Blending European-infused rural charm with elegant interior detailing, the majestic proportions of this iconic church, with its patinated walls and breathtaking stained glass windows, form the heart of the Churchill experience. Just an hour outside of Melbourne, you and your guests will feel thoroughly transported, to another time and place, celebrating amongst candlelit ancient walls.
Together, we will create with you a gorgeous, progressive event, personally designed to reflect your individuality and the vision of your dream day. Embracing the venue’s private grounds and adaptable, character filled spaces allows us to create a roving style celebration, moving from area to area, as the party unfolds.
Expect incredible staff, exceptional catering, a delicious and thoughtfully curated drinks list and naturally, Prunella’s signature styling and lush botanicals. With a suite of beautiful furniture and carefully selected pieces ready to style both your ceremony, drinks and reception spaces, a Churchill wedding offers a complete experience, to remove much of the stress of sourcing, self-hire and event styling.
With the highly experienced team behind Prunella, every aspect of your wedding will be meticulously planned and managed, so you and your guests can relax and enjoy each moment, as it happens effortlessly around you.
“Without question the best day of our lives... The weather, the venue, the people, the flowers, the food, the drinks, just everything was amazing. Everyone was blown away and said it was the best wedding ever. We couldn’t have done it without you and we will forever be grateful to you both.”
– N I C O L A + O L I –
THE PROPERTY
Churchill is a majestic, deconsecrated church and private property, lovingly restored and transformed into a unique event space, by the team behind Prunella. A stones throw from Melbourne but a million miles away in atmosphere, Churchill sits amongst two acres of private gardens, overlooking surrounding countryside and the petite town of Taradale.
Guests enter the property through the stately wrought iron front gates, following the driveway to the doors of the church. Built in 1858 this iconic building boasts vaulted timber ceilings, glorious stained-glass windows, original timber floors and a charming choir loft. The acoustics in here are as you would expect, incredible!
Adjacent to the Church is the beautiful white-washed wooden hall, complete with antique windows and a mini stage. Both buildings offer wonderful options for your ceremony, aperitifs, reception or dance hall, moving from space to space. Surrounding courtyards and lawns also allow for the possibilities of alfresco celebrations, as well as a marquee.
Churchill offers a number of gorgeous locations for your portrait hour, with no need to travel far - including our ancient oak trees, nearby golden pastures, orchards and a heritage bridge. The exterior backdrop of the church itself, with its unique stone walls and stained glass windows, or perhaps lantern lit and flower styled front steps, are all beautiful options and take on a heightened drama during the golden hours.
The storied patina of Churchill’s original buildings and the unique details of this property are best appreciated in person. When you are ready, please make an appointment - we would love to show you through.
THE SPACES
Churchill and its grounds are home to an array of unique and beautiful spaces, designed to draw you and your guests throughout the property, as the day unfolds.
Creating a celebration in this roving style, sees you making your way from space to space, surprising and delighting your guests, as each new area is revealed. With beautiful surrounds both on and off the property itself, there’s no need for you to travel far (or for your guests to be left untethered) during portrait hour! Everything can happen effortlessly at one location, with the multiple spaces punctuating gorgeous new chapters throughout the day.
Each part of the property can be configured to create your ideal ceremony or reception backdrop, as well as offering various options for a wet-weather back-up plan if needed. For those dreaming about both your ceremony and reception held within the church itself, this space can be flipped for you, during aperitif hour, making this entirely possible. With no two events at Churchill exactly the same, we will design the sequencing and styling of your day, just for you. Here are some examples of how each of these spaces have been enjoyed in the past….
CEREMONY
CEREMONY
Have you always been quietly drawn to the majesty and reverential elegance of a church wedding, without necessarily wanting the ‘church’ part? You’ve come to the right place. The storied walls of our heritage church offer the most exquisite backdrop for your nuptials to take place (of any faith). Offering both a sense of intimacy and majestic drama, the modest footprint but magnificent sweeping ceilings create a unique atmosphere, that allows you to still feel connected to your guests, while remaining suitably centre-stage! If alfresco is more your vibe, the sandstone walls of the church exterior offer a divine symmetry beneath stained glass windows, for a lawn ceremony, which can effortlessly roll into aperitifs in the garden. For those in search of a cosier vibe, our white washed hall is a beautifully intimate option, whose walls amplify flower styling to gorgeous effect.
APERITIFS
APERITIFS
Following the ceremony, alfresco aperitifs on the lawn beneath market umbrellas and ancient oaks is stunning in the warmer months, while moving to the candlelit intimacy of the white washed hall in the cooler months, is a gorgeous and romantically intimate option. While your portraits unfold in unhurried fashion - for you and your bridal party - rest assured your guests will be beautifully looked after with incredible canapés and cocktails, soaking up the atmosphere.
ALFRESCO
RECEPTION
ALFRESCO RECEPTION
Why not embrace the Summer months with a reception bathed in afternoon sunlight & later, lit by stars. Immediately adjacent to the church is our sweeping gravel courtyard and elegant lawns, perfect for outdoor tables or a marquee. Why not consider a ceremonial space in the church or the hall, followed by refreshments beneath the trees and dining under the night sky. Later, see the church transformed into a magical dance floor for you and your guests.
INDOOR
RECEPTION
INDOOR RECEPTION
At the heart of the Churchill experience is our iconic church. With its uniquely patinated walls and original features it offers a stunning backdrop for both dining and dancing. Candlelit and styled with your favourite botanicals, it is a chameleon-like space, and can be transformed to match your imagination. For a cosier environment (think; the-most-exquisite-dinner-party-ever-thrown), our white-washed hall is a stunning option for celebrations of smaller numbers. With blooms threaded from the ceilings and tables lined with tall taper candles, there’s an intimacy to this space that’s very special.
PORTRAIT HOUR
PORTRAIT HOUR
The stained glass windows punctuating the sides of the church change from peach to kingfisher blue, as the the sun moves across the sky. They are forever surprising us how they show up in photos, as an exquisite backdrop for your portraits. Throughout the year, our deciduous trees make for an ever changing landscape, moving from blossom to Autumnal hues. Surrounding pastures offer swaying golden grasses in the Summer months and a short stroll away you’ll find a heritage railway bridge that makes for a wonderfully dramatic backdrop. Wandering through Churchill’s two acres and beyond (with no need to drive or leave the property) also affords you a precious moment of stillness, in the midst of celebrations, to simply soak it all in together.