Love has not changed, but the way we plan to commit to life-long love has.
A big white wedding with all the trimming was the traditional way wedding packages were offered, but the emerging trend towards small intimate marriage ceremonies is definitely on the rise.
Our ‘new normal’ way of living and the planning of events is now defined by Covid19 due to the unreliability of interstate travel, the need for smaller groups to allow social distancing, and the possibility that big plans will be cancelled last minute.
Economically, it makes more sense to spend less on the ceremony and invest more in your future together.
Since Mt Barney Lodge is an Advanced Eco Tourism Retreat and the perfect small wedding venue – we think it makes good eco sense to have an intimate wedding with a few special friends and family as the carbon footprint and environmental impact is thoughtful and more kind to the planet. We are perfect for couples planning a micro wedding near Brisbane and the Gold Coast, as we are a wilderness destination that is easily accessed by a 90 minute drive. We are also only 2 hours drive from either Brisbane or the Gold Coast Airport if some guests are travelling, or if you plan to go further for a honeymoon.
There are a couple of new terms to apply to intimate weddings when you are at the planning stage – see which of these is the right fit for you.
Elopement
Traditionally eloping was tied to secrecy and travel, but in today’s language eloping is a way to explain to friends and family of your intent to plan for a smaller wedding in a destination that is special but not too far away. Elopement is usually planned and attended only by the couple (and a witness) and often (but not always) performed in secret. It is not uncommon to see “Elopement Packages” when searching for ideas – ironic when the definition of elopement was once unplanned and spontaneous!
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Micro Wedding
Think of a micro wedding as a cross between an elopement and a big, traditional wedding—it might just be the perfect compromise to suit your style.
A microwedding follows the traditional format with a smaller guest list of around 20 people.
This style is for the couple who wants to really focus and enjoy the company of fewer guests.
You’ll be able to prioritize spending quality time with each and every loved one at your event. This is one case in which less is definitely more. Planning fewer guests also enables the couple to budget for an experience-based wedding – spending more on experiences like a guided pre-wedding walk, top shelf local wines, amazing catered food, as it might be difficult to replicate the same experience quality for 200 guests.
Minimony with Sequel Wedding or Anniversary Celebration
This is the smallest way to tie the knot. The engaged couple are married by a local marriage celebrant, and a few witnesses are optional. This intimate option ensures that the planned wedding can go ahead regardless of unknown circumstances on the horizon, is a distraction-free focus on the marriage vows and can be as simple as the ceremony followed by champagne and cake and it’s done!!
Your minimony can include a range of mini experiences: handwritten vows, a wedding cake for 2, tiny arrangements from a florist, and booking a photographer capture micro moments of this special occasion from afar – the first dance, the rings, sharing a glass of champagne with great background options around the Lodge.
The minimony can stand alone as an enduring commitment, or it can be the marker for a larger celebration further down the track when planning and the ability to host a larger celebration is possible. What could be better than sharing a relaxed gathering or more planned re-exchanging of vows with friends and family to mark the 1-year anniversary?
A low cost wedding doesn’t have to be scruffy, and this option means you only have to hire out a single accommodation venue at Mt Barney Lodge to stage your event from. This is where the new “outdoor room” at Moringararah Homestead perfectly fits into your planning. While the homestead can accommodate up to 15 guests, it is the perfect garden wedding venue with beautiful outdoor spaces which are very photogenic, and perfectly suited to ceremonies of all sizes. The homestead also serves as a perfect wet-weather plan (without the need to hire marquees etc), as the wide verandas have stunning mountain views and are imbedded in beautiful landscapes.
Midweek wedding package start from only $390/day for use of Moringararah Homestead for up to 4 guests staying overnight. Choose to stay overnight or extend your stay and create memories by booking with us for several nights to explore the property and adjacent natural areas. You can do this on your own or book one of our guided walks or other adventure experiences such as rock climbing.
We don’t limit your choice to an all-inclusive wedding package, rather we use our 20 years of business experience to package together what you want and need, and also connect you to high quality local providers – bakers, wedding photographers, marriage celebrants, local wines and delicious catering options.
If you are looking to plan a small wedding in a big landscape then Mt Barney Lodge is the perfect choice.
