Wedding plans cancelled as beloved venue burns down in Melbourne

Wedding plans for a bride and groom and more than 100 of their guests are in tatters after flames gutted a heritage listed venue in Melbourne.

Wattle Park Chalet in Wattle Park in Surrey Hills, east of the city, dates back to 1928 and dubs itself one of the city’s “premier wedding venues”.

Dozens of other celebrations are also now in limbo following the suspicious fire.

Owner Matthew Forsyth called it a “tragedy”.

He was forced to make a heartbreaking call, cancelling a couple’s big day at the eleventh hour, with food already prepped and tables decorated.

“They had 110 people coming and everything’s been lost,” he said.

“We actually haven’t told the bride, but I’m dealing with the groom and we’re trying to find an alternative venue.“

Flames shot through the roof just after 6am, tearing through the main hall, impacting the kitchen and service areas.

Victoria Fire and Rescue Incident Controller Callum Donoghue said the building was “under severe attack” by the fire.

It’s unclear how the fire started, with the Chalet sitting on 137 acres of surrounding parkland.

Thousands of couples have tied the knot and held receptions at the Tudor-style building.

School formals, debutante balls, fundraisers, anniversary parties, birthday parties, and christenings have also been held there for decades.

Local One Nation candidate Jamie Baker said it was “terrible news”.

“We woke to the sound of many fire trucks and unfortunately the Wattle Park Chalet has sustained serious damage.” he said on Facebook.

“This is very sad.”

Police confirmed they were called to the fire at 6.40am and they’re treating it as suspicious.