10 venues for your cottage core wedding
By Frankie David · September 24, 2026
The multi-event wedding weekend: planning more than one celebration
Why limit your wedding to just one day when you can turn it into an unforgettable weekend celebration?
Many couples we see are moving away from single-night events in favour of multi-day wedding weekends. Extending your celebration gives you the space to connect with guests without feeling rushed, creating a relaxed, mini-vacation atmosphere for everyone involved.
If you want to stretch out the magic, here is how to structure a seamless wedding weekend.
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Pick a destination or all-in-one venue
The secret to a stress-free wedding weekend is minimizing travel for your guests once they arrive. Look for venues that offer on-site accommodation, multiple event spaces, or easy access to local hubs so everyone can settle in quickly.
Choose an expansive hinterland property where guests can stay on site and move seamlessly between weekend events. Image: The Valley Estate
Whether you choose a coastal retreat, a countryside estate, or a secluded vineyard, selecting a venue that caters to multi-day stays makes logistics far simpler.
Settle into a regional retreat that provides accommodation and dining for a multi-day getaway. Image: Lancemore Milawa
Kick things off with a casual welcome event
Start the weekend on a high note with an informal gathering the night before the main event. A relaxed cocktail hour, a casual pub dinner, or a seaside welcome drink sets a warm, celebratory tone.
Gather your guests for pre-wedding cocktails on a poolside rooftop deck overlooking the city. Image: Rydges Melbourne
It gives guests a chance to mingle, catch up, and break the ice, which makes the energy on your actual wedding day even more vibrant.
Plan low-key daytime activities
Give your guests something fun to do on the morning of the wedding or the day before, but keep it optional. You want activities that allow people to explore at their own pace without feeling forced into a rigid schedule.
Book an optional morning golf session for your guests before the main ceremony begins. Image: The Sands Torquay
Consider arranging wine tastings, a golf morning, a scenic coastal walk, or simply pointing guests toward the best local cafes.
Make the main event unforgettable
When the main event arrives, your guests will already feel settled and connected. Lean into the atmosphere of your venue and let the day unfold naturally.
Transition to your main reception dining feeling relaxed after spending quality time with everyone the night before. Image: The Millhouse – Intimate Heritage Weddings
Because you have already spent time with everyone during the welcome event, you will feel far less pressure to rush around greeting every table during dinner.
Keep the main event party going late into the evening knowing no one has a long drive home. Image: The Green @ Telegraph Retreat
Capture iconic architectural shots
A multi-day timeline gives you and your photographer the luxury of time. You can steal away for portrait sessions during optimal lighting without missing out on your own party.
Take advantage of an extended weekend schedule to slip away for relaxed architectural portraits. Image: Chapter Place
Take advantage of unique architecture and dramatic surroundings across the property to capture distinct photos throughout the weekend.
Capture candid portrait moments in stylish venue nooks across your multi-day stay. Image: Elementa Whitsundays
Wrap up with a recovery brunch
Before everyone heads home, host a low-key recovery brunch or casual farewell barbecue. It is the perfect opportunity to swap stories from the night before, relive your favorite moments, and say a proper goodbye to your loved ones before wrapping up an unforgettable weekend.
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