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 would like to know more about our services, rates, or vendors, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you.

What we hope you realise after reading the below, is that we are here to help you as much as we can, without the costs.

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. In the dryer months we can accommodate up to about 160 in total. In the wetter months we tend to suggest keeping your numbers to about the 70 mark so as there is sufficient space for everyone to stay dry.

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.....

Be really good at their craft

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 couples guests - we look forward to giving you your pocket full of joy

FYI, there is nothing in it for us except to see you have the best experience possible, from start to finish.

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.

WHAT IF SOME OF OUR GUESTS HAVE ALLERGY RESTRICTIONS, ARE THEY CATERED FOR TOO?

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 need to use our facilities this must be approved by LHE prior to you booking them and we 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 $200 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 NEED TO APPLY FOR A SHORTENING OF TIME. CAN YOU HELP US WITH THAT AND CAN WE PUT TOGETHER A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING IN SUCH A SHORT TIME?

We actually are fully equipped to assist you with that - both from the legal perspective and from a supplier perspective. Because we have a close knit group of suppliers, if you are flexible on days then we can assist you on every level. Reach out if you find yourself in this situation.

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.

HOW DO WE KNOW IF WE WILL BE HAPPY WITH THE CELEBRANT?

We are extremely grateful with our relationship with Registry Style Weddings. David and his team of celebrants are all hand picked, professional and amazing at what they do. 99% of the time it is actually David who marries our couples and it is certainly David who you deal with for the preparation. Don't worry, he will let you know at the start if it is going to be one of his team instead of him. Not to boast but David has won Best Victorian Celebrant 5 times so we are not the only ones who think so.

AS THE BRIDAL COUPLE, CAN WE BRING OUR FURRY FRIEND?

Most certainly yes, we have had that quite a bit here. They must be kept on a lead and have someone looking after them at all times. If you are thinking you might like to do this please consider a few things.

* Does your pet shed? If so, are you happy for their fur to be on your wedding attire?

* Does your pet get nervous when around large groups / a new surrounding / when you are there but they can't get to you?

* How long do you want them to stay for? If it is just for the ceremony, who will take them back home?

If you do decide you want them at your special day, please keep in mind they will want their creature comforts too (and maybe a few treats - after all, it is a wedding!

IS THERE ENOUGH FOOD?

ABSOLUTELY!!! Our caterers are Sri Lankan and Greek so not only is the food delicious, there is plenty of it. When looking at our menus you will see that every menu has at least 11 items (with a minimum of 5 vegetarian items). Many venues allow only 8 items per person, that is definitely not here - we like to roll them out the door!

If you want to add items from the Platters Menu you are very welcome to do so, we will walk around and serve you and your guests the same way we do the Cocktail Menu. Then of course there is the Sweet Treats Menu - desserts are a different stomach so people always find room for them - we serve them the same way too.

CAN WE DO SHOTS?

Yes! We also do a few cocktails and are about to introduce the option of including a 'Special Couple Signature Cocktail' Pitcher

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO HAVE AVAILABLE FOR US TO USE?

The short answer is HEAPS! If we have it then you are welcome to use it. Unless it states that there is a cost for the use then it is completely free.

Here is a list of just a few:

Heavy black easel for welcome sign

Signing table and chairs (or a wine barrel with a clear insert and a white lace cloth for ease of signing)

Cake stand, cake knife and server

Cupcake stand

Neutral toned floral arrangements for all the wine barrels

60 Americana ceremony chairs

Speakers and cordless microphones for music and speeches

Large wall mounted television for whatever you want it for (yes, we even had to put the races on one day as they were all punters)

White arbour draping for Jetty location

Casual indoor and outdoor seating for reception (of which we set up and pack up of course)

A wheelchair just in case anyone finds the slope a bit steep.

Flower girl baskets

the list goes on and on! Basically, before you buy anything, ask us if we have one as we most likely do.