Scenic Rim wedding venue White Chapel Kalbar listed for $2.695 million
An Instagrammable wedding and events venue built around a white country chapel is on the market in Queensland’s Scenic Rim, offering buyers a thriving business that hosts an average of 60 weddings a year.
White Chapel Kalbar is one of the town’s crown jewels, and along with its neighbouring reception space, Black Hall, is listed for $2.695 million.
“It’s the best known wedding venue in town – everyone knows it,” says listing agent Gordon Saunders of Bartholomew & Co. “It’s got a very interesting history.”
Historic chapel origin and conversion
The tiny white Methodist chapel was built in the nearby town of Boonah in 1883, and was moved to 87 George Street, Kalbar, in 1908.
More than a century later, the deconsecrated church underwent a renovation that transformed it into the White Chapel Kalbar events space, which opened on August 1, 2017.
It quickly became the go-to for weddings thanks to its picturesque design, its country-town charm and the Scenic Rim’s mountain backdrop.
Around an hour from Brisbane, the venue offers a country escape within easy reach of the city, with the region’s wineries, farm gates and places to stay giving guests a reason to make a weekend of it.
The conversion of White Chapel retained its country-church character while introducing chandeliers, an illuminated altar and air-conditioning. A concealed door leads to a groom’s retreat furnished with wing-backed chairs and an antique French provincial sideboard.
Lawn and garden areas surround the indoor function spaces and have been designed as part of the wedding experience, with a winding path, a tiered stone fountain and a two-metre-high fairytale book providing a backdrop for photographs.
Reception facilities and commercial infrastructure
Tucked behind the chapel is Black Hall, a former Sunday school hall that was reworked as a reception venue. Its black-and-white exterior and large barn doors contrast with the white chapel out front.
The two buildings create a natural progression from ceremony to celebration, with outdoor spaces providing room for guests to gather between the two.
The property also includes a commercial kitchen, cold room, separate bar facilities and a storage building with office space. There is also a storage shed.
The sale is for the property only, with no business included, but the new owner can either keep it running as a wedding venue or repurpose it, subject to council approval.
Saunders says he sees the buyer being an owner-operator.
“I can see an owner-operator buying and taking advantage of the quality infrastructure as well as running off the back of an award-winning business,” he says. “With this said, it could suit retail, professional suites, or hospitality such as a brewery as well.”
