Getting married in the Yarra Valley
Updated by the Wedlii planning team
The Yarra Valley is one of Victoria's best-loved wine regions, and it makes a beautiful place to get married. Think rows of vines, rolling green hills, misty mornings and long lunches at the cellar door.
Many couples marry at a winery or estate, where the ceremony, reception, food and wine all happen in one place. It's an easy drive from Melbourne, so guests can come for the day or stay the weekend.
The catch is the weather. It can swing from hot to chilly in a day, and evenings cool down quickly once the sun drops behind the ranges. Plan for both and you'll be set.
What is the best time of year to get married in the Yarra Valley?
March and April are the best time to get married in the Yarra Valley. Days are a comfortable 21–25°C and there are fewer rainy days than in spring, with March averaging about 5.5 rain days. Bureau of Meteorology
February is the driest month, with about 4 rain days, but it's hotter at around 28°C. Spring (September to November) is fresh and green, though October and November get the most rain of the year. Winter (June to August) brings top temperatures of 14–15°C and the most rain days, with July and August averaging 11 to 12. Bureau of Meteorology
Nights are cool all year. Even in January, the average overnight low is around 12°C, and in winter it drops to about 4°C. Bureau of Meteorology
| Season | Months | Average top temp | Average rain days per month | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Sep–Nov | 17–23°C | 9–10 | Green and fresh, Oct and Nov are wettest |
| Summer | Dec–Feb | 25–28°C | 4–7 | Driest, but can be hot |
| Autumn | Mar–May | 17–25°C | 6–9 | Mild days, March and April are the pick |
| Winter | Jun–Aug | 14–15°C | 10–12 | Cosy fireside weddings, chilly nights |
Always have a wet weather plan and something warm for the evening, whatever the season.
Where can you get married in the Yarra Valley?
Wineries and private estates are the classic Yarra Valley wedding setting, but there are gardens, forests and restaurants to choose from too.
- Wineries and estates. The heart of the valley, around Yarra Glen, Dixons Creek, Coldstream, Healesville, Gruyere and Seville. Ceremonies among the vines, then dinner and dancing in the same place.
- Gardens and country homesteads. Lawns, old trees and garden beds for a classic, romantic feel. A favourite for spring and autumn weddings.
- Forests and the ranges. Tall mountain ash and tree ferns around Healesville and Warburton give you a cool, leafy setting, lovely on a warm summer day.
- Restaurants and cellar doors. Ideal for smaller weddings and long lunches, with local food and wine taken care of.
Planning a ceremony in a Parks Victoria park? Parks Victoria doesn't provide items for hire, so you'll need to bring your own chairs, arbour and signing table. Parks Victoria
Do you need a permit to get married in a park in the Yarra Valley?
It depends on who manages the land. Parks Victoria requires a wedding permit for any ceremony in its parks, and Yarra Ranges Council has a permit for events in its parks and reserves. Parks VictoriaYarra Ranges Council event permit (business.gov.au)
| Who manages it | Places | How to book |
|---|---|---|
| Parks Victoria | Parks and reserves managed by Parks Victoria | Apply online at least 8 weeks ahead, or call 13 19 63 or email events@parks.vic.gov.au |
| Parks Victoria (Dandenong Ranges Gardens) | Nearby Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden, George Tindale Memorial Garden, Pirianda Garden and RJ Hamer Arboretum | These gardens have their own application form on the Parks Victoria website |
| Yarra Ranges Council | Council parks, reserves and other public land | Contact council about a permit to conduct an event on public land |
- Parks Victoria land: applications, with all documents, must be in at least 8 weeks before the date. A fee applies, and it depends on your activities, location and setup. Applying doesn't guarantee approval. Parks Victoria
- Parks Victoria rules: confetti, rice, balloon releases and flower petals aren't allowed. Decorations can't be attached to buildings, structures or trees. Music may be allowed depending on the location. Parks Victoria
- Bigger ceremonies: with more than 100 people (including the bridal party) on Parks Victoria land, you'll need to supply a public liability insurance certificate at the level Parks Victoria sets. Parks Victoria
- Photos count too. Parks Victoria also needs a permit for wedding photography or filming in its parks, and drone pilots must be licensed and CASA-certified. Parks Victoria
- Council land: Yarra Ranges Council issues a permit for events on a road, reserve, park or other public land. Our planners recommend calling council early to check if your ceremony needs one. Yarra Ranges Council event permit (business.gov.au)
Getting married at a private winery or estate? Your venue is your first port of call. For public land, permit conditions can change, so confirm them with Parks Victoria or council before you set your date.
How far ahead should you book a Yarra Valley wedding?
Our planners recommend booking your venue and date 12 to 18 months ahead for a Yarra Valley wedding, especially for an autumn or spring Saturday at a winery.
- 12–18 months out: winery or estate and date, then your photographer and celebrant, as autumn and spring Saturdays go first.
- 9–12 months out: guest accommodation. Hold a block of rooms in Healesville or Yarra Glen, or book a few holiday houses for family.
- 6–9 months out: florist, hair and makeup, music, and a guest bus. Winding roads and wine make a shuttle a smart choice.
- 3–6 months out: any park ceremony or photo permit. Parks Victoria needs your application at least 8 weeks ahead, and its online form won't accept dates less than 8 weeks away. Parks Victoria
- 1–3 months out: final numbers, timeline, wet weather plan and blankets or heaters for the evening.
Getting married on a Friday, Sunday or in winter? You'll usually find more availability.
Yarra Valley wedding questions
Is confetti allowed at a Yarra Valley park wedding?
Not on Parks Victoria land, where confetti, rice, balloon releases and flower petals aren't permitted. At a private winery, ask your venue what they allow. Parks Victoria
Do you need a permit for wedding photos in a Yarra Valley park?
Yes, on Parks Victoria land. A permit is needed for wedding photography or filming, not just the ceremony, and drones must be flown by a licensed, CASA-certified operator. Parks Victoria
Can you have drinks at a park wedding in the Yarra Valley?
Parks Victoria asks you to include any catering or alcohol in your permit application. If a long lunch with local wine is the plan, a winery or estate is the easier choice. Parks Victoria
How cold does it get at night in the Yarra Valley?
Cooler than many couples expect. Average overnight lows are around 12°C in January and about 4°C in winter, so plan for heaters, wraps or a fire pit. Bureau of Meteorology
Where do Yarra Valley wedding guests stay?
Many stay in Healesville, Yarra Glen, Lilydale or Warburton, or at the winery itself if it has rooms. Others head back to Melbourne, so book a late bus for them.
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