Venue Insight: Château Élan
Château Élan in the Hunter Valley marries European elegance with the relaxed beauty of the Australian landscape, creating a venue that feels timeless, romantic, and effortlessly personal. Every wedding here is designed around the couple’s story, from intimate elopements to grand celebrations, with thoughtful details that make each day unique.
Château Élan blends European elegance with the Australian landscape beautifully, what inspired this fusion?
Château Élan was designed to offer a touch of European sophistication while celebrating the natural beauty of the Hunter Valley. We wanted to create a space that feels timeless and romantic, yet grounded in the relaxed charm of Australia. It’s the perfect blend of elegance and warmth.
How do you approach creating weddings that feel both grand and deeply personal?
For us, it’s all about connection. Every couple has their own story, and our role is to bring that story to life in a way that feels authentic to them. Whether it’s an intimate elopement or a large celebration, we focus on understanding what’s meaningful, from the ceremony style to the finer design details, to ensure their day feels genuinely theirs, not just beautiful.
What elements of the property do couples fall in love with first?
It’s usually the views. The fairways create such a serene backdrop, especially at sunset. But beyond the scenery, couples often fall in love with how versatile the property is. From elegant event spaces to romantic garden settings, it gives them the freedom to design a celebration that reflects who they are, whether that’s classic and refined, or relaxed and modern.
The Hunter Valley has no shortage of stunning venues; what sets Château Élan apart?
Our combination of world-class facilities and heartfelt hospitality truly sets us apart. Couples can host every part of their celebration here, from pre-wedding pampering at The Spa to luxury on-site accommodation for guests. It’s a seamless destination experience that allows everyone to relax and fully immerse themselves in the celebration.
Can you tell us about a wedding that felt particularly memorable? A particularly memorable wedding was that of Lily and Kate, a couple who wanted a relaxed yet elegant celebration that felt personal from start to finish.
They had shared their first weekend away as a couple at the Hunter, so it was only fitting to return for their wedding. We worked closely with them to weave their story into the day, and this went as far as incorporating local wines they’d tasted together into the menu.
One of the most special touches was the ceremony itself, held at golden hour overlooking the golf course with Kate’s brother as the celebrant, and the couple wrote their own vows, filled with humour and heartfelt moments. Afterwards, guests enjoyed lawn games and cocktails created by our team featuring the couple’s favourite wines.
The part we’ll never forget was a surprise twilight performance by a string duo under the stars. This was a nod to their first date, where they’d danced to the same song in their living room. It was very intimate and unforgettable. Better yet, it was a perfect reflection of the couple and the magic of the Hunter Valley.
How does your team ensure each celebration feels bespoke to the couple?
The team will ensure each wedding celebration feels bespoke by focusing on the couple's unique story and personalities from the start. Through dedicated consultations and planning, we try to incorporate meaningful details into every element of the day.
What trends or styles are you seeing couples gravitate toward this season? There’s a strong focus on the finer details right now - things that feel personal and meaningful. We’re seeing smaller guest lists, lots of locally sourced food and flowers, and really thoughtful touches. Bold colours and dramatic florals are having a moment too, often paired with soft drapery and textured décor to balance it all out.
Fashion is shifting toward comfort and versatility, with lighter fabrics and modern silhouettes. Couples are also embracing weekday weddings, interactive dining experiences, and tech-savvy elements like live streams and drone photography.
If you could describe a Château Élan wedding in three words, what would they be?
Authentic. Elegant. Inclusive.
Visit chateauelan.com.au
Instagram @chateauelanhuntervalley
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