The ceremony ends. Champagne flows. Your guests move from The Grove or Meadow to The Pavilion—a blank canvas space where your reception vision comes to life. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame valley views. Polished concrete floors work with any styling. Your chosen caterers create the menu you designed. This is dry-hire flexibility at Sēlah Valley.
The Pavilion provides weather-protected reception space for up to 100 guests without forcing expensive catering packages or restrictive vendor contracts. You control the food, the bar, the styling, and the budget. We provide the space, the basics, and the freedom to create exactly the reception you envision.
Here's everything you need to know about planning your wedding reception in The Pavilion.
What Makes The Pavilion Different
Unlike hotels or country clubs that mandate house catering and alcohol packages, The Pavilion operates on a dry-hire model. You rent the space and basic infrastructure; you control everything else.
Why couples choose The Pavilion:
- Vendor flexibility: Choose any caterers, bring your own alcohol, select your own suppliers
- Cost control: No inflated per-head catering minimums or $200 corkage fees
- Menu freedom: Create custom menus, accommodate dietary needs, use family recipes
- Blank canvas styling: Space works with any aesthetic (rustic, modern, bohemian, elegant)
- Weather protection: Covered reception regardless of outdoor ceremony
- Included basics: Tables, chairs, basic lighting already provided (saves $2,000+ in hire)
- Kitchen access: Full commercial kitchen for caterer preparation
"We saved over $8,000 compared to all-inclusive venues. We brought our own wine from our favorite vineyard, hired a local caterer who created a custom Mediterranean menu, and had complete control over everything. The dry-hire model was a game-changer for our budget and our vision." — From couples survey, 2024
The Space: Layout and Capacity
Dimensions: 15m x 12m main hall, plus 8m x 5m covered outdoor deck Capacity: 80-100 guests seated for dinner, 120 guests cocktail-style Ceiling height: 4.5m (creates open, airy feeling) Floor: Polished concrete (works with any styling, easy to clean) Windows: Floor-to-ceiling on two walls (valley and creek views) Doors: Bi-fold glass doors opening to deck
Layout configurations:
- Long tables: 8-10 tables of 8-10 guests each, farmhouse-style
- Round tables: 10-12 round tables of 8 guests each, traditional reception
- Mixed: Bridal table long, guest tables round
- Cocktail style: High tables, casual seating areas, food stations (up to 120 guests)
The covered outdoor deck extends usable space significantly. Many couples do cocktail hour on the deck, dinner inside, then dancing spills back onto the deck under the stars.
What's Included in Your Venue Hire
Furniture provided:
- 100 chairs (white or timber)
- 12 round tables (1.8m diameter, seats 8-10 each)
- 4 long tables (2.4m x 0.9m, for bridal table or food service)
- Serving tables for bar and buffet setup
- Cake table and gift table
Infrastructure included:
- Full commercial kitchen (refrigeration, preparation space, cooking facilities)
- Restroom facilities (accessible, well-maintained)
- Basic overhead lighting (warm white, dimmable)
- Power outlets throughout space
- Heating and cooling (climate control for any season)
- Water and sink access
- Waste management facilities
Outdoor spaces accessible:
- Covered deck with valley views
- Multiple fire pit areas across property
- Access to ceremony spaces for post-reception photos
- Lawn areas for lawn games or late-night conversations
Value calculation: Table and chair hire alone typically costs $2,000-3,000 for 100 guests. This infrastructure is included in your venue fee, creating immediate budget savings.
Learn about the complete Tweed Valley wedding venue package including ceremony spaces, accommodation, and property access.
Dry-Hire Model: What It Means Practically
What "dry-hire" means:
- You rent the space and included infrastructure
- You select and pay caterers directly
- You provide or arrange alcohol (BYO or hire bar service)
- You choose all other vendors (florist, DJ, etc.)
- No forced packages or vendor restrictions
What you're responsible for arranging:
1. Catering:
- Hire caterers of your choice (we can recommend trusted partners)
- Design custom menu within your budget
- Coordinate kitchen access and setup timing
- Arrange serving style (plated, buffet, food stations, family-style)
2. Alcohol/Bar Service:
- Provide your own wine, beer, spirits (massive cost savings)
- OR hire bar service company to supply and serve
- OR combination (you provide wine, bar service provides spirits/bartenders)
- Glassware usually included with bar service hire
3. Additional Elements:
- Reception styling (florals, candles, table settings)
- Lighting design if beyond basic overhead (fairy lights, uplighting, etc.)
- Sound system for speeches and dancing (DJ usually provides)
- Additional furniture if desired (lounge areas, welcome table, etc.)
Cost comparison example (100 guests):
All-inclusive venue package:
- Venue + forced catering: $15,000
- Forced beverage package: $5,000
- Limited vendor choice
- Total: $20,000+
Sēlah Valley dry-hire model:
- Venue hire: Contact for current pricing
- Your chosen caterer: $8,000 (custom menu, higher quality)
- BYO alcohol: $2,000 (wholesale pricing)
- Bar service company: $1,200
- Total: Significant savings + complete control
Explore our trusted wedding vendors list for caterers, bar services, and other suppliers who know The Pavilion well.
Kitchen Access for Caterers
The commercial kitchen is a major advantage for caterers working in The Pavilion.
Kitchen facilities:
- Large commercial refrigerator/freezer
- Gas cooking range
- Oven and warming facilities
- Extensive preparation bench space
- Commercial sink and dishwashing area
- Adequate power for additional cooking equipment
- Separate entrance for deliveries
What caterers appreciate:
- Full kitchen instead of makeshift prep area
- Refrigeration for food safety
- Cooking capability (not just reheating)
- Space to work without cramping
- Easy access from vehicles to kitchen
"We've catered at Sēlah Valley five times now. The kitchen access is exceptional compared to most wedding venues. We can prepare fresh, hot food instead of trucking in pre-cooked meals. The quality difference shows." — Local caterer testimonial
Most caterers charge less for venues with proper kitchen facilities (no extra equipment hire, less staffing, easier logistics). Ask potential caterers about their experience with kitchen-equipped venues.
Styling The Pavilion
The blank canvas approach means your creative vision shapes the space.
Styling That Works Well
Rustic/Country Elegance:
- Long timber tables with greenery runners
- Edison bulb string lighting overhead
- Wildflowers in mismatched bottles
- Wooden signs and natural elements
- Complements the mountain/valley setting
Modern Minimalist:
- Clean white tablecloths with simple centerpieces
- Focused uplighting on walls
- Geometric elements and metal accents
- Sleek floral arrangements
- Polished concrete floor as design feature
Bohemian Garden:
- Abundant florals and greenery
- Macramé and fabric draping
- Eclectic mix of vintage pieces
- Warm fairy lights throughout
- Colorful table settings
Elegant Classic:
- Round tables with floor-length linens
- Tall floral centerpieces
- Candlelight in hurricane vases
- Gold or rose gold accents
- Sophisticated color palettes
What the space needs:
- The polished concrete and large windows create a modern base
- Florals and fabric soften the contemporary lines
- Lighting is crucial (fairy lights, candles, uplighting transform the space)
- The valley views through windows become part of your decor
"We went with a garden romantic theme—lots of white flowers, greenery, and soft fabric draping. The blank concrete and big windows actually worked perfectly because our styling popped against the clean background. And the valley views through the windows were like live artwork." — From recent wedding
Lighting Strategies
Basic overhead lighting (included):
- Warm white, dimmable lights
- Adequate for dinner service
- Creates base illumination
Enhanced lighting (you arrange):
- Fairy lights: Strung overhead or along walls, creates magical atmosphere
- Uplighting: LED uplights on walls, adds color and drama
- Candles: Tea lights on tables, pillar candles on windowsills, romantic glow
- Feature lighting: Spotlight on cake table, washing wall behind bridal table
- Dance floor lighting: DJ usually provides, or hire separately
Lighting transforms The Pavilion from daytime event space to evening celebration atmosphere. Budget $500-1,500 for enhanced lighting depending on complexity.
Reception Timeline: How the Evening Flows
Based on 200+ weddings, here's a typical reception timeline in The Pavilion.
5:00 PM - Cocktail Hour:
- Guests arrive after ceremony
- Cocktails served on outdoor deck
- Canapés circulating
- Lawn games on grass areas
- Background music (acoustic or playlist)
6:00 PM - Reception Begins:
- Guests seated at tables
- Bridal party entrance
- Welcome and thank yous
- First course served
6:30 PM - Dinner Service:
- Mains served (plated or buffet)
- Speeches during dinner (3-5 speeches typical)
- Toasts and celebrations
- Natural mingling between courses
7:30 PM - Evening Program:
- Cake cutting
- First dance
- Father-daughter/mother-son dances
- Dance floor opens to all guests
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM - Dancing and Celebration:
- Open dance floor
- Dessert/late-night food (often food trucks or grazing stations)
- Bar service continues
- Fire pits lit outside for guests who want conversation
- Overflow to outdoor deck for fresh air and valley views
11:00 PM - Noise Curfew:
- Music volume reduces or moves indoors
- Many celebrations continue quietly around fire pits
- Guests staying on-site walk to cabins/lodge
Midnight - Breakdown Begins:
- Caterers pack up
- Venue stylist removes decorations
- Couples often stay for final moments, or retire to on-site accommodation
The exclusive-use model means you're not kicked out at 11 PM—the noise curfew applies, but the property remains yours. Many couples enjoy post-reception time around fire pits with close family and friends.
Weather Backup: When Ceremony Moves Indoors
The Pavilion serves double duty as weather backup for outdoor ceremonies.
If rain forecast or occurs:
- Ceremony setup moves inside The Pavilion
- Guests seated in ceremony configuration (rows or semicircle)
- Reception setup happens after ceremony
- Or ceremony and reception both use the space (ceremony at one end, dinner at other)
Logistics:
- Setup crew can pivot quickly (we've done it with 3 hours notice)
- Floor-to-ceiling windows still provide natural light and views
- Capacity works for ceremony + reception in same space
- Post-ceremony transition time allows furniture rearrangement
"We planned for outdoor ceremony in The Grove, but rain started 2 hours before. We moved the ceremony inside The Pavilion. It was still beautiful—the valley views through the windows, everyone close together, intimate atmosphere. Then caterers quickly set up dinner while we did photos. It actually worked out perfectly." — From post-wedding debrief
Having ceremony and reception location on the same property eliminates the "drive to different venue in rain" problem many outdoor weddings face.
Accessibility and Practical Considerations
Accessibility:
- The Pavilion is ground-level, wheelchair accessible
- Accessible restrooms on-site
- Parking within 30 meters (short, level walk)
- No stairs or difficult terrain between parking and venue
Climate control:
- Heating for winter weddings (June-August)
- Cooling for summer celebrations (December-February)
- Comfortable year-round regardless of external temperature
Restroom facilities:
- Modern, clean, well-maintained
- Separate men's and women's facilities
- Accessible restroom
- Adequate capacity for 100 guests
Power and technical:
- Adequate power for DJ/band equipment
- WiFi available (though many couples do "unplugged" celebrations)
- Phone reception on property (Telstra and Optus)
Real Receptions: What Couples Experience
Sophie & Michael - Autumn Reception (May 2024)
Guest count: 86 Catering style: Family-style shared platters Season: Autumn
"We wanted a relaxed, communal reception atmosphere. Long timber tables with family-style food service created exactly that feeling. Our caterer (from our vendor recommendations) used the kitchen to prepare everything fresh. The salmon was incredible, the vegetables were still hot, everything tasted like a high-end restaurant because it was basically cooked on-site. Our guests are still talking about the food quality."
What made it special:
- Long tables creating communal dining experience
- Kitchen access enabling fresh, hot food
- Autumn evening perfect temperature on outdoor deck
- Cost savings from BYO wine allowed upgraded food budget
James & Emma - Spring Reception (October 2023)
Guest count: 72 Catering style: Plated three-course dinner Season: Spring
"The Pavilion was perfect for our spring wedding. We did cocktail hour on the deck, then moved inside for a elegant plated dinner. The valley views through the windows were stunning as sunset happened during our meal. We invested in fairy lights and uplighting—the transformation from day to evening was magical. Dancing spilled back onto the deck under the stars around 9 PM."
What made it special:
- Weather-protected dinner with outdoor connection via deck
- Lighting design creating evening atmosphere
- Flexibility to move between indoor and outdoor as evening progressed
- Vendor choice allowing custom menu within budget
Booking The Pavilion
The Pavilion is included in all Sēlah Valley wedding venue bookings.
What's included:
- Exclusive use of The Pavilion for reception
- Tables, chairs, basic lighting (as detailed above)
- Full kitchen access for caterers
- Climate control and restroom facilities
- Covered outdoor deck
- Setup and breakdown coordination
What you arrange:
- Catering (hire your choice of caterers)
- Alcohol/bar service
- Reception styling (florals, table settings, additional lighting)
- DJ or band
- Additional furniture if desired
Next steps:
- Schedule property visit to see The Pavilion in person
- Bring measurements/sketches if you have specific layout ideas
- Discuss vendor recommendations for caterers and bar service
- Review dry-hire model to understand cost savings potential
Contact Sēlah Valley Estate:
- Phone: +61 439 405 177
- Email: weddings@selahvalleyestate.au
- Address: 110 Youngs Road, Limpinwood, NSW 2484
The Pavilion at Sēlah Valley offers couples control, flexibility, and significant cost savings through our dry-hire model. Choose your caterers, bring your wine, create custom menus, and style the space exactly as you envision. This is your reception, your way—with the infrastructure and freedom to make it exceptional.
Continue planning with our complete wedding venue guide, explore trusted vendor partnerships, and discover under-stars reception alternatives.
