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….

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE CHURCHILL WEDDINGS

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