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Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions Answered
We've answered the most common questions about hosting events at Leonards Hill Estate below. If you don't see what you're looking for, just get in touch - we're happy to chat about the specifics of your event.
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How do I secure my booking?A $1,000 non-refundable deposit is required. Balance payable 14 days prior to the event.
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Are restrooms modern and sufficient for groups?Are restrooms modern and sufficient for groups?Five modern restrooms, including accessible facilities.
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Can we set up decorations?Yes, with pre-approval for safety and venue care.
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Who can host a social function at the estate?Suitable for birthdays, engagement parties, anniversaries, community gatherings, and more.
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Can I bring my own food or drinks?BYO is not permitted due to licensing; however, we offer a range of drinks packages and partner with local caterers.
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Is accommodation provided for overnight events?On-site Homestead sleeps 6, with up to 10 glamping tents available.
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Are there options for entertainment?You may hire live bands or DJs. We have a list of recommended local entertainers.
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What about accessibility?Fully accessible venue and restrooms.
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Is overnight security included?Security is required for late or large functions and is available as an add-on.
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What is the cancellation policy?Our cancellation policy varies based on the specifics of the booking. Please refer to your contract for detailed information or contact our events team for assistance.
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What is included in the hire?Professional staff, all AV, tables, chairs, standard glassware, and initial cleaning.
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What are the standard event hours?Flexible session times, with late finish options available depending on local restrictions.
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Do you provide event coordination?No in-house planner, but recommendations are provided.
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Are there smoking areas?Smoking allowed only in designated spaces.
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Are there noise restrictions?Music and amplified sound must cease by 10:30 pm.
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Is there car parking?Yes, parking for 30 vehicles and bus access is provided.
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How do I confirm guest numbers?Final numbers are requested two weeks before your function.
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Is there a minimum guest number?Minimum of 40 adult guests for private hire.
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Are there extra spaces for children’s activities?The property has outdoor lawns and adaptable event spaces suitable for kids’ areas.
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Can I use my own suppliers for food, styling, or photography?Yes, if they meet our compliance guidelines. Recommendations available.
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Can we decorate the event spaces?Yes, décor and branding are welcome with prior approval for safety and compliance.
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What are the venue’s availability and booking lead times?Bookings are recommended at least 3 months in advance for best selection of dates.
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Is AV equipment available?Yes, we provide a projector, large TV, sound systems, and microphones. Assistance with setup is included.
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Can we organise team building or breakout sessions on-site?Yes, there are flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for workshops, team activities, and meetings.
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How accessible is the venue?The estate is wheelchair accessible and has modern accessible restrooms.
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Do you provide bar service?Yes, full bar facilities and staff are included. No BYO alcohol permitted.
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Are there accommodation options?The on-site Homestead accommodates 6, and space for 10 glamping tents is available.
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Who cleans up after the event?Our team manages standard cleaning; extra cleaning charges may apply for extensive requirements.
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Are catering services offered?We work with trusted local caterers. You may select from our preferred partners or bring suitable external vendors.
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What is the capacity of the venue?Up to 180 guests seated or 200 standing.
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What are the payment and deposit terms?A $1,000 non-refundable deposit secures your date. Final payment is due 14 days prior to your event.
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Is internet access provided?Complimentary Wi-Fi is available across the venue.
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Is parking available for attendees?30 dedicated car spaces, plus space for coaches, are provided.
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What about security during events?For large-scale events, professional security is provided from 7 pm–11 pm if alcohol is served.
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What is the policy for external vendors?External suppliers must meet our compliance requirements. Recommendations are available.
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Is there a cancellation policy?Our cancellation policy varies based on the specifics of the booking. Please refer to your contract for detailed information or contact our events team for assistance.
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What are the event timings?Standard times are available with flexibility for extended hours or late bump-outs, subject to approval.
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Do you offer planning or coordination services?Specialist event planner recommendations are available.
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Are there restrictions on music or noise?All amplified music must cease by 10:30 pm in accordance with council regulations.
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Can we have extra guests stay at the Homestead?Yes, absolutely! The Homestead comfortably sleeps 6 guests as standard, but we can accommodate up to 12 in total. If you’d like to invite additional guests, they are welcome to stay with their own linen and bedding, at a cost of $50 per person, per night. This way, you can keep more of your favourite people close by for the wedding weekend while enjoying the comfort of the Homestead.
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Do we have to book the Homestead if we book the venue?Not at all — it’s completely optional.
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Is there accommodation on-site?Yes. The Homestead sleeps up to 6 guests in style and comfort, with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a lounge, kitchen, dining, and outdoor area. There’s also an area in the property for up to 10 glamping tents for your guests to hire.
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Can we book the Homestead for extra nights?Yes, subject to availability. Extra nights are $595 per night.
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Can we use the Homestead to get ready in?Definitely! If you've booked the Homestead for your wedding, you can have access from 2 PM, and even earlier if you book the Homestead for the night before (subject to availability).
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What time can we (or our vendors) start setting up?For lunch micro weddings, you can start setting up from 9 am, or choose our Evening Ease Add-On if there's no wedding the day before yours. For dinner micro weddings, you can start from 3:30 pm, or earlier if there's no wedding prior to yours.
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What’s the bump-in and bump-out time for micro weddings?Lunch weddings: Bump-in from 9 am and bump-out by 3 pm Dinner weddings: Bump-in from 3:30 pm and bump-out by 9 pm
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When are micro weddings available?Micro weddings are available Monday–Thursday only.
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Can we customise the inclusions?Yes — you can add or remove items (like florals, cake, celebrant, or photography) and we’ll adjust the package price to suit.
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What’s included in the micro wedding package?4 hours exclusive use of the Estate Ceremony in your chosen spot 3-hour drinks package Canapés and a shared feast Premium styling & tableware Bar staff and a venue host Set-up and pack-down included Florals, cake, celebrant, and photography
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What is a micro wedding?A beautifully simple wedding with up to 40 guests, perfect for couples who want a relaxed, heartfelt day without the overwhelm of a large celebration.
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Are taxis & Ubers available?Taxis are available, but best to book them in advance and Ubers don't operate in the area. Please encourage your guests to plan their transportation beforehand.
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Is the venue accessible for guests with disabilities?Absolutely. The Estate is fully accessible and equipped to welcome all guests comfortably.
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Is there parking available?Yes. We have 30 on-site car spaces and enough room for buses to turn and park.
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Is smoking allowed on the property?Smoking is permitted only in designated areas — the Shed entrance or the Homestead veranda.
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Are heating and cooling options included in the price?Yes, gas heating is provided in the Pavilion, and heating and cooling are available in the Shed for no additional cost. These options ensure that your guests are comfortable throughout the day, regardless of the weather.
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What are the restroom facilities like?We offer modern, spacious, and accessible restrooms, including facilities for guests with mobility needs.
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Is there on-site security?Yes, there will be an on-site security guard for events over 70 guests and alcohol being served. They will be present from 7 PM to 11 PM.
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How far in advance should we book?We recommend booking as early as possible — ideally 6–12 months in advance. Popular dates book quickly, and many couples secure their date up to 18 months ahead.
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What is the capacity of the venue?We can host up to 130 guests for a seated celebration, or 200 for a cocktail-style event.
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Would it be possible to extend our wedding celebration time?We would be happy to extend your wedding celebration time (at an extra cost), depending on your wedding style and the availability of our venue on your wedding date. Please contact us for more details.
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Are you a DIY venue?Yes! You’re welcome to bring your own unique style to your wedding — from table settings to décor. We simply ask that open flames are placed in vases and decorations aren’t attached directly to walls.
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What happens after I pay my deposit and book a package?We will send you a confirmation email of your deposit and another email with the next steps that we require from you. We will also send your details to the vendors of the package you chose (except if you chose the Ever After Package), so they can contact you directly and discuss your options with them.
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How do we secure our date?A $5,000 non-refundable deposit locks in your date. The payment schedule is: 25% of your balance 12 months prior 25% 6 months prior Final balance + guest numbers due 5 weeks before.
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Can we bring our own vendors?Yes, you’re welcome to. To ensure a safe and secure event for everyone, all vendors — including those responsible for electrical and floral installations — must have a valid ABN and appropriate insurance coverage. Please confirm compliance with these requirements before securing their services. We’ll also need your final vendor list at least 3 months before your wedding.
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Do you offer event planning services?We don’t provide planning services in-house, but we work closely with excellent local planners and are happy to connect you.
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What's the difference between a Venue Manager and an On-the-Day Coordinator?A Venue Manager oversees the venue's operations - managing staff, maintaining facilities, and coordinating with vendors. They focus on keeping the venue running smoothly for all events. An On-the-Day Coordinator is dedicated entirely to your wedding day. They manage your timeline, coordinate with your vendors, and handle any issues that arise so you can relax and enjoy your celebration. Both roles work together to ensure your day runs perfectly behind the scenes.
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How far in advance do we need to inform you of our chosen vendors for our wedding?We ask that you inform us of your chosen vendors at least 3 months prior to your wedding. This gives us time to provide them with essential venue information including layout details, facility access points, and any space limitations they need to know for planning. Early notification also allows us to handle logistics like permits or insurance requirements, and provide your vendors with clear setup instructions, parking details, and access times. This ensures everyone can work seamlessly together on your wedding day without any surprises or delays.
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Can we have live music or a DJ?Yes! We welcome live bands and DJs, and we’re happy to recommend local talent if you need suggestions.
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Can we have a wedding rehearsal?Yes. We offer a one-hour rehearsal, subject to availability.
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Can we use confetti at our ceremony?Yes — we love a confetti moment! 🌸 To keep Leonards Hill Estate beautiful and environmentally friendly, we only allow biodegradable options, and they need to match the ceremony space: Courtyard ceremonies: clear or white biodegradable petals. Grand Tree ceremonies: clear or green biodegradable petals or leaves (no white here — it blends into the ground). Confetti cannons: absolutely fine, as long as they are 100% biodegradable. Glitter, synthetic products, or traditional paper confetti aren’t permitted. Using anything non-compliant may incur a cleaning fee.
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What time can we (or our vendors) start setting up?You can start setting up from 11 am on your wedding day. For earlier access, choose our Evening Ease Add-On to stay overnight at the Homestead and gain early access to the Shed for styling and decorating the day before your wedding.
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What’s the bump-in and bump-out time for weddings (50–130 guests)?Bump-in is from 11 am on the day of the wedding. Bump-out is either by 11 pm that night or between 8 am – 10 am the next morning.
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What type of candles do you allow?We allow LED candles and real candles, as long as you use cylinder candle holders to ensure that the wax will stay inside the holder and not pour onto the tables.
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Can the guests buy their own spirits, cocktails and other add-ons?No, they cannot. We would need to have these prepaid on a per-guest basis.
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Do you provide a bar and drinks? Can we BYO?We provide a fully licensed bar with professional staff and curated drinks packages. Due to licensing, BYO drinks aren’t permitted, but we offer flexible options including cocktail and spirits add-ons.
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How many cocktails can we choose?You can choose up to two cocktails from our selection.
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Do you offer catering?Yes. Most of our packages include full catering — from canapés to shared feasts. If your package doesn’t include catering, we can recommend trusted local caterers and food trucks.
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Are vendor meals included in the packages?No, vendor meals are not included in our wedding packages. Please arrange meals for your vendors and our venue staff working on your wedding day — they'll appreciate being looked after while they take care of you!
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What happens if our wedding has to be cancelled or rescheduled due to unforeseen circumstances?Leonards Hill Estate has insurance to protect the venue itself. This means if our buildings are physically damaged (for example, by fire) and we can’t host your wedding, our insurance may cover the venue’s business losses and we’ll work with you in good faith to reschedule your day. If, however, there’s no damage to the property — such as a bushfire in the surrounding area, extreme weather, government restrictions, or travel issues — our insurance does not apply. In these cases, our standard cancellation and postponement terms apply. Because of this, we strongly recommend that couples take out wedding insurance to protect themselves against unexpected costs if plans need to change. It provides peace of mind and ensures you’re covered for things outside everyone’s control.
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What happens if we cancel our wedding?The initial deposit is non-refundable, unfortunately. If you cancel less than 12 months before, all previous payments are forfeited unless you find a couple to replace you.
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What happens if it rains?We’ll work with you to set a weather-safe backup plan. Options include moving to the Pavilion (marquee) or providing umbrellas if you’d still like an outdoor ceremony.
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What happens if there's a bushfire or other natural disaster on my wedding day?Your safety is our top priority. We have a comprehensive safety plan including regular monitoring, clear communication, and evacuation procedures. During high-risk periods (December-March), we strongly recommend comprehensive wedding insurance to protect your investment. If we need to cancel due to a natural disaster, we'll reschedule at no extra venue cost provided the estate is usable. While we can't guarantee vendor availability, we'll do everything possible to assist you. Wedding insurance provides crucial protection for these unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.
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Can we bring our furry loved one/s to our wedding?Absolutely! We're delighted to welcome your furry friends to your special day. While we understand that your pets are part of the family, we kindly ask that you consult with your vendors to ensure they are comfortable with their presence. Additionally, we require a pet security bond to cover any unforeseen cleaning or damage costs at the venue and the Homestead if you're staying overnight.
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