When it comes to celebrating an event, The Mill Castlemaine is a one-stop shop, with venues, artisan food and beverage makers, an ethical florist, a vintage market (for fashion, decor and music) – even a celebrant on site in the former 1800s woollen mill.
Autumn in Castlemaine is beautiful – and heralds the start of the wedding season.
Those looking for an industrial vibe for their special day will find it in spades at The Mill Castlemaine. There are unique photo opportunities around the site, including historic brickwork and sawtooth rooves, the 1870s chimney, our much-photographed ornamental grapevine covered walkway, and various street art murals. And if that’s not enough, the stunning Castlemaine Botanical Gardens are conveniently located across the road!
The dusty warm colours of our region’s plentiful deciduous trees are reflected in the florals available from Handpicked Ethical Floristry throughout March, April and May. Florals include roses, rosehips, dahlias, amaranthus, autumn leaves, smokebush and hydrangea.
Handpicked is in full swing during the autumn wedding season, designing beautiful flowers across the Goldfields region. Ali carefully curates floral displays, offering bridal and attendant flowers, as well as ceremony, table and suspended floral displays. Whether it’s onsite or across the region, enquire about their wedding flowers via their website, www.handpickedfloristry.com
If you’re looking for a memorable (as well as delicious) centrepiece, award-winning Long Paddock Cheese celebration cheese towers offer a show-stopping savoury centrepiece alternative to traditional cakes – a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Each tower has a wonderful combination of their soft, semi-hard, hard and blue cheeses, along with suggestions to personalise the tower further, by making additions and/or substitutions. Available in a range of sizes suitable for 20 to 140 guests, find out more on their website.
Others might choose the nostalgic approach and opt for Icecream Republic‘s retro icecream van, doling out flavours such as Mascarpone Marmalade, Sicilian Apple Teacake or traditional Vanilla cones as a dessert. And you can’t go past Cabosse & Feve Chocolates to accompany Coffee Basics coffee and tea, or for a take-home thank you treat for your guests.
When it comes to a venue for your celebration, both Boomtown Winemakers and Shedshaker Brewing Co. Taproom are character-filled locations which can accommodate large groups and offer delicious culinary and beverage options. Catering can include delicacies from onsite producers such as Oakwood Smallgoods, Long Paddock Cheese, Sprout Sourdough bakery and Harvest Fruit & Veg. And when the eating’s done, there’s plenty of room for guests to hit the dance floor, with both venues set up for live music, DJs or streaming your own playlists. If the walls of these venues could talk, they could regale you with many fabulous stories of exceptional gatherings.
The list doesn’t stop there though – for those with a sustainability bent (which all the aforementioned businesses operate with), check out the Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar for decorations, vintage vinyl and CDs for your playlists – even outfits for the special day. We know at least one local bride has worn a dress she purchased at the Bazaar.
And if you’re after a celebrant, we even have one of those based at The Mill Castlemaine!
Many people would know Kirsten Asche-Woodger of KIKA Design Studio and Gallery as an artisan maker of mosaics and painted works, but Kirsten is also a celebrant with thousands of marriage ceremonies to her credit. Find out more at Heartheld Ceremonies.
For a list of all makers on site at The Mill Castlemaine, CLICK HERE and start planning.
Photo credits: Shayne Hill Xtreme Visuals – venues. Penny Ryan Photography – cheese tower and floral setting.
