Stanley Park

Unquestionably one of the area’s grandest waterfront estates, Stanley Park circa 1897 is a landmark residence unparalleled in grace, style and historic legend.

Situated not far from Stockton Beach, about half way between Newcastle CBD and Nelson Bay, Stanley Park is a unique combination of country estate and coastal retreat.

Wedding ceremony, photos, reception and accommodation can all take place in the one pristine location, Stanley Park is exclusive to each wedding.

The 28 acre property boasts a large rustic American style barn for receptions, an 8 bedroom Victorian homestead for accommodation, and multiple ceremony backdrops including a towering fig tree and tranquil lake setting.

Couples have the freedom to create a wedding that reflects their own style.

Catering by Sprout Catering. Food trucks permitted, BYO Drinks or beverage packages available.

The property adapts well to all reception styles – formal sit-down, cocktail, bbq, picnic, high tea.

Stanley Park is open by appointment for wedding venue viewings, house tours, history chats, Devonshire and High Teas.

Wedding Venue Essentials:

• Ceremony, reception, accommodation all in one venue
  • Award winning caterer - Sprout Catering
  • Food trucks permitted. Conditions apply.
  • BYO drinks permitted, beverage packages available
  • American style barn for receptions from 20 to 200 guests
  • Accommodation for up to 15 guests (optional)
  • Huge fig tree with plenty of shade for ceremonies, plus other picturesque ceremony settings
  • Wet weather ceremony option
  • Choose your own suppliers. Conditions apply.
  • Homestead can be hired for Bridal Party preparation for the day
  • Event manager to assist with planning and on-the-day coordination
  • Absolute Waterfront location
  • Spectacular sunsets over the lake
  • Off peak, mid-week, last minute rates
  • Elopement and micro-wedding packages available
  • Exclusive use
  • Ceremony and reception furniture included
  • Plenty of free onsite parking
  • Flat level grounds and buildings access
  • Wheelchair friendly
  • Pets welcome for ceremony and photos
  • Plenty of close by accommodation options for travelling guests

With its majestic fig tree, historic homestead, spacious American-style barn, and breath taking sunsets over Fullerton Cove, Stanley Park stands out as an idyllic wedding venue.

Relax, entertain and celebrate in style at Stanley Park!

Stanley Park has been owned and managed primarily as a wedding venue by the Court family since 2011.

We take pride in maintaining our beautiful homestead, rustic barn, pavilion and manicured grounds, and we absolutely love hosting weddings! It is always such a pleasure to meet the families, hear the stories, the vows, laugh at creative dance moves and funny speeches, admire the styling and florals, and ensure that our couples and their guests have the most unforgettable celebration at Stanley Park!

A brief history ... The 880 acre property was granted to emancipated convict John Smith in the early 1800s. His great grandson Stanley Smith commissioned the beautiful Victorian homestead to be built in 1897. It remained in the Smith family until the mid 1960s. A developer bought the property, and fortunately didn't knock down the stately old yet almost derelict homestead. In 1980 a local family purchased the property, by that time just 28 acres, restored the old mansion to its former glory, and enjoyed the 7 bedroom home and its stunning countryside-on-the-coast outlook for around 30 years.

When the Court family purchased Stanley Park in 2011 it was initially set up to be short stays accommodation. Six months down the track a friend of the family asked if they could have a wedding on the grounds. It turned out beautifully - a casual picnic style garden party complete with a spectacular sunset. This event planted the wedding venue seed and a short time later a local wedding photographer suggested officially setting up the property as a wedding venue. Styled photoshoots were organised and the results were printed in a wedding resources magazine. A website was built, social media accounts created ... and the Stanley Park wedding venue venture was launched!

Now, more than twelve years down the track, improvements and additions have enhanced the property - a generously sized and versatile barn was built along with another multi-functional pavilion style building and amenities, and a large convenient car park. The original old dairy was incorporated into the wedding spaces as a post-ceremony garden party bar.

It is our absolute pleasure to share this amazingly beautiful property with our lovely couples for their wedding celebrations, and our local community for picnics, music and charity events.