This article has been written by team of content creators at Easy Weddings.
/Updated on: March 19, 2024
You may have heard the saying, ‘Good things come in small packages’… A bigger wedding may make you feel more like a glamorous movie star or princess, but for some people, it is the smaller, more intimate ones that make you feel truly like yourself. If you are more about something down to earth, relaxed, fun and unique to your partner and yourself, then smaller is the way to go. Here are our tips for small weddings in Adelaide.
The benefits of a small wedding
You can save money, which could be a great thing, if you are saving up for a house, want to get right down to having kids (they are expensive little things) or have a mind-blowing honeymoon instead of an elaborate reception.
They can be far less stressful for you in the planning and on the actual day, and give many more opportunities to insert little personal touches. You will really treasure every moment you spend with fewer guests, and those cherished few will feel very special indeed.
And going small by no means skimping on quality; often quite the opposite is the case. A smaller venue can give you more one to one attention and is more likely to be able to focus on your specific needs. This is still the one day you want to be all about you; at a smaller venue, you and your guests are the centres of attention and all that matters on the day.
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And often a smaller venue has been able to specialise in a certain area more than one that covers a broader range of services. A smaller venue might have cornered the market in a particular cuisine for instance, or be the experts in wine in the area. They might have spent all their efforts dedicated to a particular décor style or architectural heritage.
We have compiled for you a list of the cutest, most original and one of a kind venues for small weddings in Adelaide. You are sure to find one that is perfect for you.
This beautiful venue caters to groups between 80 and 220. Its grounds are composed of green lawns, a colourfulrose garden, and ancient gum trees, plus a tranquil lake. There is accommodation for all of your guests, and Serafino will give everyone invited the chance to stay, relax, celebrate and indulge. You can choose from a number of different settings for yourceremony and reception, including a traditional ballroom or a quaint barrel room.
Serafino Wines is a stunning venue in the heart of McLaren Vale, with picturesque lakeside ceremony locations under the huge gum trees and amongst the romantic rose gardens. The vast grounds are filled with beautiful photo opportunities, and the indoor reception spaces are able to cater for up to 220 guests.
When you show people photos from your wedding at Glen Ewin Estate they will turn green with envy. This historic mudbrick homestead is a true Australian gem, giving your wedding day a wonderful rustic feel and old-world charm. Fuelled by an ultimate passion to create your perfect day and make all your dreams come to life, at Glen Ewin they love to challenge the ordinary, make your taste buds dance and create memories that last a lifetime. Catering to weddings between 60 and 280 guests.
Glen Ewin Estate is a unique heritage-listed property in the Adelaide Hills that has everything you need for a magical wedding day. Host an outdoor ceremony in the picturesque gardens, followed by an unforgettable reception in the rustic Pulpshed or the light-filled Gatehouse. Aside from the serene setting, you’ll love the bespoke wedding packages and impeccable service at Glen Ewin Estate.
One of the most romantic wedding settings in the Adelaide Hills, this internationally renowned home, garden, and pavilion has been featured in many magazines spreads and television specials. It prides itself on offering something private and exclusive, special and unique. With accommodations finished in French antiques, extensive gardens, a gorgeous old barn, woodlands, ponds and a lake, you can choose the ideal backdrop for your day. For weddings between 30 and 250 guests.
The gardens of Al Ru Farm offer one of the most romantic wedding settings in the Adelaide Hills. Ten acres of picturesque gardens will create the perfect backdrop for your special day. Situated just 30 minutes from Adelaide, Al Ru Farm offers the charm and space of a country estate in a convenient location. It’s grounds and buildings are a truly unique and premium offering in South Australia.
Styled after European royal gardens, the Adelaide Pavilion offers its couples a chance to get married like they are in the heart of France or the Mediterranean. It has a wide variety of rooms and packages and can cater for weddings between 30 and 220 guests. The stunning garden walks show off works of art, water features, and luscious blooms; you will think you have stepped back into the days of Marie Antionette. And the functions they throw are just as legendary.
Host your ceremony in the extensive gardens of Adelaide Pavilion and follow with a reception in our spectacular event spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a lush landscape.
This glamorous country house in the city provides everything on a grand scale. With a rich history and a magical way with weddings, the expert staff will do everything to make your day just exceptional. Through all seasons and all sizes and styles of special day, this venue is a matchless blend of modern and vintage. You are invited to make this house your home. Caters for receptions from 10 to 300 guests.
The Playford is a boutique hotel located on the prestigious North Terrace. Offering an opulent blend of classic style and contemporary luxury, you will find it very difficult to narrow down your photo spots to just a few. With almost 200 accommodation options, your guests will be treated to not just a wedding, but an event. At the heart of every wedding here is a special story to discover and the promise of an unforgettable experience. Caters to weddings of between 10 and 270 guests.
This historic setting is the site of the first grapes planted in South Australia and is a space steeped in heritage and tales to tell. With expansive gardens overlooking Lake Carew Reynell and enough accommodation for everyone, this venue has packages to suit every couple and every budget. The staff dedicate themselves to furnishing your every personal need for your big day, which is how St Francis has become one of SA’s premier wedding venues. For groups from 30-130 guests.
Set amidst five acres overlooking a tranquil lake, St Francis Winery Resort offers a charming setting for destination weddings in Reynella, South Australia. This stunning winery wedding venue near Adelaide boasts boutique on-site accommodation, five beautiful wedding spaces, picturesque gardens, attentive service & endless photo opportunities for your special day.
If you are searching for a wedding venue unlike any other, choose the luxurious splendour of this yacht club. One of Adelaide’s best kept secrets, this award-winning space is the only one that can give you stunning panoramic marina views, offering your guests an incomparable experience. With talented chefs and function coordinators crafting everything to meet your needs, every function here is a personally tailored and truly unique event. For parties from 20 to 300 guests.
The Grange is a reception venue that is both elegant and inviting. Winning awards for being the designer of dreams, the philosophy here is to ensure quite simply that you have the time of your life. The cuisine is renowned, with menus tailored to your specific requests. The Grange offers its couples a wide choice of rooms, packages, views, and dreams come true. For 40-250 guests.
Set in the heart of the McLaren Vale winery region, Old Oval Estate could be exactly what you’ve been searching for. Shaded by a 450-year-old Red River Gum Tree, this five-star 20 acre vineyard property is the perfect setting for an intimate Adelaide wedding. Old Oval Estate allows couples to host their garden ceremony, photoshoot and reception of between 40 to 150 guests within the one stunning location. What more could you ask for? Click here to find out more.
Golding Wines offers couples the unique opportunity to host their entire day from start to finish in an incredible countryside location. This idyllic property features ceremony areas, endless photo opportunities throughout, plenty of lawn space for lawn games and pre-dinner canapés and a large sandstone building for receptions. If you are celebrating with just your nearest and dearest, this incredible rustic venue is the perfect setting for an intimate celebration.
Hilton Adelaide is known as one of the best wedding venues this beautiful city has to offer. This venue offers couples the choice from three versatile function spaces, catering for both intimate and larger weddings. For a luxury intimate wedding, the Victoria or Balcony Rooms are available. Get in contact with their dedicated events team to begin planning your wedding at Hilton Adelaide.
Hilton Adelaide is a sophisticated & luxurious hotel wedding venue in the heart of Adelaide. You’ll love this iconic hotel's exquisite menus, 5-star service, elegant hotel suites, and stunning function spaces. With three unique reception areas and room for up to 500 wedding guests, this unforgettable venue is ideal for both intimate and larger occasions - it’s the perfect luxe wedding venue.
Set atop Mt Lofty art the gateways to the Adelaide Hills, Mt Lofty Summit Restaurant and Cafe offers couples the opportunity to say ‘I do’ with a spectacular view. This venue features panoramic views through floor to ceiling windows across Adelaide to the ocean, and their stunning restaurant caters for up to 100 seated guests. If you are searching for a truly spectacular setting for your nuptials, Mt Lofty Summit Restaurant and Cafe is worth putting on your list. See more here.
The Summit Function Centre, Mt Lofty is a stunning hilltop wedding venue just 20-minutes from Adelaide CBD. It boasts breathtaking views, exquisite floor-to-ceiling glass, a striking white obelisk, modern Australian cuisine, and a spacious, sunlit plaza. With Tony O’Donnell’s 30+ years in the service industry, comprehensive menu packages, and endless photo opportunities, you can’t go wrong.
Woodstock Wine Estate is the perfect setting for an intimate wedding away with just your nearest and dearest. This tranquil property allows couples to host their entire day in the one location, meaning nobody has to rush between venues on the big day. Ceremonies, pre-dinner drinks, photoshoots and receptions are held here. And, with complimentary accommodation for two nights for the marrying couple, what more could you ask for?
Located in the scenic township of McLaren Flat, Woodstock Wine Estate is a gorgeous wedding venue in South Australia. It boasts verdant vineyards, beautiful gardens, a rustic barrel hall, a fairy-lit dancefloor, and many other picturesque spaces decked out exclusively for you. For an exquisite wedding teeming with the sounds of Australia’s native wildlife, Woodstock Wine Estate is the place to be.
Situated in Angaston, South Australia, Saltram Wine Estate is up there with the most sought-after intimate venues Adelaide has to offer. This venue features old age charm combined with modern facilities, ceremonies on beautifully manicured lawns, and a reception room catering for events with up to 120 guests. And, with numerous gorgeous photoshoot locations on-site, you and your guests won’t need to step foot off the property the entire day. See more here.
Located in the Adelaide Hills just 25km from the CBD, Silvestri’s of Claredon is the perfect setting for an elegant wedding with just your nearest and dearest in attendance. This multi-award winning private estate offers couples the unique opportunity to host their ceremony, photoshoot and reception all within in the stunning location. Whatever you envision for your special day, the dedicated team behind Silvestri’s of Claredon will ensure your wedding dreams are brought to life. Find out more here.
One of Adelaide’s most awarded wedding venues, Silvestri of Clarendon is where old-world elegance meets modern sophistication. Nestled in the picturesque Adelaide Hills, the venue has been owned and operated by the Silvestri family for 29 years. Set on one acre in the beautiful valley township of Clarendon, Silvestri’s of Clarendon is the perfect blend of contemporary design and heritage features.
Located just 15 minutes from Adelaide, Mount Osmond Golf Club is the perfect setting for a wedding away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This beautiful venue features views of the Mt Lofty Ranges, the coastline, and Adelaide City, making it one of the best locations for wedding photos. All packages are flexible depending on the marrying couple’s needs, requirements and budget, and function rooms cater for events between 20 to 150 guests. Click here for more information.
Shaded by magnificent Heritage Listed Oak Trees, Auchendarroch House and Wallis Tavern could be the wedding venue of your dreams. This historic 1800s mansion caters for both intimate and large weddings, with function rooms accommodating events from 20 to 140 guests for those celebrating with just their nearest and dearest. If you are searching for a venue that exudes elegance and opulence for your intimate wedding, we cannot recommend Auchendarroch House and Wallis Tavern enough.Find out more here.
Auchendarroch House and Oak & Iron Tavern is an exquisite, historic wedding venue nestled in the Adelaide Hills. It boasts stunning award-winning Heritage Gardens, a 19th-century Victorian mansion, elegant functions rooms complete with original William Morris Wallpaper, and sweeping lawns perfect for a marquee wedding. For renowned menus, quality service, and a touch of class, look no further!
Set on the lawns at Henley Square, Stella Restaurant is the ideal setting for those planning an intimate beachside wedding. This venue allows couples to wed at a barefoot beach ceremony, have their photoshoot along the coast, and host their reception all within on stunning waterfront later. Stella Restaurant reaches capacity at 100 guests, so this venue is perfect for intimate weddings.
Located in Glenelg, South Australia, Esca Restaurant could be exactly what you’ve been searching for. This venue offers couples the opportunity to wed with the sparkling marina as their backdrop. Whatever you envision for your intimate wedding, the dedicated and talented events team behind Esca Restaurant Weddings & Events will ensure your dreams come to life. Click here to find out more.
If you have a shorter guest list, we recommend booking a venue that accommodates intimate weddings to avoid making your event look sparse and as if nobody turned up. For those located in Adelaide, these 20 venues are a great place to start your hunt.
Want to see more small Adelaide wedding venues? Take a look at all Adelaide wedding venues here.
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