Bendooley Estate

A world-class wedding venue in the Southern Highlands, set among vineyards, gardens, and one of the most unique reception spaces in Australia.

Australia, Southern Highlands, New South Wales
3020 Old Hume Hwy, Berrima NSW 2577
winery estate bookstore garden restaurant

Bendooley Estate is one of the most extraordinary wedding venues in the world — and easily one of my top three favourites. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Southern Highlands, it offers couples a perfect mix of elegance, nature, and timeless charm. The estate is renowned for its vineyards, lakeside gardens, and the iconic Book Barn — a reception space surrounded by walls of books that feels like stepping into another world.

My Experience Here

Whenever I officiate at Bendooley, I’m reminded why this place is so special. The Book Barn reception space in particular is my personal favourite — it’s intimate, atmospheric, and unlike anywhere else on the planet. The staff run weddings with military precision while somehow keeping the warmth and ease of a family gathering. From golden-hour ceremonies on the lawns to late-night dancing beneath shelves of antique books, every detail just sings.

Venue Highlights

  • The Book Barn, a one-of-a-kind reception venue lined with towering bookshelves.
  • Vineyard views and a variety of stunning outdoor ceremony spots.
  • Award-winning restaurant and in-house catering that showcases the region’s produce.
  • On-site accommodation for couples and guests.
  • Versatile options for intimate elopements or grand weddings of 200+.
  • Just 90 minutes from Sydney and Canberra.

Planning Tips

  • The Southern Highlands has a cool climate — pack for crisp evenings, even in summer.
  • Autumn is especially magical here with vineyard colours and mild weather.
  • Book well in advance: this is one of Australia’s most sought-after venues.
  • Consider guest transport and accommodation in nearby Bowral and Berrima.
  • Sunset ceremonies by the lake or vineyard are spectacular — check local sunset times when planning.
  • Winter weddings are cosy and romantic in the Book Barn with its roaring fireplaces.

More venues in Southern Highlands, New South Wales

Adam’s Distillery wedding venue

Adam’s Distillery

Australia, Tasmania
distillery outdoor industrial +1 more

A whisky-lover’s wedding dream just south of Launceston, Adam’s Distillery offers modern industrial vibes, spacious grou...

Byron Bay Lighthouse wedding venue

Byron Bay Lighthouse

Australia, Byron Bay
Beach Landmark Outdoor

A stunning clifftop venue overlooking the Pacific Ocean, where I've created intimate ceremonies with breathtaking views.

Caversham House wedding venue

Caversham House

Australia, Perth
garden estate formal

A formal and elegant wedding venue just outside Perth, Caversham House is renowned for its manicured gardens, riverside ...

Want to get married here?

I'd love to create a beautiful ceremony for you at this stunning location

More amazing wedding venues

Discover other incredible locations where I've created beautiful ceremonies

Coromandel Peak, New Zealand wedding venue

Coromandel Peak, New Zealand

New Zealand, Wanaka
Mountain Elopement Scenic

An iconic mountaintop wedding location overlooking Lake Wanaka, perfect for scenic elopements by helicopter year-round.

Old Mount Stromlo Observatory wedding venue

Old Mount Stromlo Observatory

Australia, Canberrra
outdoor historic elopement-friendly

Intimate wedding venue among the stars — literally. Just outside Canberra, the Old Mount Stromlo Observatory blends cosm...

Sandridge Estate wedding venue

Sandridge Estate

Australia, Tasmania
bush chapel rustic

An enchanting bushland wedding venue in Tasmania’s north-west with an outdoor chapel that feels like magic.

Byron Bay Lighthouse wedding venue

Byron Bay Lighthouse

Australia, Byron Bay
Beach Landmark Outdoor

A stunning clifftop venue overlooking the Pacific Ocean, where I've created intimate ceremonies with breathtaking views.

Freycinet, Tasmania wedding venue

Freycinet, Tasmania

Australia, Tasmania
national park outdoor elopement

A wild and romantic elopement destination on Tasmania’s east coast, with Honeymoon Bay offering one of the easiest, most...

The Grounds of Alexandria wedding venue

The Grounds of Alexandria

Australia, Sydney
garden restaurant urban

A lush, lux, intimate wedding venue in the heart of Sydney where city charm meets garden romance for a special Sydney we...

Wedding advice + help

View all posts »

Real advice for creating a wedding that is awesome.

What Are Weddings For?

What Are Weddings For?

White dresses, bouquets, bridesmaids and champagne. Fatherly speeches, and I Wanna Dance with Somebody by Whitney Houston. Confetti, corsages, long tables of food. These are a few of my favourite things people think weddings are about.

Creating a Casino-Themed Wedding

Creating a Casino-Themed Wedding

A casino-themed celebration captures the sophistication, excitement, and theatrical drama of classic casino culture without the harmful elements