Weddings & events
Weddings & Private Events at EXP. Restaurant, Hunter Valley
EXP. is the exclusive wedding caterer at Dark Horse Vineyard, Lovedale, and hosts intimate weddings and private events for up to 30 guests at our two-hatted restaurant in Pokolbin.
Dark Horse Weddings & Events
Weddings of 40+ guests at Dark Horse Vineyard, Lovedale
EXP. is the exclusive caterer at Dark Horse Vineyard, Lovedale. See the venue, our 2026–27 wedding packages from $105 pp and the Dark Horse wedding FAQs.
Dark Horse weddings →Celebrations in wine country
Why choose EXP. for your Hunter Valley event?
For a smaller celebration, our Pokolbin restaurant is yours. Whether you're planning an elopement, micro wedding, milestone birthday or corporate dinner, we create memorable, food-focused events in the heart of wine country.
Food-led celebrations
Seasonal, modern Australian degustation menus showcasing Hunter Valley produce and native ingredients.
An intimate venue
A contemporary, two-hatted restaurant for up to 30 guests, ideal for small weddings, elopements and private events.
Local wine
Optional wine pairings or selections from our all-Australian list, with a strong Hunter Valley focus.
An experienced team
A kitchen and floor team who look after every detail, so you can enjoy the day with your guests.
Private dining Hunter Valley
Micro weddings, elopements & private events at EXP., up to 30 guests
Looking for a small wedding venue in the Hunter Valley? For micro weddings, elopements, rehearsal dinners, milestone birthdays and corporate events, our Pokolbin restaurant can host up to 30 guests in our dark, timber-and-brass dining room, with a tailored degustation and wine pairing.
Tell us your date, numbers and the occasion, and we'll come back to you with availability, an indicative minimum spend and sample menus.
Enquire about a private event
Wedding options
Exclusive use restaurant wedding
Full venue hire for your reception. Ideal for intimate weddings wanting a private, restaurant-style celebration.
Elopements & micro weddings
Small group celebrations focused on an exceptional meal and wine, without the formality of a large function.
Wedding lunches & dinners
Degustation-style menus with optional wine pairings or selections from our all-Australian list.
Private dining & corporate events
EXP. is available for milestone celebrations, corporate dinners and client hosting, and wine dinners and producer collaborations. Events are costed as a full venue hire.
Capacity, hours & minimum spend
Seated dining for up to 30 guests, with options to adjust the layout by arrangement.
Standard service hours: dinner Friday to Monday, lunch Saturday. Additional times for exclusive events may be available on request.
Minimum spends and availability vary by day and season and will be confirmed during your enquiry.
Minimum spend, exclusive use
Small wedding & private event FAQs
Can we have a small wedding or elopement at EXP.?
Yes. Our Pokolbin restaurant hosts micro weddings, elopements and wedding lunches or dinners for up to 30 seated guests, with exclusive use of the venue.
How many guests can EXP. host for a private event?
Up to 30 seated guests, with options to adjust the layout by arrangement.
Is there a minimum spend for exclusive use?
Yes. Minimum spends vary by day and season, from $7,000 for Tuesday to Thursday or Saturday lunch, and are confirmed during your enquiry.
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Dietaries can be catered for with advance notice, within our usual limitations.
Enquiries & bookings
To enquire about a wedding at Dark Horse Vineyard, or an elopement, micro wedding or private event at EXP. in Pokolbin, please fill out the form below with your date and guest numbers. We'll come back to you within 48 hours on business days with availability and the full package.