Liv & Ben | Margan Wines Wedding, Broke

Weddings

31 Dec

Liv & Ben | Margan Estate Wedding, Hunter Valley

A Winter Wedding at Margan Estate, Broke

Liv and Ben’s winter wedding at Margan Estate in the Hunter Valley was calm, considered, and beautifully intentional — the kind of day that feels effortless because it’s been thoughtfully planned from the start.

Located in the Broke Fordwich wine region, Margan Wines & Restaurant (often referred to as Margan Estate) is a family-owned Hunter Valley wedding venue known for its estate-grown produce, award-winning restaurant, and sweeping views across the Broke mountain range. Having photographed multiple weddings at Margan Estate over the years, it’s a venue I know well — not just visually, but in how a wedding day actually flows here.

One of Margan Estate’s biggest strengths is variety. The courtyard, gardens, modern architecture, and surrounding landscape offer multiple photo locations without needing to leave the property. It allows couples to move through the day naturally, without the constant shuffle that can interrupt the experience.

Getting Ready Near Margan Estate — Talits Estate

Liv and Ben chose to get ready at Talits Estate, just minutes from Margan Estate — a decision that made a huge difference to the rhythm of the day.

Keeping preparations close to your ceremony venue is something I always recommend for Margan Estate weddings. It means less travel, less stress, and more time actually being present. From a photography perspective, it also allows for a more relaxed, documentary approach — capturing moments as they unfold rather than rushing between locations.

Talits Estate is a French provincial farmhouse filled with texture, light, and space. Bride and groom prep happened in separate wings of the home, giving Liv and Ben room to share the morning with their closest people while keeping the energy calm. The night before and the morning of the wedding were spent exactly how they should be — good food, Hunter Valley wine, and that quiet anticipation before a big day.

A First Look Before the Ceremony

Before heading to Margan Estate, Liv and Ben opted for a first look in the gardens at Talits Estate.

A first look is a great option for Margan Estate weddings — especially in winter. It allows you to experience that emotional moment privately, helps ease nerves, and gives you more flexibility with your timeline later in the day. We were able to capture couple portraits, bridal party photos, and some family images early, which meant the rest of the day could unfold without pressure.

Once portraits were complete, we made the short drive to Margan Estate for the ceremony.

Ceremony at Margan Estate, Hunter Valley

Liv and Ben were married in Margan Estate’s courtyard, surrounded by lush gardens and framed by the Broke mountain range — one of the most iconic ceremony locations in the Hunter Valley.

Their celebrant was Wed by Jade, and she brought exactly the energy the day needed: confident, relaxed, and completely in control of the flow. With her background as a musician and MC, the ceremony felt natural and well-paced — no awkward pauses, no forced moments.

Following the ceremony, guests formed a petal tunnel as Liv and Ben walked through together — joyful, chaotic, and full of energy.

Sunset Photos & Winter Light at Margan Estate

After a few additional family photos, we moved into couple portraits around Margan Estate as the sun dipped behind the mountains.

Winter weddings at Margan Estate come with earlier sunsets, and the surrounding mountain range means light drops sooner than many couples expect. Because Liv and Ben had already done a first look, we weren’t racing the light — we were working with it. This flexibility is key for winter weddings in the Hunter Valley and often results in more relaxed, intentional portraits.

Reception at Margan Estate

Canapés began with live music by Jerome O’Connor, who later expanded into his three-piece band Master Blaster for the evening. Jerome has an incredible ability to read the room, and before long the dance floor was packed.

Reception catering was handled by Margan Estate’s restaurant team — and it’s easy to see why they’re one of the Hunter Valley’s most celebrated dining destinations. With a focus on estate-grown produce and seasonal menus, the food felt thoughtful, refined, and genuinely memorable.

The reception itself was relaxed, full of laughter, and perfectly paced. Nothing felt rushed or over-styled — just a celebration that reflected Liv and Ben completely.

Final Thoughts on Margan Estate Weddings

Liv and Ben’s Margan Estate wedding is a perfect example of what happens when a venue truly suits your style and your timeline supports the way you want the day to feel.

From thoughtful prep locations to a flexible portrait plan and a venue designed for flow, everything worked together seamlessly. The result? A gallery filled with real moments — the kind that age beautifully and bring you straight back to how the day felt.