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

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

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.

 

 

KISS logo with the words Intimate celebration, big love
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.

 

A couple sitting outside CABN Nala among pine trees

“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.

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.

Christie and Gavin, Kangaroo Island Elopement

Christie and Gavin, Kangaroo Island Elopement

Christie and Gavin

Kangaroo Island Real Wedding Elopement 

A wedding couple sitting close together on the sand

Adelaide Elopement & Micro Wedding Packages

Kangaroo Island’s coastal setting

The perfect backdrop for couples seeking an intimate and meaningful wedding experience. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey to witness the love story of Christie and Gavin, a couple who chose simplicity and authenticity for their special day. Deb, their celebrant, shares her insights and the beautiful adaptation of a heartfelt poem that encapsulated their deep love.

 

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

Wild Side Ocean Retreat

The Couple’s Vision: Simple and Meaningful

Christie and Gavin knew from the start that their wedding should reflect their genuine love for each other without unnecessary extravagance. They didn’t want to follow traditional norms but instead desired a ceremony that held deep meaning for them.

Deb, their wise celebrant, understood this vision perfectly. She believed that love should be at the forefront of the ceremony, and anything that didn’t resonate with the couple’s feelings had no place in their special day. As Deb puts it, “Christie and Gavin’s ceremony was very simple as they didn’t want unnecessary fluff that didn’t mean anything to them.”

 

Kangaroo Island Real Wedding

A wedding couple exchanging vows on an ocean-view deck

 

The Poem That Spoke Their Hearts

The poem Christie chose, an adaptation of “A Reminder for the One I Love” by Rachyl Taylor, beautifully captured the essence of Christie and Gavin’s love story. By altering some words to make it contextually relevant, Deb ensured that every word spoken during the ceremony held deep significance for the couple.

 

The Adapted Poem: A Love So True

“We say ‘I love you’ just about every day,

Sometimes the words are whispered as we fall asleep at night; sometimes they’re sung up the stairs or accompanied by a quick kiss as we are in the middle of something.

The words are always there, but sometimes we forget to think about how much they really mean.

Every time you hear each other say those three little words,

I want you to remember that they’re coming from the bottom of their heart.

I want you to remember that they love you for everything you are, and for everything they are with you.

I want you to remember that you’re the best person they have ever known, and they feel so lucky to have you in their life.

I want you to remember that true love is forever, and there is no love truer than the love you feel for each other.

I want you to remember that you’re the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to each other, your happy ending, your dream come true, your friend, and your love all wrapped up in one.”

Deborah Lilley CMC

Christie and Gavin’s KISS Celebrant

A bride walking along a Kangaroo Island beach

A Word from Our Photographer Glenn: Capturing Moments of Love and Authenticity

In the world of weddings, where emotions run high and love takes center stage, the role of a photographer is to freeze those moments in time, allowing them to be cherished forever. For Christie and Gavin’s Kangaroo Island wedding, it was an absolute pleasure and privilege to be their chosen photographer.

As a photographer, I’ve been fortunate to witness countless love stories, each one unique and special in its own way. Yet, Christie and Gavin’s wedding was something truly extraordinary. Their commitment to keeping things simple and authentic resonated deeply with me, and it made my job even more enjoyable.

 

Embracing the Authenticity of Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island provided the most picturesque setting for this special day. Its unspoiled landscapes & pristine beaches, offered a captivating backdrop for capturing the couple’s genuine love and connection.

From the moment I arrived, I could sense the intimacy and warmth that Christie and Gavin had cultivated. It was evident in the smiles they exchanged, the tender moments they shared, and the way they looked into each other’s eyes. It’s these unscripted, unposed moments that I live for as a photographer.

A wedding couple embracing beside the coast in black and white
A celebrant guiding a couple through their wedding ring exchange

For Christie and Gavin, I focused on the moments they shared with each other and their family: glances, laughter and a few tears. Those unposed moments are a big part of how I photograph a wedding.

As Deb, beautifully put it, “true love is forever.” My goal was to ensure that every photograph I took would serve as a lasting testament to this eternal love, not just for Christie and Gavin but for all those who were fortunate enough to witness their special day.

A Timeless Collection of Memories

In curating the collection of photographs from this Kangaroo Island wedding, my aim was to create a visual story that would transport anyone who views it back to that day, allowing them to relive the love and authenticity that filled the air. Whether it’s the gentle sea breeze ruffling Christie’s veil or the golden hues of the sunset behind the newlyweds, each image is a testament to the beauty of this special day.

 

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

Wild Side Ocean Retreat

Off the beaten track at Kangaroo Island’s eastern end, Wild Side Ocean Retreat accommodation is an amazing holiday destination that is perched high on the dunes overlooking Mouth Flat Beach and the entrance to Willson River.

The holiday accommodation looks out over the ocean and gives you space to settle in before or after the wedding. Check the current facilities, access and booking conditions directly with the property.

Peta and Lee’s Forest Wedding in a Tiny House

Peta and Lee’s Forest Wedding in a Tiny House

Peta and Lee

Kuitpo Forest Elopement

 

A wedding couple standing together on a green forest path

Adelaide Elopement & Micro Wedding Packages

A Dream Elopement at CABN Tiny House Bed & Breakfast in the heart of Kuitpo Forest

Peta and Lee chose a small wedding at CABN in Kuitpo Forest, with the ceremony centred on the two of them.

 

A small wedding party gathered among tall pine trees

The Perfect Venue:

CABN’s NALA tiny house was the setting for Peta and Lee’s wedding. The small space and forest surroundings suited the day they had planned.

A couple sitting outside a tiny cabin among pine trees

The CABN “NALA” Tiny House Bed & Breakfast:

The tiny house and forest surroundings gave Peta and Lee a quiet setting for their small wedding.

A couple embracing in a green forest clearing

The Ceremony:

The afternoon commenced as Peta, Lee, our KISS celebrant Deb, and two witnesses ventured through the forest to a scenic spot. The two witnesses were our photographer Glenn and his dad, Paul, as the second witness.

The ceremony itself was simple yet deeply heartfelt. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Kuitpo Forest, Peta and Lee exchanged vows, promising eternal love and devotion to each other. It felt as if the forest itself bore witness to their union, echoing their commitment with rustling leaves and the songs of the birds.

Close-up of a native flower bridal bouquet
A wedding couple making a toast after their forest ceremony

Celebrating with a Toast:

Following the formalities, it was time for celebration. Lee uncorked a bottle of champagne, and everyone raised their glasses in a toast to the couple’s future together.

Peta and Lee’s elopement at CABN Tiny House Bed & Breakfast within Kuitpo Forest showcased the power of love and the enchantment of nature. Their special day was a testament to the idea that love is the key ingredient in any celebration, and when you have that, everything falls beautifully into place.

 

Five wedding ideas to discuss with Marion Hotel

Five wedding ideas to discuss with Marion Hotel

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

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:

Blow Hole Beach Elopement Celebrant Photography KISS Package

Blow Hole Beach Elopement Celebrant Photography KISS Package

A couple walking hand in hand over coastal rocks at sunset

Blow Hole Beach Elopements

Blowhole Beach is in Deep Creek National Park, South Australia. It offers a coastal setting for a small ceremony, subject to park access, conditions and permission.

At Blow Hole Beach, you can tie the knot with the ocean as your backdrop and the sound of waves crashing against the shore as your music. And with the KISS PACKAGE, you can make your elopement dreams a reality without breaking the bank.

The KISS PACKAGE brings together a celebrant and professional photographer. Your celebrant helps you prepare a personal ceremony, and your photographer documents the day. Confirm the current inclusions and location arrangements in your quote.

One of the best things about Blow Hole Beach is that it is only accessible via 4WD. It is a public beach; exclusive access and privacy are not guaranteed. The KISS PACKAGE also includes 4WD access to the 2nd carpark, making it easy to get to the beach and set up for your ceremony.

Allow time for the ceremony and photos, and plan around the beach conditions. Check current park alerts and access before travelling, and agree on an alternative if the location cannot be used.

Interested in an elopement at Blowhole Beach? Tell us your date and guest numbers so we can discuss the location, current access and the services you need.

Nicola & Craig

blow hole beach – deep creek, South Australia 

 

Nicola and Craig married at Blowhole Beach in Deep Creek, South Australia, with their two daughters and parents beside them. The small ceremony brought their family together by the ocean.

The couple stayed locally at a cozy bed & breakfast, adding to the romantic and intimate feel of their elopement. With the help of our Celebrant and Photography packages, Nicola and Craig were able to plan a personalized ceremony that perfectly captured their love and commitment to each other.

We feel honoured to have been a part of this special day, and we wish Nicola and Craig a lifetime of love and happiness. Thank you for choosing Blow Hole Beach as your elopement destination and for allowing us to be a part of your beautiful love story.