Would you arrive at your wedding in a helicopter? This groom did and guests loved every second of it.

By:
Content Team
/
Updated on: April 5, 2024

Ever wondered what it would be like to land a helicopter at your own wedding venue as part of your grand entrance? Well, this groom not only wondered, but he also made it happen, James Bond-style at his Chateau Elan wedding. Rather than beelining it to the bar to order a martini ⁠— shaken, not stirred — James (yes, that’s actually the groom’s name) and his groomsmen made their way to a romantic wedding ceremony.

Chateau Elan set the scene for James and Lisa’s grand, formal wedding in the ever beautiful Hunter Valley wine region. From the time guests arrived at the luxury 5-star resort to kick off the festivities till the last guest departed, this wedding was all about relaxing and enjoying the perks of the location. From great wine to lavish spa treatments, Chateau Elan delivers an indulgent wedding experience for couples and their guests alike.

The ceremony in the stone carriage house was followed by a golf course wedding reception at Chateau Elan’s traditional wedding venue, The Barrington Room, with high ceilings and contemporary chandeliers. Lisa fills us in on the details of her wedding below.

Photographer Sheri McMahon captured this beautiful Hunter Valley wedding with her timeless, fine art approach to wedding photography. If you’re looking for a photographer in the Hunter Valley region, Sydney, or the Central Coast, check out her profile today. We’ve also featured one of Sheri’s recent bridal inspiration photoshoots here.

Read on below for more from Lisa, the bride. All photos by Sheri McMahon Photography.


Chateau Elan at The Vintage Venue Highlights

Location: Hunter Valley NSW

Capacity: up to 330 guests

Accommodation: 100 luxury suites including multi-room apartments

Venue Style: Elegant, modern, refined

Views: Rolling hills of golf course grounds & wine region


View Sheri’s Photography Profile View Chateau Elan

Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 42Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 46

Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 9

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Tell us a little about what you envisioned for your Chateau Elan wedding, and why it was the perfect fit.

James and I love the wineries. We wanted a central location for the family to meet, so the Hunter Valley was the perfect location for us to celebrate.

Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 32Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 2

Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 49

Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 43Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 29
Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 33
Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 44Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 41

Tell us about your Chateau Elan wedding. What was it like?

James arrived, James Bond-style, by helicopter. The ceremony was in the chapel at The Chateau Elan and reception in the function room. Guests played games whilst drinking cocktails, overlooking the golf course.

Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 24Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 10

Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 6

Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 19Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 21
Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 16Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 37

What was the most important thing to you when you were selecting your Hunter Valley wedding venue?

We wanted a beautiful location where guests could stay and enjoy a weekend away tp celebrate with us.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do exactly the same? Anything you’d do differently?

Would not change a thing! We were surrounded by family, the weather was beautiful, and the day memorable.

Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 14

Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 5 Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 38

Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 34

Did you host any additional events before or after your wedding?

Golf for the men and the spa for the ladies!

Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 7Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 11

Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 30

Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 18

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If you could recommend one of your wedding suppliers to all other couples, who would it be and why?

Our DJ and MC, DJ Magoo! Our son and page boy was very nervous for his big speech, and DJ Magoo was amazing in supporting him.

Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 26

Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 4Chateau Elan Helicopter Wedding Photo by Sheri McMahon Lisa and James Florals by Trille Floral 27

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Tags & Categories

Location: Hunter Valley

Styles: Classic

Setting: Garden / Chapel

Colours:

Tags: Chateau Elan Wedding, DJ Magoo, sheri mcmahon photography, Trille Floral

Featured Suppliers:

Ceremony Venue Ceremony Venue: Chateau Elan

Entertainment Entertainment: DJ Magoo

Flowers Flowers: Trille Floral

Photographer Photographer: Sheri McMahon Photography

Reception Venue Reception Venue: Chateau Elan at The Vintage