The Riverstone Estate in Yarra Valley slammed for its lack of transparency around lease

Couples who had planned to tie the knot at the Riverstone Estate have hit out at the venue’s lack of transparency and slammed the short notice of the closure as “appalling”.

The Riverstone Estate is located in Coldstream.

Brides to be have slammed an award-winning Yarra Valley wedding venue for its lack of transparency surrounding its lease before it suddenly closed.

Coldstream’s The Riverstone Estate will permanently close on June 30, leaving couples scrambling to find a new venue just months before their big day.

The Herald Sun revealed on Tuesday that management sent an email to customers saying it was forced to shut after not securing a new lease.

“After over a decade of pouring our hearts into creating the most amazing intimate wedding venues, it is with great sadness that we need to inform you that we have been unable to secure a new lease,” they said.

“In the coming days, you will be sent the appropriate paperwork to complete so we can refund any money previously paid which you can use to lock in a new venue.”

The venue will permanently close on June 30.

Olivia Toth booked the venue for an August 2025 wedding.

Ms Toth told the Herald Sun that management should have been more transparent about their lease with couples.

“I feel as though if they knew they couldn’t renew their lease they should not have booked people so far in advance,” she said.

“Even though my wedding is still 12 months away and I have a good chance at finding a new venue, I feel for the people whose weddings are just five weeks away from now as they do not have time to do that.

“One month notice before closure is appalling.”

Alanah Bresnehan and her fiance Andrew were booked to have their ceremony at the venue this September.

Ms Bresnehan said she was in “crisis mode”, rushing to make new arrangements just four months out.

“We felt disheartened as we loved the venue’s backdrop, perfect for the type of couple we are,” she said.

“I am currently on a bit of a crisis mode, calling around other venues for a place.

“We have limited choices in the Yarra Valley being a Wednesday wedding and also needing only a ceremony space.”

Alanah Bresnehan and Andrew McFarlane were planning to marry at the venue this September.

The Riverstone Estate is located on part of a 30 hectare vineyard and farm, set on the banks of the Yarra River.

It was the winner of the 2023 National Bridal Awards for restaurant reception venue.

Another bride to be, who asked not to be named, said the closure was a “big blow” for her January wedding.

“I’m feeling really devastated about losing our dream venue,” she said.

“It’s a big blow in an already stressful planning journey.

“We have sent out invites, booked other suppliers and organised accommodation all revolving around Riverstone.

“We are just really hoping to find another venue soon as there are a lot of venues in the area already booked on our date.”

It’s understood other venues across the state have offered to help desperate couples, offering to match prices and honour contracts.

This includes The Continental Sorrento and the Vines of the Yarra Valley.

The Riverstone Estate was contacted for comment.