Beautiful Pre-Wedding Accommodation in The Yarra Valley

Location, Location, Location.

Speaking from experience, if you are looking to keep things as relaxed and stress-free as possible on your wedding day, the closer you are to your venue, the better it is for every party involved. Below you'll find a list of some fantastic Yarra Valley wedding accommodation, that will look beautiful in photos, and make for super convenient and chilled, pre-wedding preparations.

Unless you are 100% adamant that 'I must get ready at this house, which is a 90-minute drive from my ceremony venue in peak hour'. I would highly recommend investing the extra few hundred dollars to be at a location close to your wedding venue.

I've seen the most chilled brides become so stressed on their wedding day, because of the distance they have to travel to their ceremony location. And if you're getting married somewhere like the Yarra Valley, why not rent a house, and make a whole weekend of it! Get together there with your family and wedding party the day before. Have a BBQ lunch or recovery breakfast at your Yarra Valley wedding accommodation the day after too!

And also, why not both of you get ready on the same property!? You can separate once the hair and makeup team arrive, and still have the traditional 'aisle' moment, where you first see each other as bride and groom (or bride & bride, groom & groom.) at the ceremony. But that then enables you to spend the night together with all your best mates before your wedding day. And you can even enjoy breakfast together on your wedding day if you like? I mean most couples, see each other every other day of their lives. So why avoid each other the entire day, on this important day? It then saves you a couple of bucks, only needing to book the one rental property between you two. All the homes on this page are well and truly big enough for both parties to stay at and remain separate for a few hours on the day if you choose to.

If you already have children together, as many couples do - this also makes perfect logistical sense to be on the same property together. It allows both of you and your families shared duties of looking after the little one/s, without putting it all on one side.

From a photography perspective, if you're looking to receive the very best photos from the 'pre-game' part of your wedding day. Do not underestimate the importance of light. Big rooms, with big windows and lots of natural light, are paramount to stacking the odds in your favour, to getting the best photos you possibly can. Having some beautiful gardens and outdoor areas surrounding the property certainly helps too.

Here are my favourite properties in The Yarra Valley, for wedding parties to get ready at, before the main event.

(in Alphabetical order)

Black and white line illustration of the sun rising above rows of vines

ARALUEN LODGE, YARRA GLEN

Sunlit cottage with a timber veranda, stone walls and a hedge-lined garden

Featuring one main lodge central on the property, Araluen is surrounded by multiple other villas around the property. Making it perfect for large wedding parties, or even having your parents and other family members stay on-site too. But not being all up in your grill if you don't want, as they've got their private dwelling.

Bride and three bridesmaids laughing as they walk across a lawn with bouquets

However, there's a pretty sweet pool at the main lodge, which they're probably going to want to lap up, especially if you're having your wedding during the warmer months.

Guests relaxing in an outdoor swimming pool beside loungers and a large umbrella

The master bedroom in the main lodge features impressive floor-to-ceiling windows, making it a gorgeous little photo spot to capture the bride getting ready.

Two photographs of a bride with flowers in her hair and fastening her shoes Three photographs of a bride and her friends getting ready indoors Two photographs of the bride getting dressed and sitting in a blue armchair

There are also heaps of rad spots around the grounds for wedding party portraits, or even first look photos, if that's something that tickles your fancy.

Bride and groom embracing and laughing beside wooden posts in a leafy garden Six women smiling together outdoors in pale robes while holding drinks White vintage limousine parked beside farmland and distant hills

Araluen Lodge is located at - 603 Steels Creek Road, Yarra Glen http://www.araluenlodge.com.au/

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KILLAWARRA HOUSE, HEALESVILLE

Located just outside of Healesville, up past the RACV club, Killawarra House has some killer views (see what I did there) overlooking the township of Healesville & the valley.

Silhouettes of women getting ready beside large windows overlooking hills

Like I've mentioned a few times on this page, part of what makes this property so rad, is both parties being able to be on the same property together. Inside the house, you've got a beautiful big, well-lit living area (your hair and makeup artists will thank you for that!) with fantastic views inside the home.

Women laughing together in a lounge as one opens a gift box Two photographs of the bride having lipstick applied and kissing the groom indoors Five friends laughing together while seated on a bed beside a window

Directly to the side of the main house, you've got a rad little man cave, dubbed 'The Black Spur', which is perfect for the boys to chill out, and play a few games of pool, while the girls are inside getting their hair and makeup completed—making staying separate until game time, a breeze.

Guests gathered around a pool table beneath a sign reading The Black Spur Men laughing together in a mirror while getting ready in a rustic room Men gathered beside a pool table on a covered veranda overlooking hills Groom putting on a pale suit jacket while a friend watches beside the pool table Group of men standing together on a timber balcony beneath a covered roof Men in pale suits playing pool in a room decorated with posters

Naturally lit, bright bedrooms = one happy wedding photographer.

Bride and three friends smiling with drinks while wearing floral robes

Three photographs of a bride relaxing with a friend and getting dressed indoors

Two photographs of a bride getting ready and having her shoes fastened

Bride hugging a man in a dark suit while a woman watches

Two photographs of a bride laughing with a friend while getting ready

There's also plenty of great spots outside for wedding party portraits as well.

Bride and three friends posing outdoors with white flowers against green hedges

Bride and three bridesmaids in navy dresses posing together with bouquets

Killawarra is located at - 40 Dingley Dell Road, Healesville https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/15329940

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MAGNOLIAS ON MERNDA, OLINDA

Located in Olinda in The Dandenong Ranges, Magnolias on Mernda is a 1940's hills home that has been beautifully restored, giving you the perfect melting pot of old charm and new world style.

Shaded driveway entrance with a timber fence, a number 20 plaque and leafy trees Dark timber cottage with a veranda overlooking a green lawn and garden

The outdoor bath house would be the perfect place to relax, pre or post wedding.

Freestanding white bath on a raised platform framed by pale curtains

The home is surrounded by windows at every turn, so there is so much perfect natural light for getting ready in, and for your hair and makeup artists.

Makeup artist working with a seated bride while a man relaxes with a mug

Did I mention before, why not getting ready in the same house together!?

Two photographs of a hanging wedding dress and a couple embracing indoors Three men laughing together in white shirts and black bow ties

The outdoor gardens are beautifully established and surrounded by ancient trees, making the perfect backdrop for portraits on site.

Two photographs of the bride holding her dress and approaching the groom outdoors Bride and groom embracing in a leafy garden with a bouquet in the foreground Dark cottage and white vintage car surrounded by a leafy garden Two photographs of the bride beside a white vintage car and with her bridesmaids in a garden

Magnolias on Mernda is located at - 20 Mernda Road, Olinda https://www.magnoliasonmernda.com/weddings

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MOUNT VIEW ESTATE, YARRA JUNCTION

Infinity pool with jaw-dropping views sweeping across the valley. You've got it.

Infinity pool overlooking treetops, a valley and distant mountain ridges

Elevated view of a white house, swimming pool and garden among trees

The undercover outdoor pavilion room by the poolside is the absolute perfect spot for your wedding party to hang out. Or if you're so inclined, the pool goes down an absolute treat. As long as you're not wearing any fake tan. 😉

Men relaxing in a swimming pool with one seated on the edge Five friends sitting beside a swimming pool with their arms linked Bride turning toward the groom beside an infinity pool under festoon lights

The inside of the property also features five bedrooms and a central living area that is big, bright and has stunning views.

Bride facing smiling friends in an upstairs room with exposed timber beams Makeup artist working with a seated woman beside a wide window overlooking a valley Women laughing around a kitchen counter as one opens a bottle of sparkling wine Three women chatting while seated on a sofa beside large windows

With five bedrooms and an enormous undercover outdoor area, it's perfect for both parties to get ready on site together, whilst giving each other space. Once all the hair and makeup gets going, the guys can easily hang out by the pool and the undercover area, whilst the girls stay inside and do their thing.

Man adjusting the groom's bow tie while a friend watches Men laughing together on a balcony overlooking hills The downstairs bedrooms are bright and naturally well lit.

Two photographs of the bride fastening her shoes and greeting a man at a bedroom doorway Two photographs of women smiling together indoors in pale outfits Three photographs of a bride on a staircase and being helped with her veil and dress

And there are heaps of great places around the property outside, that aren't just the pool area, for wedding party portraits.

Women laughing outdoors in pale matching sleepwear while holding drinks Women and a young child celebrating outdoors with hills in the background Bride and four bridesmaids smiling together with white bouquets Bride and groom holding hands in a grassy field beneath distant hills

Mount View Estate is located at - 150 Milners Road, Yarra Junction. http://www.mountviewestate.com.au/

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TEMORA HOUSE, HEALESVILLE

As far as central locations go, you simply cannot beat this property. It's smack bang in the middle of the main street in Healesville. I could be wrong, but I reckon it's probably the only residential property on that whole strip. With the rest of the street spoiling you for choice with cafes, bars, distilleries, restaurants, etc. What a perfect way to spend your wedding weekend. Making it way too easy walking distance to get to any shops you need, before your wedding day, or after, should you choose to stay out in The Yarra Valley for a few extra nights. Why not!?

Two-storey timber building with wraparound verandas and a T.H sign Town rooftops and leafy trees beneath a cloudy mountain backdrop

Built-in 1901, the property has been restored to perfection. With four bedrooms accommodating up to 9 guests, it makes for some pretty sweet pre-game photos too.

Black and white photograph of women chatting on stools beside timber verandas Woman spraying sparkling wine as her friends laugh beside glass doors Two photographs of women laughing together outdoors in checked sleepwear Women laughing while getting ready in a bright living room and kitchen Bride facing four smiling bridesmaids in burgundy dresses indoors

Plenty of space & well lit rooms.

Two photographs of the bride being helped with her dress and posing in a doorway Bride smiling while seated on a bed in her wedding dress

And a beautiful front balcony to kick back on with a champagne and watch the world go by.

Two photographs of bridal hair styling and women posing in navy and gold dresses Two photographs of the bride beside a window and with her bridesmaids holding bouquets

Temora House is located at - 294 Maroondah Highway, Healesville https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/17682306

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YARRAMUNDA BNB's, GRUYERE

Located in Gruyere between Coldstream & Healesville, Yarramunda is the perfect location to get ready at, if you're having a Yarra Valley wedding. You're only 10 minutes drive from most of the major Yarra Valley venues here, as you're right off Maroondah Highway near St Huberts Road.

The property features 3 executive houses, all well separated from each other for privacy, but close enough if you're walking between them, if you've booked the whole place out.

Gravel driveway passing between stone walls beneath a cloudy sky

One of the best parts has to be the views from each of the small homes. It's such a rad way to start a wedding day, relaxing on the balconies. Men leaning on a covered balcony railing overlooking farmland and hills Silhouettes of four men looking across farmland from a balcony Three men chatting in black suits and bow ties while holding drinks Black and white photograph of men walking outdoors in suits and sunglasses

All of the homes feature really large, well-lit rooms, perfect for photography and hair and makeup artists.

Bride laughing as she adjusts a dark wide-brimmed hat while seated on a bed Man in glasses and a dark suit tying a pale pink tie beside a dining table

The views, combined with the beautiful tree-lined drive, make for the perfect portrait locations too.

Bride walking along a gravel lane toward the groom beneath leafy trees Bride and groom holding hands and turning together on a garden path Bride and groom walking across a grassy slope overlooking a valley Yarramunda is located at - 18-20 Spring Lane, Gruyere https://www.yarramunda.com/

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YERING GORGE COTTAGES, YERING

With 12 individual free-standing cottages, set amongst beautiful grounds, with local flora and fauna everywhere, Yering Gorge Cottages has to be the perfect Yarra Valley wedding accommodation for large groups.

Two timber cabins with pitched roofs beside a lawn and tall trees View across distant farmland framed by leafy treetops Timber cabins with stone chimneys and covered verandas beneath a cloudy sky People walking along a broad gravel drive surrounded by trees

You can easily have both parties on site here, as well as heaps of your family and friends too.

Women in white sleepwear laughing with a bottle of sparkling wine indoors Five women celebrating beneath a spray of sparkling wine beside a timber cabin Two black and white photographs of the bride seated and adjusting an earring Bride and friends laughing together in pale dresses indoors Two photographs of the bride being helped with her dress and sitting on a bed Black and white photograph of a friend adjusting the groom's bow tie

All the cottages feature great balconies with Yarra Valley views to soak up.

Men laughing together on a veranda beside opened gift boxes Bride and four bridesmaids posing outdoors with pale bouquets Black and white photograph of three men drinking and laughing beside a pool table