10 Reasons I’d Elope to Eight Willows Retreat

So, you need to whisk your beloved away to somewhere completely lust worthy. Eight Willows is a private oasis among vineyards, forest and birdsong. The accommodation is dreamy- you could easily spend the day taking romantic walks around the property, soaking in the deep bath, sipping wine on your verandah, curling up by the fireplace or just snuggling up with your fiancé on that luxurious king size bed.

The last thing you want when eloping is to bump into Andre from Accounts… so awkward. Eight Willows Retreat is set on 75 acres surrounded by bushland, gardens, national park and vineyards. Far from the crowds, wake up to the sound of magpies singing and look out for iridescent blue wrens.

Whether you take the King Chalet included in their Elopement package or upgrade to the larger Residence, you’ll have everything you need to make coffee and meals, so there’s no need to leave. Or venture just a short journey and you’ll find romantic cellar door restaurants, providores and more.

Enjoy the convenience and savings of having your ceremony, photos, reception, accommodation, and honeymoon all in one glorious location. What you save in transport alone can pay for your wedding bands!

Pick your perfect ceremony location – there are some stunning spots to choose from. Whether you’re having an intimate dinner or cocktail party reception, the 4-bedroom Residence can accommodate up to 12 people for a sit-down meal or 30 guests cocktail style. Expecting more guests? There’s a modern, architect-designed function centre overlooking the lake. See their small wedding packages for prices and inclusions.

Then stay on for your honeymoon – once you’re done relaxing, there is so much to explore in the Margaret River Region.

Check out the Retreat Map; Eight Willows have some superb ceremony locations, including a wet weather contingency option, so rain won’t spoil the festivities. Get married in the bush chapel surrounded by native jarrah trees, or lakeside under the willow tree or gazebo; all perfect for an intimate wedding party, surrounded by nature. The function centre or its deep alfresco verandah is ideal for a winter ceremony, when the threat of rain is real.

Photographers, eat your heart out, there are so many magical places for post-vow pics. There’s the Celestial Bay vineyards next door with London plane trees that change colours with the season, tree-lined gravel roads, native bushland, manicured gardens with the lake as backdrop.

Escape the cookie cutter wedding and have a celebration that is truly yours. Spend on the things that are important to you and skip the bits that aren’t.

Have a helicopter whisk you away for a celebratory scenic flight. Hire a chef whose food you love, and host a dinner under the stars, a recovery brunch or sunset cocktails on the lawn. Wine connoisseurs, splash out on your decadent faves – and BYO without a corkage fee.

String up festoon lights, order an amazing wedding cake, splash out on stylish bouquets and an elaborate wedding arch, or simply enjoy the natural beauty – your ceremony, reception and accommodation looks across bushland, lush vines and a sparkling lake.

Because it’s not a winery or restaurant, Eight Willows Retreat lets you bring your own supplies and suppliers, including catering and drinks, giving you complete freedom to indulge in local produce and first-class wines and boutique beers from the region. Perhaps that’s an intimate dinner under the stars with a sumptuous grazing table, wedding cake and festoon lighting on the lawn, or a long table lunch for a dozen friends.

Local suppliers love Eight Willows Retreat for their flexibility, professionalism and excellent facilities. Start your research with these recommendations: Supper Road for delicious, generous food and stellar service. Photogerson, Eternity and Kelly Harwood for breathtaking photos – these locals know the property well and the best time of day to shoot. Find fabulous wine at Vasse Felix, Sandalford, Churchview, Skigh Wines or Swings & Roundabouts.

Dial up the smiles and make your celebration a vacation for your friends and family. Eight Willows Retreat has a total of 25 one, two and four-bedroom villas, so plenty of space for wedding guests to relax with a bush or vineyard view. Onsite facilities make it easy to socialise; get together for a BBQ or try your luck catching fish in the lake. The Metricup location is the perfect base for exploring wineries, galleries, beaches and everything else the Margaret River Region has to offer. Why not hire a bus and take guests on a tour of the places you love best?

Everyone wants to get married on a sunny Saturday, and you can save some serious dosh by securing a midweek or winter date. Sought-after suppliers that are fully booked on weekends are likely to be available Sunday to Thursday.

Eight Willows Retreat sweetens the deal with special offers for winter weddings and elopements that take place Thursday to Sunday.

Organising an elopement can be a little daunting, and it’s reassuring to have experienced wedding coordinator Lucy on your side. She can connect you with wonderful wedding professionals – from celebrants to photographers, mobile makeup artists and hairdressers – and ensure it all runs smoothly on the day. Lucy’s assistance is included in the Eight Willows Retreat small wedding packages.

The Residence (4-bedroom villa) Capacity: 12 guests seated, cocktail up to 30 guests
Lakeside Function Centre: Seated: 140, cocktail up to 275 guests
They can help organise your day, accommodation, as well as group meals before and after.
Contact Lucy, wedding and events coordinator on [email protected]