Set amongst the Willow Creek Vineyard in Merricks North, Jackalope Hotel is one of the most distinctive high-design luxury venues in Victoria. The property pairs 11 hectares of pristine vineyard rows with avant-garde architecture, dark moody interiors, a 30-metre black infinity pool, and striking contemporary art installations.
From my perspective as a wedding photographer, Jackalope offers a completely different aesthetic from traditional rustic winery venues. The contrast between crisp coastal light outdoors and dramatic, dark interior architecture creates incredible depth for editorial portraits. Having your preparation suites, outdoor terrace ceremony, vineyard portrait settings, and hatted dining all on a single footprint makes the flow of the day entirely effortless.
The venue
Jackalope sits in Merricks North, roughly 60 minutes south of the Melbourne CBD via the Peninsula Link. As a Melbourne wedding photographer, I love shooting here because it offers an immediate sense of luxury seclusion without a long trek for guests. It’s an easy run from the city, placing your wedding party minutes away from Balnarring beaches, local cellar doors, and coastal walks. View my wedding portfolio →.
THE LOCATION: MORNINGTON PENINSULA
EXCLUSIVE BUYOUT & TERMS: Flexible options ranging from dedicated private event room packages to full 24-hour hotel buyouts for complete property privacy.
GASTRONOMY & DRINK: Hatted fine-dining menus curated by the in-house culinary team, paired with Willow Creek Vineyard estate wines, custom cocktail stations, and late-night options.
GUEST CAPACITY & LAYOUT: Intimate celebrations without exclusive hotel hire accommodate up to 60 seated guests or 100 standing. Exclusive hotel buyouts accommodate up to 135–140 seated guests or 250 for cocktail receptions.
CEREMONIES & EXPERIENCES: Ceremonies take place on the expansive outdoor terrace overlooking the Willow Creek Vineyard or beside the black infinity pool. Light-filled indoor options are available for weather protection. Post-ceremony canapés run across the terrace and outdoor lounge spaces.
ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION: 45 luxury boutique guest rooms and suites on-site, including two lavish owner's suites with private terraces and deep soaking tubs.
ACCESSIBILITY & TRAVEL: Located approximately 60 minutes from Melbourne CBD via the Peninsula Link (M11). Direct sealed access with on-site guest parking.
QUICK VENUE SPECS
WHY I RECOMMEND JACKALOPE HOTEL
If you want an aesthetic that feels more like a boutique art space than a classic farm venue, Jackalope is unmatched. The black timber cladding, geometric architecture, and refined interiors provide a striking, editorial backdrop that looks incredible in photographs.
Bold, Unapologetic Design
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With 45 high-end guest rooms, a destination spa, and an infinity pool overlooking the vines, you and your guests can check in for the weekend and never leave. Getting ready, tying the knot, and celebrating all happen within steps of your room.
Complete Luxury Experience Under One Roof
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The food and wine experience here is taken as seriously as the design. Rather than standard banquet catering, receptions feature refined, seasonal dishes cooked by a hatted kitchen team.
Hatted Dining Focus
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In my experience as a wedding photographer, Jackalope Hotel is one of the most high-impact venue choices in Victoria. It seamlessly balances modern architectural luxury with the surrounding natural beauty of the Mornington Peninsula. If you want a private, design-led celebration with world-class food and lodging, it’s a property I always look forward to working at.
The Verdict: Why It’s Worth It
I’m a wedding photographer based between Melbourne, Australia and Puglia, Italy, working across two of the most beautiful wedding seasons in the world.
During the Australian summer, you'll find me photographing weddings across Melbourne, wider Victoria, and throughout Australia. For me, the magic always comes down to a connection-first approach. I care way more about getting to know you as a real couple so you can feel completely comfortable letting your guard down around the camera. My goal is simply to blend into the background of your day, catch those unscripted, "in-between" moments, and give you a final gallery that actually captures how your wedding felt.
Nice to meet you, I'm Tim
meet the photographer
