Celebrate where love meets the horizon and nature sets the scene.
Tucked away in the heart of Lovedale, in the Hunter Valley, our secluded estate spans 20 acres of native bushland and tropical gardens - an enchanting backdrop for weddings both grand and intimate.
Whether you're envisioning an elopement, a laid-back DIY celebration, or a fully tailored affair, our property offers the freedom to bring your unique vision to life. Exclusively yours, take the time to slow down, soak in the serenity of the rainforest and lakeside surrounds, and savour every moment with those who matter most.
A Unique Wedding Venue in the Hunter Valley
Nestled among lush tropical gardens and serene lagoons, Leaves & Fishes provides a truly unique setting for everything from intimate elopements and micro weddings to celebrations of up to 150 guests – a perfect choice for a destination wedding in NSW.
Why couples choose us:
Complete venue privacy and flexibility
Boutique on-site accommodation
BYO catering and styling options
Personalised support without losing creative control
Intimate Elopements & Micro Wedding Packages
for 2–50 Guests
Looking for a Hunter Valley wedding venue that’s intimate, affordable, and truly your own? At Leaves & Fishes, we specialise in elopements, micros and small weddings (2 to 50 guests) with customisable packages, boutique accommodation, and a breathtaking private setting in the heart of wine country.
Whether you’re planning a romantic elopement for two or a relaxed celebration with family and friends, we offer the ideal space and support to make it personal, stylish, and stress-free.
We offer a ceremony-only option for couples seeking a simple yet beautiful way to say ‘I do’ as well as all-inclusive packages for those who want to take the overwhelm out of planning — complete with our hand-picked list of trusted vendors and exclusive discounts.
Wedding Packages Designed for Every Budget
Tailored weddings to your style
for 50 - 150 Guests
At Leaves & Fishes, we believe your wedding should reflect your story - not a standard template. Our Wedding Packages (50-150 guests) give you the freedom to design a celebration that suits your style, guest list, and budget.
We offer flexible, all-inclusive venue hire in NSW — with plenty of support, and no pressure to follow tradition.
Inclusions in every Wedding Package:
Exclusive access to our Lovedale, Hunter Valley wedding venue
Choice of indoor and outdoor ceremony + reception spaces
Tables and chairs for up to 100 guests for flexible layouts (additional can be hired in)
Use of our on-site commercial kitchen (perfect for external caterers)
2-night accommodation for up to 12 guests
(The Villa sleeps 4, plus 4 individual Boathouses sleep 8)Full access for venue setup and pack-down
Optional Add-Ons for a Seamless Wedding Experience
We can introduce you to trusted wedding vendors to support bringing your vision to life:
Full styling and creative concept development – florals, ceremony setup, signage, and stationery
On-the-day coordination (our team or a trusted preferred vendor)
Vendor recommendations, budget tracking, timeline management & rehearsal support
Whether you're dreaming of something modern, rustic, romantic or relaxed, we’ll help you create a memorable and meaningful celebration - without the stress of a large-scale wedding.
The Spaces
Our twenty-acre grounds provide a stunning backdrop of native bushland and tropical gardens, creating the perfect setting for your special day. Choose the location(s) that best reflect your style and design a wedding that’s uniquely yours.
The COLONNADE
20 Seated dining / 90 Cocktail / 150 Ceremony
The European inspired colonnade provides the perfect backdrop for your intimate dining experience, cocktail hour or wedding ceremony.
The COMMONS
40 Seated dining / 60 Cocktail / 80 Ceremony
This intimate space is the perfect all weather option for reciting your vows or dining with your closest family and friends.
The Commons is the perfect place to host those smaller yet intimate dinners. Also great for recovery brunch or rehearsal dinner.
The LAWN
50 Seated dining / 150 Cocktail + Ceremony
The ornamental pear tree blossoming in the spring, full of vibrant leaves in the summer and striking earthy branches in the winter.
The rustic charm of the deck provides the backdrop for cocktail hour or a stunning ceremony.
For an elevated backyard BBQ feel dine with your nearest and dearest on the lawn.
The OVERWATER PAVILLION
60 Seated dining / 90 Cocktail + Ceremony
Perched above tranquil waters, our Overwater Pavillion offers a serene and intimate setting for your wedding celebration. With its elevated position, guests will enjoy a sense of exclusivity, surrounded by nature and sweeping views - perfect for a romantic and unforgettable experience.
The RAINFOREST WALK
80 Seated dining / 90 Cocktail / 60 Ceremony
Celebrate beneath the lush rainforest canopy with a starlit long-table dinner or a relaxed cocktail gathering. Enveloped in vibrant greenery, this unique outdoor space offers a magical, nature-immersed atmosphere - ideal for a twilight affair.
The ASSEMBLY
90 Seated dining / 120 Cocktail + Ceremony
Set amid tropical gardens, The Assembly blends indoor elegance with outdoor charm. Ideal for formal receptions or relaxed cocktail events, this space features grand doorways that open to a spacious deck, manicured lawns, and the glow of a candlelit sunken Roman bath—creating a timeless, romantic backdrop.
The SUNKEN GARDEN
150 Seated / 150 Cocktail + Ceremony
Tucked into lush hedging and native bushland, the Sunken Garden is perfect for a Tuscan-inspired alfresco feast or a stylish marquee celebration. This expansive, versatile venue invites you to dine under the stars, surrounded by nature’s beauty.
As featured in
Plan Your Elopement, Micro or Bespoke Wedding in Lovedale, NSW
If you're searching for a venue in the Hunter Valley that feels relaxed, private, and beautifully yours, we’d love to help.
Let’s make your dream wedding happen — on your terms.
FAQs
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Yes, once you’re ready to book, we’ll issue a deposit invoice (25% venue hire & 50% planning fee) to confirm your date and begin the planning process.
The remaining payments are staggered across agreed milestones
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Absolutely. Every element from the vendor team to styling, ceremony flow, and catering is customisable. We’ll guide you through the process, so your day reflects your values, energy, and priorities.
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Yes, from our covered deck to the rustic Store or overwater restaurant, we have beautiful wet-weather options that require zero compromise on style or atmosphere.
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We require anyone not staying to be off the property by 11pm for weekend weddings and 10pm midweek.
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Yes of course! LGBTQIA+, no matter how you identify and regardless of how you define your relationship, we'd love to be a part of your wedding day. Love is love and we’re 100% here for it!
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Organise your guest list, a vision board, your wedding attire, alcohol and we will walk you through the rest!
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Absolutely! Please email us at stay@leavesandfishes.com.au to apply your voucher to your booking.
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We have two different room types, Boathouse 2, 3, 4 have a stone bath and overhead shower and Boathouse 1, our accessible boathouse with a double shower.
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Our double shower room (Boathouse 1) is fully accessible with ramp entry, close parking and bathroom supports. Please let us know in your booking if any further assistance is required and we will do our absolute best to accommodate.
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Each boathouse has a single parking spot directly beside it. More parking is also available adjacent to the boathouses.
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Once checked in, the boathouses are not serviced during your stay. Each boathouse is supplied with linens, toiletries and supplies for the length of your stay however if you need any top ups at all during your stay please feel free to contact us. For stays longer than 3 nights an appropriate day and time to provide an included service will be organised with you on the day of check-in.
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The lotus typically bloom from November through to March. The water lilies, closer to the edge and underneath each boathouse deck usually flower from September to May.
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We allow small pooches (up to 11kg) in Boathouse 1, our accessible shower boathouse. Please contact us to introduce your pooch and for more information.
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By Car
• From Sydney: Take the M1 north towards Newcastle, then follow signs to the Hunter Expressway (M15) and take the Lovedale Road exit. The drive takes around 2 hours.
• From Newcastle: Take the Hunter Expressway (M15) west and exit at Lovedale Road. We’re about 50 minutes from Newcastle.
• From Cessnock: Head north on Wine Country Drive, then turn right onto Lovedale Road. We’re about 10 minutes away.
