The Yarra Valley has become one of Victoria’s most popular wedding regions. Venues like Rochford Wines in Coldstream, TarraWarra Estate in Healesville, Yering Station in Yering and Coombe Yarra Valley sit down winding country roads that are difficult to navigate after dark, and rideshare coverage in the outer east on a Saturday night is unpredictable at the best of times.
The practical problem with Yarra Valley weddings
Getting guests to the venue in daylight is straightforward. The challenge is the return journey after 10pm, when guests at accommodation in Lilydale or Healesville need a reliable way back. A rideshare app in the outer east on a Saturday night is not a firm answer. A pre-booked local taxi with a confirmed driver is.
What to arrange in advance
Most couples book a combination of the following:
- Bridal party transport to the venue on the morning of the wedding, from wherever the party is getting ready
- Guest shuttles from nearby accommodation in Healesville, Yarra Glen or Lilydale to the venue, timed to the ceremony start
- Late night returns from the venue to accommodation and to Lilydale station, timed to the end of the reception
Specifying all trips at the time of booking means drivers are allocated in advance and vehicles are confirmed for each run, rather than arranged on the day when availability cannot be guaranteed.
Booking lead time
For a Saturday wedding during peak season in the Yarra Valley (October through to April), booking transport four to eight weeks in advance gives enough time to confirm vehicles and work through the run schedule. Last-minute requests in the week before a busy spring weekend are unlikely to be fully accommodated.
Vehicle options
A standard sedan carries up to four passengers, an SUV or wagon up to seven with luggage, and a maxi van up to eleven. For bridal party transport, a sedan or SUV is usually sufficient. For guest shuttles, the right vehicle depends on how many guests are at each pickup location. Multiple sedan runs or a single maxi van run can both be arranged when you book.
How to book
Call or book online with the date, venue address, pickup locations, passenger numbers and approximate times for each run. The full schedule can be worked through on the phone before the booking is confirmed. Cabcharge, EFTPOS and major credit cards are accepted.
Ready to book?
Advance bookings include a confirmation reference sent by text or email before the day.