Our frequently asked questions.
WEDDINGS AND LARGER EVENTS
How do I secure my event date?
Please read through these questions, and visit Eryldene, we’d love to show you around our beautiful garden. Fill out a Venue Hire Enquiry Form describing your proposed event and send it to us. Eryldene will then reserve your date provisionally in our calendar for 14 days. We will forward a quotation for you, and a Venue Hire Agreement. When you are ready to proceed, just return the signed VHA and deposit.
WHAT DOES MY HIRE INCLUDE?
You will have exclusive use of the Eryldene gardens for your event, its beautiful garden spaces- provide endless opportunities ideal for memorable photography, and celebrations. Various garden rooms and event areas offer spaces for cocktails, ceremonies and receptions across the site. We can offer daytime & late afternoon weekday and weekend hire options.
We are happy to help suggest catering and equipment suppliers from our Eryldene experienced suppliers list to make your day perfect. Eryldene’s base hire includes access to chairs(20) and tables (4) for you to set out; with umbrellas, additional tables and chairs also available to hire, POA.
Can I choose my own EVENT suppliers?
The experienced caterers and equipment suppliers on the Eryldene List have provided excellent services at events at Eryldene previously. The Eryldene List will be made available on request during your booking process. Gold Licensed Caterers, NSW Restaurant & Catering Association, are also welcome, subject to application. If you would like to use a supplier who is not on our list, additional fees may be applicable depending on the type of supplier, to induct your supplier to work at Eryldene. Access to the kitchen and laundry can made be available for catering.
Can we provide our own alcohol?
Yes, as hirer you can curate your own wine and alcohol selection. You will need to ensure the responsible serving of alcohol during your event. Eryldene does not hold a liquor licence.
Will ERYLDENE staff be there on the day of my event?
Eryldene will have a dedicated event supervisor on-site throughout your event who will ensure that Eryldene is ready and welcoming for your celebration and respected during the event by suppliers and hirers. The event supervisor will also be present during set up and pack down.
Can we have fireworks/confetti?
Due to the conservation requirements of the house and garden, fireworks, sky lanterns, flares, drones and confetti are not permitted at any events at Eryldene: this also includes rice and biodegradable confetti. Bubbles or flower petals make for a great alternative.
Can we get married INside THE HOUSE?
The verandah and adjacent loggias at Eryldene are part of your hire, but the interior of the house is not accessible, due to the scale of the rooms and conservation requirements of the collection. There are many beautiful locations around the Eryldene garden which are suitable for both intimate and larger ceremonies.
Is there parking onsite?
There is free street parking available on McIntosh Street and at the nearby Werona Street Carpark for guests and equipment suppliers. Due to the sensitive heritage values of the Eryldene, as well as the narrow garden paths we do not allow any vehicles onto the grounds. Mobile tricycles/bars etc can be used on a case-by-case basis.
What if it rains?
If you have concerns about the weather on your big day - rain or heat- we recommend that you consider hiring a marquee. The loggias and verandah can provide shelter for up to 60 guests in the case of unexpected wet weather.
Are there music restrictions?
In consideration of our neighbours and local residents, amplification is restricted as part of our good neighbour policy.
Are there ANY TIME restrictions?
Eryldene is available for hire between 8am and 8pm. To support neighbourly harmony, all events must end by 7.30 pm and all staff and guests depart the property by 8pm.
Are there ANY HEALTH OR SAFETY RESTRICTIONS?
During the Covid pandemic, all Eryldene venue hires are subject to the need to respond to public health orders and NSW Health advice. Eryldene monitors changes to such restrictions as they evolve and this matter will be discussed as your hire is finalised.
Extreme weather events may also unexpectedly impact our venue hire conditions.
CAN WE MOVE MUSEUM OBJECTS?
The Eryldene Trusts prime objective is the conservation of the house and garden for future generations to enjoy. Moving museum objects or furniture in the house or garden by non-Eryldene staff is strictly prohibited. Any requests to move museum furniture or objects must be referred to the Eryldene event supervisor managing the location shoot.
WHAT IS THE VENUE BOOKING PROCESS?
First, please fill out a Venue Hire Enquiry Form, with the basic details of your date, function, hiring needs and number of guests, etc and send it to venuehire@eryldene.org.au
Eryldene will prepare a quotation for you with all the details set out in a Venue Hire Agreement (VHA) which includes a protocol for the use of Eryldene. Meanwhile, we will provisionally hold your booking in our calendar for 14 days.
Read through the VHA, chat to us as necessary and return your signed Venue Hire Agreement with your deposit.
A 50% deposit is needed to secure your booking sixty days before your event.
Thirty days prior to your event date, don’t forget to pay the remaining fee.
We will do all we can to make sure you have a memorable celebration at Eryldene!
Can we come and look at the site?
We would be more than happy to arrange a tour of the garden and facilities at Eryldene for you. We can take you around the site and help you to envisage what your day could look like. Better yet, come along to one of our Open Sundays or another event and see this special place in action.
To arrange a pre-booking tour, please contact Eryldene via phone on 0422 596 292 or email eryldene@eryldene.org.au or venuehire@eryldene.org.au
Please note that our volunteers aren’t always in the office - they might be out pruning the camellias - so please email if you don’t get through.
Our Favourite Eryldene Locations
The Lawn Court at the rear of the house can comfortably accommodate up to 150 people. The adjacent Chinese tea house makes a wonderful backdrop for photos and ceremonies while the arched moon gate provides a striking feature entrance.
The Temple set amidst tall trees and old camellias on the front lawn provides a more intimate background for 50 to 80 people.
The Back Lawn by Professor Waterhouse’s garden study, walled fountain and pigeon house is yet another delightful setting for smaller scale gatherings.
The front verandah and loggias can seat 40, or a stand-up reception of 60. It can be used in the event of unexpected wet weather by 60 guests. Hired marquees can be erected on the lawns.
corporate events and workshops
The varied outdoor spaces of Eryldene create an ideal opportunity for Corporate Events and Workshops. Our Lawn Court is perfect for classic garden games, picnics and group activities.
INSURANCE
For commercial and corporate hires.
Public liability insurance of not less than $20 million indemnifying Eryldene against any claims for damage or injury arising from the hire must be attached to the Venue Hire Application form.
Location Hire (Film, TV)
Photo opportunities abound throughout the garden. Eryldene is often the setting for commercial photo shoots where the front steps, verandah, flagged pathways, moon gate, tea house, garden study and the many meandering paths through old camellias make delightful settings and perspectives. Limited internal photography may be negotiated.
Fashion shoots, wedding photographs and family picnics are all very Instagrammable at Eryldene.
Bright colours are a key feature of the garden in the camellia season and when the leaves are starting to take on their autumn colours, while the shady jacarandas provide a needed escape from the heat in summer.
The Eryldene Trust reserves the right to charge a $2,000 bond for large scale events and certain location shoots. The bond will be held for seven days after the conclusion of the booking, to ensure that the property is left in a satisfactory condition and has not incurred extraordinary cleaning costs, damage to equipment or damage to the property as a result of the shoot.
How Hiring Helps
When you hire with Eryldene, your fees go towards supporting the conservation and maintenance of a truly special place, which is cared for by a community trust. We don’t receive any ongoing government funding.
We are focussed on implementing our Conservation Management Plan and introducing an Environmental Sustainability Action Plan in everything we do.
Your hire will help us to maintain the House, Gardens and the horticulturally significant Camellia Collection and develop programs of events to encourage community engagement in supporting the practical sustainability of heritage gems like Eryldene.