This year is shaping up to be a very big one for weddings. With the already evident increase in demand from same-sex couples, this means there will be pressure on wedding venues in the Capital. If you took the big leap over the holiday season and asked someone to marry you, then you, along with a whole lot of other people in Canberra, have probably come to the realisation that you now have to do something. That something means finding somewhere that suits your needs and then organising both the ceremony and reception. My experience is anyone with training in military precision is perfect for the task, but for those who would like to approach their nuptials with as little stress as possible, the Pialligo Estate is a very good place to start. With the personalised service from the Pialligo Estate team, they will come up with just the right advice and a package to match your budget, which is why they are considered one of Canberra’s top wedding venues. It is a highly sought function centre and provides a happy couple everything they could wish for in the one location. You will have a choice of options depending on your number of guests: from an intimate space for a smaller cocktail reception to something that is spacious, scenic and adaptable for an elegant and grander garden wedding.
There is plentiful parking for guests and, with everything located on the Estate, you and your guests will not need to travel to your reception. Close proximity to the many inner north and inner south hotels, as well as the Vibe hotel at the airport, means the Estate is also attractive for those looking for a fly-in/fly-out wedding destination.
What else does the Estate offer? To start with, you will want somewhere memorable to exchange vows and I can’t think of anything more perfect than Pialligo’s beautiful Ceremony Lawn. Set in manicured gardens, overlooking the vineyards, olive grove, with a vista towards the river to Parliament House, Black Mountain and the Telstra Tower and beyond to the Brindabella Mountains and stunning sunsets, this is a wonderful start to your never-to-be-forgotten event.
After the ceremony, the grounds and buildings offer a number of picturesque locations for your photos, while guests can enjoy drinks on the lawn or in one of the Garden Pavilions.
The Estate offers a wide range of catering options for receptions. For more intimate occasions, the Garden Pavilions offer a relaxed rustic charm, with each pavilion accommodating 30 guests for cocktails and canapes, or seating for up to 28 guests, the pavilions open out onto the manicured lawns and garden bed. The last time I was there, the lavender was in full blossom and classic lawn games were in full progress.
For a medium-sized to the grandest of weddings, the Glasshouse comfortably caters for 50-200 people, providing an elegant seated dining experience. With high glass walls and the vista over the green lawns, the Glasshouse is filled with natural light and presents many possibilities.
All venues are climate controlled with evaporative cooling but even on the warmest of days, there is a lovely breeze from the river corridor. In winter, all venues are well-heated and cosy.
The Pialligo Estate team is proud to work with the best local artists, stylists and producers, including florists, wedding cake specialists, celebrants, musicians and graphic designers. Travel arrangements can be made, including group bus bookings, taxi bookings, or for something really breathtaking, a helicopter flight.
Pialligo Estate is located at 18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo. Phone: (02) 6247 6060 or email sales@pialligo.estate.