A Relaxed & Intimate Wedding at Château Élan – Real Wedding in the Hunter Valley

Getting Ready in the Spa Suites at Château Élan

The day started at Château Élan’s Spa Suites, where the bride spent a quiet morning getting ready. Natural light filled the room as she admired her gown, with the vineyards in the background adding to the peaceful atmosphere. The details were simple but elegant — a perfect reflection of their intimate celebration.

Bride and groom standing at the altar during their intimate wedding ceremony at the Little Chapel, Château Élan in the Hunter Valley.

About the Couple                                           

Some weddings are grand, others are small — and then there are those that are deeply personal. This Château Élan wedding was exactly that. With only twelve of their closest friends and family, the couple chose to keep the focus on connection, calm moments, and meaningful memories. We were honoured to document it all.

Bride reaching for her wedding dress by the window at Château Élan during bridal preparations, captured by Hunter Valley wedding photographer FirstLook Stills.

Ceremony at the Little Chapel

The ceremony took place in the Little Chapel, a charming sandstone space with timber beams, stained glass windows, and a warm, rustic elegance. With just ten chairs filled, it didn’t feel empty — it felt intentional. Every vow, every look, every laugh carried so much weight in that room.

Bride standing outside The Carriage House chapel at Château Élan, holding her bouquet in natural light, captured by Hunter Valley wedding photographer FirstLook Stills.

Portraits with a Hunter Valley Twist

After the ceremony, we stayed close to the chapel and explored the grounds for portraits. We captured soft vineyard light, wide-open skies, and even a cheeky kangaroo hopping into the background — a classic Aussie surprise that gave us one of our favourite images from the day.

Groom embracing bride during golden hour portraits at Château Élan in the Hunter Valley, with a kangaroo in the background.

Portraits with a Hunter Valley Twist

After the ceremony, we stayed close to the chapel and explored the grounds for portraits. We captured soft vineyard light, wide-open skies, and even a cheeky kangaroo hopping into the background — a classic Aussie surprise that gave us one of our favourite images from the day.

A Dinner at The Legends Grill

The reception was held at The Legends Grill, Château Élan’s signature restaurant overlooking the golf course. With a single long table, candles, wine, and heartfelt toasts, the couple created an atmosphere that felt more like a dinner with family than a formal event. It was everything they wanted.

Why They Chose a Small Wedding

The couple told us they wanted to remove the stress and pressure from their day — no big guest list, no tight schedule. Just a focus on being together. And the Hunter Valley, with venues like Château Élan, offers the perfect canvas for weddings like this — where beauty meets simplicity.

From the Photographer

As a Hunter Valley wedding photographer, this is the kind of day that reminds me why I do what I do. It wasn’t about trends or timelines. It was about two people, deeply in love, celebrating that in their own way. Château Élan made everything seamless, and the light in this part of the valley never disappoints.

Planning Your Own Intimate Wedding?

Whether you're considering Château Élan, the Little Chapel, or another venue nearby, I’d love to help you tell your story. I work with couples across the Hunter Valley who want their day documented with intention, heart, and honest storytelling.

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Loxley on Bellbird Hill Wedding – A Dream Venue Captured by a Hunter Valley Wedding Photographer