Historic Maylands hotel now open for small weddings

With polished floorboards, elegant chandeliers, and thoughtfully selected furnishings, Fox & Wildling Studios has breathed new life into an icon of the historic Maylands Eighth Avenue Precinct.

Originally known as the Central Hotel, then as Central House, the building is now home to a number of quiet small businesses. Photographer Sally Casotti saw the potential from the moment she walked through the door.

“When I first saw it in person, it far exceeded my expectations. I knew I had to be a part of that space and activate it. I fell in love with it, and started to envision my life, my business, and my ideal clients there,” Sally said.

“I want people to feel a bit of nostalgia when they walk through the doors, to appreciate the architecture and the finer details. I want them to feel excited and warm and welcome when they’re inviting their loved ones on their special day.”

Fox & Wildling Studios has some incredible antique furniture - no need to spend money on decorating!
Photo: Fox & Wildling Photography

And now, Fox & Wildling Studios is available to further the building’s legacy by hosting small weddings and life celebrations every day of the week. This is an attractive option for those looking for an intimate, budget-friendly ceremony in beautiful indoor surrounds, or would like to access a service similar to the ceremonies offered at Perth Registry Office outside of standard office hours – such as in the evening or on a weekend.

Built in the early 1900s, in the Federation Free Classical Style, it’s easy to imagine how exciting it would have been for locals to see a grand two-storey hotel rise from the ground up.

As a wedding venue, there’s a lot to like about Fox & Wildling Studios. For a start, Maylands is only a short distance from the Perth CBD with a huge selection of restaurants, cafes and bars located nearby.

Photo: Fox & Wildling Photography

“It was important to keep everything authentic to the theme and to the time period, from 1902 or 1903 onwards. We got the chandeliers to replace the metal basket light fittings. Putting in the pelmets and the blinds was a big effort. Trying to put together eclectic, but not too many, pieces of furniture to make it all functional, but still minimalist,” Sally explained.

The all-inclusive Boutique package in the Woodrow Room starts from $1650 (see details below). It is best suited for ceremonies of up to 25 guests. Some parking is available at the rear, with easy access to public transport and plenty of free street parking in the surrounding area.

Sally has used her expert eye to make sure that the ceremony room is decorated elegantly, though couples are welcome to add their own décor if they wish. And, of course, it’s a photographer’s dream.

“I’m primarily a natural light shooter, so my favourite time in there is in the morning or throughout the day. I try not to use the flash, sometimes at a wedding you need to. It’s all about keeping in with the natural light, having the beautiful windows with the long, tall sheer curtains which really guide your eyes up to them,” Sally said.

If these walls could talk… they would tell tales of love and loss, growth, great fortunes and missed opportunities.

Families initially flocked to the Maylands area for affordable housing and plentiful work, but were rocked by the outbreak of World War One. During a general meeting held at the Central Hotel, the Maylands Sailing Club noted that they had previously suspended their 1914 season due to the majority of members enlisting in the military. The licensees of the Central Hotel, John and Martha Davies, lost their son Frank to wounds suffered at Gallipoli. Frank had worked as a barman at the hotel prior to his military service.

The area has had its share of happy times too. From quenching the thirsts of workers from the nearby Ferguson Foundry, to welcoming 25,000 revellers celebrating the feats of legendary aviator Charles Kingsford-Smith after the first Trans-Australia flight which ended at the Maylands Aerodrome up the road.

Today, the lovingly restored structure still stands tall, silently holding its countless stories. And there are plenty more stories yet to be seen!

Want to learn more about the Boutique wedding package at Fox & Wildling Studios?
Here’s what’s included for $1650:

• Two hour hire of the Woodrow Room

• Simple, elegant décor with seating to suit up to 25 guests

• One hour of professional photography

• A simple-but-sweet Registry Style ceremony by Celebrations By Candice
  (vow renewals and commitment ceremonies are also welcome!)

• Sound system and microphones

• All legal requirements taken care of, including the Notice of Intended Marriage
  (an extra $55 fee applies if you require a registered marriage certificate, payable directly to the Western Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages)

See the photo gallery here, and enquire by contacting either Celebrations By Candice or Fox & Wildling Studios directly.