Wedding Reception Venues Terrey Hills

Terrey Hills is the semi-rural western edge of the Northern Beaches, beside Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, and it feels further from the city than the drive suggests. For weddings, that means open space and gardens rather than harbour views or ballrooms. The reception venue listed here is the Gardens @ Miramare Gardens, a private garden lawn framed by terraced planting that seats up to 310 guests or holds 500 standing. That scale makes it a realistic option for a big family wedding, not only an intimate one, and the setting does much of the styling for you.

What to know about a Terrey Hills reception:

• Transport and parking: Terrey Hills is reached by car via Mona Vale Road and there is plenty of parking, but a guest shuttle makes sense for a late finish and for anyone travelling from the city.
• Venue style: a private garden lawn with terraced planting, suited to a garden reception where the greenery forms the backdrop.
• Capacity: up to 310 seated or 500 standing, which covers most large weddings with room left for a dance floor.
• Booking lead time: spring and autumn Saturdays are prime for garden weddings, so enquire 12 months or more ahead for those dates.
• Catering and drinks: pricing starts from $99 per person, so ask what the package covers in food, drinks, staff and furniture.

A garden reception here works best when you plan around the season and the time of day: late afternoon light for photos, a wet weather option for the lawn and enough lighting once the sun goes down. Because guests will almost all arrive by car or coach, set the timing so they are not on Mona Vale Road at peak hour, and put parking and transport details on the invitation.