Kuitpo Hall is an enchanting little building nestled between Kuitpo Forest and sweeping strawberry fields on the edge of the McLaren Vale wine region. Originally built in 1926 with local hardwood and stone, Kuitpo Hall has been stylishly renovated in 2016/2017 by owners who clearly kept in mind what would work best for a stunning events venue.
The polished timber floors, high ceiling and wooden trims provide a lovely blank canvas on which to decorate to your heart’s content. Surrounding it is an amazing outdoor lawned space which can be utilised to hold outdoor weddings, set up a dance floor or create a cute chill-out area. It is the perfect vibe for rustic, boho styled weddings but can just as nicely be set up in a more contemporary fashion.
The hall itself can comfortably host 100 guests indoors, or combined with the outdoor space the capacity extends to 150 seated or 200 standing. The venue is a ‘dry-hire’ facility, meaning beverages and caterers need to be externally sourced; stylised food trucks and cute drinks vans are one option that have been employed with great success.
There is a furniture hire shop and stylist available on site, and the owners are very knowledgeable in events, able to recommend their favourite vendors which have worked well with the venue previously. There is a full kitchen and bathrooms available for use.
The venue is often paired with a ceremony in the whimsical Burbrook Forest, which is practically right across the road. The whole area feels delightfully remote, with tall pine trees and twisting gums creating a peaceful ambience, without actually being too far from civilization.
It’s only a 15 minute drive from the heart of McLaren Vale, which is a beautiful journey of its own. Being on the edge of the McLaren Vale wine region, there are some beautiful wineries nearby too, like K1 by Geoff Hardy and Lazy Ballerina.
The outdoor space features an eye-catching reclaimed corrugated iron wall, which has been successfully used in the past as a quirky ceremony backdrop. Inside, there is a lovely little stone fireplace nook which is a great spot for feature decorations or lanterns.
Fairy lights complement the aesthetic wonderfully, and can be easily strung outdoors across the lawns as well as inside along the tall ceilings. Tables set outside under the stars are magical amongst the fresh forest air at night.
The spacious size of Kuitpo Hall means parking is a breeze, with plenty of space for fabulous photos as wedding cars arrive. Horses could even be involved here; it is the right feel for it, after all. There are horse-and-carriage hire companies nearby that can arrange a Cinderella-like entrance for you, such as Carriage of Occasion in Strathalbyn.
Photo opportunities are everywhere around Kuitpo Hall; from the adorable building itself decorated with flowers, lights and foliage to the short stroll across the road into Kuitpo Forest.
The forest is green all year round, with the undergrowth changing from green grasses to beds of dried pine needles depending on the season. Walking trails are carved out between the trees which make for stunning photos of couples strolling hand in hand framed by the towering forest.
There are a few quaint accommodation options very close by, such as Kuitpo Cottage B&B, Forest Gate Cottages B&B and Woodcutter’s Cottage. There are also plenty of options in nearby McLaren Vale, or it is around a 50 minute drive back to Adelaide city centre.
If you’re looking for an adorable, whimsical wedding in a beautiful rustic location, Kuitpo Hall might be just what you’re after. The magic of the forest dwelling will enchant couples and guests alike.
Photography by Svenstudios
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