Category: Wedding Planning

Wedding Planning Arguments are more common than you think, and a major source of stress when it comes to organising your Big Day. Whether it’s family, finances (or family finances), prenuptial agreements, or your fiance’s complete lack of interest, if your engagement and wedding planning begins to feel like a minefield of topics to avoid, go through this list and work out how to deal with each situation.

Avoiding Wedding Planning Arguments

• When you’re planning the wedding of your dreams and your fiancé ‘hates’ wedding planning or shows no interest in helping you, it’s easy to feel disillusioned with the whole thing. Begin a conversation by talking about why you both want to get married, and also why you want to have a wedding. Sit down together and each make a list of wedding priorities – keep them safe in your little white book – you’ll return to them often.
• Agree on how much involvement (including financial involvement) your families will have. Family relations are one of the leading causes of engagement unrest, whether they have long guest lists to ‘contribute’, are chipping in for the wedding budget (or chipping in unevenly). If you decide to have your families pay towards the Big Day, you may also expect some demands along the way, so get on the same page now.
• If you disagree on where to spend the big bucks (dream dress or Hawaii honeymoon), it can be really hard to get in the zone together. If one of you wants to ‘splurge’ on something the other doesn’t agree with, ask yourself how you’ll feel looking back on the wedding and not having that item; whether you can make cut-backs elsewhere to compensate for the splurge, but if you’re still having trouble, take a moment to consider whether it really is that important (I probably wouldn’t have spent so much on my dress had I taken a few weeks to think it through and do a bit more shopping). If you still feel the same after taking a breather, explain to your future spouse why it’s so meaningful to you.
• It can be even harder if you have completely different choices for the same part of your wedding, such as where to get married. This can be particularly difficult if you have families or grew up in different States. In terms of logistics, it is probably going to be easier to plan a wedding close to where you live, or if you can’t agree on that, consider a destination wedding which everyone will have to travel to. Where you have completely different views, it’s all about communication. I suggest reading The Five Love Languages you Need to Know – chances are you communicate differently and could benefit from seeing how the other expresses themselves, especially when it comes to love.
• You’re arguing about cultural/traditional or religious influences in your wedding. if you each come from different backgrounds, particular where one partner is secular and the other has strong family beliefs or religious values, it can be difficult to find common ground. Start by explaining what traditions or customs your culture has, and what each of them mean. This may bring you closer, and even if your partner doesn’t have the same beliefs, you may find they are more likely to want to include those customs because of the meaning behind them.  
• Your fiancé wants to invite an ex-partner to your wedding. If the ex-girlfriend/boyfriend/spouse still has a great involvement in your lives together, i.e. you have the same friend groups, or they share a child together, consider whether it’s worth cutting them out of this celebration. Remember, your partner has chosen you, not them – to spend the rest of their life with. However, if the ex-partner has caused any drama or disruption to your relationship, I would advise against their attendance, as it is likely to cause you unnecessary stress in the lead up to the Big Day.
• Your future spouse wants you to sign a prenuptial agreement and you can’t understand why. Being the child of divorced parents, as well as my legal background (I was a lawyer prior to creating the little white book), I see this as a common-sense approach to future planning. However, any discussion about separation and division of assets is not going to be a romantic one, and may feel at odds with planning your ‘Happily Ever After’. If you are starting your lives together with unequal contributions, it may be sensible and reasonable to discuss and agree on what would happen if for whatever reason the marriage did not work out. Your partner’s practical and thoughtful side may be one of the reasons you fell in love with him/her, so try not to see this as them questioning your trust, commitment and faith in each other or the future of the marriage.
• If you’re having trouble getting your fiancé involved at all, remind them of the priorities they identified at the beginning and see if there’s a way of involving them in those particular elements. Maybe they’ll want to take charge of the catering or beverages if they’re a foodie, or if they love music, have them organise the entertainment.

“Planning the wedding is a trial run for your future marriage,” says Tina Tessina, psychotherapist and author of True Partners: A Workbook for Building a Lasting Intimate Relationship. It can actually be very useful to have these serious financial and planning discussions so that you can work out how best you can negotiate, compromise and hopefully agree. It’s far better to ‘hash it out’ than for either of you to feel like there are issues bubbling away beneath the surface. 

As issues arise, rather than getting into an argument immediately, I suggest writing it down in your wedding journal and coming back to it when you can have a focussed and thoughtful discussion. It may even help you to take a few days to think about it, instead of coming to blows immediately.

Trust me, these won’t be the last disagreements you have in your long and happy lives together, wedding planning is just the start. Of course, once the wedding has been, communication is still the most important aspect of a relationship, and having regular discussions about your future is so valuable. The wedding anniversary journal I still do is ideal to keep working at your relationship and communication, prompting you to have many of these conversations you may otherwise avoid.

It’s all very exciting planning your wedding, but without following the legalities of marrying in Australia, you’ll end up with a brilliant party but no spouse! Australia’s legal marriage requirements are fairly simple, there is no requirement to obtain a marriage licence to get married. Instead, couples must lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) with a registered celebrant at least one month before the wedding.

If you’re currently still planning your wedding and need a little help, we have the best wedding planner book to do just that, or if you’re already about to walk up the aisle, have a look at our wedding anniversary journals and Celebrate books.

The Legalities of Marrying in Australia (Including Elopements)

In summary, to legally marry in Australia, you must meet certain requirements regarding age, relationship, notice of intended marriage, identification, marriage celebrant, witnesses, and ceremony. Same-sex is also legal in Australia and our vendors, venues and celebrants welcome gay couples to marry here.

Australia, marriage is governed by the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth) and the Marriage Regulations 2017 (Cth). The legal requirements for marrying in Australia are as follows:

1. Age: Both parties must be at least 18 years old. If one party is 16 or 17 years old, you may be able to marry with the consent of a parent or guardian, but you must apply to the Magistrate’s Court for permission.
2. Consent: Both parties must freely and willingly consent to the marriage.
3. Relationship: You cannot marry a close family member, such as a parent, grandparent, child, or sibling. You also must not be in a legal civil union or other marriage, including overseas marriages (talk to a family lawyer if you are unsure)
4. Notice of Intended Marriage: You must lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) with a registered celebrant at least one month before the wedding. The NOIM is valid for up to 18 months.
5. Identification: You must provide proof of your identity, such as a passport or birth certificate.
6. Divorce: If you have been previously married, you must provide evidence of the dissolution of that marriage, such as a divorce certificate.
7. Ceremony: The marriage must be performed by a registered celebrant and in the presence of two witnesses who are over 18 years old.

Once these legal requirements are met, the celebrant will provide a Marriage Certificate which is a legal record of the marriage. It is important to note that same-sex marriage is legal in Australia and the requirements are the same for all couples.

Same Sex Marriage Legalised in Australia

Same-sex marriage was legalized in Australia on December 9, 2017, when the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017 was passed by the Australian Parliament. The Act amended the Marriage Act 1961 to redefine marriage as “the union of 2 people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life”.

This change allowed same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same legal recognition and protections as opposite-sex couples in Australia. The legislation came into effect on December 9, 2017, and since then, thousands of same-sex couples have been able to marry in Australia, with exactly the same legalities.

How to Apply for a Notice of Intended Marriage in Australia

It is extremely important that you apply for your NOIM with plenty of time. Unless special permission is given by a prescribed authority, a marriage may not be solemnised within one calendar month after the date of lodgement of the Notice. 

To apply for a NOIM, you will need to:

1. Book a registered celebrant: You can find a celebrant on the Australian Government’s Marriage Celebrants website or by contacting your state or territory’s registry of births, deaths, and marriages.
2. Gather your documents: You will need to provide proof of your identity, such as a passport or birth certificate, and evidence of the dissolution of any previous marriages, such as a divorce certificate.
3. Complete the NOIM: The NOIM is a form that includes personal details about both parties, such as full name, date of birth, and occupation.
4. Lodge the NOIM: The NOIM must be lodged with the celebrant at least one month before the wedding. If you are unable to lodge the NOIM in person, you can post it to the celebrant, but you must provide certified copies of your identity documents.
5. Wait for confirmation: Once the NOIM has been lodged, the celebrant will confirm the details and provide a Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage. This declaration confirms that both parties are free to marry and is usually provided one week before the wedding.

It’s important to note that the NOIM is valid for up to 18 months, so it’s possible to lodge the form well in advance of the wedding. However, the wedding must take place within this 18-month period, otherwise, a new NOIM will need to be lodged.

The NOIM does not vary State to State and can be found here, or at the Australian High Commission, the Australian Consulate-General, their Australian marriage celebrant, or the Australian Births, Deaths and Marriages office in the State or Territory where they intend to get married. 

For New Zealanders wishing to marry in Australia, the Notice of Intended Marriage should be completed and witnessed by any New Zealand notary public (listed in the New Zealand Yellow Pages), or an Australian Diplomatic or Consular Officer at the Australian High Commission in Wellington or the Australian Consulate-General in Auckland. Both parties to the intended marriage must be present at the appointment and the Notice cannot be witnessed by mail. View the current fee. 

Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage

Once the NOIM has been lodged, the celebrant will confirm the details and provide a Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage. This declaration confirms that both parties are free to marry and is usually provided one week before the wedding. There is no “Marriage Licence” in Australia.

How to legally Register your Marriage in Australia

In Australia, registering a marriage is the responsibility of the celebrant who officiated the wedding. The celebrant must submit the necessary paperwork to the relevant state or territory’s registry of births, deaths, and marriages within 14 days of the wedding.

Once the celebrant has registered the marriage, the newly married couple can obtain a marriage certificate. To do this, you will need to contact the relevant state or territory’s registry of births, deaths, and marriages and provide them with the following information:

1. Full names of both parties at the time of the wedding
2. Date and place of the wedding
3. The celebrant’s name and registration number

Depending on the state or territory, you may be able to obtain a standard marriage certificate or a commemorative certificate. Standard certificates are legal documents that are accepted by government agencies and banks, while commemorative certificates are often used as keepsakes or to commemorate special occasions.

It’s important to note that the timeframe for receiving a marriage certificate can vary depending on the state or territory, but it usually takes a few weeks to process.

Civil Union in Australia

In Australia, civil unions are not recognized as a legal relationship. Instead, couples can enter into a domestic partnership or register their relationship, depending on the state or territory in which they reside.

The process for entering into a domestic partnership or registering a relationship varies depending on the state or territory, but generally involves the following steps:

1. Check eligibility: Eligibility requirements vary by state or territory but may include age, not being married or in another registered relationship, and not being closely related.
2. Complete the application: You will need to complete an application form and provide proof of identity, such as a passport or driver’s license.
3. Submit the application: You will need to submit the application form and pay any applicable fees to the relevant state or territory authority. Some states or territories may require you to provide additional documentation, such as evidence of your relationship.
4. Wait for processing: Once your application has been submitted, it will be reviewed by the relevant authority. Processing times can vary, but it typically takes several weeks to several months.
5. Receive confirmation: If your application is approved, you will receive confirmation of your domestic partnership or registered relationship. You may be issued with a certificate or registration card, depending on the state or territory.

It’s important to note that the legal recognition and rights afforded to domestic partnerships or registered relationships vary by state or territory. It’s recommended that you consult with a legal professional to understand your rights and obligations in your specific circumstances.

Changing your name after your wedding in Australia

In Australia, changing your name after your wedding is a personal choice, and not a legal requirement. If you choose to change your name, you can do so by following these steps:

1. Obtain a copy of your marriage certificate: You can obtain a copy of your marriage certificate from the relevant state or territory’s registry of births, deaths, and marriages.
2. Update your identification documents: Once you have your marriage certificate, you can update your identification documents, such as your driver’s license, passport, and bank accounts, to reflect your new name.
3. Update your official records: You may need to update your official records, such as your tax file number, Medicare, and electoral enrolment, to reflect your new name.
4. Notify others of your name change: You will need to notify others, such as your employer, school, and insurance company, of your name change.

It’s important to note that there may be fees associated with updating some identification documents, and the process for updating your official records may vary depending on the organization. It’s recommended that you check with each organization to understand their specific requirements for changing your name.

Be careful when booking your honeymoon and any future international travel, because though your legal name will be both your maiden, and married name, you can only travel on the name recorded in your passport.

We are so spoiled for choice when it comes to planning a wedding and searching for Wedding Venues in Australia.

Choosing to plan a ‘Marquee Wedding’ generally means you’re starting from a blank canvas, hiring a marquee and doing the rest yourself. It’s an ideal way of turning a family farm, a stunning spot off-the-beaten-track or a beachfront private property or into your perfect venue. 

It’s not hard to find somewhere incredible and unique to exchange vows and celebrate when marquee hire can create your dream wedding venue just about anywhere in Australia, but there’s a lot to think about.

See also How to Choose between an All-inclusive or DIY/Dry Hire Wedding Venue

How to Organise a Marquee Wedding in Australia

If you’re planning a wedding in Australia and renting a space and hiring a marquee, there are several important steps to take to ensure that your special day goes smoothly. Stay on track with wedding planning with the structured and well organised wedding planner, little white book. Here’s a basic outline of the planning process, which I will elaborate on further below:

1. Choose a location
2. Decide on a marquee style
3. Book your suppliers
4. Create a layout for seating arrangements
5. Plan for power and lighting
6. Consider decor and styling
7. Prepare for inclement weather

Choose a Wedding Location

Organising a marquee wedding in Australia means you have the luxury of choosing almost any location, and is a popular choice due to our lovely summer climates. When renting a space for your wedding, you’ll want to choose a location that fits your vision for the big day. Look for venues that have the amenities you need, such as bathrooms and parking, and that are convenient for your guests to travel to.

Private residences such as historic homes, farms, beaches or parks abound and can make a perfect wedding day location, and even more unique spaces like a rooftop building or forest can be great marquee spots.

Marquee Weddings at Private Residences in Australia

Having your wedding at a private residence in Australia can be more economical than hiring a venue, but it’s also easy to overspend when you’re responsible for organising everything yourself.

A marquee allows you to create an entire new space away from the main house so your home isn’t over-run with your family and friends. Remember you’ll need a relatively flat space if your guests are going to dine at tables under the tent. If you’re having a dancefloor within a marquee, you will may have to hire this too.

Marquee Weddings in Parks & Public Places

Most regional councils allow wedding receptions in many parks or public places (with regulations to abide by). You’re likely to need to apply to the local council for an ‘Event Permit’ to hold your wedding in a public space.

Depending on the size and type of event you are holding, you may need to apply for other permits, such as a ‘Temporary Building Structure’ permit for a marquee over 100 square metres, and you may need to think about liquor licensing, sound levels, toilet accessibility, car-parking, power access and more. A 100-square metre marquee will hold around 60 to 90 guests at a cocktail-style event. For a seated reception for 120 guests, you would require between 200 and 240 square metres of ‘tent space’.

Farms & Private Open Sites

A large space with a view of the ocean provides a beautiful view and great photographic opportunities for your wedding.

For a completely DIY venue you will need to organise everything from the ground up: toilets, heating, generators, transportation, a food prep area, car-parking, lighting, furniture, and the list goes on. Ideally, look for a site where the property owners have hosted wedding before and are willing to help you pull everything together, or work with a wedding planner.

Decide on a Marquee

Once you’ve chosen a wedding venue, visit it with marquee companies. There are many different types of marquees available for weddings, from traditional canvas tents to modern clear-span structures. Consider the size and style of your wedding when choosing a marquee, as well as the weather conditions you might encounter.

A site inspection of the venue is included with your marquee company’s service. This is a vital step as they must see where you plan to have the marquee in order to give a realistic quotation.

Let them know your estimated number of guests, ask what size marquee is needed, and obviously check you have the room for the required size. They will advise on access, layout, and any potential hazards like underground pipes and roots.

Choosing your Wedding Marquee

• For your marquee, do you want white canvas walls do you want windows (clear walls) and or do you want it completely open? Do you want silk lining in your marquee?
• What type of flooring would you prefer? The ideal solution is a level hard floor this provides a solid surface for guests to walk on, or plastic grid flooring or perhaps no flooring for that rustic look?
• Do you prefer round tables or long trestle tables? This may effect the shape of marquee you choose.

The best thing to do when planning a marquee wedding is write a comprehensive list of tasks and requirements in order to tick off as time goes by, as well as a detailed floor plan and run sheet.

Book your other vendors and suppliers

When hiring a marquee, you’ll likely need to book other suppliers as well, such as caterers, florists, and entertainment. Work with your marquee company to get recommendations and referrals for reliable suppliers in your area.

For a marquee wedding, I suggest you only choose the most experienced and capable wedding vendors. Wedding caterers in particular need to be able to work in marquee and/or outdoor conditions. If you have chosen a location such as a park, paddock, hill-top or similar, do remember your caterers will need to bring all heating and cooking equipment to site – this is no mean feat when you are talking numerous ovens and gas bottles.

Consider also that they will need a reliable power source, possibly a generator, and cover for their catering area. Check with your caterers what size catering marquee they need to service your wedding proficiently. Ensure your caterers have access to fresh water; this can be simply an extendable hose into the catering tent or access to the kitchen in the venue.

If possible, meet with at least a couple of caterers, rather than just viewing a website and choosing based on price. Great food is a very important part of a great celebration, and you want to be able to trust everyone is going to enjoy it, including yourself. See also how to choose your wedding catering.

Create a layout  – Marquee Floor Plan and Run Sheet

Once you’ve chosen your location and marquee, it’s time to create a layout for your wedding. Consider where you’ll place tables, chairs, and other decor items, as well as the flow of the space for your guests.

Set this up well in advance and use it to work with you vendors. Drawing a simple sketch of the tables, dance-floor, power, etc will be a priceless use of time. Consider what type of layout are you after in general, where you envisage the catering tent going, as well as the portable toilets, marquee entrance, and where you’ll want the dance floor & stage.

On your run sheet, list exactly what times you want everything on your big day to take place and who is responsible for each. There’s a run sheet template in your little white book.

Plan for power and lighting

Marquees typically require power and lighting, so you’ll need to plan for this as well. Work with your marquee company to determine the best options for your needs, such as generator hire or electrical hookups.

Power or a Generator – Be very aware of power, how much the band/DJ, toilets and caterer needs. Does the venue supply enough power and, more importantly, do you want to risk the power tripping? Don’t rely on a near-by house or venue to supply your power source for your caterers, lighting and sound. Hiring a generator will eliminate any potential fuse-blows (imagine the lights and sound going out mid first-dance!).

You’ll also need plenty of lighting for an evening wedding. Depending on where your location is, you are looking at around $300 for a basic generator, plus transportation.

Consider Decor and Styling

With a marquee wedding, you’ll have a blank canvas to work with in terms of decor and styling. Think about your theme and color scheme, and work with your suppliers to create a cohesive look throughout the space. The beauty of marquees is you have so much height to play with.

Hanging lanterns, flowers or hanging crystals chandeliers and floral arrangements give a more intimate feeling. When done well, this will help reduce the ceiling height and create dramatic entrances into different areas of the marquee.

Prepare for inclement weather

One of the advantages of a marquee wedding is that you’ll have a sheltered space for your guests, but you’ll still need to plan for inclement weather. Consider adding heating or air conditioning to your marquee, as well as umbrellas or a contingency plan in case of rain.

Think about a contingency plan whether you hire an additional marquee or hold the reception in the marquee on the dance floor if uncovered. If space and budget are flexible then you can have a special lounge area in the marquee.

Finalise logistics with attention to detail

As your wedding day approaches, make sure to finalize logistics with all of your suppliers. Confirm delivery and pickup times, review any special instructions or requirements, and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Acoustics – Sound is very important too. Guests want to hear your speeches, so invest in a simple hired sound system with either lapel or standard microphones.

Love thy neighbour – Ensure the neighbours are aware of the wedding and anticipated noise and don’t take advantage of the flexibility a marquee wedding allows you – respect your surroundings (or invite them!)

Parking & vehicle access – Do you have sufficient parking? Ensure there is good signage so people know where to park. Whenever hiring suppliers that will arrive in larger vehicles, think about the access available to them. If access is narrow and deliveries have to be scheduled in, make sure suppliers know the relevant time slot they can deliver and explain any difficulties with the access available.

Planner – You may want to think seriously about having a wedding planner or day of coordinator to assist: they can decorate the venue, take delivery of goods plus manage the day itself so if any challenges occur they are dealt with in a professional manner leaving you to relax and party.

Toilets – With a large number of guests attending the wedding you will need to organise some mobile toilets.

Furniture Of course, if you’re planning a marquee wedding in an open space, you’ll need to hire absolutely all decoration and furniture you need – there’s not likely to be small tables nearby for a cake table if you forget one. Check with each vendor what they require too.

With careful planning and attention to detail, renting a space and hiring a marquee can be a wonderful option for your wedding venue in Australia. Work closely with your suppliers and be prepared for any unexpected challenges, and you’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful and memorable celebration.

When trying to find Australian wedding venues suitable for your wedding budget, guest list and the style of celebration you have in mind, where do you begin? Below, you will find a few resources that you can use to locate unique wedding venues that work for your theme and budget. 

Before you begin looking for your wedding venue, ensure you’ve made a good start to your wedding budget. Knowing your budget limits and capacities will greatly narrow your search for a wedding venue, saving you tons of time. Deciding if you want a larger-capacity wedding venue, or would rather have a smaller, more intimate one is the first step in narrowing down your choice of wedding venue. Finding a venue is going to be one of the biggest milestones of your wedding planning, determining your dates and location, and impacting many other decisions about planning your wedding.

While we also have articles on how to choose a wedding venue, or all the questions to ask of a wedding venue before you book, this will help you to come up with a list of options first.

Consider your Preferred Wedding Venue Style

By identifying your wedding style before you begin looking at Australian wedding venues, you will really narrow your search down and make it easier. You will want to start by thinking about the place where you would like to be married in the first place–your home state, a remote beach, a large city with a convenient airport for all of your guests–and then begin to hone in on the options for a wedding reception venue in that place.

Wedding venues in Australia can range from rustic farm locations (which may require a lot of work to decorate) to luxurious vineyard estates which need little to no adornment – prices will vary accordingly, but so will the time and effort required of you – are you willing to spend the time making the space your own.

Australia is known for its stunning natural scenery, so think about whether you want to have an indoor or outdoor wedding. The country’s diverse landscapes offer a range of options, from beachfront venues to vineyards and mountain lodges. Keep in mind that the location you choose will also affect the accessibility for your guests.

In addition to finding out whether a indoor wedding venue is available on the dates you are looking for, you will want to consider whether it is in an easy-access spot for your guests. If you are planning on short notice, or if your date range is more flexible, your venues availability will be a crucial factor when setting a wedding date.

How to find potential wedding venues in Australia

Utilise your Best local Wedding Vendors’ Websites and Social Media

To find a beautiful wedding venue in Australia that’s right for you, there’s a few ways to start, and my favourite is to browse the best local wedding vendors’ websites and go from there. This gives you the ability to not only find a beautiful location, but also helps you to work out what style of photography, and perhaps even style of wedding you like. Browse google, facebook, instagram, magazines and other wedding blogs for Australian wedding vendors such as photographers, wedding planners, florists, etc, and have a look at their portfolio. Look at photos and videos of the venue, and check if it has the style and ambiance that you’re looking for.

Wedding photographers especially will feature their most beautiful weddings on their site, and you’re likely to come across wedding venues you’ve never seen before too. Not only that, but you’ll discover the best local photography spots and hideaways nearby those wedding venues – which can be huge drawcards too, and help you choose a wedding venue. The best vendors that can help you find more venues include photographers, event rentals companies, wedding planners, and catering companies.

Social Media Stalking…

P.S. Get stalker-ish: Scroll through photos to see if there are any pictures showing a wedding hashtag that you can creep on via instagram (couples often put it onto a sign that ends up in the wedding photos). This way, you’ll get a more personal look at the venue through the eyes of a guest, as well as seeing the professional photos.

This is also a great way to see an honest view of the wedding venue, or another vendor’s work. When researching your wedding venue or any other vendor, have a look at photos tagged on instagram both at the venue (location tagging) and also tagging the profile.

For a DIY/BYO Wedding Venue

If you’re willing to do a bit more organising yourself, creating your wedding venue from scratch can be hugely rewarding, and it also gives you a huge availability of venues you potentially hadn’t thought of.

Depending on the size of your wedding, you may be able to hire a family home or farm, from where to DIY your wedding.

There are several Wedding Vendor Directory websites in Australia that can help you find DIY wedding venues. Some popular options include:

1. Wedshed: This website is dedicated to showcasing unique and rustic wedding venues across Australia. They have a range of venues that are suitable for DIY weddings, including farms, barns, and gardens.
2. Easy Weddings: Easy Weddings is a comprehensive wedding planning website that includes a vendor directory. They have a large selection of DIY wedding venues across Australia, including everything from beachside locations to vineyards.
3. Polka Dot Bride: This website has a directory of wedding venues across Australia, including many that are suitable for DIY weddings. They also have a range of helpful wedding planning resources and inspiration.
4. The Venue Report: The Venue Report is a global directory of unique wedding venues, including many in Australia. They have a curated selection of venues that are perfect for DIY weddings, including private estates, country houses, and farm stays.
5. Venue Finder: This website has a large directory of wedding venues across Australia, including many that are suitable for DIY weddings. They also have a range of helpful wedding planning tools and resources.

Even if you can’t rent an entire house for the wedding, you may be able to find a piece of land to put a marquee on, or access all kinds of creative spaces without spending a fortune (and while giving back to the local community).

Read more at How to choose between an all inclusive or Dry Hire/BYO Wedding Venue.

For a Cheap Australian Wedding Venue

If you’re on a small budget, the DIY/BYO wedding venue option above may suit, but you also might want to consider local Council websites to find public and council-owned spaces. If you’re getting married in Australia, you have the luxury of being able to get married literally anywhere (other countries don’t have this privilege). Many beaches do not require a special permit for small informal weddings, though of course you should organise a back-up venue too. Just be aware that you do have to specify the location on your marriage licence.

Consider a Destination Wedding

Lots of Australian couples are opting to have destination weddings, which can (surprisingly) be easier, such as planning a New Zealand Wedding. Most couples having destination weddings have a smaller guest list, and thus can save lots of money on the budget, and often have a wedding planner in the destination to take care of the majority of planning too.

It may surprise you that an all-inclusive destination wedding can actually be a cheaper option too, depending on where you go of course – Rarotonga has some great options.

Just remember, the more remote the wedding venue you choose, in Samoa for example, the smaller the pool of local wedding vendors (celebrants, bands, florists, etc.) to choose from. Check on tourism websites for any major events that might mean there’s a shortage of beds for visitors, and check the WHO and CDC for warnings against risks, especially if you expect pregnant family and friends to attend.

Ask Married Friends for their Favourite Wedding Vendors (and ask them for help)

While you may not want to marry at the same wedding venue as a close friend, especially if your weddings are only a season apart, you may be able to ask their favourite wedding vendors for recommendations, or find out which other venues they considered.

Australian wedding planners, stylists and florists for example will work closely with many wedding venues, and may even work on styled shoots at brand new wedding venues, and can help you discover something special. It was really important to us to have a unique wedding venue at which we hadn’t attended a wedding, or seen many weddings at, and we were able to find one through our wedding photographers.

Be Flexible and Open-Minded when Finding a Wedding Venue

While you shouldn’t settle for something you don’t absolutely love, if you can be flexible and open minded when finding, and visiting your potential wedding venues, you may just surprise yourself with something really unique. There are so many things which can be done to transform most spaces from bare to breathtaking, if you’re willing to look with an open mind.

Once you have found a few potentials, choose your wedding venue carefully, do your homework and ask all the right questions, and don’t rush into making a booking before you’re certain of all the little details. Ultimately, choosing a wedding venue is a personal decision that should reflect your unique style and preferences. We are so lucky to have thousands of Australian wedding venues to suit all kinds of different celebrations, so take the time to explore your options and find a venue that feels like the perfect fit for you and your partner.