Getting married in Adelaide is such a dream! South Australia’s capital, and the nearby wine country, are such a good choice for eloping or getting married in a relaxed and gorgeous setting.
The city itself is beautiful and charming, but you’re also so close to incredible beaches and landscapes and world-class wineries. Even better, there are so many outdoor wedding venues in Adelaide and nearby, and you know how much I love an outdoor ceremony!
If you’re getting married or eloping in Adelaide, here’s everything you need to know about planning a celebration that you’ll love!
Why Plan A Destination Wedding In Adelaide?
Weddings in Adelaide or nearby are perfect for easygoing couples who love the outdoors and value amazing food and wine. Just outside the city, you’re so close to the famous wine regions of the Barossa and McLaren Vale, known for their award-winning wines and locally sourced cuisine — this will really elevate your experience to the next level.
Due to the city’s compact size, and with the airport just minutes from the city, Adelaide couldn’t be more convenient for interstate and even international guests as well. It’s easy to get around and you can find plenty of accommodation options, from five-star hotels to boutique B&Bs.
Many of the best wedding venues in Adelaide have a relaxed luxury vibe, but you can also find fun low-key countryside venues, like farms or Airbnbs, ideal for smaller weddings.
As for the best month to get married in South Australia? Generally, spring and autumn bring the most pleasant climates, so March to May and September through to November are ideal. This is not to say that you can’t get married in summer, but it’s important to keep in mind that it does get quite hot during those times of the year, so I recommend planning for a ceremony in a setting that either provides a lot of shade, or has the option to be moved indoors.
Fancy a winter wedding? Adelaide has some magical venues that would provide just the right backdrop for this, read more about them below!
Seasonal wedding planning In Adelaide really comes down to your preferences as a couple and whether you’re planning an indoor or outdoor ceremony. (Just FYI, June is generally Adelaide’s rainiest month!)
No matter the time of year though, I’ll time your couple portraits so we can make the most of Adelaide’s beautiful golden hour light. As part of booking with me, all my couples receive a custom photo and video timeline tailored to their preferences and time of the year — I got you!
Australia Marriage Requirements
Luckily, the legal side of planning your wedding is very simple in Australia! Even if you’re visiting from overseas, you can still plan a legal ceremony in Adelaide.
Of course, your elopement or micro wedding in Adelaide can also be symbolic only, which is also such a meaningful way to exchange your vows in a way that feels right to you both.
Here’s how to get married in Adelaide. First, ensure you have everything you need on the paperwork side of things. The documents required for marriage in Australia will generally include your passports, birth certificates, and any divorce or annulment paperwork if you’ve been married previously.
For civil weddings (religious weddings may have additional requirements), the key thing to remember is that you’ll need to submit a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form to an authorised celebrant at least one month before your planned ceremony date. I’ve included some Adelaide celebrant recommendations below to help you get started!
You’ll also need two witnesses to be present at the ceremony and sign the marriage certificate. Lucky for those of you looking to elope, one of those can be me!
Types Of Destination Elopements In Adelaide
The stunning canvas of the South Australian landscape provides incredible options for planning a wedding. You’ll find the best places to elope in Adelaide are particularly well suited to wineries, farms, and beach celebrations.
One of my favourite spots, Maslin Beach, is just south of Adelaide, featuring stunning oceanside cliffs — it’s an incredible location for sunset elopements when the cliffs light up in burning red and orange hues.
For wineries, you’ll find incredible options throughout the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, ideal for low-key summer elopements at one of the smaller, secluded vineyards — think food trucks, rolling hills, and gorgeous afternoon light!
The Adelaide Hills also have scenic lookout points that would be ideal for a sunrise elopement, or, for garden wedding venues in Adelaide, the Adelaide Botanic Gardens offers several different ceremony and reception sites, with options for small elopements too.
No matter what type of wedding you choose, you can make it eco-friendly by working with local suppliers, hiring decor instead of buying new, and choosing a venue that prioritises sustainable practices.
Romance & Natural Beauty: The Best Places To Get Married In Adelaide
We’re so lucky to have such a gorgeous selection of venues in our local area! Here are some of the wedding locations in Adelaide that offer natural beauty, stunning gardens and outdoor spaces, and the perfect mix of history and timeless charm.
Just to note, popular wedding venues (and your other key wedding vendors!) tend to book up very quickly, as many suppliers only take on a set amount of weddings per year. I’d hate for you to miss out, so it’s best to lock in your venue as far in advance as you can, even for elopements.
Manoah House
Located in the Adelaide Hills, this stunning home, complete with English-style gardens, would be a beautiful location for your getting ready photos, and could even serve as an intimate wedding venue. They can sleep up to six guests across two luxury heritage cottages, the perfect place to combine your wedding with a beautiful getaway.
Al Ru Farm
If you’re looking for gardens to get married in Adelaide, this romantic venue is a winner! Nestled between the Adelaide Hills and Barossa Valley, it features ten acres of stunning gardens with a range of gorgeous ceremony and reception locations to choose from.
I love the Homestead Lawn that allows you to have a true European-style outdoor reception under the festoon lights. The Garden Pavilion is the perfect setting for intimate ceremonies, and the Glass House will make your wedding portraits unforgettable.
Carrick Hill
Spread across 100 acres, this spacious English-style manor home was built in 1939 and offers stunning garden spaces, including lush, tree-lined avenues, rose gardens, and vibrant green lawns.
The Manor Basket Range
A historic castle in the Adelaide Hills, you’ll find such romantic wedding ceremony venues in Adelaide here! There’s a small stone chapel, ethereal gardens, or gorgeous cobblestoned terraces — you really feel like you’re in Europe!
Hughes Park
This cute B&B is around 90 minutes from Adelaide, but so worth the drive! The historic homestead, surrounded by gum trees and rolling hills, feels so peaceful and secluded.
Villarica Estate
Inspired by the Italian region of Tuscany, this rental property is such a good wedding choice — especially if you love the wrought iron and lime-washed architectural styles found in Tuscany.
The Lane Vineyard
This beautifully secluded winery, in the Adelaide Hills, does both intimate and larger weddings so well! It’s also just minutes from the cute picturesque German village of Hahndorf, which would be a great base for your guests. And yes, being from Germany, I may be a little biased here.
Planning An Adelaide Elopement Is Easy With The Help Of These Talented Stylists
No matter how large or small, hiring a wedding planner and stylist can make a huge difference to your event!
They can absolutely help with how to elope in Adelaide by recommending vendors that suit your style and helping plan your wedding timeline, but they’ll also save you tons of time and stress by managing all of the logistics for you.
- Libby Styles: I love her sophisticated, timeless style and attention to detail, making wedding planning easy as. She offers a range of services, from full-service wedding planning to one-off consultations to get you started.
- Memory Lane Adelaide: A modern and tasteful wedding stylist and planner, Memory Lane’s weddings are also so timeless and classic, whether you just need support on the day or you want the full experience, complete with a custom mood board and design suggestions.
- The Modern Approach: Managing planning, styling, and coordination, this popular vendor is all about romantic and contemporary weddings that you’ll love. With versatile styles, the Modern Approach’s weddings always photograph so well!
- Found Collective: Offering design, style and wedding planning, Found Collective also offers DIY hire, which is ideal if you’d rather do some of the set-up on your own to save money. Owned and operated by Kelly, each wedding design is always completely bespoke.
Trusted Event Hire Companies
Sometimes, it’s easier to hire what you need for your celebrations — and it’s also a great alternative to buying new! These local event hire companies always deliver.
- Sash Events: This vendor offers furniture and lighting rentals, gorgeous pieces to elevate your garden wedding. A boutique, family-owned business, they know local Adelaide venues well and can always deliver the perfect accompaniments.
- Modern Party: You’ll find unique wedding hire options here, particularly great if you’re seeking a vibrant pop of colour! From fun and edgy to contemporary classic, Modern Party can match your vibe.
Bring Your Vision To Life With These Creative Florists
The best florists can elevate even the most beautiful venue into something even better! You’ll love working with these talented Adelaide wedding florists, with a focus on locally sourced blooms and creative designs.
- Evebud: Evie creates showstopping floral installations and her designs have been featured in several magazines — her wedding florals are always so fresh and abundant.
- Stem Haus: Lydia’s creations are always so beautifully elegant, timeless designs that are tailored to your style and venue.
- The Queens Quarters: This florist is all about timeless and unique floral installations. They’re based in the Barossa, so they’re a great choice for winery weddings too.
Adelaide Wedding Celebrants Who You’ll Love
Selecting the right celebrant is so important! This person will play a pivotal role in your wedding day, so you want to be sure it’s someone you relate to, so take your time to find someone you can truly connect with.
- Love from Laura: Laura always creates such dreamy and fun wedding ceremonies that couples and their guests will love.
- Ceremonies by Katie: With a bubbly and kind personality, it’s easy to feel comfortable and relaxed when Katie is around.
- Marry Me Lorri: Lorri brings a calm and professional approach to ceremonies. Her weddings often stray from tradition, ideal for couples looking for something unique!
Wedding Catering In Adelaide
While wedding venues will often have their own catering recommendations, sometimes you’ll need to source this yourself. However, you can never go wrong with Kitchen and Catering by Sam!
A mobile catering service, Sam and the team can create a delicious menu and drink service, always tailored to your preferences.
Music & Entertainment For Your Adelaide Wedding
Let’s hit the dance floor! It wouldn’t be a wedding without a boogie, so consider Him and Her Music for your musical reception needs.
They represent a collective of musicians and entertainers in Adelaide, from solo artists to bands and DJs. Whether you’re after intimate acoustic melodies or beats or you’re looking to party late into the night, they can find the perfect talent for your wedding.
Bridal Hair & Makeup Artists In Adelaide
The right hair and makeup artist will ensure you feel confident and happy on your big day, highlighting your gorgeous natural beauty!
- Jemma Millar MUA: With ten years of experience, Jemma is all about wedding styling that can suit any look, from natural to full on glam.
- Jaimee Makeup: Local hair and makeup artist Jaimee delivers looks that look effortlessly natural.
- Samantha Ruby Makeup and Hair Artist: With experience working internationally, Samantha’s styles are always so elegant and red-carpet-ready.
Car & Transport Hire
If you want to arrive in style, these Adelaide transport companies are always so reliable for weddings and will add a fun element that goes beyond the traditional limousine.
- Classic Jags: There’s something so chic about a vintage car! Arrive at your ceremony or reception in a classic Jaguar limo or convertible — and bonus, this will look so cool in your wedding photography!
- Classic Carriage Drives: Make an entrance on a horse-drawn carriage! Owned by Libby, Classic Carriage Drives is a locally owned business that offers a romantic element for your wedding, with the welfare of the horses always top priority.
Adelaide Wedding Cakes & Treats
Saving the best for last! Whether you’re planning for a traditional tiered wedding cake or something less traditional, you’ll love the sweet treats that these Adelaide bakers can create.
- The Bake Space AU: Betty’s cake creations are always so perfect and delicious! Custom creations are a big part of her business and couples always love her gorgeous cake designs.
- Blossom Bar Cakery: Operating since 2017, Catherine’s cakes are always bespoke and her designs are creative, from whimsical to traditional.
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As your elopement and wedding photographer in Adelaide, I can’t wait to hear more about your beautiful South Australian wedding plans! Please reach out with any questions or to book in your documentary wedding photography — let’s capture some timeless memories of your most cherished day.
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