Everything you need to know about getting married in South Australian forests.
Simple. Quiet. Surrounded by nature.
Planning a wedding in a Forestry SA forest is simple ( Kinda )
Once you understand how it works.
How it works
Forestry SA forests are public, natural environments — not traditional venues.
That means weddings are allowed…
but they do require a few approvals.
In simple terms:
- you choose a forest location
- submit an event application
- organise any required permits
- follow Forestry SA guidelines
We can either guide you through this…
or handle it for you.
Two ways to do this
OPTION 1 — DIY
If you’re happy to organise things yourself:
- you can apply directly with Forestry SA
- organise your own permits
- book any camping or accommodation separately
- coordinate your ceremony + suppliers
This works well if you like being hands-on.
Celebrant + Photography Packages →
OPTION 2 — KISS HANDLE IT
If you’d rather keep it simple:
We can help organise:
- your wedding permit
- photography permit
- guidance on suitable locations
- timing, flow, and setup
You still get the same forest experience…
just without the stress of figuring it all out.
KISS Forestry Packages →
Simple, all-in-one wedding setup.
Everything handled in one place
Permits & approvals
To hold a wedding in a Forestry SA forest, you’ll need an event application approved.
This applies to:
- weddings
- elopements
- group ceremonies
- any organised activity
An application must be submitted ahead of time and includes details like your location, timing, and setup.
There is also a $12.40 application assessment fee before your request is reviewed.
Forestry SA website:
When weddings are allowed
1 April to 30 November
fire is prohibited on ForestrySA land between 1 November and 30 April, with dates possibly extended in high fire danger periods
During summer:
- forests may be restricted
- fire risk is high
- ceremonies are typically not approved
Fire danger & access
This is one of the most important things to understand.
- forests are closed on Total Fire Ban days
- access can change depending on conditions
- you must have a backup plan
Forestry SA also operates as a working forest, meaning:
- maintenance and logging can occur
- access areas can change
- approvals depend on what’s happening in the forest at the time
Forestry SA website:
Photography & filming permits
If you’re using a professional photographer (which you will be), a commercial photography permit is required.
Forestry SA requires this for any photography linked to a business or paid service.
Typical costs include:
- around $46.50 per day for photography permits
We can organise this as part of our packages — so you don’t need to think about it.
Forestry SA website:
Forestry SA wedding fees
Forestry SA charges fees depending on the size of your wedding.
As a general guide:
- Elopement (10 people or less): approx $170 per day
- Weddings (11+ people): approx $570 per day
Additional costs may apply depending on:
- site use
- parking
- facilities
- staffing requirements
Other things to know
A few extra things that often come up:
- drones require approval
- dogs may be allowed but must be controlled
- no damage to trees, vegetation, or environment
- no confetti, glitter, or anything left behind
Forestry SA expects all visitors to respect the environment and leave no trace.
Forestry SA website:
Accommodation & staying in the forest
Some forests include:
- campgrounds
- bush huts
- picnic areas
These are not part of your wedding permit and must be booked separately.
You can:
- stay the night before
- turn your wedding into a weekend
- keep everything simple and close
Forestry SA website:
Insurance requirements
Forestry SA requires public liability insurance for events.
This is typically:
- minimum $10 million cover
- higher for larger or commercial events
When you book through KISS, this is already covered through our suppliers.
Start With A Simple Chat →
Check Availability
Forest wedding locations
Each forest has its own feel — from dense pine forests to open clearings and rugged natural landscapes.
Explore the main Forestry SA locations:
Close to Adelaide
Kuitpo Forest Weddings →
(Adelaide Hills – Fleurieu Peninsula)
Mount Crawford Forest Weddings →
(Barossa – Adelaide Hills)
Coastal + Forest Feel
Second Valley Forest Weddings →
(Fleurieu Peninsula)
Destination Experience
Green Triangle Forest Weddings →
(Limestone Coast)
Not sure which one suits you? Just ask — we’ll point you in the right direction.
View Real Weddings →
Real couples, real moments
What makes KISS different →
Feels like you?
CHECK AVAILABILITY →
See if your date is free