Couples were left stranded after a wedding venue suddenly closed and canceled all bookings.
The Manor on Elizabeth, located in Sydney's west, sent out emails announcing the news and at the same time immediately closed all of its social media accounts.
The closure is believed to be the result of a series of ongoing rent disputes between Manor on Elizabeth wedding organizers and the owners of the Wetherill Park venue, the Slovenian Association Sydney.
Shocked and angry customers were left scrambling to find alternative locations and said their calls and emails were not being returned, even though the company promised to refund all $1,000 booking fees.
“It is with great regret that the company informs that occupancy of the event facilities at 2-8 Elizabeth St, Wetherill Park has been terminated,” the email read.
'Unfortunately, termination is beyond the company's control and notification of termination of right of occupancy is a force majeure event.'
'We apologize for any inconvenience caused by circumstances that have arisen which are beyond the company's control and which prevent the company from continuing with its function.
An unnamed bride-to-be told 7News she was disappointed by the lack of assistance and “decency” offered by the company, even though they were refunding her money.
Popular wedding venue Manor on Elizabeth located in Western Sydney has suddenly closed and canceled all bookings
“$1,000 means nothing to us when there is so much at stake,” she said as she raced in her car to inspect other sites.
“I thought it was poor communication,” she said, noting that the email announcing the shock went to her spam folder.
“It was upsetting that the company did not try to help couples. It could have been handled in a better way. Let us know and find a solution for us.
Manor on Elizabeth's Google reviews quickly filled up with angry customers left in the lurch.
“I know it means nothing to them, I hope you can't sleep at night knowing you did this to excited couples,” said one reviewer.
'Disgraceful behavior!'
Another accused the company of “weak behavior”.
'Zero stars – although there probably isn't a care in the world about the ratings right now,' they said.
The venue in Sydney's Wetherill Park has closed due to a rent dispute between the wedding vendors and the venue's owners. The Slovenian Association Sydney
'All of us you left in the dark now have to stress even more… so close to our wedding.
'Their phones are off, social media is off. Weak behavior.
“If I got a phone call telling me, I wouldn’t be so upset.
'I guess as much as you pretended you were there for us, to help us… it was all about the money, right?
'No respect for us. I wish you nothing but the worst.
The owners of Manor on Elizabeth have revealed that the Slovene Association Sydney has indicated the venue may still be able to host some weddings booked in the coming months.
The association said anyone who has booked weddings should call 0414 541 157 for assistance and is negotiating with a catering company so the venue can reopen.
A spokesperson for the association said they were “disappointed and shocked” by the way Manor on Elizabeth “abandoned” the premises and “left them in such a poor state”.
The members of the Slovenian Association raised $2.5 million for the legal battle over the lease, which dates back to 2020.
An unidentified bride said the email announcing the venue's closure went to her spam folder.
A 2020 letter from the association's committee detailed difficulties the club faced at the property, most of which centered on the allegedly crippling financial impact of renting the wedding venue.
'The Slovenian Association of Sydney… is at a point of crisis,' read a 2020 letter to members.
“Due to the poor lease agreement, the club has suffered the loss of its restaurant, loss of its function room, loss of its kitchen, loss of its children's playground (and) loss of its tennis courts,” the letter said.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Manor about Elizabeth for comment.
