Marry Now, Party Later

Marry Now, Party Later

In recent years, the phrase “Marry Now, Party Later” has become a rallying cry for couples eager to tie the knot without delay, yet unwilling to forgo a grand celebration. This trend, driven by both necessity and choice, has redefined the traditional wedding timeline, offering a blend of intimacy and anticipation that resonates with modern couples.

A bride and groom smiling together beside the sea

The Appeal of Marry Now, Party Later

The “Marry Now, Party Later” approach appeals to couples for several reasons:

A couple holding hands during their coastal wedding ceremony in black and white

Flexibility in Timing: Life doesn’t always align with our plans. Whether due to global events, personal circumstances, or simply a desire to be married sooner, many couples choose to exchange vows now and save the larger celebration for a later date.

Intimacy of Elopements and Micro Weddings: For many, the idea of an intimate ceremony is appealing. Fewer guests allow the couple to focus on the significance of the day without the pressures of hosting a large event. The immediate circle of family and friends present makes the moment even more special and personal.

A couple exchanging vows on the coast at Port Willunga
A couple exchanging rings beside the sea in black and white

Financial Benefits: Splitting the wedding into two events can ease financial pressures. Couples can have a modest ceremony now and save up for a more extravagant celebration when they’re ready.

Creative Freedom: With the pressure of a traditional timeline removed, couples have the freedom to plan a celebration that truly reflects their personalities. The party can be held at a unique venue, incorporate new trends, or even be a themed event that might not have been possible under traditional wedding constraints.

A wedding couple smiling at each other beside the sea

Planning a Marry Now, Party Later Wedding

If this approach suits you, start with these practical steps:

A small cliffside wedding ceremony in black and white

Choose the ceremony style: You might prefer a legals-only ceremony, an elopement or a micro wedding with a small group. Compare the KISS Package options and choose the services that suit your plans.

Communicate with Your Guests: Let your loved ones know your plan. Send out announcements for your “Marry Now” event and provide a “Save the Date” for the upcoming party. This way, they can look forward to celebrating with you later.

A bride and groom smiling together beside the sea
A wedding couple watching the sunset from the beach

Capture the Moment: Hire a photographer or videographer to document your intimate ceremony. These memories will be a great addition to the larger celebration later on.

Plan the Party with Intention: When the time comes to plan your celebration, think about what you want it to represent. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a grand affair, ensure it complements the journey you’ve been on as a couple.

A wedding couple walking along the wet sand beneath coastal cliffs
Bride and groom walking along the sand at Port Willunga

The Emotional Impact

One of the most beautiful aspects of the “Marry Now, Party Later” trend is the opportunity for couples to reflect on their journey between the two events. By the time the celebration rolls around, the couple has had time to deepen their bond and share their married life with family and friends. The party becomes not just a celebration of the wedding day, but of the marriage itself.

Marrying now and celebrating later lets you separate the ceremony from the party. Agree on what you want from each part, including who will attend and what you are comfortable spending.

The party can always wait.

A couple celebrating with a bottle beside the coast

Explore our elopement & micro wedding packages and preferred suppliers, or ask us about the services you need for your ceremony. You can make separate plans for a later celebration.

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.

5 Tips for Choosing Your Elopement or Micro Wedding location

5 Tips for Choosing Your Elopement or Micro Wedding location

Choosing Your Elopement or Micro Wedding location

When it comes to planning your micro wedding or elopement, choosing the perfect location is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

After all, your wedding venue sets the tone for your entire day and can make or break the ambience and overall feel of your celebration.

  1. Consider Your Style and Preferences

The location you choose should reflect your style and preferences as a couple. Are you more drawn to natural settings like parks, forests, and beaches? Or do you prefer the urban vibe of a cityscape or industrial space?

Consider what kind of backdrop and setting will make you feel most comfortable and happy on your big day.

A small wedding ceremony inside a rocky cave at Morialta
  1. Think About the Size of Your Guest List

Opting for a micro wedding or elopement offers the advantage of selecting a smaller, more intimate venue that may not be suitable for a larger guest list.

It’s essential to consider the number of guests you plan to invite and ensure that the chosen location can comfortably accommodate your group without feeling crowded or overwhelming.

Flexibility

This flexibility allows you to think outside the box, with endless possibilities for unique and memorable locations. While micro weddings or elopements may not be for everyone, they offer the opportunity to break away from traditional settings.

Think outside the box

In the past, we’ve held ceremonies in cliff-top caves, tattoo parlours, WWII bunkers, creek beds, backyards, on multiple cliff-top walks, showcasing the wide range of unconventional options available.

These locations would not be possible with larger guest numbers, emphasizing the exclusivity and intimacy of micro weddings and elopements.

  1. Consider the Time of the Year

     

    Winter:

    • Cozy atmosphere with crackling fireplaces
    • Indoor venues with soft lighting
    • Rustic decor creates warmth and intimacy

    Autumn:

    • Seasonal colour and open views
    • Vineyards showcasing rich autumnal tones
    • Walking amidst the beauty of changing foliage
    • Enjoying the coziness of rustic settings

    Spring:

    • Outdoor venues bursting with blooming flowers
    • Natural light casts a romantic glow
    • Exchanging vows amidst lush greenery
    • Garden ceremonies with fresh floral scents
    • Picturesque settings like vineyards and outdoor terraces

    Summer:

    • Celebrating under clear blue skies
    • Beach weddings with the sound of waves
    • Gardens filled with vibrant summer blooms
    • Countryside estates offering a serene backdrop
    • Dancing under the stars on warm summer nights

Couple at Port Willunga beach during a relaxed South Australian elopement
  1. Research Local Regulations and Permits

Depending on where you live, there may be local regulations and permits you need to obtain to hold your wedding in a certain location. Some councils require beach permits, while others don’t; some operate on a “first in, best dressed” concept.

For large weddings, we definitely recommend securing a site, while for smaller weddings, you can get away with not doing so.

Other locations like botanical gardens may require a photography permit, which, after years of experience, can work to your advantage. I might write another blog on this topic.

Be sure to do your research and make sure you have all the necessary paperwork and approvals before you book your venue. We can help you with this.

  1. Choose a Location with Meaning and Significance

Finally, consider choosing a location with personal meaning and significance to you as a couple. Maybe it’s the park where you had your first date, the beach where you got engaged, your family property, or even your backyard. Incorporating these personal touches into your wedding venue can make your day even more special and memorable.

 

Choosing Your Elopement or Micro Wedding Location can be a daunting task, but with these tips and advice from our team at KISS Package, you’ll be on your way to finding the ideal setting for your special day. Happy planning! 

A wedding couple beneath mature trees in a garden
A wedding couple walking across a garden lawn