A Moment With 'Kalinya Estate'
ABIA chats to Amanda Barnes, owner of this bespoke ‘all-in-one’ luxury wedding venue and accommodation destination in Bargo, New South Wales
Image Hilary Cam Photography
According to owner and manager, Amanda Barnes, more than one groom has shown a preference for Kalinya Estate based purely on the inclusion of a golf-simulator.
“We’re about creating memories,” she explains. “So we offer a complete wedding experience in one place.”
Amanda’s not exaggerating. Located just one hour from Sydney, the ‘exclusive use’ wedding venue offers something for everyone, combining spectacular gardens, a custom-designed function space and luxury onsite accommodation, complete with swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, squash and tennis courts, swings and even a private cinema.
We took a tour of the property’s stunning grounds and exquisitely-restored spaces to chat to Amanda about favourite ceremony locations, tailored inclusions and weekend-long wedding celebrations.
Image Matt Biocich
Tell us about your venue and wedding services?
Kalinya Estate is more than just a wedding venue or location, it’s a full wedding ‘experience’. With onsite luxury accommodation for up to 38 guests, couples marrying here are offered exclusive use of the facilities, so they can host their rehearsal dinner by the pizza oven, prepare in separate spaces, enjoy a garden wedding ceremony, have photos taken on the picturesque six-acre Estate, hold a reception in the beautifully-appointed Carriage Room afterward, and stay on with guests for a recovery day if desired. We’ve got everything onsite and every weather contingency covered, so our completely exclusive and flexible arrangements allow our couples to tailor-make utterly unique celebrations.
How did you get started hosting weddings, and how long have you been hosting them?
Kalinya’s previous owners had hosted weddings and, during the 20 years we’ve owned the Estate, we kept getting requests. So, in 2019 we started offering our bespoke wedding experiences.
Image Magnus Agren Photography
Image Hilary Cam Photography
What wedding sizes can you accommodate?
We have reception capacity for 150 seated guests, or 200 for cocktail-style celebrations, and can accommodate up to 38 guests onsite for as many days as desired.
What packages do you offer?
We have a range of wedding and accommodation packages to cater for every size and style of occasion, with everything from translucent outdoor Tiffany chairs for ceremonies to reception furniture, AV equipment and elegant linens and tableware offered as inclusions.
Image Captured by Kate
Image Captured by Kate
What spaces do you have available for ceremonies and receptions?
The six-acres of immaculately-maintained gardens, that comprise the Estate, are available for ceremonies and receptions, with areas like the grapevine walkway, the gazebo and an ornamental koi pond popular settings for ceremonies. Our Carriage House reception space has been custom-designed to open, or close, to the gardens, and combines exposed timber beams, French basket chandeliers, professional catering facilities, air-conditioning and modern, accessible amenities.
Can couples add their own flair? Do you have suppliers you can recommend?
Yes, our spaces have been well-considered and come complete with everything from mood-lighting to linen, but couples are welcome to bring in their own stylists and suppliers to add personality.
All couples choose menus and catering to suit their occasion and we are happy to provide introductions to reputable local vendors, including celebrants, stylists, musicians, chefs, hair and make-up artists, photographers and florists, to assist with the planning process.
Image Pepper Image
Image Siempre
What photographic opportunities and accommodation are available onsite and in the area?
Our six-acres of award-winning gardens and restored heritage buildings are the ideal backdrop for photos and videos, and we have capacity for up to 38 guests to stay in The Homestead, The Lodge and The Barn. Each of these buildings have been meticulously restored to combine luxurious indulgence with their original charm, and include access to Kalinya’s sports bar, cinema and heated outdoor swimming pool.
The Southern Highlands area also offers an abundance of extra accommodation and Sydney is only an hour’s drive away.
What makes your wedding venue unique?
Everything about the Estate is unique, from our renowned gardens to our thoughtfully-appointed accommodations.
Our onsite luxury accommodation facilities include access to a squash court, piano and sports bar, cinema, heated pool, hot tub, sauna, golf simulator, ice bath, swings, trampoline, kids’ toy cupboard, table tennis table, tennis and basketball courts, and a games arcade with foosball and air-hockey.
We’re about creating memories, so offer a complete wedding experience in one place, and exclusive use with only one booking at a time.
Image Brett Atkins
What advice do you have for couples looking for a wedding venue?
Think about who you want to share your experience with, and how you can make your experience stress free. Consider having everything in one place so you don’t have to go between venues.
Have you hosted any notable, or celebrity weddings?
We are most famously known for being the retreat venue for the Married at First Sight television series, for the past three seasons.
How would you describe the couples you connect with the most?
We connect with those couples who want family and close friends to be a central part of their celebration experience. We also tend to attract couples who want something a bit more fun, sporty, musical and just different! There is so much to do for anyone of any age — everyone feels included.
Image Kerri McAuley Photography
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