A Relaxed Hunter Valley Wedding at Chateau Elan
Chateau Elan sits quietly in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine country, surrounded by vines, open grasslands and pockets of eucalyptus forest that feel distinctly Australian. It’s a place that balances refinement with nature in a way the Hunter Valley does so well. Never overly rustic. Never too polished.
Megan and Rhys’ wedding here felt intentional from the very beginning. Laid back, emotional and full of warmth, the day unfolded at a pace that allowed moments to breathe. April is one of the most beautiful times of year in the Hunter Valley and this day was a perfect example of why. The vines were still full, the air was soft and the heat of summer had eased.
As a Hunter Valley wedding photographer, days like this are exactly what I’m drawn to. Weddings where nothing feels rushed and the focus stays firmly on connection.
A calm start and meaningful first looks
The day began quietly, with anticipation rather than nerves. Megan and Rhys chose to do a first look before the ceremony, and what stood out most was the calm between them. No anxious energy, no overwhelm. Just that subtle tension that comes with knowing a meaningful moment is about to happen.
Megan’s first look with her dad was equally touching. A slower moment that grounded the morning and set the tone for the rest of the day. These are the kinds of moments that don’t need direction. They just need space.
A ceremony framed by intention
The onsite chapel at Chateau Elan offers a beautifully framed ceremony space that feels intimate without being enclosed. Megan and Rhys’ ceremony was emotional and warm, with their guests fully present in the moment.
Their bridal party matched their energy perfectly. Relaxed, supportive and full of life. That balance carried throughout the day, creating natural highs and quieter pauses that allowed the story to unfold without forcing anything.
Why Chateau Elan suits Hunter Valley weddings so well
One of the reasons Chateau Elan works so well for weddings is its flow. Indoor and outdoor spaces blend seamlessly without the day ever feeling fragmented. There’s room to move, room to gather and room to step away when needed.
For Megan and Rhys, this meant bridal photos among the vines and wine grapes, open fields catching the last light and eucalyptus trees that softened the edges of every frame. The Hunter Valley has a unique ability to feel elevated while still grounded in nature and this venue captures that balance beautifully.
Golden hour that lingered
Golden hour at Chateau Elan is something special. With its slightly elevated position overlooking the surrounding valleys, the light seems to linger longer than expected. On this day, the sunset stretched on, bathing the landscape in warm golden tones that felt unhurried and calm.
These moments are where everything slows down. Where the day settles and the emotion of it all sinks in. It was the perfect window for relaxed portraits that felt true to Megan and Rhys and to the setting they chose.
A documentary approach to a day that flowed naturally
This wedding suited my documentary approach perfectly. Everything was intentional without ever feeling staged. Having a second photographer on board allowed for alternate perspectives and quieter moments to be captured simultaneously, while working alongside a videography team whose style prioritised movement and interaction meant the day flowed effortlessly.
Nothing was forced. Nothing needed to be rushed. The story simply unfolded.
If you’re planning a wedding in the region and are drawn to imagery that feels calm, natural and story driven, you can explore more of my approach as a Hunter Valley wedding photographer here.
Planning a Hunter Valley wedding at Chateau Elan
Megan and Rhys’ wedding is a beautiful example of what the Hunter Valley does best. A refined setting grounded in nature, intentional moments and a day that feels both elevated and deeply personal.
If you’re planning a Hunter Valley wedding and want photography that captures how the day felt, not just how it looked, I’d love to hear about what you’re planning.
