The Venue with a View
By the lake, beneath the open sky — a breath-taking setting for your unforgettable day
Celebrate your day beside the tranquil lake at Abel Estate — a setting where sweeping water reflections and open sky create the perfect backdrop for “I do.” The lake sits at the heart of an historic vineyard, where rows of vines provide a timeless backdrop that changes with the seasons — lush in summer, golden in autumn. From ceremony to reception, every moment unfolds against panoramic views that transform as the light changes, capturing the romance and natural beauty that make Abel Estate unlike any other.
We received so many compliments about how beautiful the venue was. It’s so vast and natural elements such as the lake, well-manicured lawns, vines, tall trees make it so stunning.
The moment I first saw the venue, I just knew it was the one. It had such a timeless and elegant charm-absolutely perfect for a wedding. It truly set the tone for the entire celebration.
Room With a View
A 270-degree panorama of lake, vines and gardens — the Winery Room surrounds you with natural beauty, whatever the season, adding the wow factor to your day with its fresh, modern interior. Couples and guests alike rave about how the 2022 renovations have transformed the space — lighter, brighter and more spacious than ever. From the head table, take in sweeping views of the lake, the stripped-back rotunda and the paved ceremony terrace. As evening falls, the back-lit onyx bar brings a warm glow that perfectly sets the tone for the celebration ahead.
All-Weather Weddings
Either next to the vines in the marquee or inside the venue building you and your guests can stay out of the rain or the heat of the sun for the all-important ceremony.
Use of the marquee, which can seat up to 100 guests, allows you to feel like you’re outdoors even when under cover. The transparent sides can also be pulled open to allow for a cooling breeze if using the marquee to escape the heat.
As an alternative, the dancefloor area inside the main venue building is good for weddings of 60 or fewer guests and can be dressed with the same florals as the outdoor rotunda.
The weather for us was wet all day but we honestly forgot it was raining. The team helped us make a call early for the wet weather option in the marquee and it worked.
The reception room had views overlooking the lake which was stunning. We (and the guests) enjoyed the combination of outdoor/indoor options that the venue offered.
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Rotunda Terrace By The Lake
Just a few steps from the Abel Estate lake and its white jetty, the Rotunda Terrace is the much-loved ceremony area used for the vast majority of outside weddings. At the end of the bridal path, the space is bordered by a low hedge and has more than enough space for 100 guests.
The rotunda itself has had its roof removed to make it modern, bright and inviting. It also keeps the light even for great photographs. After the sun goes down the rotunda is uplit, making a dramatic background for spectacular nighttime images.
The light-coloured pavers mean the surface doesn’t soak up the heat in the height of summer. Guests can also be shaded with umbrellas provided as needed. As a blank canvas, the terrace can be decorated to any style you desire without the danger of colour clashes.
Winery Room Elegance
With a commanding view of the rest of the property on two sides, Abel Estate’s main dining and function room was originally the winery used to produce Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and other wines when the venue was the working vineyard Abel & Co.
As a homage to those days of the 1970s the original stone Abel & Co sign is displayed beside the Rotunda ceremony area and there are pictures of the venue from those times, including a picture of Malcolm Abel, the owner and wine maker who started it all.
The dining space and adjoining dancefloor area are fully air-conditioned, providing more than enough space for the maximum of 100 guests. The entire building was renovated in 2023 to give it a light, modern, spacious look, including the installation of a large bar with backlit Onyx stone.
Marquee With A View
Next to the front vines, the marquee can be used in the event of bad weather or to shelter your guests from the summer heat. The walls of the marquee are transparent and can also be folded back to create an open feel, weather permitting, enabling a panoramic view of the poplars beside the stream and the Rotunda Terrace ceremony area in the distance.
At 120 sqm in size, there’s plenty of room for the venue maximum of 100 guests, plus entrance decorations, performers or a large number of attendants.
Access to the marquee is by two boardwalks, which is ideal in rainy weather. As well as for ceremonies, it can be used for a second ceremony for cultural weddings such as a western wedding in the ceremony area and a mandap ceremony in the marquee.
Your Private Wedding Retreat
Just 12 minutes from Abel Estate along quiet country roads, Chapman House offers a peaceful haven for couples, families, or the bridal party to relax and prepare in comfort. With space for up to 10 guests, it’s ideal for shared breakfasts, quiet moments together, or simply taking in the views before and after your wedding day.
Bookings are made directly through the property’s website on a first-come basis, where you’ll always receive the best available rate — at least 10% lower than Airbnb, Booking.com and similar sites.
Located at 1010 Scenic Drive North, Swanson, Chapman House features a modern kitchen, stylish bedrooms and bathrooms, and generous living areas that flow onto a large deck overlooking the city and surrounding native bush — a serene setting to begin and end your wedding weekend.