Five wedding ideas to discuss with Marion Hotel

Five wedding ideas to discuss with Marion Hotel

by | 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.

When Eloping: Tips and Advice for Couples

When Eloping: Tips and Advice for Couples

by | Apr 28, 2023 | elopement & micro wedding advice, Elopements, Wedding Advice, wedding blog, Wedding Locations

A wide view of a couple beside the ocean at sunset

Eloping Tips and Advice

Eloping: A Unique Journey

Wedding planning can be a whirlwind adventure for couples, but let’s not forget the joy and excitement that comes with eloping! Choosing to elope offers a chance to break free from the traditional mold and create an intimate celebration that truly reflects your unique love story.

Navigating Expectations

However, just like any journey, there may be a few bumps along the way, especially when it comes to garnering support from loved ones. Here’s the thing: eloping may not always elicit the same level of enthusiasm and cheer from family and friends as a big, traditional wedding would. But fear not! Remember that every person has their own expectations and beliefs when it comes to weddings. The most important thing is to stay focused on what truly matters—the incredible love and connection you share with your partner.

Finding Support

If you encounter any disappointments or a lack of support, don’t fret! This is the perfect opportunity to join forces with your partner and face the world together. Seek out a supportive friend or family member who understands and celebrates your decision to elope. And hey, if you ever feel like a chat with a professional therapist would help, go ahead and give it a try. They can offer valuable guidance and ensure you navigate this adventure with a smile on your face!

Celebrating Your Love

Now, let’s talk about celebrations! Guess what? Even if you’ve decided to elope, there might be some folks out there who still want to raise a glass and celebrate your love. How cool is that? Consider throwing a small gathering or an intimate dinner party to honor your commitment alongside those who truly get you. Remember, this is your day to shine, and you have the freedom to surround yourself with people who wholeheartedly support your choices. Leave out anyone who might not fully embrace your elopement dreams—they’ll surely catch on to your vibrant happiness later!

Your Special Day

Some people may feel disappointed that they are not invited. You can acknowledge that without changing the wedding you want. Agree together on what you would like to share and whether you want to celebrate with others later.

Embrace the Magic

An elopement gives you room to keep the day small. Choose the people, setting and traditions that matter to you, and leave out the parts you do not want.

Some useful tips, that might help you:

How to tell your parents you eloped
Telling friends you have eloped
"Curating" your guest numbers
Elopement vs Micro Wedding
How to include your loved ones
How to choose your micro wedding or elopement location tips
Tips on Bed & Breakfast elopments
How to Include Your Loved Ones in Your Micro Wedding or Elopement

How to Include Your Loved Ones in Your Micro Wedding or Elopement

by | Apr 15, 2023 | elopement & micro wedding advice, Elopements, Micro Weddings, Wedding Advice, wedding blog

Guests celebrating with a wedding couple in a forest

The trend of micro weddings and elopements has gained significant momentum

Especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. These intimate ceremonies prioritise the essence of a couple’s love, steering away from the complexities and expenses associated with large weddings.

While some opt for complete privacy, others desire to involve their nearest and dearest. Here are valuable tips on seamlessly incorporating loved ones into your micro wedding or elopement:

  1. Mindful Guest List Selection: In the realm of micro weddings, a crucial initial step is discerning who to invite. With a limited guest count, prioritize those closest to you and your partner – individuals who have played significant roles in your relationship and whom you wish to share this profound day with.
  2. Transparent Communication of Plans: Once the guest list is curated, articulate your ceremony plans clearly. Communicate whether it will adhere to traditional wedding norms or adopt a more casual atmosphere. Provide insights into whether there will be a reception or dinner, allowing loved ones to prepare accordingly.
  3. Involvement in Planning: While certain elements may be kept as surprises, involving loved ones in the planning process fosters a sense of inclusion. Seek their input on aspects like venue selection, menu choices, or musical preferences. Additionally, invite them to contribute to DIY projects, such as creating centrepieces or decorations.
  4. Participation in the Ceremony: There are numerous ways to integrate loved ones into the micro wedding or elopement ceremony itself. Consider asking a close friend or family member to officiate, or involve them in readings or speeches. You might also invite them to be witnesses or sign the marriage certificate, elevating their role in the celebration.
  5. Capture Moments for Sharing: Even if physical attendance isn’t possible, include loved ones by documenting the day through photos and videos. Enlist a photographer or videographer to capture the essence of the occasion, and share these visual memories with your loved ones, allowing them to feel connected to the celebration.

In conclusion,

the inclusion of loved ones in your micro wedding or elopement enriches the significance of the day. By thoughtfully curating your guest list, transparently communicating your plans, involving them in the planning process, incorporating them into the ceremony, and sharing visual content afterwards, you can ensure your loved ones feel valued and engaged on this special occasion.

Micro weddings and elopements have been on the rise in recent years, and even more so in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. These intimate ceremonies allow couples to focus on what truly matters – their love for one another – without the stress and expense of a large wedding. However, while some couples may choose to keep their micro wedding or elopement completely private, others may want to include their closest loved ones. Here are some tips on how to include your loved ones in your micro wedding or elopement:

  1. Consider your guest list carefully

The first step to including loved ones in your micro wedding or elopement is to decide who you want to invite. With such a small ceremony, you may have to be selective about who you include. Think about the people who are closest to you and your partner, those who have been there for you throughout your relationship, and those who you want to share this special day with.

  1. Be clear about your plans

Once you have decided who you want to invite, it’s important to be clear about your plans for the ceremony. Will it be a traditional wedding ceremony, or something more casual? Will there be a reception or a dinner afterwards? Let your loved ones know what to expect, so they can plan accordingly.

  1. Involve them in the planning process

While you may want to keep some aspects of your micro wedding or elopement a surprise, involving your loved ones in the planning process can make them feel more included. You could ask for their input on things like the venue, the menu, or the music, or you could invite them to help with DIY projects like making centerpieces or decorations.

  1. Include them in the ceremony

There are many ways to include loved ones in your micro wedding or elopement ceremony. You could ask a close friend or family member to officiate the ceremony, or you could ask them to do a reading or give a speech. You could also ask them to be your witness or sign the marriage certificate.

  1. Take photos and videos to share

Even if your loved ones aren’t able to attend your micro wedding or elopement in person, you can still include them by sharing photos and videos afterwards. Hire a photographer or videographer to capture the day, and share the images with your loved ones so they can feel like they were a part of the celebration.

Choose how you would like loved ones to be involved, then explain the plan clearly. They might join the ceremony, help beforehand or celebrate with you afterwards. There is no need to include every tradition.

How to choose your micro wedding or elopement location tips
Elopements Vs Micro Wedding

Elopements Vs Micro Wedding

by | Feb 2, 2023 | elopement & micro wedding advice, Elopements, Micro Weddings, Wedding Advice, wedding blog

Answering the Most Frequently Asked Question – What’s the Difference Between an Elopements & Micro Weddings?

Planning a wedding can be an exciting and joyful experience, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming. That’s why more and more couples are choosing to have Elopements & Micro Weddings instead of a traditional larger celebrations.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of these intimate celebrations.

What’s the Difference Between an Elopement and a Micro Wedding?

An elopement wedding is a wedding that is typically planned and carried out in secret, with only a few close family members or friends in attendance.

These types of weddings are often much smaller and more intimate than traditional weddings, and they often take place in a more relaxed or unconventional setting, such as a beach, a park, or a mountain top.

Elopement weddings are often chosen by couples who want to avoid the stress and expense of planning a traditional wedding, or who want to celebrate their love in a more private and meaningful way.

Traditional Elopements the couples would choose to run away and then announce after the wedding, that they are now married! this still happens more time then you would think.

For in-depth history on Elopements Wikipedia.org/wiki/Elopement

On the other hand, a micro wedding is a small, intimate wedding with a guest list of fewer than 50 people.

It is often a more budget-friendly alternative to a traditional wedding, and it allows couples to focus on creating a meaningful and personalised celebration with their closest family and friends.

Micro weddings can be held at a variety of locations, including traditional wedding venues, outdoor spaces, or even at home.

They can also be more flexible in terms of timing and duration, with some couples opting for a full weekend of activities rather than a single-day event.

Just think of a large wedding and make it smaller, with all the same elements.

Benefits of Elopements & Micro Weddings

Not sure what sort of wedding suits you? Find your wedding path.

Now that we’ve defined the difference between a micro wedding and an elopement, let’s dive into the benefits of these intimate celebrations:

  1. Stress-Free Weddings

Planning a traditional wedding can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, from coordinating vendors to managing the guest list. With a micro wedding or elopement, you can simplify the planning process and focus on what’s truly important – celebrating your love with your partner and closest family and friends.

Our celebrant and photography package at KISS PACKAGE can help make the planning process even more stress-free, with personalised and customisable services that cater to your unique needs and preferences.

  1. More Affordable

Weddings can be expensive, with the average cost in Australia reaching over $36,000 for a traditional wedding. By contrast, micro weddings and elopements are typically much more affordable, allowing you to allocate your resources towards other priorities, such as travel or buying a home.

Plus, with fewer guests, you can splurge on quality vendors and amenities without breaking the bank.

  1. Eco-Friendly Weddings

Micro weddings and elopements are also more eco-friendly than traditional weddings, as they typically require fewer resources and generate less waste.

By choosing a smaller celebration, you can reduce your carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment.

  1. Personalized Weddings

Micro weddings and elopements allow you to personalize your wedding day in a way that may not be possible with a larger, more traditional wedding.

From choosing a unique location to creating a customized ceremony, you can tailor every aspect of your celebration to reflect your unique love story and personal style.

At KISS PACKAGE, we offer celebrant and photography services that can help you create the perfect micro wedding or elopement.

We help with your ceremony and photography, with the services and details agreed before your wedding.

Contact us today to learn more about our services.

A wedding couple walking hand in hand through a vineyard
A wedding couple walking through an open landscape beneath mountain ranges
A wedding couple embracing indoors in black and white

Tying the knot in Australia: Navigating the legal requirements with ease

by | Jan 25, 2023 | elopement & micro wedding advice, Elopements, Micro Weddings, Wedding Advice, wedding blog

When planning to get married in Australia, it’s important to know that the process can be relatively stress-free if you’re well-prepared. There are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth experience. First, make sure you have all the necessary documents, including proof of identity and any previous marriage documents. It’s also important to confirm the legal age and notice period requirements for your specific location. It’s always best to check with local authorities for specific requirements and procedures.

One key document that you will need to complete is the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM). This is a legal document that must be filled out and submitted to a marriage celebrant in Australia at least one month before the wedding ceremony. The NOIM serves as a notice of the intended marriage between two individuals and includes important information such as the names, addresses, and birth dates of the couple, as well as the date and location of the proposed wedding. Both parties must sign the NOIM, and it must be witnessed by a qualified person such as a celebrant or a solicitor.

It’s worth noting that our celebrants at KISS are experienced in handling all of the necessary legal requirements for getting married in Australia, and they will be there to guide you through every step of the process. They can help ensure that you have all the necessary documents and information, and they can provide advice and guidance on any questions or concerns you may have.

An elopement can be small and simple, but the legal notice period still applies. Your celebrant can explain the paperwork and help you plan a ceremony that suits your circumstances.

Remember, only the legal words have to be said in front of two witnesses, so don’t feel like you need to put on a big show if that’s not your style. 

“curating” your wedding guest numbers

“curating” your wedding guest numbers

by | Jan 17, 2023 | elopement & micro wedding advice, Elopements, Micro Weddings, Wedding Advice, wedding blog

Curating your wedding guest numbers for a micro wedding can be a difficult task, but there are a few things you can consider to make the process easier.

Culling or “curating”, “trimming” or what we like to say “streamlining”

Prioritize:

Start by making a list of the most important people to you and your partner. This might include immediate family members and close friends. These are the people who should be at the top of your guest list.

Size of Venue:

Consider the size of your venue and how many people it can comfortably accommodate. This will give you an idea of how many guests you can invite.

Budget:

A micro wedding usually means a smaller budget, so you may need to limit the number of guests you invite to stay within your budget.

Distance:

Consider the distance that your guests will need to travel. If you are planning a destination wedding, it may be more difficult for some guests to attend, so you may need to limit the number of guests you invite.

Recent Interactions:

Think about how recently you have interacted with each person on your list. If you haven’t seen someone in a while, they may be less of a priority to invite.

 

It’s important to remember that a micro wedding doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice the people you love, it’s about finding the perfect balance between the number of guests you want and the number that fits within your budget and venue. It’s also important to keep in mind that it’s your wedding, your day and you should celebrate it with the ones you love the most.

A nicer word for “culling” when it comes to reducing the number of guests on a wedding list might be “curating.” This implies that you are carefully selecting and choosing whom to invite, rather than just cutting down the list. Another word that may work is “trimming” which implies that you are making adjustments to the guest list to make it perfect, or “streamlining” which implies that you are making the list more efficient and effective.

Guests watching a beach wedding ceremony
How to include your loved ones in your micro wedding or elopement?