Tucked away in the heart of Tenterfield, just a short stroll from the main street, lies one of the region’s most charming and versatile event venues — the Ivy Leaf Chapel. Part of a lovingly restored early 1900s property known as The Bungalow, the Ivy Leaf Chapel is quickly becoming a sought-after destination for weddings, elopements, and bespoke private events.
With its picture-perfect gardens, old-world architecture, and heartfelt hospitality, the Ivy Leaf Chapel offers a serene and beautiful setting for life’s most meaningful celebrations.
The Bungalow B&B took out the award for best accommodation in the New England Times’ Best in the New England Promotion last year. It remains a strong favourite for locals and tourists alike as a perfect country getaway or wedding or event accommodation for those hosting a special occasion on the grounds.
Owner Kim Massie, who moved to Tenterfield from Sydney in 2007, purchased the property in 2010 and has since transformed it into a space that radiates warmth, style, and soul.
“The chapel has such a unique feel to it — it’s intimate, elegant, and has this beautiful energy about it,” said Ms Massie.
“It’s the perfect setting for tiny weddings, vow renewals, and special gatherings where you really want to focus on connection.”
Ms Massie ’s personal journey — marked by resilience, creativity, and a deep appreciation for life — is woven into every inch of the property. During a life-altering battle with cancer shortly after purchasing the home, she found solace and strength in cultivating the gardens. Today, they sprawl across nearly 1.5 acres and provide a breathtaking backdrop for ceremonies, photoshoots, and outdoor celebrations.
“The gardens really are an extension of who I am — creating them was part of my healing,” she said. “Now I get to share them with others on their most joyful days, and that’s a gift.”
Having already hosted three open garden events this year, Ms Massie will once again very proudly play a part in the New England Garden Festival’s Spring Garden Trail in on October 29.
The Ivy Leaf Chapel is more than just a pretty venue; it’s supported by strong local partnerships that help bring each event to life. Ms Massie has teamed up with Inspired By You Events to provide clients with access to hire equipment and event planning assistance, making it easy to tailor each celebration to their unique style.
“Smaller weddings are my favourite,” she added. “They’re so heartfelt and meaningful — there’s a kind of magic in keeping it small and special.”
From her starting point of smaller events, Ms Massie now has her eyes and heart firmly set on sharing her beautiful home with even more people, with a very special event planned for October of this year.
“This is really the evolution of a lot of the ideas I’ve had over the last few years, now I’ve built up the confidence to host something larger and I’m ready to create something really spectacular,” said Ms Massie.
She may be keeping all the event details close to her chest at this stage but Ms Massie tells us that it will be a long table event and that she has already teamed up with a fantastic chef to make her dreams a reality.
Alongside all of this, Ms Massie is also thoroughly enjoying hosting bus groups for garden tours, and morning tea, lunch, or afternoon tea on the veranda.
“There’s always lots of great conversation about gardening and how good it is for the soul,” she said.
With a strong community spirit and a hands-on approach, Ms Massie personally manages every aspect of the venue, from event hosting to garden upkeep. Her dedication ensures every visitor feels genuinely welcomed and at ease.
Whether you’re planning a romantic elopement, an anniversary celebration, or a creative workshop or gathering, the Ivy Leaf Chapel offers a soulful and scenic escape — right in the heart of one of NSW’s most charming regional towns.
To explore the possibilities for your next event, visit ivyleafchapel.com. Further details about the Long Table event on the 18th of October will be released on the Bungalow and Ivy Leaf Chapel Facebook page in the coming weeks.
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