FAQS

We’ve compiled a list of our clients’ most frequently asked questions for your convenience. Find the answers to your queries and learn more about all that we do here at Lightning Hill Estate. If you still have more questions about our services, rates, or vendors, please get in touch and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you.

CAN YOU CREATE A SMALL, INTIMATE SETTING AT YOUR VENUE?

Absolutely! We can cater for as little as yourself and your partner for your wedding.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF GUESTS WE CAN HAVE?

Depends on the season really. For seated, buffet style food service the maximum number is 80 people. For cocktail style food service we can accommodate up to about 160 in total.

IS THERE ON SITE PARKING?

Most certainly yes! There is enough parking for approximately 75 - 80 vehicles. If required, guests are welcome to leave their vehicle here over night and collect by midday the following day - we would much prefer they get home safely as opposed to run the risk of drink driving.

ARE STRETCH LIMOUSINES ABLE TO ACCESS THE ESTATE?

YES. We have had up to about a 9 metre limousine enter the property and be able to turn around with ease. Not sure if they come longer than that, if they do and we have one I'll update this answer.

DO WE HAVE A PREFERRED SUPPLIERS LIST?

As with any venue there are suppliers / vendors of whom we can recommend. We don't just allow anyone to be on the preferred supplier list, they have to tick at least our top 3 criteria. They are.....

They have to be really good at their craft

They have to be nice people

and they have to be reasonably priced. If those boxes are not ticked then we do not recommend them.

When you book we give you our 'Pocket Full of Joy', this contains the details on all of our super stars as well as any discounts they offer exclusively to Lightning Hill Estate guests - we look forward to giving you your pocket full of joy

CAN WE HIRE EXTERNAL SUPPLIERS / VENDORS THROUGH YOU?

You can if you like but we prefer that you deal directly with each supplier. This ensures you are booking exactly what you want and there is no room for misunderstanding. It also gives you the opportunity to ask all of your questions and they can answer you directly - much easier.

HOW EARLY CAN OUR SUPPLIERS SET UP (BUMP IN)?

We only allow one function per day. This gives your suppliers much greater flexibility to set up (and pack up) at a time that fits in with their other bookings for that day.

WE REQUIRE STRICT DIETARY RESTRICTIONS FOR OUR MENU. WILL YOU STILL BE ABLE TO CATER OUR WEDDING?

9 times our of 10 the answer is yes. Having said that, when it comes to the more challenging allergy requirements we suggest they bring their own food. That way we all have piece of mind that no reaction will occur. We can cater for most allergy requirements but this must be discussed and confirmed at least 3 weeks before your event.

ARE WE ABLE TO BYO ANY DRINKS?

Lightning Hill Estate is a fully licenced venue. As part of our liquor licence NO drinks of any kind can be brought onto the property.

ARE WE ABLE TO USE OUR OWN CATERERS / FOOD TRUCKS?

YES. They must be registered and have their own insurance - we will need a copy of both their registration and insurance prior to the event. If they are using our facilities we do recommend they have a site visit prior so they are aware of what is available to them and what they will need to bring.

WHAT IF WE HAVE OUR OWN CELEBRANT / PRIEST / LEGALISED PERSON?

All of our wedding packages include the celebrant and all legal documentation. If you do not need this service then you will receive a $300 discount from your package.

WE HAVE A PRIEST BUT THEY ARE NOT LEGALLY AUTHORISED TO MARRY, CAN WE HAVE OURS AND STILL USE THE ONE INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE?

This happens more often than you might think. Yes most certainly you can have both, we actually really love it when there is a cultural ceremony and then the formal ceremony to follow.

WE ARE PLANNING TO HAVE OUR CEREMONY AT A DIFFERENT LOCATION. CAN WE STILL HAVE OUR RECEPTION AT LIGHTNING HILL ESTATE?

Most certainly you can. Contact us for pricing.

IS YOUR CELEBRANT ANY GOOD?

You might think that we are bias but we are not. Our celebrant has won Best Victorian Celebrant 5 times so we are not the only ones who think so.