elopement & micro wedding advice Archives

Adelaide Botanic Gardens Ceremony Sites

by kisspackage | Mar 15, 2024 | Botanical Gardens, Destination Weddings, elopement & micro wedding advice, Elopements, Garden Weddings, Micro Weddings, wedding blog, Wedding Ceremony, Wedding Locations, Wedding Packages, Wedding Venues

“Wedding Ceremony Site Ideas”

Botanic Gardens, Adelaide

Creating Your Dream Wedding with Our KISS Team in Adelaide

Adelaide Botanic Garden has a range of ceremony settings for elopements, micro weddings and larger celebrations. Compare the spaces, guest limits and booking conditions, then choose a spot that suits your ceremony and photos.

The KISS team brings together a planner, celebrant and photographer. We help you organise the ceremony, photography and agreed services, with the details confirmed before your wedding.

Parking and access vary with your chosen ceremony site. Confirm guest numbers, walking distances and arrival arrangements with the gardens and your suppliers before booking.

KISS Package Adelaide Botanic Gardens Ceremony locations

1. Summer House

Choose from an intimate undercover ceremony in the historic rotunda or on one of the five lawn areas. It is a short walk to the North Terrace and other essential amenities.

Adelaide Botanic Gardens Ceremony Site : Cycad Collection

2. Cycads Collection

Under the shade of the Kauri Pine this lawn area gently slopes, allowing excellent vantage points for your guests. Looking out across the Main Lake, this popular location is close to the gates amenities, restaurant and kiosk.

Adelaide Botanic Gardens Ceremony Site: Palm House Lawns

3. Palm House Lawns

The large lawn foreground of the heritage listed Palm House accommodates large wedding parties. Located centrally within the gardens, the Palm House site is close to public amenities, restaurant and kiosk.

Adelaide Botanic Gardens Ceremony Site : Barbershop

4. The Barber Shop

This small rotunda suits intimate ceremonies. The wisteria arbours at the end of the Mediterranean Garden are also used for photographs.

Marriage register and certificate books on a garden table

5. International Rose Garden

When in flower, the manicured rows of colour provide a romantic setting in the International Rose Garden. Located near gates and amenities, the lawn area can accommodate large wedding parties or intimate gatherings. This is also where our Rose Garden Pavilion is situated, for marquee wedding receptions.

Adelaide Botanic Gardens Ceremony Site: Araucaria Avenue

6. Araucaria Avenue

The natural avenue created by the Araucaria (Hoop Pines) provides a spectacular framing around your ceremony. With a gentle slope, the site lends itself to a ceremony as well as being able to take in a panoramic view across the gardens.

Adelaide Botanic Gardens Ceremony Site : North Lodge Lawns

7. North Lodge Lawn

This ceremony area sits beside First Creek, with tree-lined lawns close to the Friends Gate on Plane Tree Drive. Confirm the route, amenities and access for your group when booking.

Adelaide Botanic Gardens Ceremony site : Economic Garden

8. Economic Garden

A display of plants of economic importance including those used for food, medicine, oils and dyes, as well as plants used in religious and cultural ceremonies. A beautiful manicured garden and wonderful backdrop of a quaint fountain.

Photos: Courtesy of Blanco Weddings & Scott Goh

Adelaide Wedding Weather Seasons

by kisspackage | Feb 24, 2024 | elopement & micro wedding advice, Elopements, Micro Weddings, Uncategorized, Wedding Advice, wedding blog

The ideal Adelaide wedding season weather, with our guide for your special day.

3

What season will you choose?

A variety of Adelaide Wedding Weather Seasons offers couples a myriad of picturesque settings and romantic backdrops. Choosing the perfect time of year for your wedding can greatly enhance your experience and create lasting memories.

From the balmy days of summer to the crisp air of winter, each season in Adelaide brings its own unique charm and considerations for couples seeking to tie the knot in an intimate ceremony. Let’s explore the advantages and considerations of eloping in Adelaide throughout the seasons.

Spring: Blooms and Mild Weather:

Springtime in Adelaide, spanning from September to November,

Spring brings flowers and generally milder weather to Adelaide’s parks and gardens. It can suit an outdoor elopement, but keep a backup plan for rain and changing temperatures.

From the iconic Adelaide Botanic Garden to the serene Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, couples are spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting a picturesque venue for their springtime elopement. Additionally, the comfortable temperatures during spring ensure that outdoor ceremonies are enjoyable for both the couple and their guests.

Summer: Sun-Kissed Celebrations

Summer, from December to February,

Summer brings long days and warm evenings. For a beach elopement, plan around the heat, shade and the comfort of your guests.

Glenelg Beach and Port Willunga are two coastal options to explore. Check the exact ceremony position, access and booking conditions before settling on a location.

However, couples should be mindful of the potential for high temperatures during the peak of summer and plan accordingly, opting for morning or late afternoon ceremonies to avoid the heat.

Wine barrel and flowers beside a vineyard

Vineyard wedding | Hope Forest, South Australia

Autumn: cooler days and changing leaves

Autumn, spanning from March to May,

Autumn colour gives Adelaide’s parks and gardens a different look. Reds, oranges and yellows can work well for photos, while the earlier sunset is worth considering when choosing a ceremony time.

Couples can choose from iconic locations such as Adelaide’s Elder Park or venture to the Adelaide Hills, where vineyards adorned with golden leaves offer a picturesque setting for intimate ceremonies. Additionally, the mild weather during autumn ensures that outdoor celebrations are comfortable for all involved.

Winter: Intimate Indoor Ceremonies

Winter, from June to August,

The cozy ambience of indoor venues for their elopements in Adelaide. While outdoor ceremonies may be less common during the cooler months, winter offers the opportunity for intimate celebrations in charming indoor settings. From historic churches to boutique wineries and elegant restaurants, couples can find the perfect venue to exchange vows and celebrate with their closest loved ones.

Additionally, winter in Adelaide brings with it the allure of seasonal attractions such as the Adelaide Cabaret Festival and the Winter Reds Weekend in the Adelaide Hills, providing couples with unique opportunities to incorporate local culture into their elopement celebrations.

A couple sitting outside CABN Nala among pine trees

Cabn Tiny House | Kuitpo Forest

In conclusion,

You can plan an Adelaide elopement in any season. Choose the setting and time of day around the weather you are comfortable with, and have a practical alternative for an outdoor ceremony.

Adelaide has something to offer every couple seeking to exchange vows in a memorable and meaningful way. Ultimately, the best time of year to elope in Adelaide is a matter of personal preference, with each season presenting its unique charms and opportunities for creating lasting memories.

Wildside Retreat | Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Michaela made the ceremony planning and paperwork a breeze, even all the way from Canada! From our initial video chats to meeting her in person once we arrived, she made it fun! Providing samples and examples for our ceremony and helping us tailor it to our taste. It was everything we could have dreamed of!

MARRIED COUPLE – Isabelle & Daniel

Michaela was an absolute treasure! Michaela was so easy to work with and understanding of what we wanted on our special day. The communication in the lead up to our wedding day was perfect and she was happy to match our schedules for meetings. Michaela performed so well on the day, being a ray of sunshine

Emily & Tam

Botanic KISS Package

by kisspackage | Feb 15, 2024 | elopement & micro wedding advice, Elopements, Micro Weddings, Wedding Locations, Wedding Packages, Wedding Venues

Botanic KISS Package | Adelaide Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Bliss package combines celebrant services, professional photography and the permits listed in the package. It is designed for a garden wedding with the main ceremony services arranged together.

Package Includes:

Celebrant Services:
- Expert guidance and personalized ceremony scripting to tailor your vows and rituals to reflect your unique love story.
- Officiating your wedding ceremony with warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Professional Photography:
- A skilled photographer captures every heartfelt moment, from the exchanging of vows to the joyous celebrations.
- Two hours of coverage from the ceremony. Additional coverage can be added.
- High-resolution edited images presented in a digital format, ensuring timeless memories to cherish forever.
Botanic Garden Permit:
- Securing the necessary permit for hosting your wedding ceremony within the serene ambience of a botanical garden.
- Access to designated areas for ceremony and photography sessions, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural splendour of the surroundings.
Photography Permit:
- Obtaining the required photography permit to capture your precious moments within the botanical garden’s picturesque landscapes.
- Compliance with all regulations and guidelines to ensure a hassle-free photography experience while preserving the integrity of the garden’s environment.

Additional Options (Available Upon Request):

Ceremony Styling, including chairs, arbours, carpet runners & large umbrellas.
Customised floral arrangements to complement the natural beauty of the botanical garden.
Videography services to document your entire wedding journey in cinematic brilliance.
Assistance with venue selection, transportation arrangements, and other logistical aspects for a stress-free wedding planning process.

Choose the garden setting and the people you want there, then confirm the ceremony details and current inclusions with KISS.

Contact us with your date and guest numbers to discuss a Botanic KISS wedding package.

A wedding couple holding each other among flowers and trees

A wedding couple smiling together among flowers

Why You Don’t Need to Give a Speech at Your Wedding

by kisspackage | Nov 27, 2023 | Uncategorized, Wedding Advice, wedding blog

Your wedding day is a celebration of a beautiful journey together. Traditionally, weddings involve a series of rituals, ceremonies, and, of course, speeches. However, in this modern era where couples are rewriting the rules and making their own traditions, the idea of giving a speech at your wedding is no longer a mandatory requirement.

Here’s why saying “No” to a wedding speech might be the right choice for you.

Authenticity Over Formality:

Weddings often come with a set of expectations, and giving a speech has become one of those expected traditions. However, not everyone feels comfortable expressing their emotions in front of a crowd. Insisting on a wedding speech just for the sake of tradition can lead to a lack of authenticity. Your wedding day is about you and your partner, and the focus should be on celebrating your love in a way that feels genuine to both of you.

Stress-Free Celebrations:

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, and the pressure to deliver a perfect speech on top of everything else can be overwhelming. By choosing not to give a speech, you can alleviate unnecessary stress and focus on enjoying the moment. Your wedding day should be a joyful celebration, not a nerve-wracking performance.

Say “No” to tradition if it doesn’t resonate with you, and embrace the freedom to create a wedding day that is uniquely yours.

A wedding couple sitting together indoors beside their bouquet

Personalise Your Celebration:

Every couple is unique, and so is their love story. Instead of conforming to traditional norms, take this opportunity to personalize your wedding celebration. Whether it’s through personalized vows exchanged privately or a heartfelt letter to your partner, there are countless ways to express your love without adhering to the conventional wedding speech.

Focus on the Moment:

The whirlwind of emotions on your wedding day can make it challenging to deliver a speech with the clarity and composure it deserves. By choosing not to give a speech, you free yourself from the expectation of performing on command. This allows you to be fully present in the moment, savouring the love and joy surrounding you without the pressure of public speaking.

You do not have to give a reception speech. If you would prefer another way to thank people or share your feelings, consider a short note, a private conversation or asking someone else to speak.

Bed & Breakfast Weddings: Top Tips, Do’s & Don’ts

by kisspackage | Sep 23, 2023 | Beach Weddings, Destination Weddings, elopement & micro wedding advice, Elopements, Forest Weddings, Kuitpo Forest, Micro Weddings, Uncategorized, Wedding Advice, wedding blog, Wedding Locations, Wedding Venues

A wedding couple on an ocean-view deck on Kangaroo Island

Bedroom overlooking the ocean at Wild Side Retreat

Covered timber deck overlooking the ocean at Wild Side Retreat

Bright accommodation hallway with timber flooring

A bed and breakfast can work well for a small wedding, but an accommodation booking does not automatically allow a ceremony or extra visitors. This guide covers the questions to ask the owner and how KISS services can fit into your plans.

A small wedding ceremony on the deck at Wild Side Ocean Retreat

Top 10 Tips for Booking a Bed & Breakfast for Your Wedding:

1. Early Planning:

To secure your desired wedding date, it is important to start your wedding preparations well in advance. Early planning ensures that you have the flexibility to choose from the best available options and reduces the chances of scheduling conflicts.

2. On-Site Visit:

While scheduling a personal visit to the bed and breakfast to assess if it’s ideal for you, please note that bed and breakfasts may not always accommodate visits. Most likely not possible, due to high demand in bookings or remote management. It’s advisable to inquire about visitation policies when making your initial inquiries.

3. Intimate Guest List:

One of the advantages of a bed and breakfast wedding is the opportunity for an intimate gathering. These venues are tailor-made for smaller, close-knit weddings. Elopements, in particular, align perfectly with this style. However, if you plan to invite a larger group, we have alternative solutions to accommodate your needs.

4. Accommodation Check:

It’s essential to verify that the bed and breakfast can comfortably accommodate your guests, especially if they plan to stay on-site. Or explore nearby accommodation options as many popular locations offer a variety of choices to cater to your guests’ preferences.

5. Policy Review:

Familiarize yourself with the bed and breakfast’s policies concerning catering, decorations, and event duration. Clear communication and adherence to these policies are key to a smooth and enjoyable wedding day. Keep your guests and wedding suppliers informed about these policies to ensure a harmonious celebration.

6. Outdoor Options:

Weather permitting, consider utilizing outdoor spaces for your wedding ceremony. Look for locations with beautiful settings or charming gardens that can serve as a picturesque backdrop for your special day. Outdoor ceremonies can add a touch of natural beauty to your wedding.

7. Local Vendor Support:

Supporting local vendors for catering, flowers, hair & makeup is not only a great way to enhance your bed and breakfast wedding experience but also an opportunity to contribute to the local community. Research and collaborate with local businesses to make your wedding uniquely memorable.

8. Transportation Arrangements:

Organize transportation for your guests, especially if your chosen B&B is in a remote location. This ensures that your guests can comfortably reach the venue and return safely, contributing to a worry-free celebration.

9. Backup Plan:

Being prepared for unexpected weather or unforeseen circumstances is crucial. Many bed and breakfasts offer beautifully decorated indoor spaces that are perfect for intimate weddings, serving as an ideal backup option if the weather doesn’t cooperate or other unexpected challenges arise.

10. Styling:

Given that B&Bs are typically styled with charming interiors, consider incorporating this existing beauty into your wedding styling. Alternatively, opt for a simpler decor scheme that complements the venue’s ambiance. Our skilled stylist at KISS PACKAGE can assist in bringing your vision to life, whether it’s enhancing the existing charm or creating a bespoke atmosphere.

Small white wedding cake decorated with flowers

A couple walking away from a tiny cabin among pine trees

Do’s and Dont’s:

Embrace Intimacy:

Bed and breakfasts are uniquely suited for smaller, intimate weddings that prioritize close relationships and personal connections.

Respect the Property:

It’s essential to treat the bed and breakfast and its surroundings with care, showing respect to both the property itself and its neighboring community.

Clear Communication:

Keep the B&B owner informed about your guest numbers, suppliers, setup and timing. Confirm the agreed arrangements in writing.

Avoid Overcrowding:

Adhere to the bed and breakfast’s capacity limits to ensure the comfort of all guests and the overall success of your event.

Underestimate Planning:

Even for smaller weddings, comprehensive planning is indispensable. Enlisting our KISS services can alleviate stress and ensure a well-organized event.

Disrupt the Peace:

Keep in mind that bed and breakfasts often have nearby neighbors. Therefore, it’s crucial to avoid late-night noise disturbances and maintain a respectful atmosphere throughout the celebration.

A newly married couple smiling together on a sofa

Why Choose Our KISS PACKAGE Micro Weddings & Elopements:

Our KISS PACKAGE is thoughtfully designed to cater specifically to bed and breakfast weddings and elopements, offering a range of unique advantages:

Tailored for Intimacy:

Our packages are designed for small weddings, with the services and guest arrangements confirmed for your booking.

Effortless Planning:

We coordinate the services included in your KISS booking. Agree on who is responsible for accommodation, venue hire and other suppliers so nothing is missed.

Places to consider

Explore the accommodation options below, then confirm that the owner permits your proposed ceremony, visitors and suppliers. The right choice will depend on your guest numbers and the way you want the day to run.

Privacy and Tranquility:

Elopements, a highlight of our packages, are exceptionally well-suited for bed and breakfast weddings. They enable you to bask in the serenity of the venue without disrupting nearby neighbors, ensuring an undisturbed and tranquil celebration.

Coastal retreat on a headland beneath a colourful sunset sky

“Kangaroo Island – Wild side Retreat “

We have the most amazing elopement package on the island, the photos don’t do it justice! You can click on the link below for full details. The true Destination Wedding to Kangaroo Island in South Australia.

Click Here

“CABN Off-Grid Kuitpo Forest”

There are three CABN stays among the pines of Kuitpo Forest, less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide. Check current accommodation and wedding arrangements directly before booking.

Kuitpo Forest truly allows you to choose your own adventure. Enjoy numerous walking and biking trails, explore nearby wineries or try some forest bathing. Known in Japan as shinrin yoku, the simple method of being calm and quiet amongst trees, observing the nature around you while breathing deeply helps de-stress and boost health and wellbeing in a natural way.

Click Here

Additional Recommendations:

If our list of KISS Bed & Breakfasts doesn’t perfectly align with your vision, consider these additional recommendations:

Rural Retreats:

For those seeking a more remote location with the option for late-night festivities, explore bed and breakfasts in rural areas. These settings can provide a unique backdrop for your wedding and offer the flexibility for nighttime celebrations.

Permission Matters:

If you plan to host late-night parties or events, ensure that you have the owner’s permission, especially in rural or secluded locations. Respecting the rules and guidelines of the venue is essential to maintaining a harmonious relationship with the property and its neighbors.

Before you book

Planning a bed and breakfast wedding offers a unique charm and intimacy that few other venues can match. By following our comprehensive tips and guidelines, exploring our KISS PACKAGE, and consistently respecting the property and its neighbors, you’ll create a memorable and harmonious celebration for your dream bed and breakfast wedding. Your special day awaits, filled with warmth, beauty, and cherished moments.

More Elopement & Micro Wedding advice......

Eloping Tips and Advice

Eloping - How to include your loved ones

"Curating" your guest numbers

Telling your friends you have eloped

Weddings & Anxiety

Five wedding ideas to discuss with Marion Hotel

by kisspackage | Aug 6, 2023 | elopement & micro wedding advice, Elopements, Micro Weddings, Uncategorized, Wedding Advice, wedding blog, Wedding Locations, Wedding Packages, Wedding Venues

Here are five ways to plan a small wedding or celebration around Marion Hotel.

You could keep everything in one place, travel to a ceremony nearby or surprise your guests at an existing celebration. Use these ideas as starting points and check current venue and supplier arrangements.

A wedding couple standing together on a bushland path

1) Marion Hotel & Totoka Urban Farm Adventure

One idea is to meet guests at Marion Hotel, travel together to a ceremony at TOTOKA Urban Farm, then return for the reception. Confirm transport, venue availability and accommodation separately, and allow enough time between each part of the day.

Private dining room with a long timber table

2) Intimate Ceremony & Lunch in "The Study"

Sometimes, the most heartfelt moments are shared with the closest of family and friends. Host an intimate ceremony and lunch in the cozy ambiance of “The Library” at the Marion Hotel. Surrounded by your dearest loved ones, exchange vows in a warm and inviting atmosphere, followed by a delightful lunch to celebrate the start of your new chapter together.

A couple holding hands beside autumn vines

3) Secret Wedding at a KISS Packages Venue:

For the more adventurous souls who love surprises, why not host a secret wedding at one of KISS Packages other venues or locations? This hidden celebration will remain unknown to your guests, leaving them pleasantly shocked when you reveal the exciting news during your engagement party at Marion Hotel. It’s a unique way to add an element of mystery and excitement to your special day.

Photo above: Vineyard wedding | Elopement Ceremony

Outdoor dining space lit by strings of festoon lights

4) Surprise Twist Engagement Party turned Wedding:

An engagement party can become a surprise wedding for your guests. Plan the legal ceremony in advance with your celebrant, then agree on the timing and venue arrangements with the hotel.

Hotel bedroom with large windows and seating

5) Elope to the Treetops Room:

Picture this – just the two of you, the weekend away in the Marion Hotel’s Tree Top Room. That offers the perfect simple backdrop for an intimate elopement ceremony or just the simple legals only. Enjoy the luxury of room service, and to make it official, the hotel will provide a witness. It’s a romantic and stress-free way to start your journey as a married couple, surrounded by nature’s serenity.