Sarah & Scott’s Rustic Wedding at Howqua Lodge


Sarah & Scott tied the knot on a sun-drenched, 30-degree day at Howqua Lodge, nestled in the heart of the Victorian High Country — and it was nothing short of magic. Despite the heat and gusty wind, nothing could stop these two lovers from saying “I do” surrounded by the raw beauty of the mountains. From the timber lodge to the panoramic views, every corner of this day was steeped in warmth, nature, and joy.

Couple in wedding attire embrace on a grassy hillside with rustic trees in the background at sunset.

Howqua Lodge: Sarah & Scott holding hands down near the dam

Getting Ready at the Lodge


Both Sarah and Scott got ready at opposite ends of the timber cabin-style lodge, which gave the whole morning such a calm, intimate feeling. The rustic timber architecture of the lodge made for the perfect backdrop — earthy, charming, and full of character.


We set up a quiet first look just outside the cabin — a moment of stillness before the celebrations began. The lighting, the timber, the emotion? Just beautiful.

A vintage rustic barn wedding venue with wooden siding and covered outdoor areas captures a romantic moment at sunset.

Sarah & Scott cuddling after their first look at the Howqua Lodge Log Cabin

Ceremony with a View


The ceremony space at Howqua Lodge is truly something else. Perched high above the valley, the arbour overlooks the stunning Victorian High Country mountain ranges, stretching far into the distance. With wind in their hair and the sun lighting up the hills behind them, Sarah & Scott exchanged vows surrounded by those they love most.

A panoramic view of wooden pole fences stretching across rugged mountain terrain under a cloudy sky at Howqua Lodge

Buggy Rides, River Views & Adventure


After the ceremony, we jumped into a buggy with one of the friendliest venue owners you’ll ever meet. He took us down to the Howqua River and the nearby dam, where we stole some quiet moments away from the crowd.

Golden light, glistening water, and the peaceful hum of the bush — it was the perfect spot to capture some truly heartfelt portraits. The team at Howqua Lodge went above and beyond all day long, making the whole experience feel relaxed, joyful, and completely effortless.

A couple embraces on their wedding day in an outdoor setting near a tranquil lake with eucalyptus trees in the background along Howqua River

Sarah & Scott down by Howqua River

Planning Your Wedding in the Victorian High Country?


Weddings in the Victorian High Country are like no other — wide open skies, rustic venues, mountain views, and unforgettable sunsets. If you're dreaming of a celebration that’s relaxed, romantic, and soaked in nature, Howqua Lodgemight just be your perfect venue.


Whether you're planning an elopement by the river or a full day wedding in the mountains, I'd love to help you capture it all.

👉 LETS CHAT HERE about your wedding!

Or find all the wedding details here

Wedding guests enjoy outdoor celebration in rustic mountain setting during golden hour against rolling hills backdrop at Howqua Lodge

Sarah & Scott tied the knot at Howque Lodge

The Dream Team of Vendors


Every detail of this day came together beautifully thanks to some incredible vendors:


A delicate white lace wedding dress hangs on a wooden hanger against a rustic barn wall in soft lighting.
Brown leather sandals and wedding stationary arranged in a warm, vintage style composition on a wooden surface.
Rustic wooden table settings with white floral arrangements create a romantic ambiance in a cozy barn venue.
Wedding accessories and decor including white flowers, rings, and invitations arranged on a rustic wooden surface.
Wedding invitation and bridal accessories arranged on rustic wooden table with soft sepia tones.
A white wedding dress hangs elegantly outside a rustic wooden barn with weathered siding and vintage doors.
A person in an elegant white off-shoulder wedding dress with floral lace details poses inside a rustic wooden barn.
In a rustic barn setting, someone poses in an elegant white lace dress with off-shoulder detail.
A rustic wooden cabin doorway with vintage lanterns is framed by weathered logs and a worn entrance.
A couple in wedding attire standing back to back on a rustic wooden porch.
A couple in wedding attire share a moment together on a rustic wooden porch of a barn.
An emotional first look moment outside a rustic barn venue creates a heartfelt scene.
Rustic wedding party poses on wooden porch of barn with vintage farmhouse charm.
Rustic wooden wedding welcome sign decorated with white flowers and greenery against an outdoor background.
Bridesmaids in elegant white dresses walk down a grassy outdoor aisle with rustic wine barrels lining the ceremony space.
A couple walking together on a garden path during their rustic outdoor wedding ceremony.
White fluffy dog plays happily in grass next to someone wearing a white tulle dress.
Outdoor rustic wedding scene with wooden fences and mountains in the background.
Wedding ceremony surrounded by desert mountains with rustic wooden fencing and pink floral arrangements.
Outdoor mountain wedding ceremony with guests seated on rustic wooden benches during a sunny afternoon.
People walking and biking on a tree-lined park path on a sunny afternoon.
A sequence showing an off-road vehicle rolling over and crashing while climbing up a steep dirt embankment.
A black and white dog wearing a white tuxedo vest is being walked on a leash at an outdoor event.
Large wedding party group photo captured in warm sunlight against a backdrop of mountains and trees at outdoor venue.
Professional caterer arranges plates and prepares food on a rustic wooden table during an event.
People gather at an outdoor winery tasting area with umbrellas and wine barrels on a sunny day.
A rustic reception venue with wooden chairs and tables arranged under vintage chandeliers in an industrial-style space.
Long wooden dining tables set for a rustic wedding reception under dried floral installations in an industrial barn venue.
Rustic wedding reception venue with wooden tables and chairs set up in an industrial-style space with corrugated metal walls.
Rustic wedding decor featuring hay bales, wine barrels, and vintage metal tubs arranged on a light floor.
Wedding party gathered together in a rustic barn setting with natural lighting and simple decor.
Wedding day transportation in a utility vehicle decorated for the special occasion in a natural outdoor setting.
People gather at an outdoor venue with string lights and a large tree creating a rustic event atmosphere.
Wedding reception guests mingle and dine at tables set under a covered outdoor venue space.
Family members sharing an affectionate moment during an outdoor celebration under tree coverage.
A group of people in formal attire gathered outdoors under a covered area at a social event or celebration.
Guests mingle at a rustic wedding reception venue decorated with hanging dried flowers and string lights.
A wedding party walks through a scenic woodland setting with tall eucalyptus trees on a sunny afternoon.
A white wedding gown with a flowing train photographed on a rustic wooden dock over calm water.
Wedding party poses together in a golden field with eucalyptus trees in the background.
A romantic black and white wedding photo showing a tender moment, with the bride holding a beautiful bouquet.
Scenic countryside landscape with rolling hills, golden grass and eucalyptus trees under cloudy skies.
A romantic outdoor wedding photoshoot with a flowing blush pink gown trailing on grassy grounds at sunset.
A romantic wedding scene in a sun-dappled woodland with a couple in formal attire.
A tender moment captured in black and white by a lake with elegant wedding attire.
Couple shares intimate moment by a river under overhanging tree branches during their wedding day.
Dreamy outdoor wedding photography with a billowing off-shoulder dress beneath arching tree branches.