Former St Bernards Church
Hartley Historic Site
Overview
Providing a rare vivid glimpse into Australia’s colonial past, Former St Bernards Church is the perfect wedding venue for history buffs, or for those just looking for a venue hire option with a uniquely historic flavour.
- Where
- 47 Old Great Western Highway, Hartley, NSW, 2790 - in Hartley Historic Site
- Venue is suitable for
- Christenings and wedding ceremonies
- Capacity
-
Maximum people: 100
There is space at the church for 100 seated and 20 standing guests. - Facilities
- Toilets, electric power
- Fees
-
$850 for a ceremony including a rehearsal in the week prior to the wedding. Contact Hartley Visitor Centre for fees for other services.
- Availability
-
Available to hire 7 days a week except 25 and 31 December, and 1 January.
Venue available for exclusive hire - Bookings
- Bookings are required. To make a booking or for more information contact Hartley Visitor Centre.
The beautiful pale sandstone Former St Bernards Church was built by local stonemason Alexander Binning, probably from a Gothic prototype. Before it was built, services had to be held in Hartley Courthouse, with the first priest arriving from Ireland in 1838. The stonework was completed in 1846, but the windows and altar came later.
The former church was used continuously until 1963 and is still consecrated. Careful renovations have kept the building in a beautiful condition. Services such as weddings and christenings are still held in the lovely old building.
St Bernards remained the parish church until the mid-1880s when services transferred to Lithgow, but it hosted the occasional service until 1963. Careful renovations have kept the building in a beautiful condition. It's a well-preserved and pretty church that's well worth a look around. It also provides impressive backdrops for photographs of your special day or event.
Also see
-
Hartley Courthouse
Providing a rare vivid glimpse into Australia’s colonial past, Hartley Courthouse is the perfect venue for history buffs, or for those just looking for a venue hire option with a uniquely historic flavour.
-
Former St Bernards Church
Providing a rare vivid glimpse into Australia’s colonial past, Former St Bernards Church is the perfect wedding venue for history buffs, or for those just looking for a venue hire option with a uniquely historic flavour.
-
Old Trahlee
Old Trahlee is unavailable for bookings until further notice. This restored colonial cottage is located in Hartley Historic Site, at the foot of the Blue Mountains.
-
Corneys Garage
Nestled in the heart of Hartley Historic Site is Corneys Garage. Browse through a beautiful selection of antiques, while enjoying an immersive shopping experience near Lithgow.
Operated by
- Hartley Visitor Centre
- 10am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 4pm. Closed Mondays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
- 02 6355 2117
- hartley@environment.nsw.gov.au
- Farmers Inn, 51 Old Great Western Highway, Hartley 2790
Park info
- in Hartley Historic Site in the Sydney and surrounds region
Hartley Historic Site is open every day but access may be limited at times due to fire danger, school bookings or organised events.
What's nearby:
Things to do (40)
- Adventure sports (4)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (3)
- Cafes and kiosks (1)
- Cycling (3)
- Environmental appreciation/study (4)
- Historic heritage (8)
- Other experiences (3)
- Photography (1)
- Picnics and barbecues (6)
- Road trips and car/bus tours (2)
- Sightseeing (13)
- Visitor centres (2)
- Walking (15)
- Waterfalls (7)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (3)