INGLEWOOD INN
When it comes to choosing a venue for your wedding day, there’s something truly special about finding a place that blends character, natural beauty and convenience. That’s exactly what makes the Inglewood Inn in the Adelaide Hills such a remarkable choice for couples looking for a timeless, nature-filled setting that still feels close to the city. This heritage-rich venue perfectly combines rustic charm with modern elegance, making it a dream location for both photographers and couples alike.
The Inglewood Inn isn’t just another wedding venue; it’s steeped in history. Originally built in 1857 as a stopping place for travellers along the newly gazetted North East Road, the Inn was licensed in 1858 and eventually became the heart of the township that shares its name. According to South Australia’s heritage register, the town quite literally grew around the Inn itself, a testament to its enduring role in the region’s story. Being a heritage-listed site gives the venue an authentic sense of depth and atmosphere — every wall, window and beam whispers of its past, adding layers of meaning to a wedding day held here.
What this means for couples is that the setting isn’t just pretty — it has soul. Your wedding images won’t only capture you and your loved ones, but a location layered with story and character, making every frame feel cinematic and heartfelt.
Why the Inglewood Inn Works Beautifully for a Wedding
A superb blend of nature and elegant function space
The Inglewood Inn offers a rare combination of lush gardens and stylish indoor facilities. The ceremony lawn sits beneath century-old elm trees, surrounded by native greenery and overlooking the nearby Para River. The outdoor garden area was designed specifically for weddings, creating a natural amphitheatre feel that’s perfect for exchanging vows. Just steps away, the glass-walled function room transitions seamlessly into the landscape, allowing guests to take in the sweeping views while enjoying the reception. It’s a setting that feels intimate yet open — ideal for both daytime and evening celebrations.
Easy to get to yet tucked into the hills
One of the biggest perks of the Inglewood Inn is its location. Nestled in the Adelaide Hills yet only about 30 minutes from the city, it’s a breeze for guests to reach. According to Bridebook, the venue offers the perfect balance of accessibility and seclusion. You get all the charm of a country-style wedding without sacrificing convenience — no long drives or complicated transport logistics required.
Style versatility and stunning photo backdrops
The venue’s design strikes the perfect balance between heritage character and contemporary styling. The exposed stonework, large glass windows, and manicured lawns work beautifully with rustic, vintage, or modern wedding aesthetics. WeddingHero describes the venue as “a blank canvas that can be tailored to reflect each couple’s personal style,” and it’s easy to see why. The gardens, rolling hills and heritage touches all offer endless opportunities for creative wedding photography — something I always love to explore when shooting here.
Reception convenience and guest comfort
Having the ceremony and reception in one place is a game changer. Guests can transition effortlessly from the outdoor ceremony to the reception without waiting for shuttles or long commutes. The function room features large windows overlooking the valley and can comfortably host medium-sized weddings with space for dancing and dining. From a photographer’s perspective, this layout means no lost moments — everything happens within walking distance, allowing for more spontaneous, candid imagery throughout the day.
Food, drink and local charm
The Inglewood Inn doesn’t just provide the backdrop; it delivers an outstanding dining experience. Known for its commitment to local South Australian produce and fine wines, it adds a genuine taste of the Adelaide Hills to every celebration. The venue’s Adelaide Hills tourism profile highlights its fresh, seasonal menu that pairs perfectly with locally sourced wines and craft beers. Guests often leave raving about the food as much as the scenery — and that’s saying something.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Inglewood Inn Wedding
Book a visit in daylight
The gardens are one of the venue’s greatest assets, and viewing them in full natural light helps you visualise the flow of your ceremony and photos. It’s worth visiting at different times of day to see how the light moves through the trees and across the lawns — something that makes a huge difference for wedding photography.
Plan for all weather
As with many Adelaide Hills locations, the weather can change quickly. Fortunately, Inglewood Inn’s combination of covered areas and indoor reception space makes it easy to adapt. The large elms offer natural shade, and the function room provides a scenic fallback option if rain arrives unexpectedly. The dedicated ceremony area ensures a smooth backup plan without losing the outdoor atmosphere.
Leverage the one-venue advantage
Hosting both ceremony and reception on-site saves time, stress and travel costs. Guests stay in one place, you avoid transport delays, and you gain extra time for portraits and mingling. The venue layout flows beautifully from the ceremony lawn to the cocktail area and reception room, allowing for a natural progression of the day’s events.
Explore the photography spots
From a photographer’s perspective, the Inglewood Inn is a playground of opportunities. The towering elms, the riverside lawn, the historic bridge nearby, and the rustic stonework of the building itself all provide stunning backdrops. Whether you prefer soft natural light under the trees or golden-hour portraits with the hills in the distance, this venue offers endless creative possibilities.
Embrace local produce and hospitality
Work closely with the venue team to highlight South Australian wines, beers and ingredients. Incorporating local flavours into your menu not only supports regional businesses but gives guests a genuine sense of place — something that enhances the overall experience of your wedding day.
The Perfect Adelaide Hills Venue
Your wedding day deserves more than just a “nice venue.” It deserves a place that reflects who you are as a couple — warm, relaxed, and surrounded by beauty. The Inglewood Inn offers just that: heritage character, natural serenity and a seamless guest experience. The gardens create an intimate setting for heartfelt vows, the glass-walled function space captures the grandeur of the Hills, and the staff ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen how the Inglewood Inn transforms from a peaceful hillside retreat during the day to a sparkling celebration space as the sun sets. The way the light filters through the trees and reflects off the glass reception room makes every moment feel cinematic. For couples wanting that authentic Adelaide Hills atmosphere without travelling too far from the city, it’s hard to beat.
If you’re planning your big day and looking for a venue that delivers history, scenery and modern comfort all in one, the Inglewood Inn might just be your perfect match. As I often tell my couples — choose Inglewood Inn if you want to walk beneath heritage elms, exchange vows surrounded by nature, then celebrate with good food, good wine and great company, all just a short drive from Adelaide.
When it comes to the reception, this venue has you covered! The reception hall on site is perfect for small to medium sized wedding parties, with stunning views overlooking the beautiful garden below. You’ll be able to dance the night away with your loved ones, surrounded by the charming atmosphere of this stunning place!
This is a beautiful and historic wedding venue that offers everything you need for an unforgettable wedding day. Whether you’re looking to have an intimate ceremony surrounded by nature, or dance the night away in the reception hall, this venue is the perfect choice.







