St Bernard's Church
Hartley Historic Site
Overview
Providing a rare vivid glimpse into Australia’s colonial past, St Bernard's 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.
- Other Information
- St Bernard’s is a consecrated Catholic church. All services in the church must be conducted by an ordained Catholic priest. Celebrants are not permitted to perform services, however other Christian denominations may be considered.
The beautiful pale sandstone St Bernard's 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 church was used continuously until 1963 and is still consecrated and in fine condition. Services such as weddings and christenings are still held in the lovely old building, and the Catholic Church retains the rights for its use.
Well-preserved and offering a glimpse into Australia’s colonial history, St Bernard's Church is one of the Blue Mountain's historic wedding venues and an ideal event venue hire option. It also provides an impressive backdrop for photographs, so you can remember your special day for years to come.
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.
-
St Bernard's Church
Providing a rare vivid glimpse into Australia’s colonial past, St Bernard's 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 offers unique accommodation in a charmingly restored colonial cottage 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.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/venues/st-bernards-church/local-alerts
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.
Venue info
All the practical information you need to know about St Bernard's Church.
Getting there and parking
On entering Hartley Historic Site, you'll find St Bernard's Church opposite Hartley Courthouse and next to Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre.
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Adequate parking on a gravel surface is available for all functions.
Facilities
Venue hire inclusions:
- 9 pews for seating
- A lectern
- 1 day of wedding rehearsal permitted in the week prior to the event
Please return the church back to its original state after your event. There may be a fee if excessive waste is left behind, if the church is damaged, or if significant cleaning is required.
Toilets
There are accessible toilets a 2min walk from the church, behind the Old Post Office building.
- Flush toilets
Electric power
There is power in the church available for limited use.
Seats and resting points
There's a bench seat outside the church. You'll need to cross over sloping grass to reach it.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
St Bernard's Church is set on a grassy hill. There are 2 entrances to the building:
- The front entrance has 2 stone steps and a double door
- The back entrance has 3 stone steps and a single door
There's a portable ramp that's available on request to help people with reduced mobility access the church. The friendly staff at the visitor centre can assist in setting this up.
Outside the church there's an lawn with no paths. You'll need to cross over sloping grass to get around this area.
The nearest accessible toilets are 2min walk away behind the Old Post Office building.
Permitted
Food and drink:
Celebratory drinks and canapes are permitted outside the courthouse only.
Plant materials
Flower arrangements containing no seed material. A florist can arrange this for you on request.
Structures, staging, furniture and amusements
Outdoor events:
- Weighted free-standing decorative items such as bridal arches, red carpet and columns.
- 15 chairs with rail-style legs and 3 tables no larger than 3m square
Commercial filming and photography
- 1 photographer and 1 photographer's assistant, 1 videographer and 1 videographer's assistant
- Commercial photography and video, including drone use, may be permitted on application. You’ll need a small-scale photography license.
Power, lighting and amplified sounds
Internal power is available. A small public address system may be used.
Pets
You can bring your dog to Hartley Historic Site, but it must be kept on a leash and outside of buildings.
Prohibited
Alterations to the existing internal or external fabric of the building are not permitted:
- Tacks, nails, florist putty or similar are not to be used as part of any decoration.
- Please do not attach decorations to the walls
- Signs associated with your event must not be attached to any NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service asset, including signs, posts or trees.
Confetti, plant materials and rice are not permitted, including:
- Decorations consisting of flowers or plant materials that contain seeds or vines and exotic plant materials
- Throwing rice or petals
Candles and open flames are not permitted.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Visitor centre
-
Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre
Farmers Inn, 51 Old Great Western Highway, Hartley 2790 - 10am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 4pm. Closed Mondays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
- 02 6355 2117