!
It’s serene, natural, and lovely. What more could you ask for if you’re a nature-lover who’s getting married?
Photo Opportunities
The chapel itself is absolutely lovely, and well worth spending some time in for photographs. With a pure white colour scheme, you can go wild with your décor and create a truly unique and catered-to-you environment inside.
Outside the chapel, the orchard-style aisle is another wonderful place to capture memories, surrounded by romantic roses. You’ll already have photographs of the bride coming down to the chapel through the beautiful wood-beam lattices, but it’s a great spot for couple’s photos too.
Not far away, you’ll find a gorgeous little wooden deck and the pier leading to the water. Both offer lovely photo opps with the lake and greenery in the background.
Other potential photo spots include the elegant iron gates that lead into the 60-meter aisle, and virtually any place throughout the gardens with grass, trees, or flowers!
Wedding Setup
The wedding party will have the full use of the house conservatory for preparations. When it’s time for the walk down the aisle, Angela from Dalywaters will inform the bride and escort the bridal party to the wrought-iron gates to begin the final walk.
In the chapel, you’ll be provided with candles, lanterns, and a table cloth for the signing table, as well as the Garden’s famous roses!
A red carpet for the couple and white cushions for the guests are also provided, and there’s a handy water station if anyone needs refreshment.
Tables and chairs will also be set up on the lawn for guests to relax and wait for the couple while photos are being taken.
If you’d like music as part of your ceremony, there is power to the chapel but you’ll need to arrange your own music, speaker system, and DJ!
You can also arrange for purchase of rose petals if you’d like the guests to shower the couple with pretty flower petals as they walk by!
Capacity & Hospitality Options
The chapel can handle up to 100 guests at a time, with seating for 60 and 40 standing. There’s also off-road parking for 50 vehicles.
However, the venue is close enough to the beach that you should be able to find extra parking if necessary, although the safety of vehicles parked on the street can’t be guaranteed.
Toilets are available off the conservatory for guests, and there’s also a dedicated wheelchair-access toilet and sitting room.
There are two things that may be deal breakers for some. Firstly, the lack of accommodation on the property, although it’s completely understandable given that this is a private residence.
Secondly, there are no reception or catering options available here. While the staff at Dalywaters are happy to provide tables, chairs, and water for the guests in the garden while they wait for the bridal couple to have photos taken, there’s no option to eat, drink, and be merry at this beautiful location.
You’ll need to make alternate arrangements for a reception venue and accommodations if necessary. However, Dalywaters is located close to a number of wineries and other venues that make for excellent reception spots.
Conclusion
This stunning private venue feels like you’re getting married in your own little private piece of heaven. It’s beautiful and out-of-the-way enough for you to feel like you’re saying your vows far away from the usual busyness of everyday life!
Remember, the Garden Chapel is only available between October and May (when the flowers are in bloom and the weather's lovely!) You can book for a morning or an afternoon ceremony, but you’ll have to fit it all into 2 ½ hours before you move onto your reception venue!
But there’s no doubt that the Garden Chapel at Dalywaters is one of the most beautiful locations you’ll find for a wedding, whether you’re a dedicated nature lover or not! And you don’t need to take my word for it - there are plenty of sparkling testimonials on their own website to prove how well-loved this venue is by everyone who spends time here.
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