A few weeks back I was venue scouting in the Southern Highlands and visited stunning Summerlees Estate in Sutton Forest. From the moment I started along the long driveway lined with it’s towering winter bare trees I knew this place was special.

Patty, the owner of Summerlees was really lovely. She has fantastic taste and has put together something really special at Summerlees with the perfect mix of the antique, rustic and natural. Gorgeous antique chandeliers and lanterns hang from trees in the garden, lovely antique garden furniture has been placed around the grounds. There are also some lovely animals who live at Summerlees – you’ll see a beautiful cat in the images who happily followed me around demanding petting every now and then.

As well as the gorgeous old house, cottage and stables, there is a beautiful ballroom with lovely wooden floors, crystal chandeliers and a gilded mirror above a fireplace – Patty was in the middle of decorating the gorgeous ballroom in preparation for a wedding. Beautiful antique books and twine, flowers hanging from the ceiling in jars – and a lovely selection of antique items.

Summerlees also makes a fantastic backdrop for your family portraits!

There are so many gorgeous Southern Highland wedding venues with beautiful heritage buildings and stunning gardens all set in a beautiful landscape. There’s something really special about a country wedding. I love the Highlands having grown up here myself, and as a wedding photographer I’ve been lucky enough to witness and capture some really beautiful Southern Highlands weddings.

Do you know of a great Southern Highlands venue? I’d love to hear about it!